I originally stopped at Petco on Dimond in October of 2008 to see if a dog we had looked at the week before was still available.  He was not, and I was disappointed for myself, but happy for the pup.  I decided to cheer myself up by looking at the puppies up for adoption - with absolutely no intention of getting one, of course.  I hadn't had a puppy in the house for fourteen years - that was the age of our older dog.  Our younger dog was adopted as an adult.  Both were rescues.

Two little Chesapeake Bay Retriever/Alaskan Husky mix puppies were playing around in a pen and one of them piddled.  Being the helpful person I am, I offered to hold one of the pups while the ADPR volunteer cleaned up.  This was a BIG MISTAKE on my part, and the puppy knew it. She turned those brown eyes on me and then cuddled up under my neck. I'd been talking about adopting another dog, but doing so without bringing my other half in to see her first made me nervous. And a puppy on top of it - what was I thinking?  

Just then, another potential adopter started looking at the furball in my hands. I became protective. This was my puppy, I said in my mind. I was a goner. When I got home with her, I opened the  front door just enough to poke her little head in so my husband, Rayce, could see her from the couch. I then looked in and he was just shaking his head. I think he knew he was soon to be a goner, too!
 
Chena has been a challenge at times as I expected with her
breed mix.  She still has some maturing to do, but she has grown into a gorgeous girl with a brilliant mind.  We love her dearly.  She clearly enjoys her home, her big yard, camping, and her furry housemates. Snuggling on the couch or on the bed, playing ball (over and over and over and over), long walks, and doggy massages are some of her favorite things and she deserves every spoiled moment.  Thank you,
ADPR, for all that you do.

(Chena's puppy photo and adult photo attached!)

Nearly a year ago, we adopted a shy, timid husky named Comet from ADPR.  Comet's records show he spent 2 years in a shelter and was approximately 5 years old.  We met him at an adoption clinic at PetZoo where his foster mom, Holly, was showing him to visitors.  Comet was the first dog to claim my husband as his person; I was apparently chopped liver at the time.  We are both military and were unsure of the responsibility with our next year's schedules, so Holly gave us her contact info.  A day or so later, she brought Comet to our house.  He ran around exploring (and took a flying leap off our deck into a snow pile) and we fell in love.  

 Holly researched the timing of Comet's ordeal which we also confirmed.  Based on timing, location and news/court records, he was likely one of many dogs seized in a raid. His records show weight and health concerns when he arrived at the shelter that have since been rectified.  We also know that some dogs are naturally timid without abuse; we believe that's Comet.  Don't be fooled; our house has occasional competitions for Alpha male that rivals Ultimate Fighting.  It's amazing what a firm voice and a wrestling match can do.  He went from hungry and neglected to a strutting photo star at the Farmers' Market (tourists always want his picture!). 

Upon arrival at our home, Comet was so timid that we moved each piece of furniture against the walls in our house to eliminate every place he could hide.  Simply, we forced him into our pack by presence, not aggression.  Having grown up with successfully integrated dogs (including a past husky), this was an adventure.  We watched every relative episode of the Dog Whisperer.  We bought literature on his primary breed, his issues, and our concerns.  I left him alone for 3 hours and returned to a highly anxious dog with severe separation anxiety, missing door trim and a shredded winter parka.  To describe the next morning, I arrived at work wearing the parka, the only uniform-approved winter coat in my possession.  It had stuffing pouring out the sides, rips and holes all over and threads dangling randomly from everywhere.  The entire office - in a meeting - stopped and stared "blink blink" in silence.  "We got a dog."  Silence - then uproarious laughter.  I owe the military a coat.

We lived life pretending to ignore him while he adjusted.  Comet sniffed our hands and feet in a day.  He let us pet him on his terms that night.  He slowly joined us in the living room, closer and closer each day.  After a week or so the furniture went back to "people position" and he got a dog door to the back, wooded yard.  He walks on a leash, has taken to a neighbor's female lab and has conflicted with moose (the moose won; he now has a forked tongue).  We're still working on nips, barks and social crowds, but his progress is significant.  We thank our stars for good neighbors who chased him with us in that first week's fun-run and friends who understand and help us with his growth.

I try to stay travel-adventure focused.  Most of our travels include him.  When we can't take him, we now use a Pet Hotel. We have a "family puppy plan" in case we both get deployed at the same time (thanks, family!). We are committed.  Rescue dogs can become yours - and you theirs - at any age.  ADPR  uses the phrase, "A Forever Home."  We picked a dog that picked us.  We were patient and researched.  We bonded.  We planned to keep.  We advocate adopting pets.

Adopt a pet.  It's well worth the rewards. 

I knew I was ready for my first dog in the middle of my first winter in Alaska.  My boss, who had recently adopted a puppy from ADPR, showed me their website and I was thrilled to see that there were 5 Black Lab/German Shepherd mix puppies up for adoption.  One in particular caught my eye.  A cute little girl with brown hair and a black snout. On Feb. 2, 2008 I set out to pick up my new pup Kai, so I called to check in and let them know I was on the way, and they told me someone had already adopted the little girl I had eyes for.  Oh well I thought, I will love it just the same.  When I arrived and they brought out the adoptable puppies and this little brown fir ball came barreling toward me, nibbled my fingers, then ran off to sniff everything else.  This curious little puppy stole my heart immediately.  And to my surprise and delight, the women that was going to adopt her, had chosen her sibling instead!  she earned the name Princess prancy paws because of her happy nature and of course because she is absolutely my princess. She has been my little (big) ball of energy ever since, adventuring throughout AK and beyond.  I can't imagine my life without her love.

We adopted Athena in May of 2010 from the Dimond PetCo.  We've only had her a few short months, but she has been a wonderful start to our little family.  She has been a breeze to train, and when we got her at 9 weeks old, she already had 'sit' and 'outside' under her belt.  She currently knows all basic obedience commands, and we are getting closer and closer to her birthday so she can be a Delta Dog. If I can figure out what I'm doing, I hope to train her to carry objects around and place them where I tell her, and by association, carry the flower basket at my wedding.  Athena has brought laughter and fun to our growing home, and we love her dearly.  She is wonderful with our nieces and nephews and at 7 months old, she exceeds my expectations with her gentle nature.  Her speckled feet and wiggling tail are a constant shadow by our sides.  Athena is the most wonderful dog I have ever known, and I can not thank AKDPR enough for giving me the opportunity to raise this little beastie.  I hope to adopt a sibling for her soon!

Baily came to us as a 7 week old pup on March 31, 2007. We met her at a PetCo adoption event. We were holding her brother when my husband spotted her. The family looking at her decided not to adopt so we ran over before someone else had a chance to snap her up. She immediately melted our hearts. She has grown to be the most cuddly dog I have ever known and has earned her CGC and Therapy dog titles. We truly enjoy every moment she has brought to our lives. She lives happily with her two rescued siblings, Mesa and Big Carl

Five & a half years ago, we were grieving from the loss of our 15 year old dog. We thought about getting another dog, but aftit had been three years since we lost our old dog and it still didn't seem right, we missed him. Then one day, when I was headed to Fred Meyer for groceries, I spotted a sign in front of Pet Zoo saying puppies were up for adoption; something told me to check it out. At first, I looked over all of the dogs...big and small, but didn't see anything that "spoke to me". I was just about to leave when I saw a huge litter of very young puppies way over against the wall. They were all from the same litter, but they were a real hodge podge of breeds and there were two of each kind. I saw two that looked like they were spaniel mixed, two that looked like Newfoundland's, there were two white ones and two very tiny black ones. I was told that the mother was a Labrador, but it was easy to see that there was more than one father for this litter. I picked up one of the tiny black puppies, she couldn't have been more than 6 weeks old. She snuggled right into my coat and I was in love.  I paid the fee and took her home; hubby named her Chloe.She is SUCH a great dog. She looks like a pure bread Labrador but she is only 40 pounds. We are fairly certain that her father must have been a Jack Russell Terrier because she has a lot of those traits.  She absolutely loves people and lives to fetch and play. She has become such a big part of our lives and  is the  kindest, gentlest, smartest, most loyal dog we have EVER owned. We can't thank you enough for letting us adopt her.

New Years Day 2004 we went to Petco for adoption day after I viewed the website. Someone dropped a litter of seven 8 week old puppies (guessing Newfoundland mix) at the local dog pound, stating they all had kennel cough.  The rescue group came and took them in for adoption. Even though this isn't a sad story I only adopt rescue dogs and if I could I would adopt Kodi all over again!! Almost a year after adopting him, we discovered he had Hip Dysplasia & a Bone Spur and will be on medications the rest of his life.  He has the best attitude, laid back and the best companion anyone could ask for including  trying to be a lap dog at 116 lbs.  He has also become the best older brother to Loki, our youngest which we also adopted from ADPR. Thank you to all those that rescue animals otherwise I would have missed out on our wonderful pets we have adopted over the years. Thank you!

I adopted my dog Beaux-Jax from you guys about 3 years ago. When I got him, the foster parents said that he had been very abused and neglected for most of his life and this had caused some anger issues. They said that it was remarkable that he had come right up to me like that, because he normally growled or bit everyone new that tried to touch him.  He picked me that day, and has been my pride and joy ever since. He is an amazing dog, and an even more amazing protector. I'll always be thankful to ADPR for matching me up with this unique pup and I would recommend you guys to anyone. Thank you so much!

She is 5 months old today! (July 28th 2011) She is doing really excellent. She loves, loves, loves to go hiking. She is still learning to be off leash. She loves dogs and people so much that if she sees them she will dart away to play with them. We are still struggling with some her vs me Alpha female issues but it gets better every day. She is loving NH and learning to swim. Thanks so much for letting us adopt her.

As a foster parent I had seen many dogs come in and out of our house, until we fostered Eve.  Sure she was a shy little pup but somehow she managed to transform me into a Foster Fail and Eve is here to stay! She has grown into a wonderful dog, one of the best anyone could ever ask for. Eve fits in great with the family and does a great job of helping the new foster dogs we take in. We love her and we would like to thank you, Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue, for allowing us the opportunity to give dogs around Alaska a second chance at life.      Thank you!

_ This is Shablu; I adopted him when he was 7 weeks old and after fostering him with his siblings I knew he would be a fabulous addition to my house.  Shablu is now a year old and my younger sister has taught him many tricks, including how to army crawl.  He is too smart for his own good, full of energy, and of course, being a husky mix, LOVES the snow. Shablu is very loved in his new home, thanks ADPR for a great pup!

My husband and I adopted a dog, Scout, in April 2008.  His foster mom's name was January.  I've started fostering through a rescue organization in Illinois (where we moved after Alaska) and realize how much I enjoy hearing how my fosters are doing after they are adopted.  I wanted January to see some pictures of Scout and just give her an update on how he's doing.  

I can't thank your organization enough for the wonderful things it does for all the homeless dogs in Alaska.  It took us awhile to be able to get Scout (my husband was deployed and we wanted to wait until we got settled again in Alaska before we adopted), but we are so glad that he waited for us! :)  Scout joined Andi, his fur sister, who we adopted in 2004 in Illinois.  Scout is now also a brother to his two feline foster siblings. After we adopted Scout, we made the very long road trip out of Alaska and back to Illinois and he did great.  He got to experience his first camp out with us (picture attached), his first huge road trip, and tons of hiking (Scout is on the left, standing, and our other dog, Andi, is on the right)!

 Scout was considered a "special adoption" because of a suspected brain injury which may have been due to trauma or trauma during birth.  His wobbles only endear him to us!  He did, unfortunatley, develop seizures and is now on medication because of them, but honestly they do not slow him down one bit!!  He is such a wonderful, happy, rambunctious dog and we couldn't ask for anything better! :)

My name is Lesley and I adopted a yellow lab mix puppy from Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue a couple years ago.  His name at that time was "Reverse," but we call him Jackson now.  

Jackson is all grown up now and I just wanted to tell you how wonderful he is!  He is the sweetest dog and we love him to pieces!  All he wants is to make us happy.  He's such a good listener and so much fun, although he thinks we're always starving him :)  I've attached a picture from a recent trip to Homer and a little playtime on the beach, as well as a picture from home (look at him pouting that I won't let him come closer!).  Anyway, he's a very handsome boy.  

Thanks for all the great work you guys are doing!

When I first saw the picture on Nuka on the internet I knew she was the second dog I was looking for.  I had an eight month old Border Collie mix at the time and as my work keeps me out of town on a regular basis I  was looking for a companion for my Border Collie mix.  However, Nuka had been dealt a difficult start in life, she had not been socialized and was terrified of the world around her.  On paper I was not a good match for Nuka because of the amount of time I spent away from home, however I was determined to meet her.  I went to a handful of clinics and found that my desire to bring her into my home with Noble only grew.  Despite what it looked like on paper the people at ADPR saw past the paper and how strongly I felt that Nuka belonged.  They allowed me to adopt her on a trail basis and within a few weeks Nuka had found her footing in the house.  Once Nuka was in the house she and Noble bonded almost instantly.  Noble was able to create a "bubble" of safety for Nuka who slowly but steadily emerged from her shell.  A year later she hardly resembles the dog that first came home.  She seeks out attention from those she knows and rarely hides from those she doesn't.  She is still cautious and fearful in public or chaotic places but in the midst of her fear there is curiosity that was not there before.  I will be forever grateful to the people at ADPR for giving me the opportunity to adopt Nuka.  The support offered by ADPR has been wonderful and the training offered by Teresa Tix through Petco's Saturday Training Seminars was an absolute blessing.  There were many times I was not sure how to proceed with helping Nuka emerge from her shell, but there was always someone there to ask for advice.  I am happy to report that Nuka is happy, healthy and has a very typical Arctic Dog outlook on life... what' s in it for me?

2 years ago, after  relocating to Alaska, my husband and I decided it was time for our first dog.  A co-worker mentioned ADPR, and said they had puppies available.  I ran right over and immediately fell in love with a 6-week old tan ball of fur that was some kind of “husky mix”.  We named her Yeti, because she was crazy about playing in the snow.  Three months later, we decided she was lonely while we were at work all day, so back to ADPR we went.  There we found 9-week old Oso (she resembled a little black bear cub) a lab/husky mix and brought her home.  Thinking our family was complete, we settled into raising our active pups.  About 4 or 5 months ago, I just happened to be looking around on the ADPR website and saw Fume (ADPR’s name for her), a year old lab/pitbull mix.  Even though all the dog and puppy pictures can pull at your heart strings, there was something about her that instantly clicked.  After going back and forth on all the reasons why we didn’t need three dogs, I could not get her out of my mind.  When I called to check on her availability a few days later, I was told that a couple had just come to see her and would probably adopt her.  I left my name and number “just in case”, and finished the day rather sad, but thinking it was meant to be.   

The next day, around 3 or 4 o’clock, her foster mom called to say that the other couple never returned, and did I want to meet her.  I left work quickly and ran over to their house.  The minute she ran up to me, it was all over.  She was such a beautiful, sweet, friendly dog, I couldn’t imagine how anyone could have met her and then walked away again.  The next day we brought our other two dogs to the Adoption clinic just to test the waters a bit, and it was a successful meeting.  We took Luna (our new name for her) home, and it’s been a crazy, happy time ever since.  Even our five year old cat Noodles (a stray herself) has grudgingly accepted all her new sisters.  Thank you ADPR for enriching our lives with three fantastic “mutts”.

Hi ADPR,

Dec. 2003, my wife and I went to the Petco on Dimond for some turtle food and instead, found ourselves playing with a dozen wonderful adoption dogs.  Neither one of us had ever owned a dog, but decided that we had to rescue one of them that day.  It was the restful, lethargic, chubby black lab puppy that we took home that day.

He slept all the way home and then some.  But that night, the lethargic puppy was transformed into a spirited, energetic dog.  (Later we found out during most of the pet adoption day, he had been very active and was completely spent by the time we got there.)  We named him Duo-Duo (plenty-plenty in Mandarin Chinese) as every dog in my extended family is named Duo-duo. 

It has been almost 7 years and as his name implies, Duo-duo has brought us plenty of happiness and laughter; but most importantly, he has become an integral part of the family.  He is loyal and protective, yet so gentle with our young sons while they ride him like a pony.  Each day he greets me with his authentic, tail wagging, wet nose welcome.  And at night, we go for our run around the neighborhood. 

Please accept our profound thanks for your organization and for blessing our family with a wonderful pet. 

Regards,

The Kung Family

My wife and I helped volunteer at the Petco in December 2008 and there was this 8 week old Black Lab/mastiff that I knew right off that bat that we would be taking home with us.  Even though you could look at Jack’s paws which were 5 times the size of his little body as a puppy and know how much of a handful he was going to be when he got bigger.  Jack instantly turned into a member of the family and he has been non stop by our sides whenever we do anything from walking to camping to just going for a ride.

Thanks again to ADPR for providing the ability to adopt  such a great dog as Jack

I adopted a dog from you guys in the ending of March [He was called Wolfie, now Bouer] and he's doing great! Thought you guys would like an update. We all love him here and he and Jack [our four yr old American Eskimo] get along well together. Thanks so much and best of wishes to everyone at Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue!

We would like to thank you for letting us adopt Oliver.  He is a wonderful addition to our family.  In the first picture is Oliver's bear.  We were out driving around and came across this bear at a campsite on Fort Richardson. 

This bear had a family of four trapped in the tent as you can see them peeking through the screen on the tent!  So Oliver the brave dog that he is along with my husband chased the bear away so that the family was free.  In the second picture we were just out walking and taking pictures.  He loves to ride everywhere with us and just loves to be around us.  He is a very happy dog and living the life that he should have always have had.  Again thank you!  We love him greatly.    Thank you, Kathy and Ernie Brooks And of course Oliver.

This is Seven. I adopted him in September of 2005 from you guys!!! Last one in the litter to go!! He is the sweetest and BEST dog ever, and we love him VERY much!! He loves his road trips, going camping, fishing and hiking. But he also loves lazy days at home with his kitties and humans!! Thanks so much for all you guys do!!!