Cynthia Sassi

Fostered in Riverside
***

Hello World,

We are Winsome Winnie and Charming Charlie and we have quite a story to tell. But first for the ‘basics’. I, Charlie, am a Cairn terrier, two and a half years old and 18 pounds. I was ‘found’ wandering in a commercial parking lot, probably in search of owners who left me there. As for Winnie, she is a beautiful Havanese (ok, I admit I’m smitten) who was also ‘abandoned’. That means someone left her to fend for herself. She was found quite far from where I was left — but here comes the best part!

Each of us was brought to a wonderful lady named Jean. No sooner did we arrive than we discovered we had a new best friend. (Or BFF). We’re almost the same size, height, age and even better, the same sweet personality. You see, we knew that we would be each other’s true companion as we like the same things, are go-with-the-flow kind of pups, love people and other dogs. Our foster Mom says we’re affectionate, enthusiastic, friendly, love walks, car rides and (drum roll please) housebroken. (We use a doggy door!) We also like to box with one another. We stand on our hind legs and ‘box’ – and we’re pretty good at it, too! We tussle and tumble and play and play. Life is GOOD!

Winnie is excited about everything in her life. She hops into anything with enthusiasm. When we’re greeting new people Winnie can be a bit shy at first –but as soon as someone pets her head she has a new friend. I’m never shy. I just go up to new people and make friends instantly. Other than that, we’re almost identical. (Not in terms of color though. Winnie is a beautiful girl with black and white hair and a few sprinkles of grey. I’m a golden and tan dude and my hair is not as silky as hers.)

Our Ideal Home:

*Someone home most of the time
*An active couple or family with older kids

Experience level:

*Have had dogs as an adult
*Recent/current dog experience a plus

So if you are looking for a pair of pups who are loving, friendly, fun and ready to become a part of your life (and fill it with love and entertainment) please ask for us.

Tail wags and kisses,
Winsome Winnie and Charming Charlie

Fostered in San Diego
***

Hello Everyone!

My name is Bouncy Benji, and I’m a three-year-old Bichon Havanese mix who is 16 pounds of happy energy and fun. My foster Mom says I’m a very special boy who is very smart (more on that in a minute) and am ridiculously cute. I love to walk (I actually prance), play with toys (I can entertain myself if you are busy), am smart, sweet and both observant and respectful of ‘the rules of the house’. Perhaps the most amazing thing about me, though, is my love of life – and resilience.  

Before I became a FurKid I lived outside with other dogs and very little human attention. There were a lot of us so we never got to sit on laps or go for walks or learn commands. We didn’t get belly rubs or rides in the car or get to be groomed and feel good. All of that changed a few weeks ago. Now I have this great foster home, a doggy foster sister to observe and learn from – and I get cuddles and snuggles from Mom. (I’ve learned how to ask for them too!)

In no time at all, I have learned the joy of going for a walk. I now take walks of two miles or more every morning and trot like a pony with a big smile on my face. Mom says that I truly love being outdoors– and not just on walks! (She doesn’t have a yard so if I had a yard to sun and run in why I think I’d be in heaven!) I don’t tug on my leash or bark at other dogs either! Mom says I’m also her secret diet! You see, she’s lost weight taking me on my walks! Those walks help me to enjoy my ‘down time’ at home where I can show how smart I am by mastering puzzles and playing games like ‘find the hidden toy –or treat! 

Each day I’m making up for lost time, learning new things and exploring the world around me. I’ve mastered lots of things very quickly. Mom says that shows I’m learning commands and would like to learn more. Oh, and after a lot of activity, I love to stretch out on the floor (Mom says it’s my Superman stretch.) I’ve also been known to take a nap in that position.)

I’m housebroken and crate trained (I go to sleep quietly in my crate after my last walk and stay asleep until morning) and I definitely respond to love AND structure. Because I have a lot of puppy energy, Mom has some ‘tricks’ she uses to channel my excitement when we’re getting ready for a walk. (She promises to share them with you as they make me very happy!) 

My Ideal Home:
*An active couple or person to love
*Someone home most of the time
*Another playful dog
*A backyard to play in
*Adults or a family with older children

Experience level:
*Have had dogs as an adult
*Recent/current dog experience a plus
*Rescue dog experience also a plus                                                                                                   

So if you are looking for a companion to share your life, keep you active, are patient and committed to helping me become the bestest little guy I can be, please complete our application and ask for me as I’m applying for the job! 

Snuggles, Cuddles and Happy Adventures.
Bouncy, Blissful and Big-Hearted Benji

Fostered in Los Angeles
***

Hello Everyone,

My name is Toffee and I’m a tenderhearted, trusting and very thankful little guy with toffee-colored hair, a butterscotch nose, and a special story to share.  I hope you want to hear it, knowing it’s being told by a cute little guy of about 9 or 10 (years, that is) who tips the scales at a svelte 13 pounds and has a face you will love.

My foster Mom says I LOVE to be petted and tickled and neck scratches are just the best! I really LOVE getting to snuggle on the sofa and snooze on soft blankets. I also LOVE food and treats. You see, before I became a FurKid, I did not always get enough to eat, and I spent most of my time alone and tied up outside. That’s a hard life for a little guy who loves people and cuddles. Now, however, I’m making up for lost time, and I am a very appreciative and happy pup.

I’m housebroken, learning to appreciate the joys of a walk and incredibly cute – and Mom says I do the cutest things. For example, when I get up in the morning (I sleep quietly in the Big People’s bed all night and it is just my favorite thing ever!) Mom lifts me off the bed and I throw my head back and make my happy woo-hoo sound because I know I’m going for a walk. Then I do a twirl, a hop, and scamper straight to the front door. And when I come back from my walk, I know it’s time for my treat so I  wiggle, dance, wag my tail, and give another “woohoo!” when I see my treat.

At home, I’m the perfect buddy to curl up with in front of the TV, or we can take a little nap under the fan. I’m also a bit of a shadow, following Mom from room to room to make sure she’s not lonely by lying down near her so she knows I am there if she needs me. I am learning about toys and I love to find one, carry it around (or chase it if you throw it for me!) and then I dance and hop around it and give it a little nibble. 

If Mom’s working on the computer I like to lie quietly next to her. But if she turns and catches my eye, I immediately start wagging my tail and give her a little ‘boop.’ And when she’s cooking or prepping in the kitchen, I touch her leg with my nose to ‘check in.’

My Ideal Home:

*Someone home most of the time
*No other pup needed – I can be an ‘only’
*Adults or a family with older children

Experience level:

*Have had dogs as an adult
*Recent/current dog experience a plus

My BFK Aunties say I’m a sweet, affectionate, and gentle guy.  Having me around is like having a visit from an old friend who fits right in. I’m hoping that somebody out there is looking for a loving, gentle guy like me, to “fit right in”.  Do you think you and your family might have a place for me in your hearts?  Could you help me write a happy ending to my story?

If so, please complete our adoption application just as soon as you can, and ask for Tenderhearted, Ticklish, and Thankful Toffee. I’ll be waiting with a smile.

Hugs and more hugs,
Toffee

Fostered in Santa Cruz

****

Hello New Friends,

My name is Charismatic and Cuddly Charlie–and I’m a dashing, adorable, happy and tail-wagging Bichon guy of two (years that is) weighing an athletic 18 pounds. I might look familiar to you and you may have read about me before, as I’m kind of famous. You see, I was rescued by a nice lady in Lodi who saw me living in a backyard with no four-legged friends, little water, nothing much to eat and with very little human attention. She offered to ‘help me’ and took me to her home where I was surrounded by three big, sweet Pit Bull pups and a small 3-year-old toddler. Well, that was quite a change and, as you are about to find out, I immediately adjusted. I knew right then and there that my life was going to be much, much better and happier.

Fast forward, the nice lady talked to my BFK Aunties and I discovered that I was going to become a FurKid. My foster Dad drove to get me and bring me to my amazing foster home. Once I arrived, I decided to charm everyone, from Mom (that was easy) to my young doggy foster sister (that was easy too) then to the older doggy foster sister (a FurKid who knows how to get what she wants) and (drum roll please) even the somewhat grumpy older doggy foster brother. Now that was the accomplishment– because he doesn’t usually want to play with ‘the youngsters!’

I again immediately showed that I was very adaptable, loving (more on that in a minute) and SMART. Even though I was an outside pup at the beginning of my life, I learned to do my ‘business’ outside and come inside for cuddles, love, and playtime. Mom says I’m eager to please and like being praised for being such a good boy! I’ve also started to learn a few of those things called ‘commands’ and really want to learn more. Will you teach me? I’ll be the very best student you’ll ever meet!

Dad says I’m like a long-legged colt or a gazelle and that he loves to see me run. I can run very, very fast and then spin in a circle when I’m excited. When I stop and you reach down to pet the side of my head or neck, I press my face into your hand and look lovingly into your eyes. Dad says that will melt your heart as it has his (that’s the loving stuff I was talking about.) The most endearing thing about me, though, is how quickly I trust and love people, even after having such a terrible start in my young life.

I have other things I love, starting with my toys! Rope toys and balls are my favorites so far… I also love playing with my young doggy foster sister, getting petted, cuddling, being loved and definitely being appreciated!!)  

My Ideal Home MUST Have:
*Someone home most of the time
*Another active, playful dog for me to play with
*Adults or a family with kids

Experience level:
*Have had dogs as an adult
*Recent/current dog experience a plus

I’m just a very happy, playful and big-hearted boy whose goal in life is to bring you joy and make you smile! And I do that very well!

So if you have a young FurKid or two, enjoy going on walks and having adventures, I’m applying to be your new best friend. Please ask for me by name!

Tail wags and Bichon kisses,
Charming, Cuddly and Charismatic Charlie

Fostered in San Rafael
***

Hello World!  

I’m Energetic and Endearing Emmie, an adorable and happy little bichon pup who is a bundle of love, weighing 12 pounds and a year and a half old.  I love everybody (big and small, I like them all!) and everything — and I am always interested in what is going on around me.  Mom says I’m a goofy, happy, loving and all-around great puppy who is big on having fun and equally big on loving. (Can you tell she kind of likes me?)

I love to run (and when it’s nice) sun in the yard – and try to play with my doggy foster siblings. They are much older and not as interested in playing as I am. (Dad says they are a bit grumpy, but I try to convince them to play anyway!) I like to play with toys and can entertain myself – but I’d really, really like another young pup to play with, please. Mom is working on teaching me to fetch. Right now, she does a pretty good job of fetching (but I’m learning how to do it, too!).  

Because I’m a youngster I still have lots of things to explore and learn. As a result, I keep quite busy all day long. I try to engage all of the pups in our house and I love when Dad comes home from work. I do my best to show him how adorable and loving I can be (And he agrees I am, too!)

When I meet people I look right at them. Then they stop and tell me how cute I am and I do my best to be even cuter! Mom and Dad say to mention that I’m smart, sweet and eager to please! Did I mention I only weigh 12 pounds and that I like to snuggle and cuddle — and give lots of kisses? When you sit down I lay on your lap, stretch out as much as I can, show my belly then bury my face for loves. Mom says I have a zest for life and love to give doggy kisses to everyone!

Besides playing and cuddling I also am learning to go for walks and rides in the car. I’m still a ‘work in process’ when it comes to walking so I’ll need someone who can be patient and consistent with me.

My Ideal Home:
*Someone home most of the time
*Another active, playful dog around my age
*A family with teenagers would be great – but respectful younger children are ok

Experience level:
*Have had dogs as an adult
*Recent/current dog experience a plus

I’m working very hard to become a perfect pup so that I can soon have a Forever Family of my own who will love and cherish me like Mom and Dad do — and make me a part of their lives. 

So if you like to be loved and entertained, have another young and energetic pup that can be my friend, please complete our adoption application and ask for me. I’ll be working on all my manners and waiting with all my heart.

Tail wags and kisses,
Energetic, Endearing and Enthusiastic Emmie

Fostered in Sacramento

***

Hi People,

My name is Darling Domino and I’m a very handsome and happy Bichon Poodle mix (You can say BichiPoo or PooChon if you’d like) with beautiful black hair, a brown mustache, a white spot on my front leg and the most expressive brown eyes – not to mention a big personality. I’m an adorable guy who loves everyone –big people, little people, all sizes and shapes, too.

Mom says wherever I go I attract attention! People stop to greet me and I’m a complete gentleman! I love to be held and spend time with my people. If you are on the couch, then I’m on the couch with you. When you want to go outside, you’ll find me right next to you. If you want to go for a ride, then I’m ready to jump in the car. Dad says I could get a tag that says ‘professional passenger’ and wear it proudly!’

Unlike a lot of my four-legged brethren, I can be ‘an only.’ I’m confident enough to be the center of someone’s world – and to also get along with other dogs and those critters called cats! (I know that makes me pretty rare!) I’m happiest just being with my family, at home, on a walk (I’m AMAZING on my walks!) in the car –or anywhere!

I’m VERY smart as well as ‘chill.’ Mom and Dad say I’m very ‘trainable’ – and that’s a good thing! Dad also says I rarely bark, am housebroken and would love to have a doggy door!

My Ideal Home:

*Someone home most of the time
*Another FurKid is fine or I can be an ONLY
*Cats are ok
*I would love a family with kids!

Experience level:

*Have had dogs as an adult
*Recent/current dog experience a plus

Mom says to tell you that I’m the perfect companion who is looking for a person or people to whom I can give my heart and soul, unabashedly and forever. Does that sound like you?

If you are looking for an affectionate and adaptable fellow who’s waiting to be the center of your world, look no further. I’m here and I’m applying for the job.

Your friend-in-waiting,
Dashing and Debonair Domino