WHERE ARE THEY NOW ?

"HAPPY"
Happy made his way all of the way acrossed the street to his new home. Its always great when our dogs stay close by so that they can enjoy the best of both worlds. Turns out that Happy's new Mom and his Foster Mom are friends making this a very "Happy" beginning to a wonderful forever home. Happy even gets to go to puppy school with another friend of his from the old neighborhood. Hey, let's give a shout out to my girl, Pebbles. She is a little redhead and she is HOT! HOT! HOT!

"KRISTI / SCOUT"
I first want to thank my amazing foster family for giving me the courage to come out of my shell and for showing me love for the first time in my life. They in fact, had to love me enough to let me go when the perfect forever family came along. I'm staying local so that I have the best of both worlds and can still see everyone. My new name is Scout since Ive turned into such a great explorer. I love my new family and the two little girls they give me to play with each morning when I get up. Dad and I have something special going on and Mom takes such good care of us all.

"PRINCESS MIA"
HOPE is the opportunity to make any situation better. I've been given hope and now I live in the land of opportunity. Actually, its the land of cheese but, that doesn't flow as nice with my cool adoption story. I am one girl that was destined for sanctuary living due to a pretty significant heart murmur. Our House of Hope believes that there is a home for every dog and they sure found mine. Mom and Dad's love for me knows no end and they are soooooo good to me. They are patient and kind. They understand what Ive been through and allow me the chance to grow with each new day. It's so neat just to hang out and be a DOG versus a breeding machine. Mom, Dad and I will all be retired later this year and are going to live the good life from here on out.
6/4/08 UPDATE: Princess Mia has found her voice sez her new Mom, Pat. It seems as though princess has indeed settled in and has begun her rule on the thrown. Hold on tight castle dwellers...........

"SASHI"
I have moved to sanctuary status at Our House of Hope. I am officially now going to earn my keep as their newest goodwill ambassador. I wore them down, pleaded and pouted in order to stay. Medically, my needs likely would be too expensive for most adopters and after all of this time, Im settled, making it almost unfair to make another move on me. The cool thing at this rescue is that they will not ship you out until you are medically, behaviorally and emotionally ready. My behavior is very sound but I got snagged up on the other two. One day, I just decided that I like living here in my foster home and I refused to cooperate until I got my way and Lisa let me stay. I knew she would cave in sooner or later. By nature, she is weak and Ive got some killer big brown eyes that I make sure to bat everytime she looks in my direction. Come to our events and I will happily shake your paw and tell you about all of the great things we are doing at Our House of Hope.

" MARGO"
I am a puppy that just needs to find herself. Today was the first step as I came home with my new family. Ive got four great kids to fight over me and a Buddy. Literally, Buddy is the coolest doggie brother ever. I have a fenced in yard that Buddy and I can romp and play in. I also got to stay close to all of my friends at Our House of Hope. A girl can't ever have too many people who love her. Ill send pictures of my new digs and the people in it very soon.

"BETSY"
Our House of Hope was saddened at the loss of Betsy on 4/23/08. During her 11 days with us, she found warmth, unconditional love , the best medical care available and two of the finest foster families to provide her care. With this being the first loss that this rescue has ever endured, it is absolutely painful. Our every instinct is to turn and run but, realizing that if we do, many others will never no what life can be and will never have the opportunity to live it. In honor of Betsy, we are in the process of picking ourselves up, dusting ourselves off and going right back to work as much work is to be done.
Betsy, thank you for giving us all the opportunity to get to know you and for allowing us to HOPEFULLY have given you the best 11 days of your life.
Please take the time to read the wonderful poem that my foster Mom wrote in my memory. Its located on the Omar's Spirit Memorial Page of this website.

"PEBBLES"
I am a petite little southern girl that just needed to be loved. Our House of Hope didn't have to look far as the best Mom in the whole world was right underneath my nose. I am staying local so my Aunt Lisa and her family can come by and spoil me when my new Mom isn't looking. I've got great neighbors and a dog walker to die for! Trust me when I tell ya that there IS life outside of rural Missouri.
6/22/08 UPDATE: I became somewhat of a local celebrity as I appeared with my friend "Happy" in an article in The Daily Herald. Rumor has it that people are calling my new Mom to request my pawtigraph.

"XENA AND A.J."
Someone upstairs was watching over us when we entered a rural shelter in Iowa. We are siblings and all we had was each other and we are very, very close. We were originally purchased by a family that had never had one dog before let alone two. After the baby came along, we just became to much for our family to handle. We now understand that that is a common problem in rescue. Luckily, we came to Our House of Hope and were put back together both physically and emotionally. This rescue seemed to understand how important we were to each other and the search was on for that special home that would want and love us both. Well, suffice to say, we are happy and loving the city life here now in Chicago. We have the best of everything and want for nothing. Most of all, we still have each other.

"Lucy / Princess Peach"
Sometimes, a dog comes along that just seems to know how special she is and how special her people are. Lucy, now Princess Peach is that dog. She is the perfect dog for the perfect family and at Our House of Hope, we just are not sure who rescued whom with this one. From a rescue standpoint, there isnt anything more gratifying than watching a new family grow. We are so lucky to have this family, close to home.

"ETHEL / JAMIE"
What a GREAT family I landed in ! I have so many doggie brothers and sisters here that I will never be alone. Mom and Dad sez that we ARE their kids. Hey, It works for me. I moved in and it appeared as if they were remodeling the whole house just in shear anticipation of my arrival. Okay, work with me guys will ya? This "IS" the story in which I'm choosing to believe. I'm staying local so you will see me around. Ta Ta for now ! Jamie
5/18/08 UPDATE: Thanks to Jamie's new family and their very generous donation today, a new Our House of Dog can get all of their vaccines and a spay or neuter in Jamie's name. "PEANUT" benefitted from their very kind act and all of us at Our House of Hope thank you!

" SHORTY "
ELVIS IS ALIVE !!!!!!!!! He is out here at my new home. He hasn't shaved for awhile and he has apparently died his hair red now but, Im here to tell you that, he is in fact alive. As soon as I walked in, he came waddling up on all fours and said welcome to Graceland. Okay, maybe he didn't say Graceland and I really don't think he is a "Hound Dog" either but, he shares his toys, his bed and his food with me and that ROCKS!
6/3/08 UPDATE Just call me "Shorty the Scholar". Brother Elvis and I finished somewhere near the top [or so....] of our puppy school class. In celebration of this event, we are now demanding better food, a chair at the dinner table and deluxe overnight accommodations. Rescue Dogs Rule !!!!!!!!!

"PATSY / PENNY"
Word on the street was that going to the veterinarian was bad. I beg with my big brown eyes to differ my friends. You see, my journey in search for my forever home, ended right there. My new vet became my new mommy. She took me home to meet the family and while I'm still getting use to family life, Ive found a friend in "Tucker". He is this Weiner Dog thing that has a very neat mustache just like me. It must of been fate! He brought me right out of my shell and now I'm just betting he wishes some days that I would just go back in it. I'm so happy, so very very happy. Im here to tell you that vets are cool!
6/1/08 UPDATE: Some very kind words were expressed today from Penny's new Mom and Our House of Hope Veterinarian that were appreciated very much and gave us a reason to get up and do this rescue thing all over again tomorrow. Thank you for your kindness Laura.

" IRMA"
I'm the little girl that sat in a corner and shook. I had no idea what the outdoors was all about let alone how to potty in it and I had to be taught to drink from a dog bowl. Today, I have a family that just understands all of that and is loving me anyway. In the week or two that Ive been in my new home, I not only potty outside and drink from a bowl but, I'm chasing birds in the backyard with my big sister, Molly. Hey, why be a loner in the corner when you can have all of this right? I have a grand-baby that comes to visit and I even have my very own live in grandma that takes care of me all day when Mom and Dad are at work.

" MYRON / MY MY / MY LITTLE DUDE"
What a crazy ride this adoption was. Talk about a rescue obsessing about their placements. Realizing that change is never easy and knowing that Our House of Hope truly does love all of their dogs, I just hung back as the whole transition took place. I had more applications on me over the course of a 5 month period than any other available dog. Each and every application was considered until the perfect match for me and my Our House of Hope family was found. A man can never have too many people love him. As luck or strategic planning would have it, I'm staying local. I now live 5 minutes from both Bonnie, my foster mom and Lisa, the Director of the rescue. I get to see them all of the time and my new family is now volunteering for the rescue to help all of my friends find their forever homes too. A family that plays together, stays together. I'm the luckiest "little dude" in the entire world.

"BLIZZARD / LIZZIE"
In theory due to my Stark white color, Blizzard was a great name. Unfortunately, this "Blizzard" does not like the snow. It just makes me cold until I shiver. At my new home, we have all decided that the name "Lizzie" would be more appropriate and now, I have my own blanket to snuggle up with my doggie sister, Pebbles. I remember my new Mom referring to us tornadoes or cyclones or something. Whatever! Its so lucky for us that they strategically placed the furniture just perfectly so that we could get some serious "hang time". Its also great for banking off of in the heat of the chase. I love my new life and my new people. Adoption is highly recommended!

" DARLA"
Its "Darla in the city". Yep, Ive landed myself in the Windy City with my new mom. We strut our stuff all over town as cars come to a screeching halt to admire my beauty. Okay, it may of been the poo that I left a block or so back. I like to think of it as my own little walk of fame. [ha!] Its great here and when the week is through, we can head out to the burbs to unwind with grandma and grandpa. Ill keep you posted but for now, its good, real good!

"REGGIE"
I am a "foster home flunky" and proud of it! I was in rescue for maybe a total of 15 excruciating minutes before the big announcement. "This dog isnt going anywhere!" Like, I knew that but, it took my people long enough GEEEEEEZ. I have now proclaimed myself the Goodwill Ambassador for Our House of Hope. I attend most events, have just gotten my C.G.C. Cetification and look forward to seeing everyone at one of our upcoming events. You can read about my adventures on my webpage "Rescue Reggie Unleashed."
6/28/08 UPDATE: "The Regginator" proved to be a top dog at Lake County's Annual 4-H dog Show receiving 3 first place finishes, a Reserve Grand Champion and the ultimate prize of Grand Champion.

"RUSTY / TANGO"
If ever there were a perfect match, it's Rusty, now Tango and his new Mom and Dad. We are not sure at this point who might be happier as they both seem to compliment each other so well. Tango is now living the sweet life on the Wheeling/Buffalo Grove boarder. He gets to go to work with Dad every day and he still has plenty of loving to spare for Mom at days end. Its always a great thing when our pups can stay local so we can still see them periodically. Congrats Tango as you certainly deserve the best that life has to offer.
3/08 UPDATE: This rescue received a desperate plea letter from "TANGO". It read: "Get me out of here!! There are no challenges left for me. These people cater to my every whim, want and need. They walk me, brush me, feed me, play with me, and have coochie cooed me until Im just sick". Poor little "Tango". Adoption can be so rough on the little ones. Way to torcher him guys !!!!!!!!!!

"NALA"
I am dear sweet Nala and I now have a new home to call my own. My daddy has been sick and stays home all day to play with me. My job now, is to make all of his hurt go away. Mom can go to work every day knowing that Dad is in good hands and they both gang up on me and spoil me to death in the evenings. My Mom and Dad seem to really know how important the gift of life is and they are making mine the best ever.
2/13/08 UPDATE Nala's Mom reports that "she" is suffering from a bout of lonliness as Nala has stolen her Daddy's heart. We have mentioned to Nala's Mom that payback can be a beautiful thing in the form of "his" and "Her" Dogs. That will fix him for sure. [HA!]

"ELIZA"
I know you are probably wondering where I came from. Well, I never made it to the website for adoption. My name is Eliza and I am now a whopping 4.2 pound Tea Cup Min Pin. I was born at 4 lbs. and dropped down to under 2 lbs. due to an illness. I was so sick after being pulled from the shelter that our House of Hope didn't even take a chance in transporting me to Libertyville for treatment. Lisa has a really great friend named Darcy from Fuzzy Pawz Rescue that helped out as I required much hospitalization with IV and force feedings every 2 hours around the clock for 2 months. I was cared for everyday at the hospital by a wonderful vet tech named Joann. She cared for me emotionally so I could begin to heal physically. During this whole mess, I had a abcessed tooth that was never addressed by the previous shelter and it ruptured on us blowing a hole in the roof of my mouth. Another surgery was headed my way as soon as they could get me to gain enough weight. Joann loved me day in and day out for months. I went everywhere with her. Today, thanks to a couple of rescues that believed in me, Millbrook Animal Hospital in Geneva that put me back together and Joann, my new mommy who healed me from the heart, I am 4.2 pounds of pure snuggle. The hole in my mouth has completely healed on its own and I still go everywhere mom goes not because I have to now but, because I get to.
3/08 UPDATE: Guess who now weighs a whopping 5# ? Its a long way from the 2 # that I was struggling to reach several months ago. Im getting bigger and stronger every single day thanks to my Vet Tech Mom.

"PEPPER"
Oh guys, did I land in heaven or what? I got to stay here in Libertyville with the same veterinarian, an indoor doggy daycare and possibly the best family ever. My doggie sister, Molly is my soul mate and I love it here. I can run and play and run and play and run and play some more. When I'm done with that, my new mom and dad dresses me up and takes me out for some loving. Keep your eyes open and I'll be sure to see you around town.
2/08 UPDATE: "Pepper was on Parade" at Carson Pirie Scott's in Vernon Hills in celebration of their Community Days Event to benefit local NFP Organizations. She was a hit with all of the kids when she rose and did the "PEPPER DANCE". Thanks for your support and that of your family.
6/18/08 UPDATE: It is with much sadness to report that Pepper and her sister, Molly are moving today to Colorado. It was also reported that Molly will be undergoing treatment upon arrival for heartworm. Please, everyone, keep this family in your prayers and let them know that Our House of Hope will ALWAYS be there for them.
6/28/08 UPDATE: All reports from Colorado are good. Molly is responding well to her heartworm treatment and Miss Pepper has strengthened her wobbly knees to a grade 1 now from a grade 3 by utilizing a state of the art hydrotherapy program. We love good news here at Our House of Hope so keep it coming wayward friends.

"ANNIE"
I am Annie, winner of " Most Applications In A 2 Day Period Award". My supreme cuteness has shaken things up a bit over at Our House of Hope. Hey, when you've got it....flaunt it right? Even though Im moving to the Rockford area, Mom and Dad have said that they will keep in touch. Ill sneak you an update after I check out the place.
Love and kisses to all who came to my rescue and filled out applications. Annie
12/3/07 UPDATE: Today, Our House of Hope received pictures from this amazing family. Make no mistake that out of all of the wonderfull applicants that applied for Annie, this was the absolute perfect match for our girl. As a rescue, we all take great comfort when our families chose to stay in touch and send pictures and updates. It gives us the lift we need some days to keep on doing what we do. All of our best to this new family and kisses to Annie for us.
3/05/08 UPDATE: Annie's family has just reported in and apparently, she is a bit spoiled. They are anxious for spring so they can get out and walk more. Mom is quoted as saying " we love her to death". How cool is that ?

"HOLLY"
I am NOT special because of my needs, I AM special because of the size of my heart. I was one of those dogs that ended up costing the rescue a fortune and scared them to death early on for 3 nights straight as I fought to breathe every breath. I am almost completely deaf and my eyes are going south as well now. Our House of Hope knew that I was special immediately they and have never left my side. Ive been patched up by the best of specialists, have completed obedience training to learn hand signals to better communicate and have learned to trust again. My foster family is absolutely the best and in the end, couldn't / wouldn't let me go. The only things special about me is that I have a great family with two other pups for guidance, 2 or 3 long walks everyday with the ones that I love so much and a ski and pontoon boat to play on in the lake by which we live. If Im "special needs" then everyone should give it a try. Love, Holly
12/3/07 UPDATE: I've officially started a 9 week course at Double M Obedience in Libertyville in preparation for my CGC Certification. It is likely that I wont pass the course because I am deaf and have little recall ability but, what you can bet on is .....This old girl will be the best trained deaf dog in the class. Certification is just in the details. A night out alone with my new Mommy is beyond all of that nonsense. I would caution those in Vegas though because I'm a House of Hope Dog and we are not quitters. I wouldnt bet against me.
2/08 UPDATE: A call that none of us ever want to get. We were informed at Our House of Hope that a mass was detected on Holly's Intestine. Our thoughts, prayers and support is with both Holly and her family during this very difficult time.
6/08 UPDATE: Being the fighter that Holly is, she is doing well medically and she took 3rd Place in our SURVIVOR CHALLENGE during our 1ST ANNUAL ADOPTION REUNION.Who sez that old dogs dont still have some new tricks?

" SAKI "
Saki is at home now and remains a local guy here in Libertyville. Its always great when the foster families are granted visitation rights as more times than not, its brutal to see our pups go. Saki now has a great family that he shares with "Fluffy" the cat, a big brother and a big sister. Dad is home all day to enjoy our walks and Mom makes up for her absence when she returns. Grandma is even in visiting from New Jersey. Ill send an update soon. SAKI
11/28/07 UPDATE: Well, Grandma has gone home and I have settled in nicely. I hang out with dad all day and eagerly await the arrival of Charlie and Izzy from School. Izzy and Mom have been taking me to puppy class every week and we are doing excellent! I've even learned how to play with toys now. Who knew that they could be so fun? They didnt have anything like that at the puppy mill that I was rescued from.
12/19/07 UPDATE: Saki graduated from "Puppy School" at Double M Obedience in Libertyville. Trainer, Maria Betlinski was thrilled with Saki's progress noting the hard work and commitment on the part of his Mom and Big Sister and Handler, Izzy.

MONTY / JIMMY
I've went home now to Morton Grove to start taking walks and enjoying allof the finer things in life. Im not taking about big houses and fancy cars. Im talking about a doting Mom and Dad that want to take long walks with me, taking me on vacation, allowing me sleep in their bed and letting me just pass out and start snoring wherever and whenever I want. Im just getting settled so I will send you updates soon. Love, "Montyjim"
3/07 UPDATE: Rumor has it that Monty was spotted at a local pet store in Libertyville recently. He is apparently living it up as he is sporting some "winter weight". Hey, that wouldnt happen if he wasnt feelin the LOVE in his new home right?

CHARLIE / BUDDY
Gurnee was the place for me and family livin' was where I needed to be. "Papa" doesn't scare me like most men have a tendency to do and Im even a bit curious about the grandkids that visit me a couple of days a week. Mostly, Im loving my new big backyard and my corner on the leather sofa. "Papa" sits with me and gives me treats! Soon, I will having him taking me for ice cream in his big, new, red truck. Ill write more soon after I get settled in. Charlie "Pumpkin Jack Flash"/ Buddy
11/27/07 UPDATE: I went through a spell where I tested the limits around the new homestead but, my new family held on for the ride and we ended up on neutral ground in the end. I guess that I just needed to know that they really did love and want me. I know now that I am indeed home.

"LEXI / HOLLEY"
I got all of the way to my new home only to find that "bowling" really has nothing to do with Bolingbrook. With that being said and having to find other ways to amuse myself, I play this great new game with dad. Its called chase the new black puppy and try and get a good picture that isnt dark or blurry. Just as he gets ready to snap it, my keen sense of timing kicks in and poof! I'm off like the wind. When he gets one, Ill have him send it.
Hey, hats off out their to all of my "techie" friends at Greentree Animal Hospital that snuggled with me while I was there on business and to my friend, Merri the Groomer. Merri, I feel as if we have something special going now. What do you think? I want everyone to know that my name has been changed to protect the innocent. Please send all cards and letters now to "Holley". I'll write soon......................Lexi/Holley