This weekend is National Adoption Weekend, a celebration of all the amazing puppers and doggos out there in the world that have and/or need homes. Juanita Angel, a local photographer who specializes in dog portraiture (and who produced one of the TBI editors’ most favorite articles ever), came to us with a series of portraits specifically of mixed-breed dogs that had been successfully adopted locally. Moreover, Juanita jotted down each adopted mutt’s story as she took their photo.
Max
“We adopted Max through Copper’s Dream Rescue [a local dog-rescue group]. They said he was from a shelter in Madera, but that’s about all we know about his life before us. He was about three years old when we adopted him, and we’ve had him for almost four years now. After seeing his picture on the Copper’s Dream website, he was the first on our list, even though he was an adult dog and there were lots of cute puppies up for adoption. I could tell from the pictures that he was very special, and right after visiting him at his foster family’s home, we decided we’d adopt him.
He had a tough time adjusting to city life at first. I remember staying home with him for the first week and taking him to people-watch on the sidewalk and at the park. He was very overwhelmed by all the different noises and used to bark at cars that drove by. But over time he started to calm down and become less anxious. The people at Huntington Park were very welcoming, and Max became really attached to certain people.”
Rudy
“Rudy was adopted from Copper’s Dream Rescue, from a family who was fostering him in the East Bay. I adopted him when he was about six months old, in July 2014. Copper’s Dream Rescue is a great organization because all the dogs live in foster homes until adopted — they don’t have a physical shelter. So the dogs are often well socialized and start to get trained before they are adopted.
As a new transplant to San Francisco, I was looking for a sidekick and started looking at shelters and rescue organizations for a dog that would be a good match for me. When I saw Rudy’s photo on the Copper’s Dream Rescue website and saw the little wrinkles in his nose and his one flopped ear, I knew that he was the one!
His mix? I was told when I got him that is he Jack Russell Terrier and Shepherd. He is full of energy, very smart and extremely loyal.
One of Rudy’s favorite things is a spending a morning on the beach! Ever since he was a puppy, we would go on Saturday mornings and run along the beach under the Golden Gate Bridge. And still, when we make a trip to the beach, this dog has the biggest smile on his face as we dig holes, run into the waves, chase seagulls and bark at the sea lions.”
Rusty
“Rusty was about a year an a half when I first got him four years ago. I signed up for the foster program at Urgent Animals at Fulton County Animal Services in Atlanta, Georgia. The same day that I turned in my application, I got an email with information on Rusty, a dog that was scheduled to be put down that evening.
I went home with a wiggly pup that day, and he has terrorized postal workers ever since. Even on that first day, he loved to flop over on his back and ask for belly rubs. It was only a matter of weeks before I realized I couldn’t give him up, so I formally adopted him.
Our home, my car and my closet are forever coated in a fine layer of fur. There are perpetually paw prints on our sheets because we can’t seem to train ourselves into keeping him off the bed. Never a day goes by when I’m not greeted by his frantically wiggling barrel body. He is the biggest snuggler.”
Simba
“Simba was found roaming the streets of Stockton with three other dogs back in July 2014. He and his pack were brought to the Pacific Heights SPCA, where the vet estimated him to be about a year old. I do not recall what breed the vet assumed, but we go with ‘Corgi Retriever mix’ since he loves to herd dogs, and because of his loyal and gentle personality. During the three years he has been living in the city, he has memorized routes to numerous pet stores across multiple neighborhoods. You may think you are on a leisurely walk with him, but you always end up at Bow Wow Meow or Village Pets & Supplies.
In regard to adoption, I could not recommend it more. Simba arrived fully potty trained, never barked and adjusted quickly to his new life. After three years together, I still receive daily compliments on his friendly personality — and his tail.”
Stuart
“Stuart was adopted three years ago from Rocket Dog Rescue. He was six months at the time. He is a Rottweiler/daschund mix. His owner’s previous dog had passed away, and she was living alone and was looking for a companion. She had been on the lookout for a while, and Stuart really resonated with her when they met.
He loves to play with toys, especially balls!”
