Happy Endings From Wire Fox Terrier Rescue Great Lakes
To see and read about additional past "Happy Endings" placements, click the link below.
Pretty Penny is now Ginger! She found the perfect home of her doggie dreams with Suzanne and family at Main Street Art in Milford. Penny has 2 new brothers who are Bichon’s and she loves playing with the youngest one, Harley. She felt immediately at home and bonded with the entire family. Ginger has a very special place in our hearts; she had been in rescue for many months. This is a perfect placement for her and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Thank you, Suzanne!
Tyler came to us from a puppy mill in KY. We had taken several Wires from the same mill years ago. Now National Wire Rescue was able to retrieve the final “stock” of Wires and they were taken in by rescue volunteers across the country. Tyler was really frightened by the transition to living in a house. Although he has a friendly social temperament, housebreaking proved to be a real challenge for him. Debbie fostered Tyler for a whole year before the concept FINALLY clicked! During that time she actually took him to obedience school hoping it would help him improve his skills. True to his Terrier stubborn ways… Tyler never saw the point of class, and only passed due to Debbie’s persistence and a kindly obedience instructor. Finally we met Nancy and Gary who have been owned by Westie Terriers their whole lives, and were just too heartbroken to consider adopting another. They were rescue people without a dog to love and fell in love with Tyler before they met him. We journeyed to the ends of our GPS to meet them with Tyler and we could see he felt at home immediately with them. He started pulling toys out of the basket and rested in the crate they had set up for him. They picked him up from Joe and Debbie the next day… Tyler takes the record for longest dog in foster care…. We take real joy in him finding his true home… We thank Joe and Debbie Fenech for being the best foster parents ever. And Nancy & Gary for adopting this very special boy.
Nora is a 4 year old Wire on the shelf for 6 months. Her family was moving to FL and they contacted us one day before moving. They brought her vaccines up to date but her teeth were absolutely brown. When we had them cleaned, she actually had bone loss because her teeth were so bad. She had never been given anything crunchy to eat. (Her brother had been given away free on Craig’s list so we have no idea of his fate) In 6 months we managed to take 5# off her weight with diet change and giving her veggies in place of 1/3 of her food and switching her to a healthy dry food diet… She has been adopted by the Brisson family. The extended family has a long history with rescue Wire Fox Terriers, Welsh Terriers, and Airedales. We are delighted with another great placement with this wonderful family…
Chuckie was tearfully handed over to our rescue because his owner is very ill and could no longer give him proper care. He was her beloved baby and this was a sad situation. The family members who surrendered him to us neglected to let us know he had significant issues, both medical and behavioral. He has severe allergies of unknown origin. A wonderful couple fell in love with Chuckie after only 2 days in rescue. They are empty nesters and Wire experienced so we placed him, only to have all his issues crop up immediately. Chuckie requires special allergy food and is very aggressive with other dogs on sight. He required an emergency vet visit on his 1st day in his new home for bleeding hot spots. Despite all his problems his new home has stuck with him. Wire Rescue has paid for an obedience class and his new dad has been attending religiously. Chuckie has no fear and has attempted to go after dogs much larger than him. He is wonderful and loving with people. This is a perfect example of a potentially great dog who really needs our help. His new home is working every day to make him a great dog.
Gwen is a spunky Welsh Terrier abandoned by her original owner. She was well cared and we can only guess what hard times or changes in life circumstances forced them to give her up. She has been adopted by a wonderful couple in Ohio who are just delighted with her Terrier ways. They have engaged a personal trainer to help guide them on walks and social situations, as she gets pretty excited when she sees other dogs from a distance. We are delighted we could find a wonderful caring home for another “cousin” to our Wire breed.
Toby has been adopted by longtime rescue friends and supporters Patty and Ken who thought they were scaling back to the little guys after adopting Buddy earlier this year. Soon after their beloved Maddy Airedale passed, we rescued a beautiful Airedale, Toby who had been in 4 homes in just 3 short years. He was bewildered and so very frightened. Patty and Ken soon found themselves opening their hearts and home to another Airedale. Toby and Wire Buddy have become fast friends. Toby is still very frightened but is in the best place to receive the special care and patience he really needs. We are very grateful for this special home for Toby. Someday soon he may start acting like a “real Airedale”.
Lily came to us after being in several homes. In foster care for months we could never totally solve her peeing problems. A veterinarian in WI applied to adopt her and assured us her problems would be no barrier for him. He was Wire Fox Terrier experienced and truly missed having one. We made a road trip and placed another dog along the way. Sometime later the good Dr. told us he has solved Lily's pee problems. She has Diabetes Insipidus which is a very rare disease and requires expensive medication to control. Someone was watching over Lily to place her in the hands of a Veterinarian.
Maggie (was Mattie) is a spunky, funny female who had been returned to Rescue. She is a lively "experienced" Wire who has found her forever home with the family of a well-known and respected Detroit area celebrity. Of course dogs don't care about such things, they only know they are loved! Maggie seemed to feel immediately at home with her new family and they fell in love with her too! We couldn't be more thrilled that Maggie has finally found her doggie dream home with brother Baxter to annoy.
Wally was one of the most neglected Wires we have rescued. He was full of ticks and was positive for heartworm disease. He had obviously not known any care or kindness in his life. He had turned up in a shelter in southern MI. After bailout from the shelter he was put on a month of antibiotics and double food rations before undergoing treatment for heartworm infestation. He had to remain quiet and essentially on "bed rest" for another month after treatment which is pretty difficult for a young Wire! Wally attended the Fall Frolic where he was visited by a Veterinarian from the Detroit area who had recently lost his longtime best friend. Soon after Wally became his new best friend. Our thanks to longtime friend Linda Cunningham and the Hillsdale Animal shelter for helping Wally find his way to our rescue.
Spike was Jim and Lynda's Welsh Terrier who had come into rescue as a puppy. He had pneumonia and took months to recover refusing to eat. He stayed so long we grew too attached to place him. Growing to adulthood, Spike became protective of "his" household and accepted our core dogs but soon began attacking any new fosters. His life became very small as he had to share time out with the consistent parade of foster dogs. The decision was made for Spike's quality of life, to find him his own home where he could shine and have the life he deserved. After nearly a year of searching, that home was found in CT with a Terrier experienced couple. Lynda flew Spike to CT and stayed several days to make sure all was well. Spike no longer has to share his home with any other dogs and is well loved. We will miss him always but know we made the right decision. We thank the Shay family for taking Spike into their hearts and home.
Abby the Lakeland Terrier was on the rescue shelf for a very long time. She had required bladder surgery for urinary stones. She needs expensive prescription food and she must go outside to potty often. On the plus side she is all Terrier attitude and the cutest 14# package you have ever seen. Her new mom had watched her on the website for a long time and had been drawn to her. Finally she contacted rescue and a meeting was arranged. Abby never looked back at her foster home! She has a new Lakeland brother, Grady and several cats in her new home. We can't thank Suzanne and Walt enough for opening their hearts and home to our special girl, Abby.
Jesse was saved from a very uncertain fate by a longtime rescuer and friend who also donated his vet care. She could not adopt him because he did not get along with her cat. Jesse is a wonderful Wire who has a steady temperament and loves nothing better than an open lap to snuggle. He has been adopted by a longtime Wire experienced couple in Eaton Rapids. Our sincere thanks to everyone involved in helping Jesse find his forever home!
"I am so happy in my new home. My new mom gives me lots of kisses and hugs and lets me sleep with her in bed. I have a nice home and a great back yard to run around in. Mom is teaching me to stay out of her gardens and I am doing pretty good. I must be a very good boy because mom tells me that all the time. She even has a big long chair she sits in in the back yard and there is enough room for me to join her when I take a break from "squirrel duty". She tells me how handsome I am too, of course I know that. We go for long walks in the park and we run along the trails. I am learning to "come" when she calls. Mom says I am a smart little boy. I even know which driveway is ours when we come home. I also learned my new name and I come to mom when she calls. She gave me a new name because she says this is the start of a new life for me and Barney was the name of a poor neglected dog and I'm not that dog any more. Tetley is the name of a well loved, good little boy. Mom says I make her smile every day and that we were meant for each other. She tickles my tummy in the morning and I give her kisses. I had a couple of accidents in the house but she never got mad. She likes playing fetch with me and gives me cookies when I am a good boy, which she says is all the time. Thank you for giving me to Kimberley.
P.S. Mom says you can visit us anytime.
Love,
Tetley"
Poppy the wonder Wire has been given her permanent home after 1 1/2 years in foster care! She was from a Virginia shelter. Unwanted and found running at a campground begging for food. The shelter director called us wanting to find the right rescue people. Poppy was born with 3/4 of one of her front legs. No matter to her, she flies like the wind! She even uses her bad leg as a digging tool in the yard to make bigger holes! This little girl is all Terrier, both sweet with lots of naughty thrown in. Barb and Leslie of Main Street Art in Milford has adopted her. She makes a great addition to their home and a perfect playmate for Jamie. This is the perfect home for Poppy. Our forever thanks to Trudy and Nick Greco for transporting her all the way from Virginia!
Buddy has found the doggie home of his DREAMS! This very perfect 3 year old Wire was unwanted by his previous owner. Fostered and then adopted by longtime friend and Airedale owners Patty and Ken. This is their 1st Wire. Buddy has quickly won them over. He has proven to be great with their elderly Airedales, cat, and even their grandson. Within a week he has graduated from sleeping in his crate to on the bed. Buddy is one lucky Wire to have found such a great home! (Patty designed the logo on our Get Wired T-Shirts)
Ronin is a stunning Irish Terrier who ended up abandoned by his original owners. These dogs are so very rare we couldn't believe when we saw his posting on the shelter website. Although he's not a Wire we didn't want to see this stunning boy end up in the wrong hands for profit. With the help of many people and the referral to an Irish Terrier experienced home by a breeder, he was quickly adopted. We are proud of the part we played in getting him into a home where he is safe and will be loved. Our thanks to Ken & Camilla for their invaluable help.
Lily spent at least a year living in a garage. Her family had given her away and her new home couldn't housebreak her. In rescue she continued to have urinary problems we were unable to solve despite many trips to the vet. She has been adopted by a veterinarian in WI who wanted a Wire for his own. Lily was lucky to have landed in the perfect spot!
Maggie is an Irish Wolfhound mix. She was rescued from living outdoors on a chain. She is a sweet gentle dog and needed a gentle touch. She has found a home with a man in the outskirts of Chicago who previously had an IW mix. We are happy that Maggie has begun her new life and is wanted at last.
Benny has been in rescue for 10 long months. He is a sweet Wire who had been a difficult placement because he really needed to be an only dog. While Benny's foster mom was away on vacation, her relief team found the perfect home for him. They have had Wires and Airedales before and are willing to provide all the love and patience he will need. They took one look at his ears and Benny has become "Radar" Our heartfelt thanks to Chris Zane and Carol Domeracki who helped place Radar in his new home and to his new mom and dad for giving him his very own home at last!
Andy was abandoned at a shelter near Christmas. This sad puppy was crawling with fleas and very thin. Although he wasn't abused, he had certainly been neglected. In foster care we discovered he was just a delight! The best and sweetest natured puppy ever! He has found his forever home with an Airedale experienced home who have always wanted a Wire. Andy has a new sister named Rosie who is a Goldendoodle and they make great play friends. His new owner says "we feel that Andy is a wonderful gift to our family". We couldn't be happier.
Buddy was left at a MI shelter by his owners. Longtime Airedale rescue volunteers and friends Carol & Glenn fostered and then adopted him. They were quickly won over by his charming ways. He is an older dog but has excellent manners and knows many tricks. (They suspect he spent time as a circus dog) Carol writes...
"I just had to take this photo of Glenn & his best pal, Buddy, our WFT: They are both wearing their special glasses for the 3-D commercial before half time. They are both also sporting overgrown, N. MI beards and hair. This winter has been brutal! Several customers have asked me about Buddy so I decided to feature the photo on my website. It's a classic! We cherish this (not so) little guy. We are so lucky to have volunteered to foster him!"
Belle was an unwanted annoyance to her owners in Indiana. She spent part of her 2 years on a chain in the yard. On the way to surrendering her she became lost in unfamiliar territory when she slipped her chain. Her owners abandoned her but left her crate with a friend. Remarkably, she showed up in her crate soon after. She was also in heat no less! She proved to be a sweet girl who had obviously been harshly treated. She has been adopted by a Wire experienced home in the Detroit suburbs. Belle is home at last!
Penny is a beautiful puppy who came into rescue at just 4 months old. She fought with another dog in her foster home over a toy and required hip surgery for a broken hip. Despite her injury she was adopted by a great family who has adopted from our rescue before. They already have 2 male Wires. Penny has fit in beautifully and is thriving. She has come through her hip surgery beautifully and has become a cherished addition to their rescue family. " We have NEVER had a wire like her... She is so calm and happy"
Chester is a beautiful Welsh Terrier who was abandoned in a local shelter. There was nothing wrong with him. He was with a working family who had no clue about young Terriers, small children and no time for him. With help from a rescue volunteer we were able to rescue him and place him in the experienced hands of The Murphy family where he is loved. We are happy we were able to successfully help Chester find his way.
Darby is doing amazingly well. He and Rudy have definitely bonded and Rudy lets the little guy get away with everything. Wires are BIG dogs trapped in a little body. As far is Darby is concerned Darby's stuff belongs to Darby and Rudy's stuff belongs to Darby. I'd think he's pretty much house trained. Putting up bells at the back door is on my list so he actually starts to ask to go out but for now we seem to be connecting.
We are going to school to get him a bit of training and we were the worst dog in the class of six. All the other dogs were very small and Darby wanted only to bark and growl. When we meet small dogs at the park he barks and goes crazy as well. He is much better meeting large dogs. I know terrier's can be very verbal but excessive barking is not acceptable. We are continuing to work on quiet.
The cats are not very happy with a new dog in the house. They are still slinking around and thus Darby is still anxious to meet them and is very fixated with watching and chasing. And finally, and the very best part - we love each other so much - where I go Darby goes - he is my little shadow. The bond we have is so strong and it's getting stronger each day. I just can't thank you enough for entrusting me with his care.
My name is Leah and I obtained a wonderful Wire mix named Toby from Wirefox Rescue Great Lakes in June of '05. He is the delightful little brother playmate to our 150# Great Pyrenees Dax. You should see the responses they get when they go for walks. Guess who rules the roost most of the time though. Toby still leaves our parrot alone for the most part and she has stopped dropping toys on his head and laughing. I just wanted to thank you for all your efforts and especially for taking in Wire mixes. They are the best ferocious, loveable, comical and loyal little clowns of the Terrier world.
Sophie who was formerly Sweet Pea came from a shelter in horrible shape. She had no care and was very underweight. She was skittish around people and was not used to living in a home. After foster care she was adopted by a Terrier experienced couple in Saginaw MI. They have given her lots of love and patience and are very happy to see her blossom. She is responding to all the TLC and is well worth the effort! Another rescue success story!
After many months in rescue Roxie the senior Wire has found her forever home with a great Terrier experienced couple in MI. She is a wonderful spunky Wire with lots of personality and certainly deserved a home of her own. We are ecstatic that she finally has her own family to love her!
Molly was on the shelf in rescue for a very long time. At just 1 year old she should have been snapped up but she was a very feisty female and needed just the right home. She found that home with an experienced Wire owner who had recently lost her own female Wire due to old age. Molly is now enrolled in doggie daycare and regularly interacts with dozens of other dogs! She has found her forever home!
Teddy was an owner surrender. He has found his forever home with Welsh Terrier owners. Teddy and his Welsh sister sometimes have a love-hate relationship but they make good company for each other. We are delighted to have found such an experienced enthusiastic home for our boy!
Petie was dumped at an all breed rescue shelter. He is a funny Wire because he growls and "talks" all the time. A number of people passed on him because they mistook his vocalization for bad temperament. He was adopted by a Terrier savvy couple in CT who also own an Airedale. Once again Barbara Curtiss of Airedale Rescue assisted us. We are so happy that Petie is loved and well cared for. He is a great character.
Indie is a beautiful young Welsh Terrier who was found as a stray running along a busy road. She ended up in a shelter and a savvy shelter director made sure she got to an appropriate rescue. Despite her difficult life she is a sweet happy puppy. She has found her forever home with an Airedale owner. We are happy to have played a part in helping Indie find her forever home where she will be loved and appreciated!
Fritzi was left at a shelter in MI and was bailed out by Fred & Cheryl Gee. They fostered her for months and although they are experienced Terrier people, they have never encountered a Wire before! Fred was smitten with Fritzi. We are pleased to report she has found her forever home with a couple in the Boston area. They had a lonely male Wire.
Ellen writes, "Everyone is fine here. Toby and Fritzi play, eat, and walk very well together. At night she starts off sleeping in her bed next to Toby's bed but sometime in the night she manages to wedge herself between us on the bed. Fritzi has a fascination for pillows and when we are not around the bed in the daytime she will put herself on the very top. I call her the "mountain goat."
Ozzie was abandoned by a couple who simply had no further interest in him. We couldn't believe it when we discovered he was one of the coolest Wires we had ever rescued! He is a big boy with a steady temperament. He gets along well with other dogs and loves people. Ozzie is an all around dream dog! At our 2007 Fox-Terrier Frolic everyone encouraged supporter Kirt Manecke to adopt Ozzie. Finally Kirt caved in and they have been best friends ever since.
Harry came to rescue from a shelter, left by his owner. After many months in foster care he has been adopted by a Wire experienced owner. He shares his new mom’s lap with Wire sister Celie-Grace. They have an occasional squabble but of course life is never dull with 2 Wires in the house. We are delighted that Harry has found such a wonderful home!
Ajax was abandoned at a shelter. The shelter manager was very rescue savvy, and made sure he got into the right hands. He is a young, high spirited Wire and we despaired of finding the right match for him! He has been adopted by a great Terrier experienced owner in Canada. Ajax has finally found his forever home!
Dexter was an unwanted young puppy tied out in a backyard. Now his new family writes. “Everything is great, he's a lovely little dog and is doing really well, he loves to play fetch and just hold the ball in his mouth, he even has a funny little jumpy walk he does when he has a stick or ball in his mouth, it's so cute! He's getting along good with his brothers (Max and Jello) and learning to listen even at the dog park. Thanks again we couldn't be happier!!!!!"
Henry is a beautiful 2 year old male who was dumped at an Indiana shelter by a breeder. He came from a puppy mill and had never known kindness. He has been adopted by a great dog mom and friend who has always had Airedales. She was unprepared for Wire antics! She has loved seeing Henry blossom into a naughty boy! Henry just loves his new life and is learning to play with his big sister, Airedale Abbie.
Nora came from a puppymill in KY. She was a sad creature when she arrived to rescue. She found her loving home in East Lansing MI. “Here are a couple of pictures with Nora and her brother Arnie. She has settled in well and it is as though she never lived anywhere else. Her fur has grown in and she is very healthy. Housebreaking is going well. She is a smart little girl”.
Billy was a puppy mill male discarded at a shelter in Indiana by an uncaring breeder. Despite his rough start in life he proved to be a joyful puppy and was soon snapped up by an experienced Wire owner in Pinckney MI. Billy now enjoys life with new sister Cooper. Everything in his life is a new experience from mirrors to riding in the car. His new “mom” is taking lots of time with him and we couldn’t be happier that he got such a great home!
Chester found his match with a Wire experienced couple in Northern MI. His new mom writes, “He's a live wire, and loves to play with Dickens! We have to really watch him when we go out the door, he is an escape artist! He loves the backyard & he and Dickens chase each other back and forth and run with the tennis balls and Frisbees! He's very good on his walks in the sub, and just generally loves the outdoors. He's a cutie and we just love him!!”
Brody the puppy has a new home with a previously adopted rescue Wire also named Brody who was lonely and needed a pal. Since it would be confusing to have 2 dogs with the same name, the puppy Brody is now Wiley. They have become good friends and are enjoying their forever home together.
Andy has found a wonderful home with an active Airedale puppy. The two of them make a powerful play team and keep each other busy. His new family embraces the terrier spirit. This was a match made in heaven for this rough and tumble dog!
