Thanks!   The Janus Family

The Berendsen Family
 

He is one tough pup.  Upon adoption, he was recovering from hernia surgery.  We had to take him to the vet to get the staples out and he was a champ.  About 2 months later, something just wasn't right as he started limping and I noticed sores on his lips and paws.  After a few visits to the vet, he was diagnosed with a disease called blastomycosis.  I had never heard of it.  The vet made it sound like a death sentence. Well, we found a vet that was willing to treat Wally immediately.  It was a difficult time, but Wally never gave up.  After 10 long months of treatment, Wally is now a Blasto survivor!  He is back to being a bouncing bundle of happiness everywhere he goes.  He has made a huge impact on our family and I am truly grateful to the Almost Home Foundation and all they do to rescue animals.  I would like to also thank Peter Kusch for being Wally's foster family and taking such good care of him before we adopted him.

Also, if you watch the U! you might see an Almost Home Dog in one of their commercials.  Wally from Elk Grove!
Below is a link to his video:
http://www.wciu.com/udog.php?section=video&assetID=10000717
Please vote for Wally!

Amy Cave

The Greenawalt Family

 

She was so interactive and excited to see people, wagging her tail and crying with joy. She was with us just over three years when she died suddenly from a heart attack. We are still so sad, and miss seeing her in the places in the house she had claimed as her own. The Almost Home Foundation and the foster parents, April and Scott, gave this beautiful creature an opportunity to know a life of love, comfort and companionship in her short life.  Thank you. We will never replace her, but we will look for another companion from your organization to join our family soon.  Thank you for letting us know Sweetie Pie and to love her. Thank you for the work you do.
 

This story eventually becomes a happy ending after having a dream the night after my pet died. After losing our beloved dog Shadow after 16 years, I realized he was instrumental in not only finding our new dog "Maggie" at Almost Home but, for the realization of what unconditional love really is. Also, learned a lesson on how our animals sometimes wait for "us" to be ready to pass on.  So, was the case with this story.  It was a combination of Linda (Almost Home) and the movie Marley and Me that finally gave both Shadow and I the courage to "let go and let God take it from here." There is a well known quote that states ... "People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime." When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person and what their purpose in your life is. I truly believe that quote should have also included PETS. pets DO come into our life for all three: reasons, seasons and a lifetime. When that pet comes into your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with love.  To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then the relationship may come to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they run away or get lost. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that need has been met, their work is done in our lives. Some pets come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn hascome to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the animal and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. Shadow was in our life for a REASON, SEASON AND A LIFETIME.  His last day on earth I was beside myself.  I didn't even go to his euthansia because his last breath (I thought) should not be experienced by my hysteria. Animals pick up on that and my husband was much better at hiding that grief.

I had called Linda (Almost Home) a number of times previously saying the end was near.  My only hopes for a new dog were sweet, small and potty trained.  Oh, and I mentioned not a white poodle as I had one 18 years ago and it was not the best pet experience I had ever had.  Anything but, a white poodle ...  Shadow however, had different plans. That night after Shadow died I had a terrible nightmare of him sitting in the backyard (which he always did unleashed.)  There was a dog chained sitting next to him.  I kept going outside in my dream and unchaining him and every time I would look out the door the dog would be chained again with Shadow looking over it. This seemed to go on for hours.  I awoke in a cold sweat looking at where Shadow use to sleep and started crying.  The dog in the dream was exactly what I told Linda I did not want ... A WHITE POODLE! The next day Linda called (with so many dogs to care for I thought she probably had forgotten my wish list.)  She said, "Well I have sweet, small and trained that just went into a foster home." There was a pause, I said, "The dog is white, right?" Yes "Linda, the dog is a poodle, right?" Yes.  I thought either Shadow had a great sense of humor from the beyond or he had picked out this dog for our family and planted it in my dream.  Either way, got in my car immediately to pick up "Cutey" at Julie's house.  I fell in love in less than a second. We work out of our house and "Cutey" thinks she's married to my husband.  A real flirt with males. We named her Maggie.  That night I told my husband to put a stake in the backyard so she could run around. I walked outside and realized Maggie was the identical dog, staked in the identical place in my yard that was in my dream. ... Thanks Shadow, DREAMS DO COME TRUE!

The Sieckman Family

We did and were about to leave without a dog, when my mom suggested the little, black dog. So we went over and talked to the volunteer and asked some questions. We talked as a family and decided to foster her for a week first. We named her "Sweetheart" and eventually decided to keep her. Sweetheart is very shy but friendly and sweet. She is afraid of many things like the vacuum cleaner, other dogs, whistles and scooters. Though she is afraid of many things, she loves to sleep on my bed with me and go on walks. She also loves to chase the geese on the playground and baseball fields. She wags her tail when she sees me and follows me around wherever I go.  My Mom brings her to drop me off and pick me up from school and says she is sad when I leave and happy when I come home. She is adjusting slowly but has become comfortable with all of the members of our family now and follows us around the house. She likes to be where we are. 

It has been fun to watch her become more like a dog. We love Sweetheart!

The Dean Family
 

Thank you again Almost Home Foundation.

The Smith Family

The Leisen Family

Thank you, thank you, thank you again for the time and energy spent by every volunteer with this organization. 

The Driscoll Family

Click here to see Precious Mama's story.

In fact, a few nights ago Sasha graduated from her first obedience class (with honors!). She can sit, stay, down, paw, and even come when called.  What a smart dog!  Mostly, we just love being with her.  She wags her tail and greets other dogs and people with bountiful joy...everyone loves it when she's around.  We live in the city by running paths and outdoor plots of land where Sasha loves to walk and search for squirrels.  A few of her favorite activities are chewing on her bones, fetching tennis balls, and running with her mommy along the lakefront. 

Sasha adds so much richness and joy to our lives, and we are grateful for her! Thank you a million times over!

The Weiss Family

The Janus Family

Thank you Almost Home Foundation for your hard work and dedication to cats and kittens. 

Amy and Eric

O'Malley now Leif

Edison now Loki

My five year old daughter and I were not happy with an empty house, so for months we were going to the Saturday adoption shows looking at both cats and dogs. We just knew that we would know when we found the right fit for our family. When we saw "O'Malley", A Norwegian Forest cat, he was not quite as small as the other kittens, but when I held him I just fell instantly in love with him. We just knew he would be ours. Because of his breed we changed his name to "Leif".              

We decided to go back to the adoption show the following week to look and maybe find Leif a companion. When we were introduced to "Edison", you could just tell he had a great demeanor. We stuck with the Norwegian theme and renamed him "Loki". Both, Leif and Loki filled a gap that was empty and we couldn't be happier to have them in our home. They really do make our house a home because they are always waiting to welcome us when we get there.                                                        

We are truly thankful to the wonderful staff at the Almost Home Foundation. You can see how much time and effort they put into each and every animal. After looking for months I had the opportunity to really see how they interacted with them and you can just tell that they have every individual dog and cat's best interest at heart.

The Conners Family

We would like to thank you for blessing us with this wonderful dog.
Mucha Family

Thanks for the opportunity to foster & to meet Annie - she has made my life so special!!

Annie & Family

Clara now Claire

And Buddy too!

Well, that is when we happened upon a 10 month old golden lab named Buddy. He was there with his foster mother (who was so terrific!) and it was love at first sight! I had always been a cat-lover my entire life, but now this dog has just opened up my heart like never before. I cannot begin to describe what joy he has brought to our family. His kisses greet us every morning when we wake up, and especially when we walk through the door every night. He just loves going to the dog park, and that is where we "found" our other dog, Claire. We always take Buddy to the off-the-leash park near our home. 

While there one day in the Spring of 2009, we befriended Fred - a wonderful man who fosters for Almost Home & who we got to know real well. One day we see him there with his new foster (Claire, a 1yr old Shepherd Mix). She & Buddy got along so well from Day 1. They would run around together, wrestle, etc. whenever they would see each other. My son & I begged my husband for a week because we knew how great they got along. Well, that was about 3 months ago and we all couldn’t be happier. She’s such a beautiful girl. Just a big lover who thinks she’s a lap dog!

Thank you to Almost Home & Fred for all of your kindness & generosity. Our 2 dogs are now in their Forever Home!

The Donat/Mansch Family

Ann,Joe, Hannah, Chloe and Maggie (Hi all my old friends!)

Thanks Almost Home! 

The Sturgulewski Family

The Lorek Family

Barney also is fully house trained and even knows all of his basic commands! We went to the vet the other day just to get a check up and he passed with flying colors. Barney is like an "Instant Dog...just add food, water, and lots of love" :-)I will keep in touch, and pictures are on their way!

The Krensis Family

Chloe has had a few seizures but no meds yet and she is scared of laundry. Sounds crazy but true! You don't know what these dogs have been through and they may have some quirky ways. We love her so much! She's alot of fun and we wouldn't give her up for anything! We tell everyone about Almost Home and to really consider a rescue dog. They have so much love to give and deserve a good life! Thank you for all you do Almost Home!

The Szczerba Family

The Calabrese Family

When I first saw Quinn, we had just started thinking about adopting a dog.  I was originally looking for a little female Dachshund, when I met a small dog named Quinn, and his foster mom, Debra, while volunteering at my first adoption show.  He is a Pug and/or Chihuahua Dachshund mix, so he is a very handsome boy, and he would “talk” alll during the show, making the funniest little noises.  Debra called Quinn “Mr. Personality” since he is such a little character.  Debra asked me if I had ever thought about fostering a dog, and I when I said that I had, she asked if I would watch Quinn while she was on vacation.  I said yes and was so excited at the thought of having a dog in the house again, that I could hardly wait for his much-anticipated arrival.  From the moment Debra dropped Quinn off, I knew what our home had been missing.  I knew I would never be able to take Quinn to an adoption show again and I couldn’t wait to make him an official part of our family.  I was very anxious to let Debra know how excited I was to adopt him.    

We officially adopted Quinn on May 1, 2009.  Even though Quinn wasn’t the dog we were looking for, I know that God knew he was the dog we were supposed to have and sent him to us. 

From day one, he was the perfect houseguest, and every day that goes by, I am thankful that he is with us.  Being around him always brings a smile to my face.  He is always happy and loves going for walks and playing with his toys.  He is the sweetest, most well-behaved little dog in the world.  He loves his daddy and is always waiting anxiously at the door to greet him when he comes home at night. 

I cannot thank Quinn’s foster mom enough.  I am forever grateful to her for taking such good care of Quinn and helping him find his new family.  He is a wonderful addition to our home and we love him dearly.  He is the greatest dog and we are proud to be his mom and dad.

The Lentino family – Kari and Dan

The Curry Family

We received this heartwarming link to a video made by Trixie's new family.  Click here to see a very Happy Tail for Trixie!

He had a few more seizures but my vet gave him additional tests and told me not to worry it can still happen with meds. & adjusted the phenobarbital level. Then I took another dog just to foster so he did not have to go to the kennel for the week & all of a sudden Bosco woke up and was running around the yard with the new dog, I then adopted & named Cosmo. After seeing how Bosco related to another another Almost Home dog, how could I not accept a brother for him, plus Bosco finally learned his name, and now some days he follows me around the house. 

My advice to you is, do not turn your back on a special needs animal, they can bring you much joy plus show you their appreciation with their kisses.

The Barda Family

Mark & Judi Winkel

The Brice Family

Gail Leeds

Thank you for bringing us together.          

The Derango Family

In February 2007, I went to  PetsMart, because I heard from a friend that the Almost Home Foundation was adopting dogs there. My family was looking for an adorable pet, and we wanted a rescue dog or puppy. My family and I walked in and it was like a kid in the candy store. We saw so many dogs, and there were so many choices.

Finally, this one black and white spotted brown eye dog caught our attention. We asked the kind lady about the cute dog, and she said that her name was Nixie. She didn’t like other dogs, because she might have been picked on when she was on the street. Since we did not have any other dogs at that time we could take Nixie home that day. We sign all the papers saying that we wanted her. Also, I was so excited myself. 

Of course we did we fell completely in love with her spunky personality and adorable brown eyes. Before she knew her name we change it to Pepper to fit her better. Three beautiful years later we still have her in our cozy home and she well behaved. Also, she loves to play with other dogs now and we even got her a not so little brother to play with.  I love her very much and I will always be with her forever and ever.

*remember to get a dog from a shelter!

The Strandberg Family

Thank you, Almost Home Foundation!  We can't imagine life without you, too!

Sue and Kent Lessen(and Tootsie and Rusty Bonz - arf arf!)

Everyone who meets her has fallen in love with her.  We are so fortunate she has found her "forever home" with us!!  Gracie's favorite things: When Daddy gets home from work,  sleeping UNDER the covers, getting belly rubs, and getting AND giving big kisses.

The Zimmerman Family

Halle, our other Almost Home dog, came with and wasn’t sure what to make of her.  When we had gotten home she was scared of the stairs and didn’t know what to make of everything.  I was beginning to wonder if she had even been in a house before. With love and care, and the help of Halle, Janie’s true personality started to come through.  She had some allergies and mites but with treatment she started to feel better.  She only made it to a few adoption shows when we were deemed ‘foster home failures’, which is the term of endearment when you adopt your foster dog.  

Janie has been a great addition to our family.  She has come in 1st in her obedience class and 2nd in intermediate obedience class.  We wouldn’t change anything for the world…it has been so gratifying seeing her blossom into the great dog she is now.  Now you can find me at the adoption shows on Saturday helping other dogs find a forever home of their own. Here is a picture of Janie (l) & Halle (r) – best buddies :)

Roberta & Doug Mecklenburg

It just shows that sometimes it pays to keep an open mind, because Mork has  turned out to be a wonderful addition to our family. He was housebroken several months later, we took him to puppy classes and he has fit in so beautifully with our family. His shedding (and my fears of allergies) has been minimal due to some good grooming advice and he has the sweetest, calmest personality one could wish for. 

It is almost as if he knew we were his rescuers and is determined to show his gratitude.  Everyone who meets him falls in love with him and we are now looking to adopt another dog!

The Erchull Family

Our other two lab mixes (both girls), Belle and Harmony, fell instantly in love with Scout.  In fact, they've never reacted to another dog with such enthusiasm, adoration and joy.  They have welcomed him into the fold as if he were always meant to be here... and, indeed, I think he was!  Scout is a perfect boy and a great blessing.  We cannot wrap our minds around the idea that he almost died in a high kill shelter.  

Thank you, Almost Home, for rescuing our big love!

The Baxter Family

Much love

The McMahon fam.

See what a little love (and training) can do!!

Before                     After Graduation

Thank you AHF, we found a wonderful companion, and friend forever.

Donna Kerulis, Il.

Thank you very much.

Dale Foster

Big Mac now Mac

Marshal now
Snoopy

Then after that, "Only One Dog" turned into our second adopted dog, Mac, from AHF.Mac's story began with our trip to Petsmart's adoption show. We took our neighbor to find a companion for her. There were so many dogs there, it could break your heart. 

Our son immediately gravitated towards Big Mac, and he never looked back. It was our family that ended up adopting, instead of our neighbor.  Once at home, Mac did his very best to test our love for him. This included things like peeing in the house, jumping our six foot privacy fence, chewing up plants, etc. But we didn't cave in. We KNEW he was a good dog, and we were right. Mac is now settled in to his forever home, completely spoiled, completely loved, and completely content.

We love you Snoopy and Mac!

Paprocki Family

Working with Jennifer and the Almost Home Foundation was the most pleasant experience we could have hoped for.  Our “babies” were taken care of by someone who loved them as much as we already did.  We were given updates on their growth and behavioral progress...and finally! They were ready to “leave the nest”....  the big day had arrived.On October 20, 2007, we officially adopted Jack and Max at an Almost Home adoption day in Schaumburg.  We were thrilled to bring them home and introduce them to their new “digs”.  Quite some time had passed since we had introduced new kittens into our home (since 1988) and we knew it would be a whole new world for Jack, Max, and us.

What fun we had watching them explore the house and getting to know their new home!  The “boys” settled in quickly and made our home their home. Each pounce, crouch, and run had us thrilled.  We noted every bite they took, and yes, even raked the litter box with rapture!  Then reality set in...and we realized that this was the perfectly awesome future we were looking forward to....being greeted each morning by a furry friend.....sharing the recliner with a warm fuzzy companion.....laughing at their crazy antics when they chase each other through the house ....being welcomed home each day when we return from work, and, in general, thoroughly enjoying every aspect of having cats in our home again. 

It seems that the boys have always been here, I don’t even remember life before them.  We look forward each day to the interaction and fun they bring to our lives. This would not have been possible without the wonderful work that’s done by Almost Home.  Thank you so much! Thank You!!! to the Almost Home Foundation for the love and joy you have given us in Jack and Max.  And a very special Thank You to Jennifer, who made it all possible.  Jennifer was patient with me when I had LOTS of kitten questions, after not having a kitten in quite some time....and she took such good care of our boys.  This has been, and continues to be, a remarkable experience for us all.

Jen and Joe Stark

Much appreciation, 

Edna Feulner, Oak Park

I have changed my attitude and I now tell the foster kittens that I rule the house - LOL. I also get to stay with my buddy the great dane named Mouse. Who would ever believe a mutant tiny runt cat like me would be pals with a mutant great dane - but that's the hand we were dealt and we were both placed in the right family at the right time. 

I hope all my other foster friends find their forever home in 2009, but if they don't at least I know they are in a warm house at the end of the night and not locked in a cold cage with a steel bottom not even a blanket. 

Thank you Paul and Deanne for calling my foster mommy on Mother's Day 2008, without both of you  I would not have survived the night - now I'm here to stay.

The Courtney Family

Thank you so Much Almost Home Foundation, You are the best, God bless You all!!!!!!!

Barbara Follett

As it turned out, she was 2 1/2 years old, already spayed and pottie trained.  I also found out her name was "Jitters" because she was so very nervous at the shelter with all the noise and what not.  The gal at the shelter e-mailed me a picture of Jitters, and I fell in love! I called my husband and told him the situation and showed him the picture.  He said he would pick up Claire the very next day and the both of them would pick up Jitters from the shelter!  

At first, we just wanted to be a Foster parents, as we weren't sure about the dog getting acclimated in our house as we had not met her.  She has been with us since November 20, 2008 (the Thursday before Thanksgiving), and now both of us would NEVER give this sweetie up for anything.  I changed her name to "Tootsie", which fits her to a tee.  (Plus both of us love calling her "Toots"!) Claire came by on Friday, January 2, 2009, so I could sign the contact.  Now Tootsie is ours and no one can take her from us!  We love her and, as far as we can tell, she loves us, too.  Although we still miss Lea terribly, Tootsie and her unconditional love has helped us so very much.  And, we'd like to think that we have saved another beagle and given so much love to her.

Thank you, Claire, and Almost Home Foundation!!  I don't know what we would have done without your wonderful organization.

Tootsie's Parents   Sue and Kent Lessen 

Thank you Almost Home for helping us find this gem.

The Linderman Family

The KOLODZIEJ Family

Thank you, AHF!

The Minkalis Family

Thank you for saving him and allowing my family to bring Max home. I have always believed in adopting animals and really feel Max is a great reason why.  

Best regards, Mickey Grossman

After her dental she became so much healthier. At 7 pounds 3 oz our Lullaby is thriving. Someone told me, “the hardest thing is getting the fear out of the dog.” He couldn’t have said it better. Soon it will be her 6 month anniversary and our sick and wounded girl is a different dog. She loves to walk on the leash with her head held high. Her health which was such a challenged is now stable and good and we acquired a sister for her now and the two have become friends. In fact they have become very popular as the Ladies of March in a recent 2009 calendar.

For those of you who have the time and patience I urge you not to be apprehensive about adopting. Yes, it can be a challenge but you will find rewards that you never dreamed possible from these children in fur coats.

The Hinrichs Family

Before                                                 Now