Dear S.A.F.E.

Here are some photos of the fun we are having with our beloved dog Cody (Jack) that we adopted from you last April. Cody has been an amazing addition to our family. He has added love and joy to all of us including the cats! We adopted Lucky the kitten a week after "Jack" from Cats in the Studio and the two are inseparable. They play and snuggle like the best of friends. Falcon our almost 16 year old rescue off the street at 6 weeks has taken to the new kids nicely also!!

We're thrilled and want to thank you for finding these animal lives important to rescue. They truly are incredible pets and important members of our family!

Thank you for all you do!!

The Scully Family

So good to see SAFE on Facebook! I adopted Ruby (then Emily) from SAFE in October 2009, and now it's hard for me to imagine life without her. In fact, she's next to me snoozing on the couch with her feet in the air as I write this. It took several months with us for her to fully transform (plus the weeks before that with her great ...foster mom) but she gained weight, her coat is now thick and shiny, and she's a huge love bug. The shelter where Kelly rescued her from wouldn't recognize her as the "shy and fearful" dog they labeled, who hid at the back of the cage. Here she is running on Hendry's Beach.

Thank you Kelly, for bringing Ruby all the way to her new home in Santa Barbara, and keep up the good work!

Hi Kelli,

I just wanted to express my sincere gratitudefor introducing Yager to me and my family. The minute he walked through our front door, I just knew he was the piece of the puzzle that was missing in our lives. He issuch a sweet, well mannered and lovable dog. We are absolutely amazed that no one would want this precious little dog. When we went into the Westlake Petco this evening, he got so many compliments from the staff and customers. When we mentioned that he was from S.A.F.E,acouple staff members instantly remembered him, but it was almost like he was a new dog now that he had a family to call his own.We are so ecstatically happy to have him in our home and promise you that he will be loved as he deserves to be :)

You are an absolute angel for what you do for all of these animals. Thank you for saving Yager and thank you for going above and beyond to help arrange our introduction today. You are anamazing woman with an unbelievable heart. If only there were more people like you in the world :)

We'll keep in touch :)

All the best,
Michelle Murphy

I turned on the lights and announced, This is our house! then walked with Kelly and my mom to the backyard. She said simply as long as you have her on a leash at all times when you go outside, She will be fine! So we walked inside and my mom actually signed the papers. At this point I was ready to faint.

Now Cammie has a wonderful, loving family, lots of friends, and a great doctor. She loves to go "bye-bye" in the car, and she LOVES going to the barn where I ride, to see the horses. She has alreadylearned Sit, Down, Crawl, Come, Wait, Stay, and is working on Beg and Frisbee! My mom calls her Pogo sometimes because she LOVES to jump. And is Beyond adorable. She sleeps in my bed the whole night and wakes me up with kisses at 7:00. So to sum it up, Cammie's one of the best things that has ever happened to me, we go on walks and confide in each other, well, I confide in her. J

We Love You And Happy Birthday Cammie!

Allie, Shari, Gillian, Rick and Emma!

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SANTIAGO

(Santiago came to S.A.F.E. with multiple fractures from being hit by a car and was EXTREMELY shy and timid)

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SUNA

(Written from Suna'sperspectiveabout her new mom and life)

From the Shelter toS.A.F.E. who took me with them. One day She came to Petco. I look at Her, then She held me inher arms. I knew I wanted to be with Her, so Susan (S.A.F.E. volunteer) took me to my new Mommy's home. Therewas already a little bed waiting for me, but from my first night I am sleeping with Her.
She takes me for longs walks,shopping, thebeach, even at friends in the evening .always ask if I could come. I do not like to stay alone. She told me now after 4 months I have to, so I am learning it OK.
Almost every day we go to the Park to see all my Friends. We play with my Mommy andmeet some very nice People. So now we love the new life we have together.
Thank You S.A.F.E. so much for all what you do for all my Friends. Special Thank for Susan.
Suna and Priscilla

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Mimi

(had mange when she came to S.A.F.E.)

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Hello All,

This is Winston formerly known as Goose, I just wanted to say thank you for picking me such a great mommy. My leg had healed perfect and all of my hair has grown back from my surgery. I am living the life of riley and am extremely spoiled now. I have lots of new clothes that I love and I have 4 beds to choose from, one is really big and my mommy sleeps there to. I also have a new brother and sister that are much furrier than I am, but its ok because we like to eat each others food when moms not looking. I love to sun bathe and go for long walks with my new mom. We also go to the dog park which I love b/c you never know who you will see there. I also go to Graduate school with my mom at night and I get to sit in a Big Person chair, I usually fall asleep b/c I get bored but mom just covers me up and lets me sleep. For Christmas Santa brought me lots of toys b/c I was such a good boy last year. Im excited to see what the Easter Bunny brings me! My new Grandma spoils me to, she got me a fancy car seat for my moms car that I love and is always buying me toys & treats. I am so thankful to all of the wonderful ladies that rescued me, thank you and see you all real soon.

Forever Grateful,

Winston

Pics coming

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Jeter (Levi)

Our Happy Ending

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Daisy (Annie)

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Winston

Although it has only been one day since our family has brought little Winston home, there is already so much more love and happiness that fills our house. Winston spent the majority of his first day exploring his new house and playing with new toys!

He is such an adorable cuddler with so much love to give! In fact, he is curled up next to me as I write this!

I would like to thank S.A.F.E for saving a soul that perfectly molds into our family and truly is blessing to us! Currently, one of our family members has been diagnosed with their second round of cancer. Each time that Winston plays with us or kisses our faces, he instills such an unexplainable, deep sense of comfort, love and joy that cannot be found anywhere else.

Winston below at S.A.F.E.

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Spike (Spunky)

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Pickles

Pickles (still Pickles) was once so matted that his hair cut into his skin, and he needed stitches! Immediately following his rescue he had to be shaved incredibly close in order to get all the disgusting matted fur off of him. He looked like a little pink alien! It was that little pink alien that melted my heart and I knew I had to make him part of my family instantly!

Who knew Pickles would turn out to be such a cute, fluffly, sweet, little man! When he first came into my life Pickles was so scared; when I would go to pick him up, he would scrunch into the ground and pee. It took a few months of consistent love and affection before he stopped being scared, and then I met the real Pickles. He is super cuddly and loves to be bounced on my knee like a baby. He worships his big brother, Ben, and I believe his goal in life is to be just like Ben!

Once a neglected stray, Pickles now enjoys the finer things in life like a big yard, a loving mom and brother, sleeping on the people bed, and of course plenty of chicken tacos and plain hamburgers! I am so thankful for this little guy, and although Benny was grumpy at first, he now loves his little brother! Oh, and in case you were wondering, Pickles really does like to eat pickles!

Pickles with is brother Ben

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Precious & Paris

Precious and Paris came into our lives in mid July 2009. Reserved young
ladies would have described their demeanor. Looking at the photos you'd
think these two are "sleepy heads." You couldn't be farther from the truth.
These two girls are a bundle of energy from sun up to sun down. Although
they are inseparable sisters, each has their own personality. Today, these
two are smiling, running and playing not to mention adding a new dimension
to our family. Thanks SAFE Rescue for introducing us to Precious and Paris
and for all the great things you do everyday for all their other brothers
and sisters.....John and Michelle.

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Saved by the Nell

Its been six months since we brought home what at the time was a tender and tenuous soul. Nell (nee Cady) had just been spayed after having delivered a litter not long before. We learned that she had been unceremoniously displaced from her former life. Once Lori and I took her in, we soon would see a robust change in her energy. Now, we no longer need an alarm clock, for at 6 a.m. her insistent bed-top burrowing lodges us from those precious sleepy moments to hit the morning walk with her in the lead. Our Nell loves the exterior world and where and when it is safe, and we are able to remove her leash, her daily thunder runs makes the Road Runners sprint look like a lazy lope. She is an amazing specimen of sweet pea love and devotion, yet the playful wild child within keeps us all in top shape with her bent for fitness. We strongly believe Nell has more than a touch of Tibetan Terrier within her. She is likely to add years to our life, if only in the active, in-the-moment attention to body and soul wellness. Thats why we believe it is we who have been saved by the Nell in this adoption experience.

Kevin Gillogly & Lori Hays

****Nell, when she came to S.A.F.E.

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ZOE's Story

(Previously Yoli at S.A.F.E.)

Hi! My name is Zoe (aka Yoli) or as my Mom sometimes calls me... Holy Tamoli Yoli! I wanted to tell Kelli andall my Angels at S.A.F.E. Animal Rescue about my "Happy Ending" but I realized that "ending" just isn't the right word,it's actually a "Happy New Beginning" for me and my Forever Family! You know, when S.A.F.E. took me out of that shelter, I was in a lot of pain! Kelli took me to the doctor and after several surgeries, round the clock nursing and LOTS of love was a new dog... well a new dog with three legs, but who's counting! I lived with the bestest foster family who taught me how to run and play again.Now I run like I have six legs (at least that's what my Mom says). When my Mom saw me she says it was love at first sight!The second time she saw me she told my Dad that she absolutely had to adopt me.My family thinks that I'm an inspiration... whatever that is, but it must be special cause they love me soooo much!!! Now, I live with my forever family in my cozy home along with my unfurry brother,Adam, my unfurry Grandpa who calls me Lil Bit, my furry stepsister Angel... a Westie, and the Matriarch of the family... my furry stepsister Holly, a 16 pound Ragdoll kitty.I really want to play with her, but she's a little stuffy!I also have an unfurry step sister, Amanda, who is away at college but comes home occasionallyjust to hug me. And the greatest thing of all, besides the hour-long massages that my Mom gives me is that I get to go to the Thousand Oaks Doggy Park almost every day and see all my old friends... human and canine. I get hugs from Kelli, Sue, Susan and Larry,Jocelyne, Lindaand everyone who helped me to become the dog I am today! I also like to go to Petco on Saturdays to visit. I really am a bit of a celebrity and I want to let all my furry friends knowthat they will be adopted and find their special forever home too. I also want to shout out about all the great things that S.A.F.E. does for all of us guys and gals that can't speak for ourselves although we can bark pretty loud! My Mom says that she doesn't know what she would do without me. Right back at you, Mom!!! *** Below - Zoe when she came to S.A.F.E. during multiple surgeries

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Robbie McGee

(Adopted by a S.A.F.E. volunteer)

He is mean.

He is lovable.

He is cantankerous.

He is sweet.

All at the same time, and never at the same time.

He is Robbie McGee.

Also known as Grouchy Old ***** Dog, Robzilla and My Furry Little Man.

He came to us when my sister sent me his photo from the animal shelter asking if I thought he was a Cairn terrier. My words were, Get him out!!

There ensued a brief and half hearted attempt to get him adopted.

In my heart I knew he was meant for us. He was my dog. He is our dog. We are a mixed family of two-legged talkers, feathered, four-legged, barking or meowing animals. We are pure-bred champion terriers, mutts, share a bloodline with folks from the hills of Appalachia , or come from countries far south. Some have unknown histories. We are all equal and were all family.

Robbie joined our family about a year ago. His disposition leads us to believe there were some rough times in his past. Shortly after bringing him home, we discovered the nerves were exposed in his lower front teeth and they had to come out. He took it in stride rarely deviating from his crotchety yet somehow heart-warming demeanor.

Once the long matted hair was shaved, we saw his front leg had been broken and healed incorrectly. His hoarse bark from a horrible de-barking process, and his broken ear lend character to his graying face.

Through the year weve learned a lot about this cranky old man. While well never have accurate details of his past, we have determined (legitimately in our own imaginations) that he was a circus dog who ran away from an abusive trainer.

Hell do anything for food. Anything.

He sits and rolls over on command if food is a possibility.

He sits up pretty (or handsome in his case) for just about anything.

Hes recently learned to entertain friends and family by leapingok stepping through a hoola hoop. What could possibly be next? Going potty outside??

Another one of his quirks is his need to sprinkle anything lower than his right leg. This has been a problem that has been rectified in some cases with cilantro he hates the smell of it and goes the other way - or simply giving in and knowing that some of the zucchini growing in the yard are inedible and have been donated to The Sprinkler.

By far, his most pronounced character flaw is his neurosis. He will switch from friendly loving Robbie, to Dog Of Death in the blink of a clouded eye. He doesnt seem to know where I love you ends and I want to eat your arm starts. Weve all learned this the hard way and never leave an arm idly dangling from the sofa to stroke his back. Were always vigilant for the inevitable Elvis snarl which means Back off now or whatever is touching me is going to come off you.

He has developed a strange relationship with Robert, his namesake. They love and hate each other at the same time. Robert has a magical power over Robzilla and can force him to rollover even when he doesnt want to. With the slightest of touch, Robzilla is forced into submission. He cant stand it and you can see it, yet hes compelled to do it anyway. Robert finds endless amusement in this and has Robzilla do it over and over. Hmmm perhaps Robbie has the power over Robert

My favorite part of the day is being greeted by my fur babies at the door when I get home. Robbie has a special way of greeting that always makes me smile. He leaps and pants and runs through my skirt, poking his head out like a happy child then tears down the hall because hes so happy Im home he cant think of anything else to do.

Everyone deserves a home. Even grouchy old neurotic dogs. He deserves every bit of love and respect we can give him. His former life must have been tough and left him with both emotional and physical scars. Its our duty to make sure the rest of his life is happy, loving and patient. Were honored to have him as a senior member of our family.

When Robbie came to SAFE he had exposed nerves in his teeth which made him rather, uhm, grumpy! Below is Robbie when SAFE first got him

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REBA

(One our medicals - two broken legs)

To the team at SAFE... Reba has a new home with the DeFranco family,
and we just adore her. She fits perfect in our little dog family and
gets way too much love scratches and kisses, a soft warm bed near the
window so the sunshine can mend her bones, treats three times a day a
lots of play time and almost every evening a walk with the gang... We
did change her name to something that sounds almost the same but we
think fits her delicacy better... we now call her Eva, and she
responds just fine. So "cheers" to at least one more happy ending to
your organization...

Reba (now Eva) when she was with S.A.F.E.

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Melika (Previously Shyla) had been confiscated from a horder who had over 40 dogs....she had no hair due to fleas eating away at it and had never been outside......here is her new happy home:

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Phoebe (previously Opal) was confiscatedby animalcontrol from a neglect situation, but look at her life now!

"Phoebe is enjoying having big sisters and a brother.
They play so well together and Phoebe loves to sleep snuggled under the covers!!!!"

"We feel so blessed to have her in our lives."

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Foxy (Formerly Apple)

Hello there. My name is Dana Sax and me and my family adopted one of your dogs in August. Her name was Apple and Linda (who Foxy remembers & loves-we take her to Petco to visit) was her foster mom. We have since changed her name to Foxy, since she looks like a little fox. The vet said she's probably half Chihuaua and half Jack Russell Terrier.
I just wanted to send an email letting you know how great she is doing. She is so full of life and is curious about everything. But at the same time she is sweet and loving. She loves playing with her toys, cuddling, playing with her little sister (a puppy we just got), and kissing people to death. As you can tell, we adore her and she is definitely part of the family as she sleeps in bed under the covers with us.
Thank you sooooo much for helping us find Foxy. We can't imagine life without her.

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last Saturday me and my boyfriend adopted Chloe! Anyways, she's an amazing,
spectatular, great dog! It was a little iffy at first, but after only five days she was
running around playing with us and cuddling with us at night! We've taken heron a few walks and she does supprisingly well. We also took her to the beachtoday and she had somuch fun chasing things on the beach, although the leash caught her a few times,and then later we introduced her to several new dogs at Josh's grandma's house and she started to play with themimmediately. I think theywere a little taken back by her energy but they all got along really well. So we're definitely overjoyed with how well she'sadjusting and we love
having her! Thank you guys so much!

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Below is a picture of Reese and his new sisters. He is one of the funniest characters to ever join our pack. Hes as sly as a fox but as agile as a goat. Hes learned how to rough house with his sisters and in turn he has taught them how to run the fence with the big dogs at the dog park. Life is never dull with Reese around. He sleeps in our bed with the rest of the pack and is so very content. We are so lucky that Reese chose us and that face never ceases to make us smile. Soon we will have the DNA done and then will let everyone know the answer to the daily question - What is he?

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"I wanted to send an update on how this lil fellow is doing he is a big boy now about 80lbs and get along with my female dog name Jewels very well they have a tight bond that I have observed over the year and I thought she would not really progress as much as she has she loves him dearly and gives him kisses, they are two wonderful dogs and very blessed to have adopted him. I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to adopt his kind of breed and I've been down so many roads where people misjudge the breed and will not let me adopt because of the breed and thank you for giving me the opportunity to have such wonderful life with my two babies Deuce and Jewels. Keep up the great rescue work you do for these wonderful animals. I wish could have the energy and time to do what you do it would be my passion to help animals just breaks my heart and I would just cry my eyes out.Take care :) Enclosed are some pictures ofthe dogs enjoyingout door trips to Big Bear, beach, SanAntonio Lake. they love water andDucy is a great swimmer and has also taught Jewels not to be afraid of the water they help each other it's so adorable."

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Layla was part of a litter of puppies picked up from the side of the road who were quarantined for possible parvo.....

"Layla is amazing, she is such a wonderful dog and I love her to pieces! About 3 months ago Layla and I completed a puppy training class; she is so smart and cute! People are always impressed that I have a small dog that does tricks :) She is very sweet and quiet, and listens very well. To sum up, I couldn't be happier, and I don't think she could be either (she is quite spoiled)! I am so happy that I ran in to you that day at the dog park"

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Mitch, who was never allowed inside, has found a great new home where he is now and indoor dog showered with lots of attention! He's posing with his new pal Pepper!

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Shaggy (Previously Rusty), after having surgery for a broken leg (and eventually amputation) from being hit by a car, has found a wonderful new home with Ryan and his family where he can spend his days hanging out with Ryan!

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Dede, who SAFE rescued due to a "back end" deformity, mange and being deaf, now has a wonderful new home in New Mexico, shown below playing with one of her kitty siblings!

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Willie was taken to the shelter after being attacked by another animal (not sure what) where his eye had to be removed and he had injuries to his front leg and was very malnourished. He has been adopted by Glenn. Willie and Glenn share a bond that most of us will probably never know...Glenn is also blind in his left eye. When he saw Willie, he said that he could relate to him and they had to stick together! Now Willie has a wonderful home that he shares with his two other four-legged siblings Rufus and Chiquita!

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Jake (now Moose)was being walked to the room where he was to be euthanized when we walked into the shelter....can you imagine this cute guy being put down! Jake was adopted by Katherine and now spends his time walking on the beaches of Santa Barbara!

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Chuy when he first came to S.A.F.E.

Poor Chuy!His mother and his littermates were dumped at the shelter by a backyard breeder because they were all born with mange. After several months of treatment, Chuy's hair has grown in and hehas found a happy home with Kim and fellow dog pal Cosmo! Since being adopted Chuy has gone on to win Best Ears at the Nuts for Mutts competition!

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Teddy was at the shelter for 4 days when they labeled him as aggressive and not adoptable. Teddy was actually VERY scared and not aggressive. After a few months of socializing, Teddy found a new home with Melissa.

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