Chance

CHANCE HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!!

Congratulations to Chance, his new mom and step sisters, Raven and Dusty!

Chance's First Day In His New Home (as told by his new mom...)

Hopefully now everyone will know that big boy Chance will have a much-deserved second chance in a very happy home. Thank you too for all your help, kindness and support. You are a very special person to be doing such a wonderful thing in helping animals as you do, and it was my pleasure to meet you and adopt from you.

As for Chance, he's adjusting quite well. Yesterday was a bit of a circus -the little pup Raven and he just keep playing with each other to no end, but it's the cutest thing. Raven gets on top of his head when he lays down and bites his ear, then he gently paws her and tries to roll on top of her (at which point I intervene before the little thing gets crushed!). Dusty was exhausted last night from all the excitement (she is 12, after all). She tries to play with him (after she sniffs his butt and wags her tail - the flirt!), but soon realizes he's too much for dainty little her, so she squeals and backs off. But she does boss him around and lets him know when she's had too much - and he does back off. My husband was a bit flabbergasted last night, but he spent some time with the clan this morning and is happy to be Chance's new daddy. Yesterday Chance and I took a ride to get his new crate, and he did fine. Very well mannered, and listened pretty quickly when he started acting up.

Right now he and Raven are laying next to each other under my desk in my office (totally wiped out each other) as I type this. I am going to drop off Chance's records and stool to my vet today. I hope you know he'll be well taken care of, and I'm sure in a short time everyone will be settled in and best friends. I will keep you posted of his progress (more training will start soon too), and please feel free to call me or e-mail me any time to stay in touch. Next, I will send in the letters your requested for The Friends of The Linden Animal Shelter. Please extend my thanks and gratitude to them as well.

Chance's 4 Day Anniversary...

Just wanted to update you on Chance's four-day anniversary at our household. I have to tell you, it's like he was made for our family! He's been an absolute angel and has adjusted quite well after his first day of somewhat hyper behavior (which of course I attributed to his new surroundings, new mom and new doggie sisters). First of all, he plays so well with both the puppy Raven and even with my older dog Dusty (who doesn't really like playing with anyone much!). That is what I was most concerned about -- how they would get along -- but I couldn't ask for better interaction. He and I bonded instantly, and he now follows me around everywhere, lays under my desk while I work, gives me lots of hugs and kisses (which I gladly return). When he plays outside (which he LOVES), he even comes in every so often just to see if I'm still there - then he's fine and goes about his business. He hasn't chewed a thing in the house, and listens very well (although he still needs to learn a few things - he got out of the gate once and it was hard coaxing him back inside the back yard). But he's continuing his training on Saturday, so soon he'll be even more intelligent than ever! I did take him to the vet also the other day, who he

said he's very healthy but could use a few pounds. I'm giving him Canine I/d for his stool, which is still loose. Not sure why, but we'll take care of it. Tomorrow all the gang goes to the groomer (mom has a few quiet hours to clean the house!) and will come home looking beautiful (although that won't last too long if all this snow and rain doesn't stop!).

I've circulated his story to my friends and family, and they're appalled at the behavior of such jerks! Who wouldn't be!). I realize you must've been concerned about placing Chance, but I'm so

glad it worked out and that I could be the one to make his life better. We adore each other, and he'll never have to worry about being hurt or sad again. Please do share my e-mail with anyone you want to - I'm proud to be his mom, and to assure the people who've taken such good care of him that we're a forever family now. Also, please thank the staff at Associated Humane for their great caring for him, because it is through their efforts that has allowed me the "chance" to provide him with the home he deserves.

Chance's Story From His Past Life...

My name is Chance. I am available for adoption through The Friends of Linden Animal Shelter in Linden, New Jersey.

I am an NMBCX (Neutered Male Border Collie miX), with black and white smooth coat, brown eyes, 55 pounds, approximately 1 1/2 years old, quite handsome and in search of a fun, loving, active and caring FF (Forever Family).

Take a very close look at my picture. Do you notice something missing? Last summer I was the victim of a violent crime. My attacker cut off my ear and slashed my throat. But that was only one person out of billions and I know that not everyone is mean and cruel like that. That is why I hold no grudges and love everyone. I am just about the friendliest guy you will ever meet!

I would do really well with another dog of about the same size, age and energy level as myself. We could exercise each other! But I would still need you to give me a job to do. I would love to continue my education at college, I mean obedience school. I promise that I'd make you proud by being the best in my class! (Don't mean to sound conceited, but it is just that learning comes so easy to us Border Collies.) From there maybe my Canine Good Citizen title, agility, hiking.... (hint, hint) With a little maturity, I may even be a candidate for therapy dog work. Being a highly intellectual kind of guy, I might get into mischief if you don't keep my mind occupied, so be prepared for us to do lots of stuff together. A couch potato I'm not!

I really, really love children. So much in fact, that I plow them right over. So you'd probably want to make sure that your kids are a little older. Like teenagers would be really cool! (As long as they know how to throw balls.)

Cats - well, my foster mom is kind of paranoid about that. I saw one of her cats and went a little nuts trying to get at him. Was I trying to herd or terrorize? Hard to say... So, to play it safe, my foster mom thinks that I probably should not live with cats. I think I can live with that.

Although I am definitely an indoor dog, I love to run laps around a securely fenced in yard and sun myself on the deck. My foster mom walks me 2 miles every day. I sit quietly while she puts my walking collar and leash on and then I heel like a perfect gentleman the whole way. (See, I already have a head start in obedience school!)

I must say, I wasn't too crazy about the crate at first but when I realized my foster mom doesn't leave me in there for very long, I got to liking it and go in all on my own now. (In fact, that is where I am at this very moment while I am dictating this.)

I admit, the first day at my foster mom's house I was somewhat nervous and had, uh, an "accident". But I learned very quickly where "out" is and now I never have "accidents" any more.

I really like stuffed dog toys like Mr. Hippo and Mr. Raccoon. Oh yeah, and tennis balls. I fling them in the air and pounce after them. Sometimes I get caught with a house slipper - oops! Well, I get confused and my foster mom has to redirect my attention to an "approved" dog toy but I have never damaged anything.

I take my house guarding duties very seriously and will sound a deep, ominous bark when I hear a stranger lurking at the door. But if you say it's OK to let that person in, then I will trust your judgment and I'll be instant friends.

To sum it up, I bond very quickly and promise to make a loyal and devoted companion to my forever family.