Happy Unofficial Birthday Taylor

This post is recreated from PRC adopter Amy Sayre's blog, My So-called Life Lessons. Thanks to Amy and Mike for giving Taylor a happy home. A special thanks to Amy for allowing us to share her post and for donating her time to take photos of our adoptable pups so that they, too, can catch someone's eye.


Happy Unofficial Birthday Taylor


When Mike and I originally talked about getting a dog a year ago, we thought it was something we'd have to put off until we had a few things in place, things like a bigger house, less hectic work schedules and a few less cats. A dog just didn't seem to fit in the mix.

But then we saw this photo:

Photo courtesy of Project Rescue

And we knew we had to see if this dog might be able to fit into our lives. A year later, this dog, our dog Taylor, is a part of our lives, a big part. I hesitate to say he runs our lives, although some days it does feel like that.

We fostered Taylor for a week and then we adopted him. Mike and I knew there was no way we could give him back and hope he'd find a better family. We felt like we were his family already. However for that week we fostered him, Mike and I had several conversations about how we thought having a dog would change our lives.

There was no doubt having a dog would be an added expense. Having a dog would mean we'd need to come home on time from work on a more regular basis. We also knew it would make traveling a little more complicated. Looking back now I kind of have to laugh because there were so many other things that never crossed our minds. Having a dog has enriched our lives in ways we didn't foresee.

 

Taylor has improved my and Mike's relationship. Mike and I have to communicate in ways we didn't have to before getting our dog. We constantly talk and compromise on who will walk him, who can head home from work on time and what he should and shouldn't be fed. We haven't always agreed on things, and there may have been a few times that we argued over whose turn it was to take him out. But we always talked about it, and as a result we've learned a lot of the fundamentals of the general give and take of a healthy relationship.

 

Taylor has introduced us to many of our neighbors. Before getting Taylor, I always saw dog owners talking to one another on my street and suspected there was some secret dog club. There totally is a secret dog club. And I'm now a part of it. It's an automatic conversation starter when your dog walks up to another and starts sniffing its butt. I have started conversations with many a person because of this very thing. A few weeks ago Mike and I attended a concert with a couple who lives down the street from us. This couple has a dog named Rose who is quite fond of Taylor and vice versa. Suffice it to say, we probably would have never met this couple had our dogs not loved playing together so much.

Taylor has also gotten Mike and I to be a lot more active. His energy level varies from high in the summer to warp speed in the winter. He's kept us on our toes from the day we got him. I don't think he's ever had less than three walks a day and most days its four. I now rise every week day between 6:20 and 6:40 a.m. just to make sure he gets in a good hour's worth of playtime in the morning. Mike and Taylor also run now pretty regularly after work, something Mike didn't do before getting Taylor. In the summer months, Mike, Taylor and I go down to the doggie beach frequently. Lake Michigan's shoreline is one of Taylor's most favorite places in the whole wide world. On warm days, Mike and I actually get in the water and play with Taylor. Not once did we go to the beach before getting our dog.

 

As a result of getting Taylor, Mike and I also have gotten involved with some really great rescue organizations. I take photos of the new dogs that are taken in by Project Rescue on a semi-regular basis. We also have both donated money and attend fundraisers benefiting local animal rescue organizations. We figure it's the least we can do after Project Rescue took a look at our heartworm-positive, mangy dog and thought he deserved a second chance at life.

 

Mike and I often times say we lucked out because we somehow got the best dog. We could have wound up with a lot of different dogs, but this dog, our dog Taylor has made all the difference. It has been a great year with Taylor. Sure we've had to change our lives in a lot of ways (I still don't enjoy getting up at 7 a.m. on the weekends), but everything we have gotten back from inviting Taylor into our home has been so worth it. He's a great companion. He makes us smile. He makes us laugh. Some people may just think he's a dog, but he's more than that to us. He is a member of our family. And a darn cute one at that.

On Becoming “Dads”

We nap more. That’s for sure. We say “aw," make dinner at home, have an earlier bed time, laugh, and get kissed more. We slow down and enjoy everything more.


Things have changed since we became “dads” of…well…dogs. 

Meeting Dexter and Charlotte was much like one of those slow motion scenes in a movie. You know the ones: Eyes lock from across the way, the camera pans close to each set of eyes (while a heart-melting soundtrack plays in the background), as we run to each other in absolute adoration.


OK. It wasn’t like that. Adopting our two (not one, but TWO!)  pups have slowed us down, but not in a bad way—more like in the way we see things. Yes, we see more sunrises, squirrels, and squeaky toys. Not to mention more dog hair, slobber and poop bags.


But we also see something bigger.

Our first adoption was Dexter. Seriously, you need to see this pup. He’s a collie-mix with brown eyes that spell “I will steal the world’s love” and a howl that screams cartoon. He cuddles, kisses, nuzzles, and loves peanut butter. He demands attention as he should—a puppy that was scooped up by Project Rescue ONE DAY before his euthanization date just demands attention. There isn’t a moment where my partner and I don’t look at him while he’s sleeping and say, “Who would let this little guy go?” The Kentucky-born hound now lives in our loft and has become a member of the family. For real, I think our parents are excited for their “grand-pooch” more than our visit.

The first time we met Charlotte she was sick, scared and in desperate need for attention. Always knowing we wanted a “sister” for Dexter, we found out about her by the Project Rescue team. They kept us posted on her recovery and, like friends, ensured we’d be the best parents for her. It was so eerie how similar the dogs looked, but being almost four months apart, there was no way they were related.... A few weeks later, Charlotte moved in with us. She’s been dominating the belly scratches and the end of the bed. Her fan-like tail and soft fur makes for a perfect pillow.


Life slows down when you have two critters that almost didn’t have their lives to slowly enjoy. You start seeing their smiley, tongue-dangly faces as a mantra for life. Start each day (sometimes sunrise!) with a newfound excitement for the normal. Enjoy each walk while discovering something every step of the way (Charlotte always stops to smell the neighborhood flowers), and of course say I love you—whether it’s a lick on the face, that’s up to you.

Most importantly, our dogs have a better life—a life that was almost taken away from them, but saved by an organization that will always have our support. Project Rescue isn’t just an “adoption agency”—they are heroes. They save lives. They offer protection. They work their, well, tails off to ensure that animals get what they deserve: a slow motion run towards an owner they love.


Thank you, Project Rescue, for giving us two dogs that are constantly teaching my partner and I tricks: sit, stay and slow down life for a while.

Thank you to Byron Flitsch for sharing his family's story.

It all starts somewhere

As you probably know, we would not be able to do nearly as much on behalf of Chicagoland dogs were it not for the people who are willing to offer a temporary home to our dogs in need of fostering. These homes provide a stable, calm environment for the dogs in our program. They offer an opportunity for our pups to learn manners, tricks and the essential characteristics of being a good companion. Our foster parents make our work possible because in addition to helping the pup in their home, they also open a spot for a new dog to come into our program, get through its basic vetting, introduce himself to us and begin his own journey on the road to his forever family.

But before the pups make it to PRC, they have to make it into a rescue system. Many of our dogs come from right here in Chicago. In addition to our regular networking, we spend a lot of time at both Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) as well as Animal Welfare League (AWL). The dogs that are taken to both facilities come in all sorts of manner (family relinquish, strays picked up by city officials, strays picked up by a person kind enough to care, etc.), all sorts of conditions (loved and cared for; pregnant; injured or wounded; with and without fleas, heartworm or worse; etc.) and with as many unique personalities as there are dogs in the system (happy, frightened, angry, concerned, hopeful). The volunteers and staff at these organizations do the very best they can with not enough help, not enough money and not enough resources.

With this in mind, PRC decided to participate in AWL's volunteer day. A small group of PRC supporters met other volunteers from other rescue groups at 10 AM this past Sunday for a facility tour, an overview on safety and smarts—and then we went to work. Some of us lent a hand with general work (food sorting, folding towels and more). A few helped bathe and groom dogs to give them a little comfort and dignity in an otherwise rough situation. And many of us jumped at the chance to shower the pups with treats and TLC while we took them outside for fresh air and exercise. Most of the pups were ecstatic for the attention, rolling over for belly rubs, taking treats and generally wagging their tails in appreciation. A few dogs that day had a harder time of it, probably due to mistreatment in their past. We did what we could to show them that things could get better in the short time we had with them.

Of course, the best part is that we didn't leave empty-handed! We're very pleased to introduce you to three of PRC's future alumni who joined us that day:

This is Cooper. He's about 10 months old, a mix of hound and terrier (maybe). He's a heart-stealer!

Say hi to Harry. Harry is a four-year-old Jack Russel/Westie mix with a fantastic sense of humor!

Handsome Shadow is a one-year-old German Shepherd mix who is going to rock someone's world!

And we want to thank the volutneers who made such a difference on Sunday to so many pups: Samantha, Eric, Anne, Julie and Joe. We'll plan these volunteer days with AWL monthly—it's hard to resist events that make such a difference to the people and the pups involved—so keep be sure to Like us on Facebook so you get the information for the next volunteer day!

The Story of Sully

My partner Eric and I had an awesome corgi mix dog that unfortunately got sick and passed away in the fall of 2008. It was hard, and we always missed having a little buddy around. She was a rescued dog, so I knew the next dog in our lives would be the same – a rescued dog. I knew it would be good to wait, so after one year plus some months, the itch was too much and I was checking out Petfinder.com on a daily basis. That is how I came to find Project Rescue Chicago. 

A glamour shot of a corgi/golden retriever mix was staring at me in the face, and I immediately filled out the application to see this little peach of a dog. AND BRIDGID CALLED! We came to see the dude known as Fielder. He was a bundle of energy and we loved him. He REALLY loved Eric, and they bonded immediately. It must have been that male commonality. 

Bridgid had 9+ applications on him, and we were the lucky ones to take him home!! I don’t remember what I wrote, Bridgid, but thank you!! We had a hard time saying “Fielder” in our silly dog voice, so we changed his name to Sullivan Fitzpatrick. Sully adjusted immediately to us, and he is so fun! His personality is awesome, he loves to play and snuggle, and we can’t imagine him not being in our lives. 

When Sully comes to PRC, he always remembers Bridgid, and runs to her with total recognition that she’s his first mommy in his new life. Thank you PRC – keep doing what you’re doing because the happiness from having one of your dogs that you’ve rescued is one of the best joys in the world!

Many thanks to Emily and Eric for opening their home and their hearts to Sully and for sharing their story with us.

Going Once, Going Twice…Sold!

We know dogs! And to do a good job for the dogs in our program, we also have to be able to do a good job with people. Luckily, Chicago is full of amazing people. Just walking down the street in the city or suburbs, you will pass loving dog owners, animal advocates and volunteers for all sorts of organizations. We also have a plethora of talented artists in and around Chicago: painters, photographers, sculptors, professionals, hobbyists and those just getting started on their careers. And Chicago is home to many generous business owners—people who share their success with our community by donating products, services and more.

Project Rescue Chicago was incredibly lucky to have many of these amazing people lend their support this past Friday to our first-ever silent auction event. We auctioned off artwork created by over 22 local artists. Owners and representatives from 11 local businesses contributed products or services to our cause. And many more supporters donated canine gift baskets; baseball packages; and their time and talent—generously.

With their support, we were able to raise over $3,000—all of which will go a long way toward ensuring that the PRC pups are healthy, happy and safe. It also means that we will be able to rescue and home even more dogs this year than we did in our first year of operation.

Thank you to all who were able to support us! We hope those of you who weren’t able to join us this year will be able to stop in next year—it’s going to be even bigger and better! To see more photos of our evening, please take a look at photographer Jen Soares’ blog.

Special thanks go out to:

2 Kings Coffee*
Chris Abrey
artist Vincent and Jan Gildo
Laura Banick
Eric Bourland
Max Brown
Canis Familiaris
Tom Cantos
Traci Colby
Jerry Delany
Skye Enyeart-Rust
Siren Salon
Christy Freeman
Vanessa Friedman
Julie Gall
Jamie Gannon
Goose Island
Michelle Holtzman
The House Theater
Mary Lou Ibadlit
Marisa Ievans
Dave Klotz
Michael A. Koenig
Betsy Lent
Polly Lent
Brabant Lenting and Jan Gildo
Susan Leonard
The Longroom
Trent Reusnow
Revolution Tattoo
Rooftopia
Amy Sayre
Natalie Sielaff
Tim Sielaff
Tojo Gallery (soon to be Platform Studios Chicago)
Top Level Fitness
Jen Soares
Stella & Chewey’s
Jennifer Swanson
Sarah Tilotta
Will Lent Horseshoe Company
Meredith Winer

* Make a purchase by May 31 and a portion of the proceeds go to PRC!

"Lexi would love to smile for you"

The pretty girl in our profile photo is Lexi. A gorgeous pitbull with a whipsmart personality, Lexi is one of those dogs everyone falls in love with. She is so lucky to be living in a foster home as of last week, and this is what Alison and Mike had to report to us today!


"We've had Lexi for a little over a week now and she has been a joy to foster. We
can't begin to imagine why she was an owner-surrender at animal control last year.
Lexi was one of the dogs we walked for PRC for months with many potential adopters overlooking
her time and again. She was one of our favorites to walk and play with
and has continued her good reputation in our home. We aren't sure why anyone
wouldn't want to adopt this lovely lady. She has so many endearing qualities and
is so well-behaved in our home. She would be a wonderful addition to a family.


Lexi gets along great with our male American bulldog/pit bull mix and our
neighbor's female pug. Marley, Phoebe, and Lexi had a blast playing together last
weekend when we finally had some warm weather and could barbeque. Lexi was
well-mannered meeting all of the new people. She knows her basic manners (come,
sit, down, go to your crate), and she's very responsive to new ones (the bed is a
humans-only zone and no, you may not be my sous-chef). She is also great during
walks, rarely pulling and always listening to direction.


Lexi loves sleeping in a nest of pillows and blankets (the softer and fluffier the
better), and she also loves doing yoga--an ironic reverse downward facing dog
stretch that she launches into many times throughout the day. But she's hardly a
prissy indoor dog. She also loves exploring our backyard and playing fetch. We're
working on the "drop-it" aspect of fetch, but right now a two-ball system works
great for giving her plenty of exercise and fun.

My favorite thing about Lexi has to be her smile--yes, dogs smile. I noticed when
I was petting and scratching her head one night that the corners of her lips
curled up into a smile. When I stopped touching her, they relaxed again. It was
possibly the most adorable thing I've ever seen a dog do. Lexi would love to smile
for you."

Starting off with a look back!

2010 Top 10 Adoptions....and why!

#1 Sloan-Many of you remember this white beauty that waited for her forever home for quite some time. Well she has it, and we love her mom! Sloan will always be one for the books!

#2 Watson-Our handsome senior aussie! He was so sick and in such bad shape when he arrived from a high kill facility in southern illinois, but a wonderful woman  named Michelle fell in love and adopted him. He had 6 perfect months with her until he was diagnosed with lymphoma. Watson passed away a few weeks ago, but we are SO glad he had 6 glorious, happy, warm months.

#3 Raine and Fergus-Remember the "specials," as we called them? Brother and sister deaf and vision impaired aussies who came from the same high kill facility as Watson. They were adopted together by an amazing couple in bolingbrook who fell in love with their silly personalities. It's always amazing when sibling pups get adopted together!

#4 Surry-This handsome aussie was a ball of fear when he arrived. He bonded to us quickly and learned how to be a dog. Surry's transformation was amazing. He is in a great great home with his dad Ryan and will have an awesome life.

#5 Gidget-Gidget lived at Animal Control for SO many months, and then was with us for well over a year. She met her match and is living the good life now! Dogs who can handle being in a rescue/shelter environment for that long are really really amazing!

#6 Molly-I personally have a ridiculous love for Miss Molly. I saw her and her 3  10 day old puppies at ACC and just had to take them. Molly was a great mom, and  the first mom and puppies of PRC! Everyone found GREAT homes and I still see Molly on a regular basis!

#7 Taylor-you may recall a dog we had that was shaved down and looked like one of the grateful dead dancing bears?! Well he came from Gary Indiana matted, full of  ticks and fleas, heartworm positive and a general mess. But he was cute as can be and won over Amy (our awesome photographer) and Mike! He's changed their lives, and vice versa!

#8 Violet-Pretty Pretty Violet stole our hearts down at ACC. She was adopted by a family with a great pittie mix and the two of them are crazy in love!

#9 Baja- An aussie mix, Baja (now Summer) waited for awhile for her forever home  to come along. She stole their hearts at an adoption event in August and turned the cat-lovin' family into a cat and dog lovin family! They even put in a fence around their backyard for her!

#10 Caruso-Big lunky headed mastiff boy turned one of our directors into a mastiff-lover! He is an amazing, sweet, playful dog and is in a great home in the burbs!