Louise came to us from South Carolina, as a terrified and skittish dog.  She had spent her entire life in a kennel.
We worked with her and she improved but she was extremely shy and didn’t “show” very well to potential adopters. She was always so nervous and simple things terrified her.  We kept her in the office as the noise in the kennel just about did her in. Gradually she started to befriend the office staff but she was still reluctant to be friendly with anyone she didn’t know.
Enter Lori and her family, which included two other Airedales. We explained about Louise and how she was a bit needy at the moment and that she would take a lot of time to warm up.  Lori didn’t care. She packed up her family and her dogs and came down to meet Louise.  They adopted Louise, and they frequently post updates in our forum.  It has been amazing to watch, through pictures, the transformation in our girl.  I recently got this letter, with a donation check. We were very moved by it and I wanted to share it with you.  Thank you Lori for taking a chance with Louise and giving her the most wonderful home.
——————————————
Dear Kerry, Matt and Everyone at Pets Alive,
This past year has brought many firsts for Louise and myself.
My mom passed away on August 14, 2009 and one month later a friend posted Louise’s Petfinder ad on her Facebook page.
I had been thinking that I would like to adopt another Airedale but hadn’t been seriously looking. When I saw and read of Louise I knew that I wanted HER.
I read the ad to my husband and he said “fill out the application!”
Then we waited.
Waited to hear hear that she had arrived safely at Pets Alive.
Waited to hear that we were to be her forever family.
waited to hear that we could come and meet her.
Crossed our fingers and our toes that Abby and Emma would accept her.
Then it happened!
It just so happened to be the day before what would have been my mom’s 72nd birthday 10/5/09.
I was able to hold Louise in my arms and call her mine.
To have her with me throughout this  first year of birthday’s, holidays and Mother’s Day without my mom I have realized that I needed Louise just as much, if not more ,than she needed me.
My mom Pat, LOVED animals but especially cats and kittens. Please use this money in my mom’s memory toward something that is needed for them.
Thank you.
Thank ALL of you!
Love,
Lori, Louise, & Family