It has been a privilege to be a part of something as amazing as Lisa’s dedication to Annie, and Annie’s very obvious love of Lisa.  

Yesterday, Lisa sent me a note to share on the blog;

“As I write this, Annie is busy making herself a nest, next to my hip, where she will use my leg as a pillow. She is not much of a “lap dog” but does appreciate snuggles. Who am I to say no to that? She is an expert blanket-stealer, despite her small size. But even though she has slept on my bed since Day 3 together, only very rarely does she manage to steal my whole pillow.

When I originally adopted Annie, she was still recovering from ear surgery, and, though we didn’t know it at the time, had several more surgeries to go. She was content to lie around all day on the couch. She jumped away when people tried to pet her. Now that she is healthy again, she is filled with the classic terrier energy. A mile walk for her is simply a warm-up for a half-hour of tugs. As she is now an only dog, she is learning to play by herself, but always prefers interaction. She is also starting to be more comfortable around other people, as well. It sometimes takes her a while to warm up to someone, but she can usually be bought with ear-scritches or an offer of one of her favorite tug-toys.

We are looking forward to starting agility training in the spring. Hopefully we can channel some of her energy into productive activities! If she doesn’t take to it, well, there are always long walks, which we both enjoy.

Even though there were some complications, I wouldn’t trade it. She’s my dog, and I’m her human. The way she wags her tail when I come home, clichéd as though the sentiment may be, makes my day. Her enthusiasm is infectious and I, for one, am glad to have that kind of energy around.”

I was honored to see that same positive affect in the early days of January.  Priscilla was finally adopted!  She’d been in the rescue a long time.  All of her kittens: Paco, Pedro, Petunia and Pierre found loving homes and I was beginning to wonder when Priscilla would find hers.  We’ll she did.  Once again she is showing the power of fur and purrs.

We took Priscilla up to Rochester to meet her new Mom Melissa.  It was a long car drive, but Priscilla was as good as gold, sleeping most of the way with only the occasional meow to let us know she did not approve of the bumpy roads.

We arrived at Melissa’s to see her eyes light up at all the possibilities that lie before her and Priscilla.  Tragically, Melissa unexpectedly lost her older sister last year.  It’s been a hard road for her and her family.  But out comes Priscilla who looked around and said “I’m home, but oh heavens look at all those stairs!”  You could see the light in Melissa’s eyes and hear the excitement in her voice.  Her “snuggle buddy” had arrived.  Let the healing begin.  You could already see how Priscilla lightened the air, and gave a renewed sense of purpose to this very special young lady.  Indeed all of her family will benefit from the love of this cat.

We called the other day to check on how she was doing.  Priscilla’s “grandmother” picked up the phone and politely informed that she was too busy to talk to us as she was petting Priscilla!  I have no doubt that when Priscilla aka Miss Princess Fluffyface snuggles next to Melissa she is whispering the same thing Pipers whispered to me.  All will be well. Trust the power of fur and purrs.     -Cindy

As well as spending hours a week down at the Family Foundation School, Life Long Tails President Jenn also works with her Search and Rescue trained dogs- demonstrating just how much a dog can be transformed with love and attention from their human partners.

Last weekend we had the ‘Bunny Buds’ group from the local 4H visit with their rabbits as well as a fantastic group of dogs, and even a couple of ferrets- one of which used to be a Life Long Tails foster.

Pictures are printed while you wait, and come with a frame! The $10 donation for the photo goes towards the rescue and supplies for the event. We appreciate everyone’s support!

Today, Weasley returns home to the zoo, his biting behaviors greatly curbed, and happily he will be accompanied by young Alice. I am so happy to not only have helped train Weasley, but to be able to send him home with a companion.

From the moment Weasley came into the house, Alice has been quite taken with him- he had been introduced only a few minutes before she was grooming his face. Their friendly brawls are fascinating to behold (and listen to) and they sleep curled around each other. I could not have imagined a better resolution to Weasley’s situation.

Both ferrets will be education animals at the zoo. Alice is still a kit, and as a result a speedy little hellion, but she will settle a bit as she gets used to her new duties and grows up a bit. Being able to run off some of that energy by running Weasley ragged will also help.

I can’t wait to visit with them and see how they are doing as time goes on. As always when I have had a ferret fostered in the home, I will miss the kids, but I am happy to be able to report such a wonderful ending.

If you have any questions, please contact Jesse

Gregg’s Market
2956 Route 11,
Whitney Point, NY 13862
(607) 692-3343 ‎

Our first weekend of Pet Photos with Santa at the Vestal Petsmart was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who came to support the rescue, and let us meet their family.We will be at Petsmart the next two weekends as well, so its not too late to come meet us and have your pet’s picture taken! Feel free to comment here or email me if you have any questions.

EDIT- As of February 2012, both Mia and Stubbs have been safely returned home.

It’s that time of year again! Join us weekends in December at the Vestal Petsmart to have your pet’s picture taken with Santa. A small donation for the picture will support the rescue, and we love meeting everyone!

We will be at Petsmart from 10am to 5pm Saturday 12/3 , 12/10, and 12/17 and Sunday 12/4, 12/11, and 12/18. All animals are welcome! We got to meet fantastic cats and dogs last year, as well as a pot belly pig who was quite dashing in his hat and some truly charming ferrets.

This is one of my favorite events of the year. I look forward to seeing you!

Alicia is going to be under observation for some time- we want to make sure she continues to put on weight. I don’t think David is going to complain about having her around!

Weasley is here from the local zoo. He is one of their education animals and I am working with him on some behavior issues he developed as a result of being a lone ferret for a bit. I have introduced him to Alice, a young and feisty female recently added to the group, and I am hoping she will join him at the zoo. They get along so well!

It has been spectacular to be able to assist the zoo with their ferret, and an honor that they would approach me to see if I had any ferrets that I could adopt out to them. Weasley is one of the most gorgeous ferrets I have ever had the pleasure of working with- I would love to send little Alice to any home that would give her such excellent care!