My Nonprofit Reviews

After losing my dearly loved, long time canine companion Arturo, I knew I would adopt dogs again - but needed time. I eventually stated to look at adoptable dogs on Pet Finder, and immediately came across a bonded pair, Ethel and Bertha, who tugged at my heart. I reached out to their rescue, Smiling Dogs Farm to learn more about them, but then had to back off as I was still grieving Arturo, and dealing with hefty pet emergency hospital bills. They were very understanding about this. When I felt ready to proceed, the dogs were still there, and I was offered a choice of fostering or adopting. Knowing that once they arrived at my home I would never want them to leave, I dove right into adoption. Understanding my financial restraints as a retired senior, Smiling Dogs generously offered me a very affordable adoption fee.
Right from the start I was sent photos and videos of ‘the girls’. As the date arrived for their journey from Texas to New York State I was kept apprised of every step of preparation, and sent wonderful pictures of them having their pre trip vet checkups and baths. As they began their journey, pictures arrived at each stage. I was counting down the hours! I only had to drive 1/2 hour to pick them up, as their wonderful volunteers from Rochester NY made the trip to collect them in Albany and bring them to my area. This was amazing! And especially wonderful for me as I dislike driving.
Ettel and Bierta (the Finnish version of their names) arrived in wonderful condition - freshly bathed, nails trimmed, completely vetted including blood work, and with ‘goodie bags’ containing the next months heartworm and flea and tick treatments, toys, and treats. Wow!
So here we are, a few months later. I can’t thank the rescue enough for allowing me the privilege of adopting these two dogs. The rescue has kept in touch to see how they have settled in. As both dogs are seniors, I know all too well that there will come a day when I lose them. When that sad time arrives, it will be Smiling Dogs that I reach out to, to find the next dogs in need of a loving home.
One last thing I want to mention - it is in the adoption contract that should I pass away, or become unable to care for Ettel and Bierta, that they must be returned to Smiling Dogs. This is an enormously comforting thought for me, that in that situation these two lovely dogs would be in the hands of people who would ensure they would be properly cared for and loved.
Thank you, Smiling Dogs, for the two perfect smiling dogs gracing my home.