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� INtown | RESCUED PET IDOL AUGUST 2010

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS: • E-mail your vote to vote@atlantaintownpaper.com by 11:59 PM on Aug. 7, 2010

• Five vote limit per e-mail address • The e-mail must contain the assigned number and pet’s name or it will not be counted

Name: Chug-Ghug Owner: Ann ClaesonWe told our son that if he made good grades and showed consis-tent responsibility for two years, he could get a dog. Well, he did, and here’s what happened. We always rescue our pets, so we looked into all local rescue organizations. We saw a photo of our dog-to-be and had to have her. The process was long, but the day we adopted her was magic. We were all meant to be together.

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Name: Leeloo Owner: Amy JacksonLeeloo is the greatest dog I have ever known. When I found her on the side of the road she was skin and bones and very sad, her spirit almost broken. At home, we had a 12-year-old dog named Dakota, who was dying of bone cancer and Leeloo took care of him up until the end. We are very blessed to have Leeloo in our life.

Name: Gracie Owners: The Arvidson FamilyGracie found us at an Atlanta Pet Rescue adoption fair when we were “just browsing.” She had been dumped road-side at 4-weeks old with her litter mates. Seven and a half years later, she is the most endearing pet we have ever had. She is kind, gentle, idiosyn-cratic and very affectionate. She brings such joy to our family, we do not know what we would do without her.

Name: Isis Owners: Jamal and Kenyatta MitchellIsis is a rescued American Pit Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier mix. Her mom and dad adopted her from Pound Puppies and Kittens in Social Circle when she was a year and a half. She is extremely smart and loyal. She loves peanut butter, belly scratches, and going to Wag-A-Lot to play with her friends.

Last year, Kamden Robb’s pooch Annie won the hearts of thousands to become Atlanta INtown’s first Rescued Pet Idol. Now, it’s time crown a new winner. The Top 3 winners will be featured in our September issue and receive fantastic prizes from our sponsors and supporters, including:

RESCUED PET IDOL 2010

1st Place:$225 Doggie Day Care Package FROM PIEDMONT BARK

$200 VACCINE PACKAGE FROM BRIARCLIFF ANIMAL CLINIC

$50 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM ANIMAL HOUSE

$50 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM HIGHLAND PET

2nd Place: $60 SPA DAY FROM PIEDMONT BARK

$25 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM ANIMAL HOUSE

SPECIAL DEAL ON HEARTGUARD PLUS PRODUCTS FROM VACCINES ‘N MORE

3rd Place: $30 TRIAL DAY OF DAYCARE & LICK-A-LOT FROZEN TREAT FROM PIEDMONT BARK

$25 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM ANIMAL HOUSE

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Name: TwigOwner: Susan LongleyTwig was found wandering around in the rain. You couldn’t hold her without wearing welding gloves – she would bite ! She was put up for adoption, but returned by four families. Kate Jackson of Jabula Dog Training Academy decided to take her on, and six weeks later she was one of their stars. Kate gave her to my daughter Joy for her fifth grade graduation. She now lives happily with our family and her best friend Rex, our other rescue dog.

Name: MaxOwner: Cindi BockwitzMom adopted me from Paws Atlanta who had rescued me from “death row.” I am grateful and loyal, but I’m a handful! I was aggressive at first but Mom and Aunt Pam helped me learn to trust people. I’m still anxious and hyperactive, but I don’t wear a muzzle on walks anymore! I try to protect my Mom from the thunder gods, even when she tells me to be quiet. I divide my time between the city in Decatur and the mountains in Hiawassee where I chase bobcats. I love my new life!

Name: Clementine Owner: Alisa Chambers Clementine was rescued from a junkyard in Decatur. Our friend saw her and wanted to find her a permanent home. Her belly was swollen from eating nothing but dirt. We already had two dogs, but when my husband locked eyes with Clementine, it was true love. She is very smart, very loyal and when she’s excited (mainly at mealtime), she can jump more than five feet straight up in the air. She loves snuggling, going on walks and meeting new people and dogs. v

Name: Rocky Puff Owner: Elizabeth OgletreeRocky Puff was rescued as a kitten from the middle of the street when he was 4 weeks old after his mother was hit by a car. He weighs 25 pounds and loves our children, letting them use his fat belly as a pillow. He is the sweetest cat ever and knows how to fetch his toys! He is a vegetarian and comes running as fast as he can when he hears us open the spinach container. His best friend is my parents’ dog, as he cleans the 70 pound dog and naps with him when he comes to visit.

Name: Maggie Mae Owner: Janice CraigMaggie Mae was rescued from PAWS in DeKalb County in 2007. She was a stray found in Toccoa, so we don’t have any real way to know her birth date, or even her birth year. She is probably about 10 years old now. She’s a happy, energetic dog, and always wants to be the leader. She doesn’t deal well with a change from her routine, but if you follow the routine, she’s such a happy camper. She has made my life as full as I hope I have made hers.

Name: Vic Owners: The LoydsWe rescued him about four years ago from a hound dog shelter in South Carolina. No telling what his proper lineage is, but we think some Coonhound and beagle. He jumped out of Kerrie Anne’s Land Cruiser one day in Athens and was hit by a van before vanishing into the woods. It took us almost five days of searching high and low before we finally found him. He’s pretty much the best dog ever.

Name: Jayla Owner: Deborah AlbertUpon being rescued, Jayla had a leaky heart valve, which would have caused her cardiac arrest within days. Luckily, this was caught in time and at 3 months of age she underwent open-heart surgery. A second surgery was needed six months later, Her heart will never be 100 percent, but you would never know by looking at her! She knows no different and has gotten into as much trouble as a typical puppy!

Name: Kismet Owner: Julie FrederickI am a female Golden Retriever mix. Well, not really, but that’s what my person was looking for when she adopted me! Actually, I am a male Tibetan Terrier mix, with a bark like a freight-train and a tongue that loves to kiss people! Even though I wasn’t what she thought she wanted, she followed her heart and took me home. Twelve years later, I am the happiest dog alive!

Name: Lanny Owner: Jamie BracewellHere’s my escape story: I’m a slinky black cat who, for seven years, had a good home. In January, my family decided to get kittens and I didn’t like them, so I had to go – straight to a high-kill rate animal shelter. Black cats (and dogs) have a lower adoption rate because we are deemed “ordinary.” How untrue! I was down to my last 48 hours but thank goodness my new owners know that black cats rock and that’s how I got my new digs.

Name: Boho Owner: Stefanee EscayMeet Boho, a 6-year-old toy poodle rescued from a home in Louisiana, where she was apparently cooped up with 70 other dogs. Upon liberation, she and her other pooch friends were disbursed to shelters in several states, including the Atlanta Humane Society on Howell Mill Road. We brought Boho home two weeks ago today, and I’m proud to say she’s very healthy and happy! She has definitely become my ‘Bohemian Rhapsody!’

Name: Sparky Owner: Chip AllenOn July 26, 2006, an unnamed dog was tied with a rope and dragged over a mile behind a truck and left for dead. The right side of his body was ripped off along with all the pads and nails off his paws. After $13,000 in vet bills and six months recuperation time, he lived and was given the name Sparky. I was fortunate to be selected his new dad by Atlanta Pet Rescue. Sparky and my life changed on that day and I feel he is the greatest dog in the world.

Name: Olive Owner: Susan BrooksAfter losing a beloved pet, we found Olive online at the Atlanta Humane Society. She should have been a hard sell; a nondescript black mixed breed dog complete with a missing right ear. She was actually smelly and wormy the evening we brought her home. Five months later, she graduated at the top of her obedience class at Canine Academy, has helped me meet more of my neighbors than ever before.

Name: Minnie Owner: Jim PowellShe prefers to be known as “Min the Merciless,” but her real name is Minnie the Min Pin (Miniature Pinscher that is). Minnie allowed me to adopt her from the Atlanta Humane Society after a hard life in a puppy mill. Now she is the bane of all wildlife in our suburban yard – snakes, opossums, rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks flee in terror from the always sharp-eyed “Min the Merciless.”

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RESCUED PET IDOL AUGUST 2010 | INtown �

Name: Annie Owner: Donna WatsonI was adopted from Atlanta Pet Rescue on July 3, 2010. I have been told I look younger than my 4 years of age. I came from a shelter in Augusta, where I had little hope of finding a home. I love playing with other dogs and especially enjoy play dates with my two new “cousins.” I was adopted by a lady, who says that I am definitely the best thing that has ever happened to her, and I am so glad we found each other.

� INtown | RESCUED PET IDOL AUGUST 2010 www.At lanta INtownPaper.com

Name: Ryker Owner: Lisa SchildmeyerA Blue Heeler puppy, “Chico”, was chosen as my partner one Sunday for the Atlanta Humane Society’s Pet Facilitated Therapy program at a local nursing home. He was a tremendous hit with the residents. I fell in love, but decided I couldn’t consider adopting another dog. However, I kept wondering how Chico was doing. When I visited the AHS 10 days later, Chico was still homeless – I had to adopt him! His new name is “Ryker”, which means “strong leader”. Now his job is to help guide his big sister Zoe, who went blind last year. We can’t imagine life without him

Name: Wilson Owner: Trey BurleyWilson is a 12-year-old Golden Retriever who was adopted from the Atlanta Humane Society 10 years ago. At the time, he was a manic, out of control puppy who loved to jump. Over time, he’s become a calmer, more patient dog that always smiles and knows exactly what you’re thinking. Wilson is good with other dogs, but in his heart he’s a people dog and does anything to please you. He shares his home with another dog; two cats and one toddler named Jake who drops lots of food that Wilson loves to eat.

Name: Goose Owners: The LaVerghetta FamilyOne look at those big amber eyes in a shelter and we were taken! What Goose, a grey Persian, lacks in a tail, he makes up for in temperament. He epitomizes “cool cat” and greets every visitor at the doorbell’s sound. People ask, “What is that?” or “Is that a Lynx?” A true Mr. Congeniality, he never met a stranger – including big dogs and cats. While Goose stays indoors these days, his perfect day includes chipmunk watching, resting in his favorite bowl and window visits from the neighborhood ladycats (a man can dream)!

Name: Olee Owner: Marsha BaileySuper Bowl Sunday, my birthday, and a four-leaf-clover day for one flea infested, scarred pup. Of all the people in all the towns in all the world, this pup met Southern Animal Rescue’s Lauren McKnigh, whose husband spotted him one block from their home on Memo-rial Drive. My husband was reluctant, but the pup collapsed on his back at his feet, and belly rubs ruled the day. My husband named him after wrestler Ole Anderson.

Name: Diego Owner: Susan TuckerIn 2004, having lost our rescued black cat Miguel to lymphoma six weeks before, my late, beloved mother and I stopped by the Atlanta Humane Society to “look at the cat residents.” An attendant held a beautiful black cat, about Miguel’s size. I asked, “Is he looking for a home?” The attendant looked startled, as if to say, “ Do you think he is a visitor?” We bonded immediately with this 8-month old kitty. Diego has blossomed into a 19-pound magnificent sweet and docile cat. His veterinarian says he has “big bones.” He makes home a happy place.

Name: Brooklyn Owner: Christina MichelsBrooklyn is an adorable orange tabby, rescued by my German Shep-herd Kady (herself a rescue)! A year ago, on our nightly walk, Kady suddenly pulled me toward a bush and wouldn’t leave, whining until I finally noticed the tiny, injured kitten huddled underneath. Brooklyn was underweight, frightened, with a compound fracture on his back leg, but he was hissing bravely regardless! The vets quickly performed surgery, and today Brooklyn is a happy, loving member of the family. Losing part of his foot hasn’t slowed him down one bit! And Kady has a new best friend, too.

Name: Sophie Owners: Wendy and Scott LowdenSophie is an eclectic mix with an old soul, who loves walks, chasing squirrels, good conversation and edamame, which she delicately picks out of the husk on her own. After being rescued from a life on the streets, Sophie became a beloved member of the Lowden fam-ily. She is VP of Office Morale at Wendy’s office and a natural model. Her likeness also graces giftwraps, totebags and other products, so the fame and attention from being Atlanta’s next Rescued Pet Idol won’t phase her in the least.

Name: Bradley Owner: Julia ZahraBradley is a cocker spaniel and (we think) golden retriever mix who is about five years old. He was found wandering down the side of the road in Avondale Estates with no collar or tags and covered in fleas. The people who found him brought him in to Lifeline Animal Project where he tested positive for heartworm. After Bradley was treated for heartworm and fleas, he was adopted and came home to his new house in Midtown. Today, Bradley’s favorite activities include chasing his ball, chewing his stuffed hedgehog, and run-ning with his mom.

Name: Josey Owner: Kyle KampisWhen our 10-year-old son woke us one morning and declared he wanted either a little brother or a dog for his birthday, we set off to rescue the perfect dog. Josey’s ancestry is up for debate but con-sensus is Lab and Foxhound, however with her strong herding traits she is bound to have some additional heritage. Josey has become a neighborhood celebrity spending most of her hours sneaking out of the house to literally hang out on the porch to greet passersby in hopes of a quick pat on the head or a pawshake.

Name: Max Owner: Susan KatzA shivering furry puppy was found near the dumpster of Decatur Recreation Center by one of its employees in December of 1999. Another employee with a soft heart for animals (my next door neighbor) fostered him until a home could be found. When I “borrowed” him to show him to my newly-adopted 9-year-old daughter from Russia, who was home with the flu and in real need of some puppy-love, she said the famous four words: “Can we keep him?” She named him Max and he’s now a handsome, healthy 75-pound, 10-year old happy dog. Gotta love that floppy ear!

Name: MollyOwner: Nicci KirbyMolly is a Terrier mix, who was on the verge of being used as a bait dog to train Pit Bulls to fight. She was rescued from filthy conditions in South Carolina and put up for adoption. It took a little convincing for Molly’s new dad to welcome her into the family when her new mommy brought her home unexpectedly, but after a few kisses and showing she could be a good dog, she now has her own life vest and loves to go fishing with her dad.

Name: Stella Owner: Polly SattlerLast August, I was out helping Councilmember Kwanza Hall doing a community clean up and recycling effort. A police officer was walking around with this little dog asking if she belonged to anyone and said that she had been tied up to an abandoned building for more than 24 hours! They put her back on the house but she got away. Kwanza and I went to get her from underneath a parked car that she had escaped to. As we were pulling her out, animal control was walking up to get her. So I decided to keep her. Her name is Stella Re. Re is short for recycles.

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