Cappy

My name is Cappy, but my mom has been calling me moo-shoo, as in moo-shoo pork. She says i'm built like a little pork sausage. I've been at my new home for two months now and everything is going great! I was nervous at first, but warmed up quickly to my new parents and enviornment. I live in something called a condo. It has a small yard that I don't like but I don't care because dad take me on long walks every day! I get to stay with dad all day because he works from the home. I really like sitting on his lap while he's at the computer because he pets me while he's working. Mom gets home around 4 and then she plays with me for a while and then feeds me dinner. After that I help her do her homework for graduate school. My new parents are always petting me and playing with me, telling me that i'm the most beautiful little dog they've ever seen and that they're so blessed to have me in their lives. Both my parents are artists so they're always painting and making music. Mom hasn't painted me yet but she says she's going to very soon! They even take me to gallery openings every month where I'm always a big hit. Everyone says that I look like a little artist...i think it has something to do with my hair. Mom and dad bring me almost everywhere. They carry me just like a baby in something that slings over my moms shoulder. I visit my grandparents and my aunt often which i really like because they all feed me treats, pet me and tell me how precious I am. At the end of a long day I love nothing more than to cuddle with my parents in the big bed...I even have my own blanket! I just wanted to say thank you to Brigid and to Crest-Care for fostering me and taking such good care of me before I found my forever home! Thank you!

Cappy (moo-shoo)

Houdini (picture to arrive soon)

It's been almost 6 weeks since we adopted our Houdini. I have been a Crest-Care representative since April and when I saw pictures of Mary Knight's 5 1/2 year-old foster, Houdini...well let's just say it was magic! Mary is in California and I contacted her to ask about Houdini. After a couple telephone conversations and e-mails, I knew Houdini would be a perfect addition to our family. The arrangements were made and on May 5th my husband Billy and I drove to Barstow, California to meet Mary, her husband Bob and our new baby. It took us maybe about 2 seconds to fall in love with Houdini once we saw him (I was already hooked just from the pictures). It's about a 2 1/2 hour drive each way between Las Vegas and Barstow and I sat in the backseat with Houdini the whole ride home. He was a perfect little boy during this long drive and I know he was very tired from traveling. When we finally got home, he got to meet his new brothers and sister and everyone seemed to take an instant liking to him. At first he was a bit shy and often sat by himself in the living room. After a couple weeks, he now spends more time with the group so I guess he just needed some time to get used to things. Mary wasn't kidding when she said he loves to eat! As soon as he hears me open the pantry door (where the treats are) he'll come running. He knows the word "treat" and he understands "sit" and "lay down". He is a very well-behaved little boy and we are so fortunate to have him. Every now and then he will get the urge to play with a toy (mostly balls) but most often , he lounges on the couch or ottoman. He is just the cutest little thing and has such a loving, sweet personality. Houdini's most unique trait is this growly kind of moan (this is the only way I know to describe) that he makes after he gets all settled down for snuggling. Did I mention Houdini is a world-class snuggler? All I can say is we love Houdini very much. We were truly blessed with Houdini and all of our babies!

Tina and Billy Zanghi
Brothers: Snowflake (12 yr old toy poodle), Capone (11 yr old mini dachshund) and Pooh (9 yr old 3 1/2 pound chihuahua) Baby Sister: Gucci (approx. 11 mo old bichon frise we rescued in February from a puppy mill)

Thanks so much!

Jaxon

Hi Michelle. Here are some pictures of Jaxon. He is a wonderful member of our family. We feel extremely lucky to have found him through Crest Care. We appreciate the work you did locating him for us. Jaxon and his new family are grateful that organizations like Crest Care exist. Thanks for hooking us up with a great pooch.
Scott and Carol.

Keerah

Keerah’s Story

In my puppy mill life I must have been one of the puppies held back to be used for breeding and spent the first four years of my life in only a cage because one of my back toes is gone (by the scar on the bottom of the foot pad it must have got caught on the wire cage bottom and was torn off) and a couple of my other toes look like they were pushed upward as I grew; they are permanently higher than the others. Now, when I am walking on the hardwood floors in my forever home, my back feet do a little “clip-clop”, and when I am excited I spin in circles. When I came to my forever home I was terrified of flowing water on me even though it was soft, warm and gentle. The puppy mill water must have been cold and hard and the cages must have been all sprayed at the same time to get the cleaning job done fast. My toe pads were stained a brownish-green from standing in the poop and pee before it was sprayed away.

When the puppy mill had used what they wanted of me, when I was becoming weak and had sores on my skin, and they were ready for my disposal, I was given to Crest Care, a rescue group that saves others like me: Chinese Cresteds. I was placed with a foster mom and she took me to the Vet and took care of me. They cleaned my teeth and gave me medicine to help make me well. I was spayed so I wouldn’t suffer the pain of giving birth any more.

Then one day, another lady and man came. I was afraid of them and didn’t want to go with them. The foster mom was kind to me and I didn’t want to leave; but the new lady dressed me in a new jammie outfit, wrapped me up in a pretty, new blanket and held me gently as they took me away. For several hours I traveled, sitting in the new lady’s lap, to a new world – my new forever home.

When I arrived in my new forever home, my new “brother”, Frosty, a hairy hairless Chinese Crested and a new “sister”, Jo-jo, a Löwchen, greeted me. My new forever mom held me for a couple of minutes until most of the sniffing-greeting was done and then slowly put me on the floor so we pup-siblings could all sniff together. Then we all went outside where there was a nice, grassy fenced-in yard (although since it was January and winter, the grass wasn’t exactly real green and soft). Jo-jo and Frosty ran around making sure everything was the same and then peed in the grass. I looked around some, took a few steps then I peed. I walked around little and then my mom picked me up so we could all go inside. My first day I didn’t move around much, everything was new and strange and scary. That night, while Jo-jo and Frosty slept in their crates in the big bedroom, I slept in the big bed with my new mom and dad. Since the bed is king-sized, there was plenty of room for me. I’m still very afraid of crates and my mom and dad don’t make me stay in one. Jo-jo will sometimes go in her crate just to nap. She actually likes it in there – go figure! Frosty sometimes goes in his crate just to nap, but most of the time he gets up in the big bed – except when we are all in the living room, then he is with our dad in the big chair. In the mornings after my mom gets us all up and we go outside to relieve ourselves we all run and get in the big bed with dad. There is a little ramp dad made that we can get to the cedar chest and then up onto the bed from there.

Frosty is his daddy’s boy and is with him always. Jo-jo is pretty independent and stays on the couch when she isn’t chasing birds or airplanes outside. Mom always leaves in the mornings and dad stays home all day so I’m getting used to my dad more. Frosty is learning to share his dad with me as we both are resting with him in his big chair in the evenings, but sometimes I prefer the couch. When mom comes home she picks me up and holds me for a long time. She tells me what a good girl and what a pretty girl I am. Sometimes we go into another room with soft lights where it’s quiet and she pets me and talks softly to me for a little while. Sometimes I can look at her when she is talking to me, but sometimes I can’t. I don’t understand this love I’m receiving, but I’m really starting to relax more and not be so afraid. Recently I have started to explore my new home and am learning all the new smells in all the corners. I’m getting more and more brave and even sometimes bark at some noises. I’m also learning the joy of running! I can run around the outside of the furniture in the living room – Frosty does this often. I tried it and ran around two times as fast as I could go! Then I just stopped – was I ever tired! Now Frosty and I run around the room together and it is Fun! Jo-jo sometimes joins us, but she cheats and goes under the middle table and gets ahead of us.

I don’t know what I did to have been given this loving forever home, but I’m sure glad I’m here. When my mom and dad give me a bath now I stand still while the water flows over me, and the stains on my feet pads are almost gone. The food is the best ever and we eat twice every day. I’m learning from my big sister, Jo-jo, how to use the doggy door, go up and down stairs and go potty outside. Jo-jo has been here all of her 11 years of life, so she knows what to do. My mom and dad are really pleased that I am learning so much so fast. Frosty is 6 years old and is the boy of the house. He thinks he is “king of the hill”! Jo-jo and I just let him think this even though we know we girls are really the ones with the “smarts”! Wherever dad goes, Frosty is prancing right behind him. I have started to prance like Frosty, so now dad has two prancing cresties following him around the house.

One day my mom and dad took me in the car to visit some people and I was starting to be afraid that I would again be going someplace new and scary. I didn’t eat or drink the whole time we were traveling and visiting. But that evening when we got home it was my forever home we came back to and was I glad! I perked up, ran around and ate like a trooper at suppertime.

What a beautiful thing – this “forever” home I’ve been given. Thank You, Crest Care. And Thank You to the One Who is Love, for now I have some of this love in my life, for the rest of my life in my forever home with my forever mom and dad.

--- Keerah

Picture to arrive later...

Bobby (a.k.a. Hon Chi)

Hi Ladies!

I've been in Miami for a week now... and let me tell you... They lied. It's been cold! Last night I was watching TV on my mom's lap and I heard it's goind to warm up! Good! That's what I came to the Sunshine State for....

Well, after the ordeal we went through last Saturday (I am sure everyone involved wants to put it behind us... ), I ended up in a very nice home. As soon as I was inside my aunt's car, my mom let me out of the carrier. It was cool and a bit windy, so she brought a sweater and a windbreaker to the airport when she picked me up. She dressed me up, (they fitted me perfectly!) and once I was out of the carrier, and felt warm all over, I went to sleep on her lap.We got home and I didn't know anyone. There was this green-eyed cat looking at me as if I had just come out of a UFO..... But she didn't move and I just ignored her. There was a nice bed with warm blankets and toys waiting for me, and my mom and aunt fed me some very tasty roasted chicken. My mom took me out a couple of times before we all went to bed. I didn't meet my older brothers until the next day. I went to sleep in my cute doggie bed, but around 3:00 am, I decided my mom's bed looked very comfortable and with a bit of effort on my part and her help, I managed to climb Mount Everett and went back to sleep with the cat and my mom on her bed.

I was sort of quiet for a day or so, but I decided to follow my mom wherever she went. I love her kitchen. In fact, that is where my nice doggie food comes out of twice a day. Of course I think every single dish coming out of the kitchen is mine, but by now I know better. There are other "characters" to be fed in this home. I met my two older brothers the next morning. The so called Chow was very nice. He welcomed me with a wagging tail. The "biggie" is a mama's boy....... He is more reserved, but nice nevertheless.

I take walks with my mom about four or five times a day. Only had two accidents so far, and my mom did not even get mad at me..... She just went: no-no-no..... and that was it! I bark at everything I see.... the neighbors, the birds, the planes going by (I hate those)....... There is a neighbor who walks his dogs (a chihuaha and a Havanese) whom I've met a couple of times already. They must be on the same schedule I am. They are cute, about my size and seem to be playful.....

I didn't pay much attention to my toys at the beginning but little by little, I am beginning to enjoy them. I have a stuffed doggy dressed as Santa that makes this funny noise when I chew on it.... I love it. Now I go to bed with him and guess what? My mom can't go to sleep because I am making so much noise!!!! But she finds it funny.I have a very nice wardrobe. Three sweaters, two windbreakers, one coat lined with faux fur, and a cute little yellow raincoat. It even has a hood!. My aunt bought me a T-shirt yesterday. It's white and has a sign that says I AM HAVING A BAD HAIR DAY! I find my aunt a bit sarcastic! What kind of hair is she referring to????

I already got my county tag, another ID from the vet, and a cute blue ID tag with my name, address and telephone number. I think my mom must have made a mistake. It says Hon-Chi on it.... But then again, that is what she calls me, and of course, I am getting used to it. I already "speak" a couple of words in Spanish. I understand VEN and VAMOS.....

My mom is very proud of me! We all had a Cuban Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday.. They eat pork instead of turkey, but it tastes good, believe me!

So, that's my report. My mom adores me, my aunt is crazy about me..... I am having a lot of fun, I feel happy and I am adjusting very nicely. My mom says she cannot understand how anyone could have taken me to a shelter. She is very happy that mom Kim got me out of there and I ended up here. I guess that is what they call destiny..... Who would have thought I (a Texan boy) would have ended up in this latino town!
Thank you all..... I'll keep in touch! Will send pictures soon!

Love....

Bobby (a.k.a. Hon Chi)

My mom says Hi!

Bentley

Bentley actually had his one year anniversary with us on Saturday. He and Phyllis got a special treat and new t-shirts.

We couldn't be more blessed by this sweet handsome little boy. He has been a true delight. He's such a great snuggler and the fastest kisser in the world. He and Phyllis promptly start their day at 5:30 am when they wake us up (mostly their father) and let us know it's time to eat and go potty. (The 5:30 wake up call became a new thing when Bentley arrived -- food became a little bit competitive.) At 7:30 or 8:00 they come and wake mamma up by having a good wrestle on the bed. The rest of their day is spent with more wrestling, sleeping, keeping vigilant watch at the living room window and barking at every passer by, terrifying the poor mail man when he comes to the door (I'm positive he's been hurt by a dog in the past), eating again promptly at 5pm, and then more snuggling, sleeping, barking, and wrestling. They make friends everywhere they go and introduce more and more people to the chinese crested breed. Our favorite is to meet people and other dogs at our local Sunday Farmer's Market.

Thank you so much for fostering him so that he could come live with us. We don't know how he could have possibly been given up twice.

I can't wait to get some calendars. Thanks for checking in on us. Have you been fostering any other dogs?

Take care - Jamie

Sweet Pea

Dear Aunt Ellen, Former Foster Mommy Carrie and Daddy Gary, and Crest Care,
It’s Sweet Pea!
I have been living with my new parents and forever home for a year now, and I am really liking it. As soon as I moved in I could go wherever I wanted! I sleep in the big bed, I nap on the couch, and I sneak about when nobody is looking on my own adventures. My grandparents bought me all sorts of new stuff. They spoil me and ask me to come over all the time. My parents have bought me more treats and toys than I could ever imagine. I love chewing up stuffed animals and leaving the stuffing EVERYWHERE. It’s really funny, haha. I get pampered, groomed, petted, spoiled... I could tell my forever parents love me to death. My mommy goes with me on car rides all the time, we even go to the ice cream shop 35 minutes away so I could have my own ‘doggy’ cone! My daddy loves to lay with me and take me outside. We go on family adventures to work, garage sales, even the nail salon where they gave me a manicure and pedicure with doggy nail polish!
I was a little bit timid and shy at first, but my new mommy and daddy have been very nice and I have really opened up a lot to them. I give them kisses and ‘paw’ them when I want more attention. I’m even their little guard dog. Once when my Aunt Shawna spent the night she tried to come in our bedroom and I barked and growled and scared her away before she could get in. I thought it was a stranger, but my mommy and daddy thanked me for doing that. I love being here, there is endless enjoyment, and when I am left all alone for a few hours when they are both at work they leave on the radio in the bedroom and the TV on Animal Planet in the living room. My grandparents, aunts, and uncles even stop by to puppysit me, pet me, and love me!
I can tell that my mommy and daddy really care and I love being their Velcro dog. I’ll talk to you guys soon!
Love always and thanks for all of your love, Sweet Pea!

Sasha

Hello all- My name is Sasha. I wanted to send this letter to all of my foster mommies to let them know how I am doing in my new family. At first I was not too sure I wanted to be here. It was late and I was tired when we got to my new home. My new daddy was waiting for us with my 2 new 4 legged sisters and my 2 legged brother was sleeping. He is only 8 yrs old after all and it was way past his bedtime. I was really scared and I think I drove my new mommy a little batty the first week with not knowing the potty routine but she just got up every morning and gave me hugs and kisses and told me it was a new day and we would try harder to have an accident free day. I have now figured it out and rarely have accidents and she still does not yell at me. I have trained mommy to my way of doing things. My 2, 4 legged sisters are ok. My sister Kiki and I have a lot in common and we have become friends fast. She is also a CCPP and we even look a lot alike. Mommy calls us the princess twins. Kiki is teaching me all the things I need to know, like what the cheese wrapper sounds like so I can come to the kitchen and look sooooooo cute that mommy has no choice but to give us some. My baby sister Abby is a westie and like all terriers, she can be bossy at times. Kiki and I now take turns teaching her who is in charge and some manners. We don’t mind babysitting her. Kiki and Abby has taught me all about bawk bawks (freeze dried chicken treats) and quack quacks (freeze dried duck treats) and chewies. Even though I don’t have many teeth I have figured out how to eat them. It takes me longer but that is ok because I learned how to bark at them and protect my treats. I love them. Mommy also makes sure that they do not try to take them from me. When it is time for breakfast, I am the first one to the kitchen and I do a happy dance, with my tail in the air, and cry for food. I love breakfast, and lunch, and dinner, and any other time mommy wants to give me a treat. I also love going out in the yard and running with my sisters, I need my exercise to keep my girlie figure. I even like going bye bye car now. It is fun to go with mommy when she goes out. If it is too hot we get to stay home in the air conditioning and sleep away the day. I love my mommy so much and she loves me. Most times she will just walk by me and pet and kiss me, she even tells me what a good girl I am. I am starting to believe her. I was not too sure before I came to Crest Care but everyone seemed to think I was special so I am starting to think so too. My daddy is a big guy and I am still not too sure about him but he acts just like mommy. He comes to me and pets me and gives me belly rubs and tells me I am a good girl. My 2 legged little brother is a pretty cool. He is being very gentle and slow moving around me and letting me decide I want to play with him. He loves to play with my sisters and I sometimes think about joining in the fun. I will keep thinking about that for now. Mommy has been packing for days now and she tells us we are going to summer camp for 7 weeks. I am not sure what summer camp is but she tells me that it will be lots of fun. I will get to see my cousins Molly (westie) and Riley (cairn) again. They came to stay with us for a few days while their mommy was working and we had lots of fun being crazy dogs together. I miss them lots. I searched the whole house after they left but could not find them. Mommy promises only a few more days and I will see them again.

I wanted to let you all know how I am doing. I love my new life. There is always a great chair to sleep in, a warm bed and plenty of food and love. Mommy rarely yells and usually it is at my sister Abby to leave me alone when I do not want to play. It is nice to have someone love you so much and protect you from the big world. Thank you again for all that you did to find me such a great new home. I miss you all but I am very happy here.

Oakley has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Dillon and Sugar

Dear Crest Care

I just wanted to write and thank you soooo much for finding the BEST forever home ever for me!!

When I was at one of the worst times in my life, a really nice lady was having one of the worst times in her life, and we both thought we could help each other out.......the first time I met my new mommy, I was so afraid all I could do was sit and shudder and shake......Susan told mommy that she didn't think she was going to be able to place me because I was so scared.......but my mommy told Susan that it was okay and that she would shower me with so much love and attention that I would not be able to do anything but be happy!!!!! And the best part was she was willing to allow me to do it in MY time instead of rushing me in HER time......Susan explained to mommy that I was TERRIFIED of food dishes so I had to eat off a piece of material and that getting me to drink regular tap water would be a issue because I would only drink out of my special glass that Susan sent with me, but my mommy still said that was fine and she would still love me anyhow. Susan also let my mommy know that I was TERRIFIED of traveling and going bye bye.......mommy said, "that's okay.....he will be just fine" and boy was she RIGHT!!!!!!!Mommy took me home and petted me every day.....for the first few days she let me just stay in our bedroom.....finally when she could handle me without me being to scared she brought me out into a big room where there were more people just like her and they were all really sweet to me too!! Then I saw my brother come running out of the other bedroom.....his name is Sammy, and he is a 170lb Great Dane/Lab mix who seemed eager to meet me......I was scared of him at first because he is sooo BIG and BOUNCY! After we hung out for a while I decided I could outsmart him easily, and so we started playing in the backyard.....he is still such a baby he always tattles on me to mommy.... Anyhow now that he knows I am the boss we get along just fine.......except when he tries to play to rough with mommy, then I step in and keep him in line for her.....sheesh.....I tell ya......little brothers are sure a pain sometimes........lol......anyhow after I came out of my shell and my mommy saw how playful I am she decided to get my sister Sugar from Susan also......Sugar was a lot like me when she met mommy, she was really scared and was sure to never trust another human again, but I let her know that it was okay to trust mommy from day one.......You wouldn't believe how much BOTH of us have changed since we moved here.....I am still scared of food dishes a little, (but occasionally mommy see's me sniffing at Sammy's, and sometimes I get the courage up to steal one or two of his kibbles out of it) but mommy bought me my very own place mat that we keep in our bed room with my food on it.......it even says Prince on it (because mommy thinks I am royalty) and I always drink out of a water bowl now on my placemat....no more of those sissy glasses for me.......I even share my water with my new sister Sugar......but not my food! It's a good thing she has me around to watch her waistline! I love love love to go outside and lay on our back porch in the sun with Sugar.....mommy made us a BIG bed to share out there,sometimes Sugar gets a little too rambunctious and I have to settle her down......if she doesn't listen to me then I go in and sleep on my brothers bed with him.....I like to curl up with him....he is so big and warm!! Sugar is still a little dysfunctional but we are working on it......she has really come a long way from when we got her.....it's a good thing she has me around to show her the ropes! We LOVE to go bye bye now and get our feelings hurt if mommy leaves us home.....our favorite place to go is when mommy loads all of us up including Sammy and we all go to the river and run and play.....mostly I keep Sugar from getting herself into trouble, but it is fun for us all!!!
Anyhow Sugar and I just wanted to THANK YOU CRESTCARE sooooooo much!!!! I am sure there just can't be any two Cresties out there happier than we are!!

Love Dillon & Sugar

Chippy

"Hello, my name is Chippy. In 1998, my daddies adopted me, and I have been treated like royalty ever since. (See the painting I had done for my Papa Jim's birthday!) We live in Danville, California (30 miles East of San Francisco). One of my favorite things is to go on car rides. Whenever, I hear, "Chippy – wanna go bye-byes?" I know we're going for a ride. Sometimes, I get so excited that I may piddle myself. (oops!) That's how much I really love our car rides. From short daily car trips to long weekend car trips, I love them all. Once, I got to see ancient Giant Redwoods (boy, are they huge!), Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park's Half Dome and more. And, sometimes, we bring my "abuelita" Eileen. "Abuelita" is Spanish for grandma. I love my abuelita Eileen. Other times, my abuelita will stay with me at my house while my daddies go away on long vacations. During their trip to London, they got me this beautiful tiara from Harrod's of London. I was sort of embarrassed by it, but I knew they loved seeing me in it, so I indulged them. But, during the summer months, I love to explore my backyard. It isn't very big, but I really like to smell all the plants and watch the squirrels run around, and balance on the telephone wires. Those squirrels are funny! We have a lot of birch trees, and we have these funny looking plants that look like they're from the dinosaur ages. But, one of my favorite summertime things to do is to lie on the backyard pavers and sunbathe. My little pink belly turns a golden brown. It looks kind of funny. But, you know, my absolutely favorite, favorite, favorite thing in the WHOLE-WIDE-WORLD is to lie between my two daddies while watching TV after a hectic day. I really enjoy snuggling with them. I love my Papa R.J. and my Papa Jim very much. Thank you Crest Care for sending me two great daddies!"

Dear Aunt Susan,
When I came back in from outside, I looked all over the house for you, but you weren't there.  I didn't know where you went and it made me very sad.  I actually cried real tears I was so sad, and my new mom & dad said that they had never in their lives seen that before, and it made them very sad also. I know that they are very happy to have me though, cause they keep telling me over and over that it's gonna be O.K. now, that NO ONE is ever gonna abuse me again, and that I will always have plenty of love, and food, and comfort for now and forever, no matter what little indiscretions that I make (even piddling on their carpet).  My new dad wrapped me up and held me on his chest all night like a little baby, and I relaxed completely and even fell asleep.  (Although every little noise startled me, but I know that I'll relax and get used to that soon).  I even taught my new really big sister who the REAL BOSS is when she came up and got too close, I growled at her and then snapped at her big 'ole snout, but my new dad said that that was unacceptable, and that there was no reason for me to ever be afraid again, that no one was going to hurt me.....man or beast!! :>)  I think I really like my new dad alot! I give him lots and lots of kisses on his chin when I'm nuzzling him.  I think with a big Alpha like him around, I really don't ever have to worry again.  He really is a lot like my big sister named Sybil.....a Gentle Giant!! So.....we're headed off to bed now.  They said I
get to sleep with them tonight in the BIG bed, and they're going to be very careful and not crush me in the middle of the night.  I think I'll be nice & toasty & warm! I know I'm gonna miss you, but I'm starting to get real excited about being here in my new FOREVER home.  Right now I'm lying here on my new dad's arms while he tries to type this silly letter!! :>) You take
care and I won't ever forget everything that you did for me! You saved my life and found me a wonderful new home with parents that will love me forever.  Come and visit me anytime you want! I'll give you lots of kisses to repay you for all your kindness!!

Love always,
Your little Z-boy!!

Mattie (formerly Diana)

Diana spent 5 months in rescue with a host of neurological problems. She was literally minutes away from being euthanized after being found as a stray when Crest-Care came to her rescue. She was so mean at the shelter, that no one wanted to go near her to evaluate her condition. She was given proper medical care by Crest-Care, and finally found her forever home with the most generous dog lovers you could find. Her name was changed to Mattie, and her new person gave us this update:

Mattie...I saw her photo on Petfinder and didn't even know what kind of dog she was. I was taken with her eyes. She has such a depth and wisdom in her eyes. I knew I had to have her in my family. I didn't know anything about her breed, her possible medical condition, anything. It was just meant to be! I drove all the way to Massachusetts, knowing she wouldn't like me at first, but convinced that she was meant to come and live with us. Even though she growled at me the entire way home, kicked Ranger (a mini-pinscher) out of the front seat within the first hour of the ride, and basically told me "I don't care who you are...take me back to my foster mothers ," I was hooked! We were all in the car for a 6 hour ride home and Mattie didn't speak (other than to growl) the entire way. I was afraid to make a bathroom stop for fear Mattie wouldn't let me back in the car!! Once home I did just what the fosters told me to. I sat on the floor and waited for Mattie to come to me. It took about 1/2 hour before she was in my lap. The rest....is history! She is funny, clever, spiteful and the most loving dog I've ever met. She has made our house her home and she wants nothing more than snacks and to be held! Just what I was looking for.

She is a dear, dear girl! About a week ago she finally started wagging her tail all the time and for the first time actually played with Ranger (a first for Ranger as well). Mattie and Ranger are running and playing quite a bit now, in fact, both have started to bark when they run (something neither did at all before)! The cat is another story. Mattie keeps trying to get the cat to play, but don't think he'll ever adjust to being chased by a "naked" dog! I am convinced that Mattie was meant to be in our home. I can't explain how I knew it when I looked at her photo. For me to drive more than an hour from my house by myself really speaks volumes for how much Mattie meant to me (I am not fond of driving, can't see well at night, and basically never travel more than an hour or so from home by myself). I was "driven" to meet Mattie and see if she would come home with me!  

   Tyvle's story Click Here

   Skippy Acklen burst into my life July 21, 2002 with a bang. I drove 225 miles to pick him up and I thought he was the funniest looking little creature I had ever seen. Skippy has a heart as big as all outdoors, eyes that smile constantly and not an aggressive bone in his body. His introduction to the world was through a puppy mill where he sheared off 2 of his back toes and was no longer AKC eligible. They made a decision that Skippy wasn't good enough to live and should be put to sleep. Well, through some serious efforts, Skippy landed in the household of Les and Shari. The little fellow just didn't realize how blessed he was. 
   About 550 miles away, in the privacy of my bedroom, with my rescued 11 year old Rotty ( Gracie Acklen) dying of cancer after our 10 year friendship, I started looking for a puppy who needed a helping hand to save their life. Gracie said that some little furry thing needed to live as good as she had and that it was ok for me to look. 
   I went to several animal rescue sites, and even thought about a cat. I filled out a questionnaire about what I wanted and laughed because I came up with a cross between a dog and a cat. Then I read a letter from this little fellow named "Skippy". Site unseen, I was in love and wanted him to come live with me.....................so, I wrote him back. After about 6 weeks of emails, home visits, and Gracie dying, I spoke with Shari, Skippy's foster Mom who said, Skippy can help get you through your grief. I said, "how and when?" She said , "how about now?" The next morning, the journey began. I never imagined that something weighing in at 11 pounds would take over my life, my lap and my bed.
   Fast forward 1 month........a friend who does volunteer work at an animal rescue center called me about a little dog with a leg that had been broken and never set and said she looks a lot like Skippy. I asked was she sure and I told her I was on my way over. Sure enough, there she sat...shaking......in a corner..........and too afraid to move. Needless to say, she also shares my life, Skippy's life, my lap and my bed. The 2 are the joy of my life and the joy of each others.
   I thank Crest-Care- ,Shari and Les, Gracie Acklen, my friend in the animal rescue world and God. Oh, the little girl's name is "Jazz-e"..............and along with Skippy, we are Family.      Joyce Acklen

Dear Crest Care:
   I have been in my new home for a month now and I wanted to let everyone know how it's going. I have a mom, dad, 3 girls, and some cats who are normal like me (hairless). I was a little nervous when I first got here but my mom stayed with me all the time and gave me whatever I wanted so decided to become her pal very fast. I could tell she was a little nervous with me too at first but she is over that now.
   My day begins when I have to wake up the two oldest girls and make sure they get to the bus on time. On most days I decide to get under the covers and lay down with them instead of getting them up, so mom has to come in and get us all out of bed. After they leave I have to get the youngest girl up and I get to ride in the car to take her to school which I really like to do. When I get back home I usually take a nap on the couch while mom drinks her tea so I can rest up before I have to start following her around the house 'helping' with chores. No matter what mom is doing I am always there with her even if I'm only napping in the same room. Sometimes she tries to sneak out so she won't disturb my sleep but I always know when she is gone and I'm off to find her within minutes. Between chores she will cuddle with me on the couch and tell me how much she loves me. If she stops petting me I force my head under her hand so she will start again.
    When the girls get home from school I get really playful. If it's warm enough they take me out in the back yard and let me run or throw a ball for me. They like it when I bring the ball back to them but I prefer to grab it and run in the other direction. I love being outside, except for the time there was cold, wet stuff piled on the ground and I kept sinking in it. I made my dad shovel that stuff off of a spot in the yard for me before I would use the bathroom. After play time with the girls I settle down under the kitchen table to nap while they do their home work.
   My dad comes home around 5:30 and I really look forward to our play time each day. I follow him up to the bedroom and wait on the bed until he changes clothes. Then I bark at him teasingly so he will run from one side of the bed to the other chasing me. He barks back at me and we continue the game until dad gets tired and takes me downstairs to watch TV with him. For the rest of the evening I go from person to person keeping an eye on everything they do, until mom takes me up to bed with her for the night.
   My family says they are so happy to live with me and are proud of the nice manners that I have. Mom is especially happy that I go potty outside and keeps telling her friends that she can't believe what a good doggie I am. I have learned a few tricks like standing on my back legs and spinning when the girls tell me to "Dance", and going to my bed when mom says "In your bed". She usually gives me something yummy to chew when she says that so it's my favorite trick. I also know what 'Sit' means but I can't figure out what they want me to do when they say 'Stay'.
   Twice a week mom bathes and shaves me. Mom is getting much better at grooming me now and I'm not so nervous when she gets the clipper out. I really don't mind any of my grooming now and I look forward to the treat I always get after it's over. I have lots of cute clothes to wear, some for cold weather and some for the days it gets warm. I got a pink fur coat for Christmas and everyone tells me how cute I am when I put it on.
   I got to meet grandma and grandpa at Christmas and they thought I was adorable. Grandma wanted to take me home with her but my girls told her "No way"!
   Although the cats here are friendly I don't care much for them. They are sometimes too friendly and scare me a little when they run over and try to sniff me. We don't fight, but for now I like them to stay on their side of the room.
   Overall I think things are going great here and I am very happy. I love being spoiled and having someone to be with me all day long. I can tell my whole family loves me and wants the best for me. Mom says she can't understand why my old family gave me up but she is glad they did because she thinks I am a wonderful additional to the family.
   I want to thank Cyndi Frye for telling mom where she could find me and how great my breed is. Until that time mom thought she wasn't a 'dog person' but I have certainly changed her mind! Cyndi came to visit me on Christmas Eve and brought her Chinese Cresteds which my family enjoyed seeing. I am also thankful to Nadine Nadeau who took care of me before I came to Virginia and answered all mom's questions. I missed you and your dogs a lot when I first came here but I am over that now and grateful that you took me in and loved me for the short time I was with you. Finally, a big thank you to everyone involved with Crest Care for caring about dogs like me and finding us great new families. My wonderful new life would not be possible without all of you, and I am sure many other lives, both human and canine, have been enriched through your efforts.
     Sincerely, Daisy

My name is Chico and I am a 10 year old Chinese Crested male. I was fostered in Illinois with Michelle Hasty after I was rescued. My new mom and dad drove 8 hours each way for me. At first I was frightened of everyone. On the ride home I sat on my mom's lap and started to trust her as I knew she would love me. It took me a little longer to let dad get very close to me. I knew he loved me but having been abused by men when I was in the puppy mill. I get to sleep with mom and dad in their big bed with my 3 sisters, but I will let them tell you there story. Thanks to Crest Care for being there for me. 

Love Chico

My name is Ivy, mom sometimes calls me Iverson but that goes forward. When I was born I never knew that there was a nice place to live or sleep. Me and my mates were in a pen in the back, way in the back of pens of larger dogs. It was noisy and when it rained we were wet and when the sun shined we got so hot, sometimes we had water to drink and they threw food at us and I learned to fight to stay alive. The ASPCA cane and took me to a shelter and they said I was in bad shape my back was badly sun burned). I stayed in the shelter for over 3 months to heal, they tried to help but it hurt so very bad. One day an man and woman came with a crate to take us away, I was scared and very vocal about it. We were in the car then it stopped and a man (dad) reached in and handed me to mom. I rode on her lap home (with my front legs braced on her chest). I watched all my mates leave, but mom said she just couldn't let me go. Now I am in my forever home and I would protect it with my life. Thanks

Love Ivy

My name is Willow and I am not a Chinese Crested but an Xolo and came to my forever home thru the efforts of Stacy and Mary in Texas, I thank them very much. In my forever home, I have two sisters and one brother My sister Ivy and I play a lot, we chase each other up and down the hall way and back and use dad's chair for a turn around point when he is on the computer. I also get to sleep in the big bed with the other dogs, and mom and dad, We all get to go to grandma and grandpa's house and see the their little dogs and play some. I am very happy in my forever home . I am loved and spoiled now. Thanks to Crest Care fort your help.

Love Willow

Hi; This is ItlBit an 8 year old Chinese Crested female. I was rescued from a shelter and Virginia Hannon fostered me while I recovered from heart worms. When I was well I went to my forever home. My new mom and dad drove about 5 hours each way to pick me up. I sat on dad's lap all the way home with my brother Chico. When we got home they gave me treats and said I could sleep with them in the big bed. I like to go to the foot of the bed and lay by dad's feet. I came to my forever home in March 2002. Thanks to Crest care for my wonderful life now.   Love ItlBit

P.S. When I came to my forever home I was about 7 pounds and now about 11 and half pounds.

Roo: is a little Baby Doll, Loves to be wrapped in a blanket and carried..
Plays until he drops!

  Pixie has just made herself right at home, and we're completely crazy about her. I gave her a bath this afternoon (she found something delightfully stinky in the back yard and of course rolled in it), and as soon as she gets out of the bath, she always gets a wild case of the "zooms." She was flying all around the house, about to break the sound barrier, and we were laughing so hard we had tears. She's quite a little character. Right now she's napping on her little bed under my desk.

She's doing very well, and we're delighted. Jackpot! Thanks again.

Best, Elizabeth

Hello, my name is Molly and I want to thank you so much for finding me my new home. I have been here now for only two weeks, but I am sooooo loved that it seems like I have always been here with my new Mom, Dad, two human brothers and a human sister. I also have a hairless brother named Simon (below). He came from your rescue too! We are getting to be good buddies and he has already showed me which lap is the coveted one (Mom's) and where to go to hide out with a good bone (behind Mom's chair), and where to go potty when we go for our walks. I think I like having him for a big brother. I am blind in one eye, but that is not a handicap in this house. My littlest human brother is too! So we are good buds. He is my human guide and I am his dog guide and since we have sight in the opposite eyes, it works out real well for us. He loves me lots and is always "stealing" me from his sister so he can cuddle me. Hey! I love this.....people fighting over who will be the one to love me! It is a great feeling! I was loved by Elizabeth in Ontario, my foster Mom, but this is different.......these are MY people! Forever!!!! And when it all gets too much for me, I can find Mom or Dad and climb on their ever ready laps for quiet cuddle time.....and no one can bother me there. I also have my very own new bed that is off limits to everyone else, but I like Mom's lap best! I have a new "hairdresser" and she makes me look so pretty and even puts pretty bows in my hair. I also have a new vet who thinks I am lucky to have found this new home, but Mom just laughs and says "No Way is SHE the lucky one........WE are, so I know she really loves me lots!!! I used to be very scared all the time, but I am getting over that. I am still very shy, but getting better about that too. Even the loud noises from passing cars when on our walks don't scare me anymore. 
   Thank you Elizabeth, for taking such good care of me and looking after me 'till I found my new family. I still miss you and all my friends at your house, but I think I am going to be just fine here with my new family (they keep telling me I am just adorable, and don't even seem to notice my "bad" eye........that's a good thing,........right).
   Also, thank you to Crest Care for being there for me and puppies like me so that we can be cared for in loving homes till we find our Forever Family.    Love Molly

Simon

Reba did not have an easy start. Mary found Reba and her brother suffering from mange at a local shelter in Texas and she was only hours away from being euthanized. I can't express enough my thankfulness for the dedication and care Mary gave Reba in restoring her to health. Reba came to live with me in Pennsylvania last fall. (Her brother was also adopted out.) Reba shares my home with six other babies of assorted/mixed breeds, all of who had been abandoned or abused. In a matter of days, she became integrated with "the pack", learned the routine and her wonderful personality started to shine. Reba is such a happy, happy girl and truly a joy. I am so thankful Mary entrusted me with her. Nothing will ever take the place of my Sara but Reba made her own special way into my heart and for that, I am eternally grateful. Thank you, Mary, for caring enough to do what you do. May you be blessed many times more.

Zoey (formerly Mercedes) found a home...

 "Lucky for me, my foster family found the perfect home. She took me to a cute gift shop to show me to her friend, the owner. Wow - what a cutie all the customers exclaimed! The owner fell in love with me. She handed me to her husband and I licked him all over. He laughed and I won his heart. I now live in a beautiful home with two wonderful parents. My mommie takes me to the gift store and I greet all the customers. She hugs and kisses me all day. My daddy feeds and walks me twice a day. I love to watch TV and chew on all the toys from the gift shop. My Uncle visited us from Florida and said "I would love to have a dog like that - can you find me one?" My dad said "if we find another Zoey, she won't be going to Florida". I'm as happy as I can be because my mom and dad both love me!

Justy’s Story 

I just wanted to take a few minutes out of my busy day to say hi to everyone at Crest Care and let you all know that I am SOOOOO happy in my new home!! My new mom came to get me on February 29, and stayed overnight so we could have the chance to get to know each other. We left the next day, and boy did it ever take a long time to get home! Mom said that driving from southwestern Missouri to St. Catharines, Ontario takes about 16 hours, so we had to stop overnight in Indiana. Anyway, we made it and I am now a Canadian Crestie. We went up north the weekend after we got home and I discovered that I LOVE the snow! Me and my two Jack Russell siblings and my Dalmation brother ran around on the frozen lake (I had on Muttluks, a t-shirt and a really warm sweater so I didn’t get cold). Mom said that we’re going to be moving here in May. I really love my new home and am having so much fun with my brother, Petie. We play all the time! When Petie stops to take a break, I curl up to him as close as I can possibly get. My sister, Babe, doesn’t seem to care for me too much, but in the past couple days, I’ve been able to get her to play with me, so I think she’s warming up to me. Thanks so much to my foster mom, Danise for taking such good care of me while I was in her care. Petie’s waiting for me so I’d better go.  Thanks, Justy

Chip 

Hi Everyone! I just discovered that I didn't have a re-homed story on the website, so here goes! I had a rough start in life as I was in a puppy mill for seven years before I was rescued. When I arrived I was in pretty rough shape as I had colitis and a few behavioral issues. I don't think I was in rescue for long before I found my way from California to Canada where I was cared for by a very loving family. Things were going along wonderfully, but then I found that my time with this family had to come to an end as they could no longer care for me due to personal circumstances. Thankfully I was surrendered back to the American Chinese Crested Rescue and found myself in a foster home in Ontario. I'll never forget the day my Mom brought me to this "new" temporary home. I was scared and not sure what was happening. Why was my Mommy leaving me – tears in her eyes and still holding me close to her?" At the foster home, this "new" lady was about to pet me when my Mom told her that I sometimes nip, so she'd better be careful. Well that didn't bother her one little bit. Just after I was checking out the backyard and whizzing on some of her favourite shrubs and bushes, it was time to go back in. After racing down the path, she reached down and picked me up ever so gently and spoke sweet words in my ears. Wait a minute, what's that smell? Is it the aroma of a lightly scented cologne or is it a cookie smeared with liverwurst?? Hey, maybe this won't be so bad after all! Well you guessed it, I managed to wheedle my way into her heart (not difficult as she is a real "softie") and we've been inseparable ever since. I am now a permanent resident and have two Chinese crested sisters named Miette and Hyacinthe to play with along with a fully fenced backyard. Thanks to all the wonderful people at Crest-Care for giving me a second chance to prove how very special I really am. Your friend, CHIP

Eddie 

Eddie, a male hairless who came to Crestcare in February, was adopted in late March. He will be the spoiled pet of the Wagners. They have a bichon for Eddie to play with. He really is a sweet dog who was so happy to be on your lap.

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