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The e-mail read as such: "I am in need of someone to take a Beagle......he is about 3 yrs old. We can no longer take care of him. The box we had for him rotted out and we cannot afford to build/purchase a new one. We have a canopy shelter for him for now while he was outside but we had a humane officer here today who issued a warning for no shelter. She gave me info for the PSPCA in Center Hall and they have a 3 week waiting list. We have tried numerous times to get him to a shelter or humane society and there's always a waiting list. This has been going on for months...please help us find him a place. I am in contact with other shelters/rescues/humane societies. It breaks my heart that he cannot be inside with us. When we moved into our new home we tried to have him inside but he's so energetic he keeps knocking down one of our sons. And we can't seem to train him. He deserves better than what we can give him at this time."

DDB acted quickly, and Dinah Young from Virginia stepped up to foster Murray after the plea went out. Then we hit a snag...suddenly the caretakers weren't so sure they wanted to give up the dog—since they'd just bought a dog house—yet still had no intentions of bringing Murray into the home to live.

Luckily, they soon realized he truly did deserve better, and let us move forward with the plan. Murray was picked up on a Friday, given his shots, overnighted at headquarters, then dropped off at a Virginia vet where he was neutered and transferred to Dinah for fostering.

Dinah, a long-time foster success and long-time DDB supporter, sprang into action, arranged his first adoption event, and went right to work on his housetraining and people skills. She sent us this great photo blog of his first night, as well as a special letter from Murray to his rescuers. We love you, Dinah and Murray!

Dear Dogs Deserve Better,

I just wanted to thank you again for rescuing me from my previous life.

I did not know that life could be so good until now.

Last night I actually slept in the big bed with my new foster mom. It was so nice and warm in there. I hope to sleep there every night from now on. I tried to be very good. I even snuggled with my foster mom for a bit before we both fell asleep. She likes to give me lots of kisses in bed. I like getting them.

I am being a pretty good boy. I have learned that we all go outside at certain times during the day to potty. It took me a little while to figure out that when she opens the door and calls us, we are supposed to come back inside. I decided I do not like going out in the rain though.

I have been trying to be good about not going potty in the house. I have had no big accidents. Apparently, potty includes lifting my leg to mark things. We are still working on that.

I get a big bowl of food every day and treats when I go in the crate in the morning. Still not real sure about this crate business when she goes away, but she keeps telling me it is for my own good.

There are these things called cats in the house. I like to sniff them. They smell different than the dogs. I think I like them.

My foster mom showed me this thing she called a ball. It looked a little interesting, but then she squeezed it and it made a noise. It made me a little nervous. The other dog grabbed the balled and ran through the house with it. Is that what I am supposed to do? I am not sure.

I like the other dogs. I am trying to follow them to figure out what is good and bad.

Sometimes I sit in front of the couch and get ear rubs and pettings. I really like that a lot. I try to be very quiet in the house. I am still a little worried that someone might make me go back outside to live and I do not want that to happen. Foster mom keeps telling me that it is all OK and I can relax. I hope to believe her some day soon.

I just wanted to let you know how good everything is with me thanks to you.

Love,
Murray

Holiday Sponsor Update:

Hello:

I recently adopted one of your dogs on your internet, Murray, from Altoona PA and fostered by Dinah in Virginia. I wanted to ask that you continue your story about him, adding that he has found his "forever" home in Indiana. He is the MOST PRECIOUS puppy you ever met! He is a GREAT SUCCESS STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jacki Vegas
Terre haute, IN

We Now Take Phone Orders at 1.877.636.1408.

Contact Info: Dogs Deserve Better, Inc. • P.O. Box 23 • Tipton, PA 16684 • Toll Free 1.877.636.1408 • 814.941.7447
email: info@dogsdeservebetter.org