Toby is an absolutely adorable 4 month old cockapoo whose life was recently turned upside down.  His "mommy" was involved in a very serious car accident and was hospitalized for several weeks.  During that time, some very generous friends and neighbors took care of the little guy.  Toby's mom recently came home from the hospital and was saddened to find out that she is unable to appropriately care for him.  Although she is recovering from her injuries, she still has weeks, maybe months, of rehabilitaiton therapy ahead of her.  She is able to provide the love that Toby needs, but she cannot give him the exercise and training and socialization opportunities that a growing puppy so desperately needs.

Toby's mom thougt she would have to re-home Toby, but CAFI stepped in and agreed to foster Toby under its Canine Peace of Mind program while she regains her strength and improves her mobility.  Toby is now happily playing in a foster home and working on his housebreaking and doggie manners, and he will be ready to go back to his mommy when she is able to care for him again.

CAFI is proud to be able to help dog owners during difficult times, so that they can keep their beloved pets.  We believe that keeping dogs out of the rescue system opens the door within the system for other dogs who desperately need to be saved.

Contributions to help support Toby are appreciated.  Send your tax-deductible donations to:

        Cockers & Friends, Inc.
        P.O. Box 30032
        Alexandria, VA  22310


UPDATE 2/8/09:  We are sad to report that Toby's mom has informed us that she will be unable to take him home and care for him as we had hoped.  As part of the Canine Peace of Mind program, CAFI will now rehome Toby under it's Cockers+ Rescue service.  We will ensure Toby is placed in a permanent and loving home, and we wish Toby's mom all the best as she continues her recovery.

UPDATE 3/8/09:  Toby has been placed in a wonderful adoptive home.  His journey is complete.

Justin is a sweet 18 year old cocker whose family was moving and could not take him with them.  They thought Justin would go to live with his 2-legged uncle, but that arrangement fell through at the last moment.  Justin's dad contacted CAFI to see if we could help.  Although CAFI was unable to take Jusin into our rescue, we agreed to do our best to help find a place for him.  There were only a few days left before Justin's family would be leaving, and we were desperate to help find a suitable place for such a great dog.  After a flurry of emails to some good friends in the rescue world, a fabulous solution was found.  Justin made his way to a wonderful sanctuary, House With a Heart, devoted exclusively to the care of homeless senior dogs.  (Read about this magical place below.)  Justin is now safe, and will live out his remaining days in comfort.  His dad is happy with the outcome:  "The home is incredible and I think Justin will be very happy there.  Thank you so much for your help -- it is a blessing that you were there and that it worked out."

There is a special place in Laytonsville, MD run by a very special woman.  House With a Heart is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to care for Senior dogs that have been turned in to shelters either by owners or as strays and give them a loving and safe place to live out the rest of their lives.  "Sher" loves and cares for these wonderful animals who want nothing more than a chance to show they still have lives to live and love to share.  Visit their website to learn more about the great and important work they do.  Please consider a donation to help keep this wonderful place open.  Donations can be made via PayPal on their website or by check made out to HWAH and mailed to them at:
        
        House With a Heart Pet Sanctuary
        P.O. Box 5153
        Gaithersburg, MD  20882

Donations of disposable goods (paper towels, wipes, diapers/pull-ups, piddle pads, shampoos, cleaning products) are also welcome.  All dogs are fed raw and high-quality super premium foods, so donations of those are also appreciated.