Family Dogs New Life Shelter » The Rescued Dogs From Missouri

Our Dogs: The Rescued Dogs From Missouri

July 8, 2009 would be the last day that hundreds of dogs would wake up as victims of one of the largest dog fighting rings in US history. The heavy chains were broken and they were freed from their life of abuse and pain.
Under the direction of the Humane Society of Missouri and with the help of the ASPCA, American Humane Association, Best Friends Animal Society and other national rescue groups the dogs were taken to a secure, confidential location. They received much needed veterinary care, behavior evaluations and the most important part – compassionate interactions with their caregivers.
The majority of the dogs were quickly found to be very friendly with people and many proved to have good skills with other dogs – proving that you can never overestimate the resiliency of dogs and the power they have to triumph over cruelty.
As the FBI concluded their case and convictions were handed down, the dogs were released to rescue groups around the country to continue their rehabilitation and find forever homes.
Nine of those dogs came to Portland to Family Dogs New Life Shelter and went into homes with wonderful, patient and dedicated foster families. In those homes the dogs learned to know what it means to live in a house, be well-cared for and part of a family. Now Lila, Cookie, Cynder, Frannie, Jasper, Aubrey, Mele and Petey are ready to start the next chapter of their lives and rescue. They have come so far and deserve to have permanent homes and families that will always show them love and kindness.
If you would like to make a donation to help support the continued care of these dogs, please go to our Donation Page or click on one of the Sponsor Me tabs below .

AUBREY has been adopted!

August 12, 2010 – 5:55 pm

Pit Bull Terrier/Whippet Mix
1 year old
Female
34 pounds

Aubrey, one of the 9 wonderful dogs FDNLS rescued from the Missouri dogfighting bust in Nov 2009, is ready for a home of her own!
Aubrey is a sweet, sensitive, energetic 14 month old Pit Bull Terrier mix pup, an adorable whist of thing weighing only 34 pounds! She is 100% fun and loves to play all the time, but she’s very good about laying down and noshing on her chewies when it’s time to relax. One of her favorite things is to climb up on your lap for some snuggle time. She loves people, but she is still quite insecure and nervous in new situations so she does need to find a home without children. She gets along with other dogs but can be quite rambunctious- this girl loves to play, she will do very well with a calm, confident older dog who can teach her the ropes. Aubrey thinks it’s a blast to chase after cats (she doesn’t want to hurt them, just thinks they’re fun toys) so a cat free home would be best. Since new situations can overwhelm Aubrey it is important that she find a patient owner that will take things slow with her at first. She loves to throw her toys around in the air and thinks squeaky toys are the best thing. Aubrey is an active girl with a lot of drive, she is very very smart and will need an adopter committed to training and socializing her. This pup has loads of potential and is eagerly waiting for a home where she can blossom into a wonderful pet.

If you would like more information about Aubrey or would like to set up a meeting please contact Karin at karin.britta@yahoo.com

Aubrey’s adoption fee is $120 and includes; spay, microchip, reduced cost training class, 1 month pet health insurance, free vet exam, leash/collar, toy & treat pack, food sample.

Photos by David Childs Photography

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MELE

April 14, 2010 – 6:15 pm

Pit Bull Terrier
2 years old
Female
40 pounds

Imelda , known by those who love her as ‘Mele,’ is one of hundreds of dogs rescued from one of the largest dog fighting busts in US history. It has been just over a year since she was freed from cruelty and the time has come for sweet Mele to find a loving family of her own! Structure and mental stimulation will be important for her as she is young, energetic, sensitive and still learning the ways of the world. Yes, she will follow you and hang on your every word waiting for the next move you’ll make. She loves walks, but it is still rather shy of strangers as well as afraid of unforeseen happenings around her. A home without young children will be best given she is still a bit insecure. She would do well with a compatible male dog and she has done great with the female dog in her foster home. She doesn’t live with cats, but seems to be fine when she sees them on walks. Mele would do well in a home that is peaceful, where she can work on her manners and confidence level. She is a sweet girl that loves attention and praise. To be able to sit in someone’s lap and hear the words “you are a good girl” is something this little dog has not experienced until her foster home. To have a permanent, loving family to call her own is all sweet little Mele is asking for.

If you are interested in meeting Mele please contact Karin at karin.britta@yahoo.com

Mele’s adoption fee is $120 and includes; microchip, spay, reduced cost training class, 1 month pet health insurance, free veterinary exam, leash/collar, toy & treat packet, food sample.

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LILA has been adopted

November 18, 2009 – 7:15 pm

Pit Bull Terrier Mix
7 years old
Female
55 pounds

After 7 years of living in a cage and being repeatedly bred, Lila is now enjoying the life she always should have had! Since her rescue in Nov from the largest dogfighting bust in US history Lila has been enjoying her new life in foster care, where she is learning to be an indoor, family dog and loving the simple things such as her fluffy pink bed and riding in the car. She is house and crate-trained and learning her basic manners. She is very good at “sit” and is walking well when on her front-clip harness. Although she should not go home with other dogs or cats, she adores people! You can see the joy in her eyes when she is snuggling in someone’s arms! Her past life is just that – past. She is now ready for a permanent, loving home that will provide her the care, understanding and compassion that Lila has deserved for so long!

7 years old-55lbs. Lila’s adoption fee is $120 and includes; spay, microchip, reduced cost training class, 1 month pet health insurance, free vet exam, leash/collar, toy & treat pack, food sample.

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FRANNIE has been adopted

November 16, 2009 – 4:55 pm

Pit Bull Terrier Mix
6 1/2 years old
Female
50 pounds

Frannie is a 6 1/2 to 7 yr old sweet, SMART , playful & happy girl. She is shy with strangers, but once she gets comfortable with you…..the girls got personality! She’s a pleasure to be around; she makes you feel special to be in her presence and always puts a smile on your face. When you get her out of her room/crate in the morning, you are greeted with a big stretch and moan followed by some wagging and dancing. Breakfast and Dinner are always fun – Fran does a great Ella singing scat! She loves to be with the group, LOVES to play in the backyard with toys, dogs & foster parents. More wag wag and dancing. She’s like a 6 yr old puppy! Goes for walks around the neighborhood – used to be afraid of trash cans, flags, wooden fences and big SUVs. Now she walks right past them. While out walking, there’s always a comment on how beautiful she is, with a beautiful red/fawn coat and big deep brown eyes. She’s getting to enjoy car rides, once she gets past the car door – the sound of the door opening scares her. The sound of metal is her hurdle at the moment – car doors, mail boxes, etc. LOVES to train, she easily learned SIT, STAY, DOWN, LEAVE IT, COME and informally learned MOVE and WAIT.
Being the most timid of the eight dogs rescued from the Missouri dogfigthing bust, the perfect home for Frannie would be a quiet home with a person/s who can coddle her & continue her rehab into this new world. She loves dogs, has learned a lot from her foster siblings. So a home with another dog would be great, but she also wouldn’t mind being “the baby” either. She’s a wonderful wonder!

6 1/2 years old-50lbs. Frannie’s adoption fee is $120 and includes; microchip, neuter, reduced cost training class, free veterinary exam ,1 month pet health insurance, leash/collar, food sample, toy & Treat packet.

Photos and video of Fannie taken by Clay of Clay Myers Photography.

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COOKIE has been adopted

November 16, 2009 – 10:43 am

My name is Cookie. Sure I spent the first 2 ½ years of my life being a breeding dog as part of a fighting ring, but my life has changed so much in the past few months after I have been rescued. I’m becoming just a regular little dog! I mean, I now know how to walk on a leash, to take treats for good behavior, to lick to show I love someone, to sit and watch tv, to chase leaves, to sit in a car, to sit in quiet and not be afraid. I am potty-trained and yet to have an accident at home. I need someone to continue to teach me how to play and to be a dog. Mostly I just need a family who will be patient and kind, who will understand where I came from but have it in their heart to give me a second chance. My foster mom loves me very much and if she could take me, she would in a heartbeat. She says I’m the sweetest dog she’s ever met and no one can believe my story when they meet me. I love people, although children scare me a little bit. I promise to try my best in exchange for a home, a soft doggy bed, and someone ready to love a shy, sweet gal who will greet you every day with a silly doggy grin.

My adoption fee is $120 and includes; spay, microchip, reduced cost training class, 1 month pet health insurance, free vet exam, leash/collar, toy & treat pack, food sample.

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CYNDER has been adopted

November 16, 2009 – 10:41 am

Cynder, one of the 8 dogs FDNLS rescued from the largest dogfighting bust in US history, has made incredible progress since her rescue in Missouri. People who met her there described her as withdrawn and very shy. She would hide in her crate, but desperately wanted to be a part of the outside world. It is her intense curiosity and resilience that has made her the amazing dog she is today.
When she arrived at her foster home in early December, Cynder was afraid of everyday actions that most of us take for granted with our pets. Due to her past, she wouldn’t cross door thresholds, take treats from people, walk up or down stairs, or even approach people who made direct eye contact. She sat in her safe spot on the couch, watching everyone around her.
Little did we know, she was taking it all in and learning by watching how the other dogs and people behaved in a home environment. Now, as you can see in her pictures and video, Cynder is an outgoing, vibrant girl taking in all the new experiences this world has to offer. She holds wonderful eye contact, romps around the home, and delights in everyday activities that two months ago made her afraid. She rarely sits on the couch – there just isn’t enough time in the day to passively sit by!
Cynder’s foster home has never seen such resilience in a rescued dog. She opened her heart to learn from her foster dog and cat siblings, and she learned to trust humans. She has become a solid part of the family and is excited to meet new people and discover new places. Her progress is almost miraculous. As you can tell, we are very impressed with this little girl.
Cynder is potty trained and even goes to the front door to indicate a need to go to the bathroom. She walks well on-leash, although she does get nervous around loud vehicles. However, she is quickly learning that while they may sound scary, they pass as fast as they came.
She has met many other dogs and cats in different situations, and has been gregarious and outgoing in getting to know them. She is also adept at taking social cues from the other dogs, which is very important when fitting in with a pack of “siblings.”
As she has blossomed, she has shown traits similar to that of a young puppy. For example, she likes to chew, so it’s important to have a good supply of bones and toys to occupy her so she is not destructive. She has learned the art of tug-of-war and will play with the other dogs or humans as long as there is someone on the other end. One adorable playing trait she has is, when the other dogs don’t want to play, she will throw around the rope toy or bone and retrieve it
Cynder’s biggest milestone was passing her behavioral evaluation with extremely strong marks. It proved that regardless of her past, she lives life with gusto and has the resilient temperament typical of this breed. She is always ready to share her heart, and she will cuddle and melt in your arms. She would be a wonderful companion in a home with at least one other dog. If you are looking for a lifelong friend to bring smiles to your face and love to your family, Cynder is your girl!

1 1/2 years old-40lbs. My adoption fee is $120 and includes; spay, microchip, reduced cost training class, free veterinary exam,1 month pet health insurance, leash/collar, food sample, toy & Treat packet.

Photos and video of Cynder taken by Clay of Clay Myers Photography.

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JASPER has been adopted

November 16, 2009 – 10:39 am

Jasper is a sweet, sensitive, energetic 9 month old puppy who had a rough start in life. He came to Family Dogs New Life Shelter on Nov 16 2009 from the largest dog fighting bust in US history. Jasper was only 2 months old when he was rescued and went to the Humane Society of Missouri where he lived life in a kennel environment until November 2009 when he came here to Portland and began his new life in a foster home. Over the last few months his foster mom has taught him, and learned a lot about Jasper….
Jasper definitely has the energy of a 9 month old puppy and will need plenty of exercise. New situations do overwhelm Jasper, for only for a little bit. He will need a patient owner to let him adjust. He loves everyone he meets and thinks they should all let him sit in their laps. He’s lived with other dogs and cats. Jasper absolutely loves other dogs and would do best in a home with a confident older dog. He is a little too curious about the cats and thinks it’s fun to chase them so a cat free home would be best. Jasper is taking obedience classes right now and is doing great. Jasper is crate and potty trained but you have to keep an eye on him to make sure he goes out to go to the bathroom frequently (this isn’t Jasper’s fault, he shares his foster home with an incontinent dog and a Chihuahua who are not completely house broken and sometimes he follows their lead). Jasper loves to play with his toys/chewies and loves to play fetch. He recently went to a flyball tournament with his foster mom and everyone commented on what a sweet temperament Jasper has. Jasper walks well on a front clip harness and loves to go on walks with his foster mom and her dog. Also, Jasper has been hanging out with me and my 8 seven week old foster puppies and he’s amazing with them. He eats with them and they like to bite his tail, jowls, legs and he thinks it’s just great. He finds them absolutely fascinating! Jasper is smart, curious and full of life….now he needs to find a family of his own.

9 months old-40lbs. Jasper’s adoption fee is $160 and includes;microchip, neuter, reduced cost training class, free veterinary exam ,1 month pet health insurance, leash/collar, food sample, toy & Treat packet.

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DAPHNE has been adopted

November 16, 2009 – 10:32 am

Hey hey hey, I’m Daphne. Maybe you heard of me? I’m one the 8 wonderful dogs FDNLS rescued from Missouri back in November….ya it was the largest dogfighting bust in US history….I guess that kinda makes me a pretty important piece of history now don’t it. But I won’t let that define me. I more than just “one of the dogs rescued from the
dogfighting bust”…..I am Daphne a beautiful, affectionate, playful pup. I am an 8 month old ‘best friend to be’, a 30 pound bundle of love, a sterling silver lucky charm. I am social gal who Loves to play with other dogs, a friendly cuddle bug, slightly sensitive and very eager to please. I have been interacting well with the kitty cats here too, but I’m always up for a good ol fashion chase! Crate training? Oh I got that down pat, didn’t I mention how smart I am? Truth is, I am well on my way to being an all star companion…..I just need you to lead the way.

My adoption fee is $120 and includes; spay, microchip, 1 month pet health insurance, free vet exam, reduced cost training class, leash/collar, toy & treat packet, food sample.