Buddy is a rescued dog. The group that rescued him, rescued him from a terrible life of neglect. When he was rescued he had been tied to a tree with no shelter. He had an embedded collar, was emanciated, and was being fed straw and stones because his owner could not afford dog food. Buddy had every parasite imaginable and had a long recovery before we first saw him at the foster cares providers home.

   We fell in love with him as soon as we saw him. He was a very handsome dog, and  very easy going even though he has been through such a rough life. Ome of the most noticable things about him was thathis head was much larger than his body--apparently his body needed more timeto catch up with the rest of him because of almost being starved to death.

   After adopting Buddy we took him to the vet, only to find out that he had heartworm. The poor guy had been through so muchand now he had to go through the agonizing treatment for heartworm. Buddy's spirit was never daunted and he came through it with no complications!

   Buddy was "My husbands dog." My husband was always outsidetinkering or building something andBuddy loved being outside with him. Buddy was never far from my husband's side.

   In February 2006 my husband was killed in a car accident and both Buddy and I had our world turnedupside down! Believe me, dogs grieve, just like people do. For weeks Buddy laid by the front doorwaiting for "Daddy" to come home, but "Daddy" never came! It broke my heart to seehim laying there waiting. I had no way to explain to him what had happened but I am pretty sure he figured out that it had to do with how sad "Mommy" was! Buddy was instrumental in getting "Mommy" out of bed--all I wanted to do was stay in bed and make the world and all its in justice go away, but Buddy would have none of that. He kept at me until I got out of bed--he still needed me to take care of him and in return he took care of me!

   After the death of my husband, Buddy took over taking care of me and protecting me. No car or person dare come near me without Buddy voicing his protection over me and warning them not to touch me.

   In 2007 I got a puppy, Hailey, to keep Buddy and I company. Buddy now had a playmate and he also help to train the young and energetic pup.

   Last year I was taking Buddy and Hailey for a walk in the park. As we past a house on the way to the park we noticed a dog that we had never seen before. I don't pretend to understand when dogs bark at each other what they are saying but it did not sound friendly. We continued on our walk after the two had their say to each other. About 5 minutes into our walk I saw a black figure out of the corner of my eye and turned around to see that same dog crouched down and stalking us. When I turned to check it out the dog came charging straight at us and all I could think of was that it would go after the puppy because she was a smaller and east target. As the dog charged at us Buddy went into protection mode and as the black dog charged us I instinctively let go of Buddy's leash and the attack began. There was growling and teeth and the black dog drew first blood, but Buddy then pinned the black dog down and just held it down. Buddy is 9 years old and has some aches and pains from his life of neglect and I was totally amazed at how easily he took this younger dog down, pinned him, and just held him there. It seemed to be so surreal and I didn't know what I was going to do. After a period of time of Buddy keeping the black dog pinned down, Buddy simply got up and the black dog took off with his tail between his legs. I couldn't believe what just happened.

   Buddy has made it his jib to protect Hailey and myself since my husband passed away. I have no doubt in my mind that Buddy would give up his life to protect me or Hailey. Dogs are a perfect example of unconditional love. Even though Buddy had been mistreated for most of his life he is not tainted by his experiences and continues to love unconditionally. Dogs are more than pets, the are truly MAN"S BEST FRIEND!

February 12,2010

Dear Grace,

    It is with a very sad heart that I am writing to let you know that Buddy crossed over to the Rainbow bridge on February 8, 2010.

Buddy and I wanted to thank you for the wonderful work you do, and that you made it possible for me to have the wonderful soul of Buddy with me for the past 7 years. Buddy was truly a wonderful and faithful friend. Words do not even start to describe this wise and wonderful soul.

    Everyone who met Buddy loved him instantly. They always commented on how he was and the wisdom that showed in his eyes. Buddy is missed more than you can imagine.

    Enclosed is a copy of a story I submitted to Global Foods for a contest they were running--Buddy's story was chosen and he won a gift basket of goodies--there is a picture of that in the enclosed video.

    When Buddy went to global Foods to pick up his prize he was quite the celebrity and I was beaming with pride that this wonderful soul got recognition for being such a wonderful friend and companion.

    Enclosed is also a video of Buddy that I made in memry of him and I hope it was ok that I used the Adopt-A-Dog logo on the front of your video. It is a very small sample of a life of a very special dogbut hope you enjoy seeing it.

    Thank you again for saving Buddyand all the other souls that you have and will savein this lifetime.

                                                                        Thanks from the bottom of my heart.     

                                                                        Sandy Kendell

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                                                        From Grace Hall---Our Founder:

"I have said a thousand times over, 99% of the time our abused dog's make wonderful pets. They are so grateful, loyal, and faithful."