Check this out! I'm famous! They interviewed Mom and asked her all these questions about me and my second chance at life. There is even a newsletter in the works all about me and how I came to this great new life of mine. They are hoping it will educate others and make them consider a shelter animal for their next best friend. Life REALLY can change in just a moment. Our buddy from Rushville, Andy, and his mom are also featured in here.

http://www.indiana-paw.com/rushvilleadopters.htm

If you want, read my story of how I went from shelter dog to FAME!!!

Just a few months ago I was a shelter dog. A shelter dog without probably much of a chance. I am already 6 years old and a pit-mix. Most people would probably look at me and consider that "strikes" against me. Eventhough I am a very loving, happy, gentle soul, that doesn't mean much when you wind up in a shelter were only about 7% of the intakes get adopted. Not to blame the shelter, they were great to me and they are doing what they can. They are dealing with high volume in a rural area the best they can right now and just need more help.

Then something changed. Literally a miracle came through for me. I was one of the lucky 17 pulled from the Rushville Animal Shelter by the wonderful organization Indiana-PAW. The angels at Indiana-PAW work tirelessly to educate the public and reduce the number of euthanized animals. Please visit their website to see how you can further their cause. http://www.indiana-paw.com/aboutus.htm.

I spent sometime in a wonderful foster home. This really helped me adjust and get ready for my new forever home. To be honest, they weren't sure when that would come. My foster mom had been prepared that I might be there for a looooong time. With my age and being a pit-mix they knew I might get overlooked. They also wanted to make sure the home I did get was the right one. Fate intervines again and my forever mom finds me. She was thinking about getting another dog but just wasn't sure. Of course Dad need some warming up to the idea and tried to resist, at first. Mom found out about the rescue operation that I was involved in, heard there was a pitty in the group, and of course had to take a look. For some reason she knew, just knew, that this dog (me) was supposed to be in her life. A few emails, phone calls, an adoption application, and a long car ride later, and POOF! here I am!!!

Well honestly it wasn't that simple. Adding another pet to an already established family is not something to be taken lightly. It can be a VERY stressful process for everyone involved. The first week was a very bad period of time, for all of us. You can read all the details in some of my and my siblings earlier posts. Mom really began to doubt that first instinct feeling about me and her own sanity. What's important is we stuck it out and everything has worked out for the best. My siblings like me, love is a pretty strong word, so I won't go that far. But I do know that my mom and dad love me very much. I have a happy, loving, forever home and it could not have been done without the help of so many wonderful people. And probably a little devine intervention.

A note from Mom:
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
Amy Van Ostrand the Founder and Director of Indiana-PAW and all your staff, volunteers, foster parents, and everyone and anyone who works with your great organization. Keep up the good work!
Angela Bickler and your husband for fostering Waylon. He would never have been so well adjusted without you and I know he has a specail place in your heart. Fostering is not easy but you are great!!!
Jamie and all the staff at the Rushville Animal Shelter. I know Jamie saw what a great dog Waylon is and helped give him this second life looking beyond his age and breed. Hang in there, I believe better times are to come for all shelters and those they serve.
Dr. Mills at the Franklin Animal Clinic and your entire staff. Your services and time are so greatly appreciated by many.
Thank you all very, very, very much. Without you being in place for the chain of events to occur I would never have Waylon in my life. I am truely blessed to have this addition to my family. He is a wonderful dog and we love him very much.