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Alumni

Our graduates are listed here with their stories. Please click on a picture or link below to see that alum's page.

Graduates are presented from the most recent to the first.

Sadie came to us from the Calaveras Humane Society.  The veterinarian thinks she may be about 5 years old but she certainly does not act it.  Sadie is a very active little girl who just loves everyone she meets. We think she may be a Border Collie/Whippet cross. She loves to play with the other dogs that she is kenneled with and to swim in her doggy pool.

Sadie is off to her new home in Granite Bay.  She has a wonderful family and a big beautiful home to live in.

Hooch hails from the kind folks at the Amador County Animal Control and Adoption Center. Auntie Marge` thinks he is a Corgadore Retriever.  That would be a Corgi/Lab cross. When he is in the down position he looks just like a Lab but when he stands up that is when the Corgi in him takes over. Hooch will be 2 years old in September and he truly is a great little dog.  He has personality plus and is a very obedient little guy.

What a lucky boy our Hooch is! His new family came all the way from Sanger (Fresno County) to meet and then adopt him.

Poncho hails from the kind folks at the Amador County Animal Control and Adoption Center. Poncho is 15 months old and is a Chocolate Lab/Hound cross that may have a little something else mixed in as well. Poncho is a great dog! He is sweet, mellow, smart, willing, and a bit of a goof ball. He gets along well with all of the Twin Cedar Crew and just loves his roommate Bessie.

Poncho has a new home. He will be living on a 45 acre farm that is surrounded by BLM land so he will have plenty of room to get all the exercise that he will ever need.

Bessie (now Bonnie) came to us from the folks at Calaveras Humane Society. This little girl was picked up as a stray and it is obvious that she had recently had a litter of puppies. Bessie is a very affectionate girl who loves to be around people and other dogs. She is a real snuggle bug that just wants to hang out with her people and doggie pals.

Our very sweet little girl Bessie is off to her new home in Pine Grove. Her new owner Jim has given her the new name "Bonnie".

Roo came to Twin Cedar K-9 from the wonderful folks at the Amador County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center. Roo appears to a pure bred MBD (Medium Brown Dog). She is very sweet and extremely smart, although a little on the stubborn side. Roo is doing great with her obedience training. She love's to play with other dogs and swim in her doggy swimming pool.

Our little Kangaroo girl Roo, is off to her new home in Folsom. She came to us as a total wild child and is now a very happy and obedient dog.

Clyde came to us from the Amador Shelter. He is a 7 month old Cattle Dog/Border Collie cross. He is a very sweet little boy but is terrified of everything and everyone. In the short time he was with us we found him to be very affectionate once he felt he could trust you.

Clyde was only here for 2 1/2 days and he was off to his new home. He is now living with a couple in San Rafael with three other Border Collie buddies to play with. Good luck Clyde, we wish you could have stayed a little longer with us but we know you are in good hands.

Sandy Returns to Twin Cedar K-9 from the Amador County Animal Control and Adoption Center . The female dog was an owner surrender. As soon as I saw Sandy I immediately recognized her from coming through our program in August 2008. At that time, Sandy was the most affectionate and willing dog that we had come through the program in a very long time. Within five minutes, Sandy was doing all the obedience that she learned last year.

Our very special girl Sandy is off to her forever home. Congratulations to Steven and Susan.

Hogan comes to Twin Cedar K-9 from the Calaveras Humane Society. He looks like a Beagle on steroids! Our guess is he probably has either American Bulldog for Pitbull Terrier to go along with the Beagle. His temperament is very much like a Beagle but not as hard headed.

Well we knew Hogan aka Miles was a great dog, and it didn't take him long to find a great home in Camanche outside of Ione.  He will have six fenced acres, three cats and two of the most wonderful people to love and care for him.

Porsche came to Twin Cedar Ranch from the folks at Amador County Animal Control and Adoption Center. The staff at twin Cedar K-9 think she may be a Dutch Shepherd cross. Although Porsche seems to be a bit of a wild child, she is a very sweet and friendly little girl. She will play ball all day long if you let her.

Our longest resident Porsche, has finally found her forever home. She is the sweetest dog we have ever had out here; it just amazed us that it took this long for her to find a home. She will be a very much loved member of a family in West Point. She has a fenced yard and a wonderful family to love and care for her.

Baxter is a Cattle Dog/Australian Shepherd cross. Her owners have moved to Elk Grove from rural Amador County and poor Baxter wants nothing to do with city living. She is a country girl through and through! Baxter is a very sweet and loving little dog that has really mellowed in the past few years. She is a very obedient dog who wants to please whoever she is with.

Seven weeks ago when Baxter was at The Adoption Outreach that is held at the Feed Barn, a very nice couple fell in love with Baxter.  Baxter feels great and she has a new family to boot!

Gomer (aka Shane)Gomer (aka Shane), a 1 year old Lab/Border Collie cross was came to us from the Calaveras Humane Society.  Gomer was a total wild child that nobody wanted to be around. It took hours of training and socialization from a whole team of trainers and volunteers but in the end, Gomer turned out to be the Diamond we knew he was.

Gomer is off to his new home in Sheep Ranch in Calaveras County. He gets to live on ten fenced acres and has a Border Collie buddy to romp and play with. He will also have a few llamas to protect as well.

Hailey is a very sweet but shy 2 year old Border Collie/Australian Shepherd cross. She was surrendered to the Amador County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center by her family along with one of their other dogs. Hailey is definitely shy when she first meets new people but warms up quickly. She seems to enjoy her obedience training and in less than a week she already knows how to wait at doorways, heel, auto sit, down from the side and from the front and how to stay in a sit and down. 

Our little shy girl Hailey has found the most wonderful home. Her new family is a retired (kind of) couple that are home all of the time to give Hailey every thing she needs.

Dax was bred by a breeder in the San Diego area and was born on 12/5/2007. The breeder breeds Belgian Malinois for law enforcement, search and rescue and other working jobs. Dax did not have what it took to be a working dog but the breeder tried anyway to bring up working ability so he could sell the dog. At 7 months of age when it was very clear that he would never make it as a working dog.

Our very special boy Dax moved to his forever home. Dax was one of those truly special dogs that worked his way into everyone's hearts and he will be greatly missed by all who worked with him. Dax will be living above Buckhorn in the winter and then the lucky dog will spend his summers at Plasse's Resort.

Daisy came through the Second Chance Program in March of 2006. Her adoptive owner has decided to re-home her because she has not been getting along with his 4 year old female Great Dane. She was brought out to the ranch for a temperament test which she passed with flying colors.

Daisy is now off to her new home and it is a perfect home at that!  She will be living on 100 acres and gets to go to work every day with her new Dad. 

Daisy will also be coming back for group classes to brush up on her obedience skills.

Stella Bella came to Twin Cedar Ranch from the kind folks at Calaveras Humane Society. Stella is a 2 year old Shar-pei cross. What other breeds that are mixed in is your guess as good as mine. I see a little bit of Lab and Beagle but that truly is a guess on our part. We have asked Stella who her parents are and she is not telling!!

Our little girl "Stella Bella" has found her forever home and boy is she one lucky little dog. She now has a fully fenced acre to run and play on and two of the most wonderful parents to call her own.

Black Bart is an 18 month old male AKC registered black German Shepherd. From what Auntie Marge` has figured out, I was purchased from a breeder and then given as a gift to a family. That family never did anything with me and I spent most of my young life as an outdoor dog tied up in the backyard. They did not want to bring me in the house because they never taught me not to potty in the house or not to jump on the children.

Our big boy Black Bart has found the most perfect home. Our Daughter and Son-in-law Krista and Jon came up for a visit and fell in love with our boy Bart, and I must say, the feeling was mutual.

My name is Stitch and here is my story.  Auntie Marge` thinks I am a German Shepherd/Cattle dog cross.  I’m about 2 years old, neutered, current on all vaccines and I am on heartworm prevention.  My life has been pretty rough up until now, I was in and out of animal shelters three different times during my short life.Great news here at the Ranch.

I turned out to have boomerang genes, because I came back after my first home. I just don't get along with CATS!

I finally found my forever home. I have a stay at home mom and children to care for.

Paija is a 14 month old Whippadore Retriever or she could be a Labbit. That would be a Whippet/Lab cross.

She is a very shy little girl who was not doing well at the Amador County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center. She was afraid of everyone that came to see her and would run to the back of her kennel and bark at the people who tried to enter.

Paija has found his forever home and is a very happy dog indeed.

JoJo went to her new home today. She is one lucky little dog. Her new family lives in rural Sonora, Ca. and she has three kids to play and snuggle with.

JoJo is a 10 month old pure bred MBD (Medium Black Dog)!! I see some Beagle in her as well as maybe a little Boxer or Lab. She is one of those that it is really hard to say and little JoJo isn't telling us who her parents were.

Ushi found the most perfect home today. She will be the only dog living on five fenced acres and have her very own stay-at-home mom to keep her company. Ushi is one lucky girl and we will miss her out here at the ranch.

Ushi came to us from the Amador County Animal Control and Adoption Center. Ushi is a Australian Cattle Dog / Labrador Retriever cross. She is two years, four months old, spayed, current on all vaccines and on heartworm prevention.
Greta was only with us for three days when she found her forever home.

Greta came to the Twin Cedar Second Chance Program from the Amador County Animal Control and Adoption Center on Oct. 2nd, 2008. She had been turned over to the shelter as a stray. Greta is about 14 weeks old and is a pure bred German Shepherd Dog. She had "Parvo" when she was brought to the shelter but is now a very healthy little girl.

Sandy is a great dog that came to us from the Amador Co Animal Control and Adoption Center. She is about 10 months old and we think she is either a pure bred Catahoula Leopard Dog or she may have a little Border Collie in her as well.

This has to be the best match we have ever had. Sandy has found her forever home with a wonderful family to call her own. Sandy just adores children and now she has two of her very own. She has a stay at home mom and a great buddy named Shadow.

Shasta left for her forever home today, not even looking back to say goodbye. She will be living with a couple that I have known for over 22 years. She will be living on 80 acres so she will have plenty of room to run and play.

Shasta arrived today from the Amador County Animal Control and Adoption Center.  She is a 15 month old Lab/Australian Shepherd.  Shasta is currant on all of her vaccines, spayed and on heartworm prevention. 
Tigger, now re-named "Sierra" has found her forever home. She has 11 acres to run and play on and a retired stay-at-home Dad to take care of her every want or need.

Tigger arrived today from Calaveras Humane Society (CHS).  She looks like she could have some Boxer and Australian Cattle Dog or Kelpe in her.  She is about 2 years old and in very good health. 
Reba has a wonderful new home! One of my clients from several years ago called to see what dog's that I had in my program. She came out and fell in love with little Reba. Kate wanted to change her name to "Mollie" and asked if that would be ok. Well it turns out Reba's original name was Mollie Mae and what gets even better is... Kate's middle name is...Mae!! This adoption is meant to be.

Reba came to us from the folks at Calaveras Humane Society (CHS). Reba is 14 months old and our guess is she is a Border Collie/Beagle cross with a lot of other breeds thrown in!!

Eli is a very, very lucky dog. He was adopted today by a wonderful couple who recently had to put down their white German Shepherd because of old age related problems.

Eli Whitney was the inventor of the cotton gin. The nice folks at Animal Control gave me that name because of my white coat, or I should say what coat I had left. You see, my story does not start out to well. When I was born I had a condition called Generalized Demodectic Mange which was left untreated by my owner.

Sammy has a wonderful new home in Lodi. She was a Fathers day gift from a loving family to their Father. I'm sure she will be spoiled absolutely rotten in her new home.

She a wonderful little girl that came to us from the Calaveras Humane Society. She was an owner surrender to the Calaveras animal shelter. Although she was in good weight when she was surrendered it was very obvious that she did not receive the best of care in her previous home. Her surrender papers said she is good with children, men and women..

Rico found his forever home with a very nice family with his very own 15 year old to call his own. He will be very much loved which is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Rico is approximately 1 1/2 to 2 years old and our guess is he is a Black Lab/German Shorthair cross. Rico is fast willing learner when it comes to his obedience training. He just loves to come out and go to work.

Lulu Belle is our crazy Bloodhoundador Retriever. That would be a Bloodhound/Labrador Retriever cross. Lulu was about 16 weeks old and came to us from the Amador County Animal Care and Control. She is a real wild child with all kinds of energy to burn. Once she settles down she is very sweet natured and loves to learn. In her first obedience lesson she learned how to do a focused heel and introduction to an auto sit. Lulu has found here forever home with one of the instructors from Jeff Schettler's TTT trailing school. Lulu truly is a very lucky little pup!
Emma came to us from the Calaveras Humane Society. She is a very sweet little American Staffordshire Terrier that was about 8 month old. Emma gets along well with everyone she meets. She is a bundle of energy and loves to play with all dogs, male and female. Emma was adopted by a family of four and will be living in Amador county with three other dog's to play with. Good luck Emma, promise to be a good little girl.
Bella came to us from Calaveras Humane Society. She is approx. 7 to 8 years old and a very sweet little girl. Our guess is that she is a Lab/German Shorthair Pointer. She got her wish for a new home and is now very happy.
Shiloh is a 2-3 year old sable German Shepherd who came from the Calaveras Humane Society. She was left abandoned along with her litter of puppies at a rental house in Calaveras County. Her puppies all found homes but poor Shiloh was left behind. The owner of the rental contacted CHS and they took it from there. She has been spayed, vaccinated and on heartworm prevention. Shiloh has been adopted by a retired couple and will have acreage to run and play on. Good luck Shiloh and promise to be a good little girl for your new family.
Jackie is one lucky little dog. He is a Border Collie/Golden Retriever mix and is about 3 years old. He now has the greatest family to call his own and because they live right here in Amador county he comes back for training and care when they go on vacation. What a lucky little dog.
Jake is one year old German Shepherd/Lab mix who came from the Amador County Care and Control. He was pretty much a wild child when he arrived but trained up nicely in a very short period of time. He was good with all other dogs, didn't bother the cats and just loved children. His wish came true when he was adopted by a family from South Lake Tahoe and has his very own three year old boy to play with. Good luck Jake, I hope you enjoy all of the white fluffy stuff that falls from the sky.
Coco is a very sweet, intelligent little Australian Kelpie who came from the Amador County Care and Control. Because of her cattle dog heritage, she was a little bit nippy when she arrived but just loved to do a good days work. She loved her obedience and agility training and was a great dog to socialize other dogs with. Coco was adapted by a family of four and has a little Jack Russell Terrier for a playmate. Coco comes back every weekend for group classes and is doing just great.
Tessi is a German Shepherd mix, solid black in color. She came from the nice folks at Calaveras Humane Society. Tessi was absolutely scared to death when she arrived at Twin Cedar K-9. She was different than most fearful dogs, she was more afraid l of women than men. Because of this, Rich spent a lot of time with Tessi trying to gain her confidence and provide the training and socialization that she would need to find a new home. Tessi did find that home and is now thriving. Good girl Tessi, we are so proud of you.
Josey is a German Shepherd/Husky that came from the Amador County Care and Control. Josey was heartworm positive and not very friendly to boot. Her lucky day came just a week after we had pulled her into our program. A couple had seen her at the shelter the week prior to Josey coming into the Second Chance program and they wanted to adopt her. The nice folks at APAL paid for her heartworm treatment and the new owners fostered Josey during her treatment. She is now spayed and feeling better than ever in her new home. Good luck Josey, come back and see us sometime now that you are feeling better.
Nooah also came from the Amador County Care and Control. He is a very handsome young Chocolate Lab that is full of energy. Nooah and Cody could have been twin brothers if you took their behavior into consideration. The nice folks at the shelter gave him the name NOOAH because that is all they ever said to him. Just like Cody, Nooah loved his training and found a new home with a family to call his own.
Cody came to us from the Amador County Care and Control. He is a young and very rowdy Black Lab. He had absolutely no manners when he arrived at Twin Cedar K-9. Mugging visitors as they entered his kennel was his specialty. He would jump all over you and play bite every chance he could. His enjoyed his training and within two weeks he found his forever home. Good luck with your new family and promise to be a good boy.
Rowdy is a busy guy that just needed a job. Returned from a "no kill" shelter because they said he growled over his ball, he was doomed until he came to Second Chance. Like other dogs returned from that shelter, he was not aggressive at all. Now he is in training with a national search dog group where he will finally have that job. And maybe someday he'll save the life of one of those shelter people. Go get'em Rowdy! I'll miss you... but next time stop for a minute to say goodbye!
Little Duke is a special story. His days were about over and he was facing a certain death at the shelter. A soecial person saw the light in his eyes and gave him the chance he needed. She sponsored him so he could be rescued and trained until a home was found. That happened and now he is happily living in a loving home with a little roommate of his own. You are very lucky, Duke. Your angel was watching and saved you.
Merle came and quickly found a great home. He had a few names before getting Merle... most of the previous ones were not too flattering. They came from his mischievous ways. But now he has a home and owners that love him very much. Has grown thrived in a loving environment. Be good Merle, you are very lucky to have such a wonderful home!
Some had their doubts, but our pretty girl, Wishes, finally found her home. She now has her very own family complete with another dog for a partner to play with. She almost was put down by the shelter, but her lucky star was shining and she come to the Second Chance program just in time. And since she tried so hard in school she is now a loved pet again. Goodbye Wishes... be good in your new home and remember us.
It took a long time, but now we say goodbye to our longest resident - Tucker. Lots of folks had their doubts about him. He was very enthusiastic and that often was one of his downfalls. At the shelter no one wanted to take him for a walk, so he stayed longer in his kennel. Which made him even more happy if someone came by, which made folks leave and so on... But he tried very hard here in school and didn't let us down. And now that he has a great home, we say a very fond goodbye. And you better be good, Tucker!
Miss Lilly is a happy girl on her way to a new life, and well deserved. She was a wreck when she arrived. Over weight, very dirty and her coat was in terrible shape. She was very down, and having had at least three litters she was also again pregnant when picked up by the shelter. All she wanted was to just be left alone. But with care, good diet and exercise, and training, a new dog soon emerged. She became a very happy and mischievous little girl. So we say good bye to our Miss Lilly. Good luck, Lilly! We'll miss your smile.
Lucky little Bugs has a great home. She came terrified of everything. That's where she got her name, her eyes would bug out in fear whenever anyone would just look her way. But with patience, gentle training and care, she rapidly became a favorite with her trainers and earned her way as our mascot. Now she leads the good life as a ranch dog with lots of German Shepherds to run around with. And a crazy little Shepherd to chase her around. No need to say goodbye here; I'll see you tomorrow at work, Bugs!
Our beautiful girl, Roja, got her own home and family. She was one of the most affectionate dogs we have had in the program. Roja loves people and more than anything, just wanted to be part of someone's life. Now she has her own kids to look forward to coming home from school. Her playful but gentle and kind spirit will make her a loved family member. Good bye, Roja. Be good and remember your training in your new home.
Scooter came to us from the Calaveras Humane Society.  She is about 6 months old Lab mix and is a fearful little girl.  Underneath her fearful exterior is a very sweet and affectionate little dog. She has settled in nicely in her forever home with a couple. She is a very much loved member of her new family.  Good luck in your new home, we will miss you out here at the ranch.
Gonzo stayed with us for over a month until the right family finally came along. He came from the Amador shelter after being adopted and returned because of his exuberance which lead to his atrocious manners. He gave new meaning to jumping, running around and pulling on the leash. But it was all good natured, in fact he doesn't have a single mean bone in his body. After a slow start, he did well in school and now is living in a well deserved home where he is loved very much. He even comes back to our group classes to keep his training up. Which is a good thing! Good luck, Gonzo! Be good and mind your manners. We don't want to see you back for anything other than class!
Little Kelly had many trials and travels in her short life. She first came to us in November of 2005. She did very well in school and was adopted in December of 2005. Then we got a call from the Amador shelter a year later saying Kelly was back. She hardly looked herself, the adopters had split up and the one that she was left with did not care about her and she lived in a yard, mostly ignored, for months. But upon returning to us she did not take long to become the happy and ball crazy girl that we remembered. She spend a couple of months with us in limbo because a search and rescue agency said they wanted her. But, at the 11th hour they changed their minds so she stayed. Now she is in her new home. It was impossible not to shed a tear as our little girl left down the driveway. Good bye Kelly! We will definitely miss you!

Jenna came from an unwanted situation where she lived in a small kennel. Life started good for her as a puppy, but as she grew she found herself left more and more outside in a small pen. Her owners did not even care enough to keep her on heartworm preventative. But now, things are very different. She is has her own family and kids where she is remembering what it is like to be loved again. She is being treated for the heartworms and being very well cared for. The smile on her face as left is what keeps us going. Good luck Jenna! We hope you can come back for classes someday!

In less than a week, Shemp came and left! He was rescued with less that a day to spare when his number came up at the shelter. Even though the Calaveras Humane Society's foster program was full, they had faith and pulled him anyway. Just a couple of days before Buster got his home so we had an opening. Shemp came and was off to his new family before we were able to post his profile on the web site. His leaving is a little bittersweet. We will miss this nice guy. Goodbye Shemp, and be good!
Buster was passed around before winding up in Second Chance school. He was a breath away from the end of his rope when the folks at the Calaveras Humane Society came to the rescue and pulled him. But their foster homes were full, so another rescue happened when the Amador shelter took him in. As soon as we had a slot, out he came. He had a great time with us, but his Christmas came early when his new family came and took him home. Bye Buster, be good and remember your lessons.
Jack came from the Amador shelter where he had worn out his welcome through his shenanigans, barking and jumping on everyone. Second Chance school is just what he needed and he did very well. In fact he had a great time and worked his way into our hearts. He attended the monthly adoption event at the Feedbarn and now had his own home. Be good Jack, and no jumping!
Just like Jango, we had another happy day when Penny left for her new home. Her angel was watching when a family ran across her listing, came to meet her and they all left together. Penny got what she needed; a family with kids. And while it is sometimes hard for us to say goodbye, it is made much easier when adoptions like this happen. When I told her story today, a wise person told me "You can't beat the pay!" They are right. Goodbye Penny, be good in your new home and I hope we get to see you again!
Jango came to us from the Amador shelter. He faced a very uncertain future because of his kennel behavior. But soon after he arrived and got a couple of roommates, his true nature and personality emerged. He was such an affectionate and happy guy that he brightened every morning. His training sessions were a delight. But, they're here to find homes and soon Jango found his. When a family with three little kids came for him, he jumped into their van and was off without so much as a glance back. Goodbye Jango! You are very lucky, so make the best of your second chance. I'll miss your happy greetings and training sessions!
Max left us a completely different dog than when he arrived! When he came to us from the Calaveras Humane Society he was intact , very obnoxious and ready to urinate on everything in range! But as with all out Second Chance dogs, he was altered and started training after a few days recovery. It became clear that he was taught even the most basic manners. Once he found that good behavior resulted in lots of praise and affection, he reveled in school. Good bye Max! Be good in your new home! I'll miss your greeting howl in the morning!
Puka faced a very uncertain future at the Amador shelter. Despite going to a couple of adoption events no one seemed interested in her. Her bad manners and barking didn't help, either. Out she came despite the reluctance on the shelter's part. And, little Ms. Puka proved their doubts to be unfounded. She excelled in school, learned all her lessons and now has a wonderful home! And best of all, she comes back to group classes to keep her training up! No need for good bye, we'll just see you in the next week or so.
Amber was a very lucky little girl, indeed! She is a mix between Bull Terrier and Cattle Dog breeds. Amber was very happy but loved to jump and nip. Her owners realized she was the wrong dog for a family with little kids. They did the right thing and surrendered her to find the proper home. She has that now, thanks to her previous owners and the Second Chance program. But we'll definitely miss our little live-wire. Good bye and farewell Amber! Be good and maybe we'll get to see you again!
Here's Que, a big guy that is one of the energetic and jumping-est guys we had yet. But his change while at school had to be seen to be believed. Now he is off to his new home, the lucky guy. From the point where the folks at the Amador shelter had enough of his antics, to a home as a loved pet is a transition he made in record time. He is an example of how training can save a life. Good bye, Mr. Que!
Maya arrived from the Calaveras Humane Society after her owner moved and couldn't take her. Her future was bleak because she was aggressive to other dogs. During her stay with us, she found that life was much easier if she left instead of making a fuss. Then she went beyond that and actually learned to play and enjoy canine company! She even had a couple of roommates to play with. Good bye, Maya, We will miss you!
Our little girl Ginger just found the new perfect home. She is a little Cattle dog mix that is now living with a wonderful family on a working ranch. She even has a fellow Cattle dog there to be a partner and show her the ropes. But our place isn't the same without her. Our job is to train these guys and find homes, but sometimes it's hard to watch them leave. Goodbye Ginger and be good! I won't forget you!
Trooper is a big goof that got the home and life he deserved. He was saved by the good folks at the Calaveras Humane Society. He was in the Calaveras shelter, sent to a "no-kill" shelter but was promptly rejected as being food aggressive, a sure death sentence. But the CHS folks wanted to be sure and sent him to us. We found that assessment to be bogus, and he trained up well. He returned to a CHS foster home from where he was adopted. Good news, and well deserved for a big guy. Good bye and good luck, Trooper! 
Tia came to us after being adopted only to be returned to the Amador shelter. Her crime? Being an unruly adolescent puppy. So here she came for school and socialization. She did very well and after some marathon play sessions with Ellie, she got very lucky and some nice folks came to meet her and fell in love. Now she has her own home and people that care for her. She is even coming back to group class. So good bye and be good Tia! We don't want to see you get returned again!
This adoption was very special. Little Ellie Mae was seized from a horrible situation. The Amador shelter worked very hard to save her and when the time was right, they made sure that she came out to our Second Chance program. From the day she arrived she showed us how special she really was. The sheer delight Ellie showed when we moved her into our large pen was something to see. When we put Tia in with her, it got even better. Now, she is living with Bear another of our graduates. So it is not without a tear that we say good bye to Miss Ellie. We will never forget you and the motivation you provided us all.
Diesel came and went in no time. He was very unsure and not trusting of new people when he arrived. But, he tried hard and came to find a true friend in his trainer. When he moved in with our other Second Chance resident and saw how much fun she had interacting with people, he opened up. Now he is off to his new home. Farewell, Diesel! Be good with your new family. They will love and take care of you. And remember to take a chance and trust us humans again. We are not all bad. Just ask Ellie!
Flashback was on her way from the Calaveras shelter to Lab rescue when bad luck struck. She grumped and growled at a dog and was branded as dog aggressive. So back to the shelter she went and to a certain death. But the good folks at the Calaveras Humane Society were not ready to give up, so they brought her out to the Second Chance program and with a little work she is now off to her dream home. Be good Flash, and mind your manners! You have come a long way and are very lucky!
Mr. Jessie was with us for almost two months. He came a little wild man and left a happy and well balanced dog. He learned not to jump on people, basic obedience and how to get along in a family and with other dogs. We had our doubts at first, but he tried hard and proved himself a worthy Second Chance resident. So, good bye Jessie. Remember you manners and be good in you new home!

Smiley is a very lucky little girl, indeed. Saved from a certain and likely painful death by Margaret's sister, she now has a loving home where she will be safe and well cared for. She was very special to all of us and everyday with her was another study in mischief. She just loved to play and got to room with almost every dog that came for training. She seemed to know something was up today. She was extra happy and zoomed all over, playing and romping with Tina the Shepherd puppy. Smiley even ran up the hill, zoomed up the stairs and launched herself into the pool! Now, she is in her new home. Good bye and farewell to our little girl! We will miss you very much!

Simon is a happy guy that just wanted to be part of a family and be around another dog. He was surrendered to the shelter because he ran away. And no wonder, he spent his time tied up outside! And he was clearly neglected. When he got his first bath, the water ran brown for three rinses! And there was enough left over hair for another dog. When he came he enjoyed his new large kennel. Then next day we found an even happier Simon... he had broken into the kennel next door and was romping with the other dog. Now he has a home where is his a member of the family. And well loved. Goodbye, Simon! Be good, remember your lessons and us.

Of all the dogs we've seen, Mercedes is the luckiest, by far.  She started out by losing an eye to an unfortunate cat scratch. Her owner spent lots of time and money to try and save her eye, but in the end it was lost. Then, she found a way to wiggle through a fence and leap off a second story balcony. Her owner was devastated and could not afford the extensive surgery and rehabilitation that Mercedes required. When it looked like Mercedes had reached the end of her short life, Alison saved her. She took little Mercedes, adopted her, paid for all her surgery and performed her rehabilitation and follow up care. With a fairy tail ending, Mercedes is now living in a super home and is much loved by her new family. She was a special little dog that touched us all.
Flash found her home. She is such a special girl that we were delighted when she found a wonderful home in the country where she could be happy and peaceful. This poor girl spent a year living in a horse trailer and was so unsure when she came that she would hide in her dog house. But now she is confident and has the loving home and family she deserves. Good bye, Flash! We miss you and hope you might come back for a visit.
It seemed like yesterday that little Roxie came to stay with us. But it was a month and she did well in school. Roxie was all about being with people and was always just bursting to run and say hello to anyone that even glanced at her. She was enthusiastic in school and her favorite was the group classes where she got to meet people and play with the other dogs. But she put a small tear in her trainer's eye because she is the first graduate to turn around and look as she left. You have a great family and home now, Roxie! You earned it. Good luck, little girl!
Daisy came after a whirlwind of previous homes. She is an American show line shepherd that wasn't wanted. Her last owner kept her for all of one day before being dumped off at the Amador shelter. They kept her three days and brought her out to us. The poor girl had spend her life in pens and crates. And she was crazy! Daisy gave new meaning to jumping, running and play biting. Her picture was in the dictionary under the definition of bad manners! In school with us she went from living the puppy hood she never had, through being a cared for dog and on to learning to be a good partner. We had a lot of fun with her. Goodbye Daisy, be good in your new home. And don't forget your lessons or us. We surely won't forget you!
Little Molly has had a rough life. When she came to us, all she could do was hide behind her dog house. But she warmed quickly to her trainer and just wanted to trust people again. Her guardian angel was watching because within a week she gained confidence, a good friend in her trainer and left to a wonderful new home. This little dog and adoption was special and is what this program is all about. Farewell and be good in your new home, Molly! And continue to learn to trust people again.
We first met Thor when he came out from the CHS folks for a temperament test. He passed with no problem, he was just another dog that no one bothered to teach any manners to or spend time with. He was very lucky that the CHS pulled him from the shelter. When he arrived to become part of the program, it didn't take him long to work his way into our hearts. Such a nice guy...  You made it, Thor! I wish I could have said goodbye, but be good and maybe can come back to see us sometime.
Our happy guy Gus found a great home. He always loved to play and just hang out. Training and walks were great, but he really was all about just being with people. He was dropped off at the Amador shelter into the night box. Poor guy probably just thought he was going for a ride. But things happen for a reason and now he has his own family. And it gets better because not only does he have a couple of kids to play with, but they have another dog to be his buddy. Good luck Gus! You got very lucky, so be good and mind your manners.
Shadow's world turned upside down when he was surrendered to the Calaveras shelter. But his luck started to turn when he came out to join the Second Chance program. He tried hard in training, loved to go for hikes and play, but all he really wanted was a home. Every time a car drove up or when a visitor came, he was all wags and wiggles hoping they had come for him. That day finally came, and now he has his own family. He happily leapt into their car and never looked back as they drove off. But we'll miss him. Goodbye and good luck Shadow!
Mit was in and out of here in a flash. Well, it seemed like that, but it was really two weeks.  What a lucky guy Mit was! He was surrendered to the Calaveras shelter by his owner of many years. They said they found him as a puppy in a bag along the road. But bad fortune hit them (and Mit) and he found himself with no where to go. The Calaveras Humane Society found him, then brought him to us for testing. Margaret saw the heart in this handsome guy and pulled him herself. The rest is history and Mit got his second chance and now a new home. Goodbye Mit, we truly hope you come back to keep your training up!
Ms Tess was with us for a long time. In fact, she wins the prize as our longest staying resident! That was no problem because she was such a pleasure to have around. But we just could not understand why she had not been adopted. Her obedience was great and she loved to play fetch. Then a problem arose. There was a crisis at the Calaveras shelter with over crowding and in order to try and save another dog, Tess was scheduled to be transferred to a shelter in Reno. We were all sad when a miracle happened. During a field trip into town with a client dog, we made one of our usual stops at the Jackson Cleaners. We took Tess along in the hopes someone would see her and fall in love. While at the cleaners we talked about her and the impending transfer when they offered to foster her. Great news! Then the miracle happened when they went ahead and allowed to join their family. Sometimes good things happen when least expected, and this is one! Goodbye lucky girl and farewell with you new family!
Pops was a guy that couldn't get a break. But to see that sad face turn into one of our happiest and favorite students was something special indeed. He is a star that just needed a second chance and someone to care. His abilities surprised us all; he even turned out to be a great little tracker! Now thanks to training and special friends like Becky he is off to a wonderful new home and a second chance at life. Be good and try hard Pops! Maybe we'll get to see you again in a training class!
Bodie, like Bear, was a monster when he first came. He loved everybody but the only way he knew to get attention was to jump up, bark and run around everywhere. Underneath that nutcase exterior was a truly nice dog. All he wanted to do was please and get some attention and maybe a little play. We also found out that he loves kids! He carried his weight in school in that he help socialize both Tess and Pops. So goodbye and good luck, Bodie. Be good and remember, no jumping!
Ms BeBe arrived only a couple of weeks ago at the end of Oct. 05. The Calaveras Humane Society brought her out. This was not only her second chance, but was her last. Well, she proved to be a nice girl that just wanted to be loved. She was willing to learn and once she understood the process she made great progress. In record time, she was off to her new home with a family and her own fenced yard. Good luck, BeBe, you deserve this home. Be good and we'll follow up to see how you're doing!
Thunder came to us at the end of Sept. 05. He was from the Calaveras Humane Society. Since he first arrived he showed the attitude that makes working with dogs very rewarding. He wasn't perfect, but wanted to learn and was full of mischief sometimes.  He settled right in, did well in training and became our official "roommate" dog. He loved to share his kennel with anyone that would play with him. Now he has a wonderful home with his own family and a couple of other dogs to play with! Goodbye Thunder, be good in you new home and maybe you can come back for a visit or group class, sometime.
Bernard is a lucky guy that received his second chance and made it with a home of his own! The folks at Amador Animal Control saw through his manners and hoped he could be trained and live a good life. Well, he proved them right. During his stay at school he went from an unsure scared guy to a confident happy dog that couldn't wait for his next lesson. And he holds our school record for the highest jumper! Good luck, Bernie! Be good in with your new family!
Mr. Bailey has finally had his wish granted, a home of his own. Poor guy started off life in a small pen and eventually found his way into the Amador County Animal Control's shelter. His high drive and energy level made him both a great dog and a challenge to start training. But his great nature can through and he learned his lessons well. He is very social and loved to play and be with both people and the other dogs. So good luck, Bailey! Be good and enjoy your new family. Maybe we'll get to see you again in a group class or a visit.

One of the happiest duties a webmaster can have is to  add to this page. Especially for dogs like Noel. She is a sweet little girl that truly deserved a second chance. She has gone from a scared unsure little girl to a very happy and lucky companion. She was so happy to be along with us at the Strut Your Mutt dog walk that it made us all smile and laugh. Now she has found her home. And that's what this program is all about. Goodbye Noel, I'll miss you!

Dino, our super prodigy dog, has left for his new home! The stars were aligned for him because he found a wonderful place where not only will he be loved and well cared for, but he's also in the country so he'll be with other animals. Goodbye, Dino! You tried hard and the week you were here was way too short. But you have a dream home now and it is well deserved!
Little Lucky graduated and found his new home. He came from the folks at the Calaveras Humane Society with a great attitude that surprised everyone. His testing went very well and he just thrived and blossomed with the training and attention. Every day was a new discovery for him and he always had a happy tail wag and greeting for anyone that would stop by his kennel. So, congratulations to our little Lucky boy! And be good and do well in your new home. You'll always be special to us!
Dante is a very lucky guy that the folks at Amador County Animal Control thought would be a good candidate for school and a second chance. They were right! Dante was truly an eager guy and a pleasure to work with. All he wanted to do was please and he always had a happy tail-wagging greeting for everyone. We'll miss him; good luck Dante!
Bear lived at the Amador Animal Control shelter for six months before coming to us. The folks there knew that under that wild exterior beat the heart of a truly good guy. Well, he proved that to be true during his stay with us and now has a new and wonderful home. His new owner loves him very much and that's all he ever wanted. We will miss our big goof ball and happy boy!
Bo came to us from a situation where he lived for the last three years in a small pen with a five gallon bucket of water and a pail of dry food. That's it. But he was such a happy guy and after all that he still just wanted to learn and be loved.  Congratulations Bo! Be good and enjoy your new home, you earned it.
Little Zena came to us in May from the Calaveras Humane Society. She was very unsure, having bounced between a couple of different shelters. But she was a sweetheart and her personality came out with gentle attention and training. After a difficult start she finally found her forever home thanks to the efforts of the CHS. Good luck, Zena!

Gunner came to us after being stuffed into a night drop box. He did great and left for his new home on Saturday, 4/30/05. He is a great guy we miss him.

Update 6/6/05 - Gunner and Debbie came to the ranch for a visit today. They are doing just great! Gunner has been spending time camping, hiking and relaxing at home with Debbie and her other dog, PC. It was super seeing them again and very motivating to see what good can come from a little time and patience. Thanks for remembering us and stopping by!

Nickel was our first graduate in 1998. He was rescued from a badly neglected and abusive situation. But with love, care and training he left a star!