McMuttigan's

Time is going so fast I can not believe it. It is as if this class just began and now it is coming to an end. Graduation is always a bittersweet time.

Each of these dogs holds such a special place in my heart. Bonnie with her Diva beagle attitude and Crissy being the little Princess. Then there is Simon who is a wonder dog and Smokey Joe who is just plain wonderful. Chico with his sweet face and Pixie with her little strut, Eclipse as GI Jane, and Chopper with his winning smile. Then you have Damen a complete chicken, but he could not love with any more of his huge heart, and Molly who so wants to make you happy, but sometimes her shyness gets in the way, she doesn't mean to be scared. Memphis and his exhuberant personality always ready to go and Polly with her chubby body on those little legs that wants nothing more than a big hug and a belly rub. Junior and his work ethic, he may not be able to hear you, but he can do things a lot of dogs can't and Oreo who can hear just fine and does what he is told, but he'd rather just be a couch potato. Shelby and her outgoing nature who never meets a stranger to Taz who really is not a fan of them, and would prefer you just be on your way, unless he chooses you, to Oz who will love you soooo much and looks in your eyes to make sure you know its you he adores. Then you have Charlotte, the hound with a big heart who was a joy from day one to Kaja who was a little shy but so cut you couldn't help but fall for her, last but not least Mallory who has a personality unique to her and such an endearing spirit.

Each of these dogs has a spot in my heart. You would think it would be full by now, but there is still plenty of room. With each graduation comes questions, will they keep in touch? are they going to love them as much as they can? are they going to cherish this dog for the phenomenal animal it is? Is this truly the last time this dog will ever have to worry about is this my forever home? Each graduation I have tears before and after. I so love these dogs and whether the adopters know it or not, they have just taken a piece of my heart with them. If ever they need anything, all they have to do is call, I may not remember your name, but if you tell me your dogs name at graduation, I will be taken right back to that face I grew to love.

For all of the adopters, Thank you for giving these dogs a chance at a new life. Know that if you ever hit a road bump or a hickup, call me, I am more than happy to help you. Know that you are now a part of my extended dog family, some adopters have actually become family. I love to get pictures and updates on the dogs because it is not only great to know that you are happy with your new family member, but that all the work and love that was put into that dog is being returned.

Each graduation I am sad to see them go, but I know, there are 20 more dogs that need their lives changed as well. They too, will soon hold a special place in my heart. It is my deepest wish that everyone who gets a Death Row Dog know, that you always have a backup, and that your dog is special to more than just you and me. This program offers so much and I am humbled by the fact that I have the pleasure of being the one to find and help train these dogs. I would not trade one day of being stressed out and overwhelmed for this program and these dogs, they are worth it, and I will save as many as I can and continue to have bittersweet graduations. I am lucky to be able to do something I dearly love, the added bonus is that it is not for private clients or the money, it is for the love of the dogs. They fill my life every day with joy, and I couldn't imagine my life without them. To the adopters, thank you, and please keep in touch. To any of you who are considering one of these dogs, you won't regret it. I would like to see every class 100%adopted, but until that day, I am lucky to say they have wonderful rescues to go to and people who will love them until they do find there forever homes.

Good Luck Class 25, you will be missed!!