To read the stories of dogs who have found their permanent homes, click on their names below.

• Nikki and Abby
• Gabriel
• Spirit

Nikki and Abby
by Bill Moore

Abby at YWAC- Mar. 7, 2007

The message that first appeared on the Heart of Dixie mailing list said that a litter of eight puppies had been abandoned somewhere in Knoxville, TN. After some inquiring and digging around, it developed that actually there was a litter of eight being held, along with their parents, in the Young-Williams Animal Center. I inquired, and was invited to come see the dogs.

Nikki at YWAC - Mar. 7, 2007

Upon arrival, I found two emaciated Akitas and their litter of eight. Their story was one of abuse and neglect. They had been seized on grounds of abuse in early January, 2007, and were brought to the Center to await the outcome of the legal proceedings. In early February, the female delivered 10 puppies, of which two died shortly after birth. When I first saw them, both dogs had gained some weight, but were still far under what adult Akitas should weigh. The male had gained some weight over the approximately 66 pounds when first brought in, to about 80 lbs. The female, nursing a large litter, gained more slowly, and only weighed about 60 pounds. Both were heartworm positive, and their coats were rough and unkempt. But in spite of the neglect and abuse they had obviously suffered, both had easy-going, sweet temperaments. The Center staff said they had never shown any aggression toward the staff, or other dogs. It seemed pretty clear that they would be adoptable, but it also seemed pretty clear that they were a bonded pair that would do best if placed together. It also seemed very was unlikely that it would be possible to find that special home for these two dogs. The puppies, of course, would present no problem in adopting out. There is always a lot of demand for puppies. But the adults - that was another issue altogether.

HOD agreed to pull the dogs, and to work on finding homes for them as soon as possible. Like all such facilities, the Center receives many more dogs than they can adopt, and are always straining at the seams, and were eager to have them moved out as within the shortest time possible. I was pessimistic about the chances, but agreed to see what we could work out before their time absolutely ran out. And sometimes, things do work out.

Nikki and Abby, June 6, 2007

One of the other HOD members had been previously contacted by a couple looking to replace an Akita that they had recently lost due to age and illness. On the chance that they just might possibly be interested, I contacted them and was surprised, but delighted, to find that they were willing to consider the pair.

The wheels of the legal system finally ground out a decision in early March, awarding custody of the dogs to the Center. Soon after, Bill and Eileen, the prospective adoptive family, came to Knoxville to see the dogs and decided on the spot that they would take the pair. So the male, now named Nikki, was on his way to his new home in Nashville. As we were leaving, he and the female exchanged a long, direct look at each other, as if to almost say "Be seeing you around." The female, now named Abby, had to wait until the pups were weaned before she could join Nikki in their new home.

Transport was arranged, and as soon as possible, Abby and the puppies were on their way to Georgia to stay with Dr. Peeples until the puppies were weaned, and Abby could be spayed. In late April, she was ready to go, so arrangements were made for her to rejoin Nikki. Eileen reported that when she arrived, Nikki bounced up and down and was clearly happy, in whatever way dogs are happy, to see her. For her part, I was told she gave him a look like "where were you the past six weeks while I was taking care of the puppies?" But they are now together again, happy and on their way to health in their new home. They have been treated for their heartworm, their coats are shiny, and their weights are what you would expect of two adults Akitas.

Sometimes, things just work out right. I would not have thought it possible, but in spite of the odds, two wonderful dogs have found a safe, loving home with two remarkable people.

Update: July 22, 2007. Both Nikki and Abby came through the heartworm treatment well, and appear to be in great shape.

Gabriel
by Michelle Wild & Rachel Peeples

Gabriel When Rescued

Gabriel As An Adult

Gabriel was rescued from a shelter in Griffen, GA, so he was called Griffen by the Heart of Dixie volunteers. When he came to us, he was very near the point of death. At approximately 14 weeks old, he weighed only 13 lbs and was basically starving to death. He had almost every intestinal parasite possible, including hooksworms and roundworms, was infected with parvovirus, and suspected of having giardia and campylobacter. He was on IV fluids and medications for the first week he was with us, and almost did not make it. His fur hid the fact he was basically bones with some skin stretched over them. But in true Akita fashion, his will to live was strong, and he pulled through the illnesses and began to rapidly get back to a good weight.

Only 5 weeks later, he weighed approximately 35 lbs and was much healthier. These pictures of him speak volumes. As you can see, he has developed into a beautiful long-haired Akita boy. Renamed Gabriel, he now has a wonderful home with a great family and a nice back yard in Burlington, NC.

Spirit

Spirit

A very kind lady saw this gorgeous young boy in the road, pulled over and he then jumped in her car, but jumped out when he saw a cat. He went up to the cat who started hissing and spitting so he just sat down, then jumped back in the car.
She rubbed his neck and felt the embedded collar wounds- he was already recovering from them so she thought someone must care about him to have it treated, but no one has claimed him. She called him Spirit because he has a great spirit to still trust people and want affection. Spirit is now settling into his new home, and is grateful to be getting the love and attention he so richly deserves.