Hi Greenhill, 
I’ve been thinking about dropping you a letter for sometime about Cody to tell you how wonderful this little pup turned out.
When it came time to look for a new pup after we lost our 17- year-old Rottweiler we really took our time. I had my heart set on finding the right Border Collie or Aussie Shepherd and spent close to a month between Greenhill, the Bend Humane Society and contact with rescues before coming across "Casey" in your kennel. Tom and I both fell for his personality and his soft eye.
When it was finally decided this was the pup that would come home with us, Casey was all of five months and weighted about 32lbs. He was listed as a second chance dog. To this day, I wonder what the previous owners were thinking when they turned this gem in. At the time "Casey" didn't quite fit him, but "Cody" seemed to and so his name was changed.
That was two and a half years ago. Since then he just kept right on growing ending up at a whopping and healthy 68lbs! Bigger than either of us thought he would be. He has turned out to be everything I could have wanted in a good outdoor adventure dog. Smart, playful, beautiful (what a coat!) and most of all one of the most outgoing and friendly dogs I have ever owned. To boot, he loves children and our vet has commented several times how Cody would make an excellent therapy dog candidate as he gets a little older. We have a very active life and our dogs are very much a part of activities. Cody has been exposed to so many things that he is always ready for the next adventure. I would have to say his favorite activity is camping first, then going to the beach second. He lives for water. He is also a spoiled dog. He loves GI Joes, Coastal Farm, and PetSmart.
This last weekend he and I headed up to Clear Lake for some camping and his first experience in a row boat. Like a trooper he jumped right in with life vest on and lay down. On the way back to camp some children were attracted to him wearing his hiking pack. I got to talking to their parents and they couldn't believe this dog could come from a humane society. Over the last couple of years I have heard that such a good and beautiful dog was once a "pound puppy." I tell folks that the best dogs always come from humane societies and pounds. It is true. If folks would just choose an animal carefully instead of on impulse, there really isn't a reason to buy from a pet store. Cody makes a great "spokes-dog" for humane society mutts everywhere. He is a strong example of what these types of dogs can be after they find the right home.
Hopefully we have encouraged a few families to consider their next family members from the local Humane Society.
Thanks, and happy trails!
Shealene and "Cody"
Dear fellow animal lovers,
I am writing to let you know about all the beautiful years my dog and I had together. Twelve years ago, I adopted him from your organization. One of you let me know about the abuse he had suffered with his previous family. Since I adopted him, he has known no abuse and if anything he has been spoiled silly.
We gave each other years of mommy and baby love and he has received the very best of veterinary care and training. He had his own bedroom, bed, toys, and sweater and raincoat wardrobe. And still I let him sleep under the covers with me every night.
We went for walks, runs and made friends with a couple of ladies here whom he loved very much.
As I write this letter to you, I have a picture of him right here on my desk. Last week on a Monday night he passed away at the age of 14. He had heart trouble. I had him on heart pills from his vet. He could not respond to his medication at all and he threw up constantly. That is when I decided to have him euthanized. I couldn’t bare to let him suffer any longer. I cryed a lot and still do. I am grieving now. However, I still thank the Lord for giving him and me the opportunity to find each other and give each other sunshine every day and a reason to live.
I held a funeral at my home for him. He is the one who was named Gator. I renamed him Precious. On his memorial, it read:
Precious Gator Morris
1993-2008
Deceased on January 28, 2008
Thank you very much for letting me adopt him. I love each and every one of you. Thank you very much. May God be with you.
Jackie Morris
Springfield, OR
Hello Greenhill!
You may remember me as Joey, the relaxed and ever so sweet kitten in the corner of the cattery. I came into Greenhill with my three brothers Frankie, Dean, and Peter when I was only three months old and a tiny four pounds. While my brothers were playing, giving snuggles, and always grabbing everyone's attention I stayed behind the scenes taking advantage of the constantly filled bowl of food. My forever friend came into the shelter and almost adopted my brother Dean, but he was on hold, so she kept looking. I knew I had to act, so I left the food bowl, crawled into her lap, and the rest is history. My new name is Vito after the main character in the Godfather, because I am a classy tuxedo gentleman, with all the courage in the world. I live with my mom and her roomate who are students at the University of Oregon, and I am so happy when they come home everyday. I have an eight food cat tree, a red tunnel, laser pointer, snazzy kitty condo, and most importantly a bowl always full of kitten chow. I know I brighten my mom's life, and I am so thankful for your care and to have found my forever home. Mom still goes to visit all the cats and dogs, so who knows, I may get a brother or sister! Thank you again Greenhill, I wouldn't have found my family without you!
- Vito
Hi Greenhill, 
My name is “Spencer”. You knew me as “Bob”. My new Mom and Dad changed my name to Spencer because they thought it suited my personality. I have to agree. I started answering to the new name the first day they brought me home. I moved in with them and settled in the first day. I went right to my food bowl, crawled right in my bed and played in my new yard like I had always been there. I learned the first day that I would be well fed and that I had a treat drawer and toys to play with. My parents left bones on the floor for me. After living with them for three weeks I decided I should try these bones. I have been hooked on chewing ever since. In fact, I had this nervous habit of clicking my teeth, so my parents gave me the nick name “Mr. Chompers.” They tell me I’m a character. I know that they really love me because I’m a cuddler and they let me cuddle with them all of the time. I’m also a BIG kisser and I like to show them how much I love them! I’m really happy here. For the first five weeks here I lived with my Mom and Dad and the resident cat Jake. And then something great happened. They adopted a sister for me. She is a Golden Retriever. We love to play together and sleep together and eat together and walk together. We do just about everything together. I don’t let her leave my sight. I just love my new Sister Sara. Here is a picture of me and my Dad and my Sister Sara. I’m the handsome boy on the right. My Dog Mom was a Golden Retriever and my Dog Dad was a Black Lab/Chow mix. I think you can tell by my picture that I look like a black lab but I act like a Golden/Black Lab.
We go on two walks a day rain or shine. I love to walk with my new sister and my parents. Well, it’s time to take a nap. I just wanted to let you know how happy I am and how well I’m doing. Thanks Greenhill for finding me a good home!
- Spencer
Hey Greenhill!
Hi! My name is Charlie (you guys knew me as Gilmore or Pudgy). Greenhill was my "Second Chance" and boy, am I glad I got that chance! After a week and a half at Greenhill, I was spotted online by my new moms. Since I didn't have a history with cats, they didn't know how I was going to be with the three cats in the house, but I showed them that I was meant to be a part of the family. I walked in the house and the first to greet me was another Greenhill Grad, my sister Ophelia. We hit it off right away. The other cats came around after just a short time. We are one big happy family now! I have a nice big yard to run in, but my favorite things are to go for walks, and go for rides. And I LOVE to sit on the couch with the family every night to watch TV. Most nights we all try to fit on the couch...it's cozy. I love my forever family...they take good care of me. Even when the vet found out I am allergic to so many things...even my new moms! Thank you for taking care of me while I waited for my true home.
- Charlie
Dear Greenhill,
Greenhill was my "second chance" and I cannot thank the staff enough for believing in me and seeing me through my hard times. I don't know why my original pawrents surrendered me at the first shelter but somewhere along the line people who owned me or took care of me hit me so I became very scared. But when I got to Greenhill my heart got healed. My first
two adoptions did not work out but Greenhill believed they would find the right pawrents for me and you did! September 1, 2006, you interviewed my furever family and I went home with them. They didn't care that I was over 7 years old; they loved me and were just sad they couldn't have those first 7 years of my life. Since I moved to my furever home my name was changed from "Copper" to "Cooper" and I have a Welsh Pembroke Corgi brother named Dozer. My bipeds bought me a vest for my walks so I don't have to have a leash pull on my neck and I take lots of walks to look at llamas or up Bald Hill on the hiking paths. Since December 2006 I have not had any ear infections and I am in great health. Once a week Mom gives me an egg with my kibble so my coat is all shiny and nice. I get groomed once a month but I don't like the bows they put in my hair. I'm a guy dawg, we don't do bows! Thank you Greenhill for taking care of me until my furever pawrents arrived. I couldn't have made it without you and I will never forget how good you were to me.
Your pal, Cooper Edwards, Esq.
Greenhill,
Brrrrring! It's the morning alarm clock! That means it's my job to put my nose on the bed and wake up Dad, because c'mon, it's time to go to work!
We go to the kitchen where I help make sandwiches by promptly 
licking up any dropped crumbs.
When we get to the office there's another dog to keep me company, but mostly I sit at Dad's feet and tell him how bored I am. I count the minutes until lunch because you know what that means...Dog Park!!!! I'm getting really good at fetching and splashing in the toy pools. Everyone tells me how cute and smart I am which is true! I've learned all kinds of new tricks and I love showing off. I used to be shy, and I didn't find a new family for awhile because I could be pretty standoff-ish. But Mom says I'm just a great, big, love. Once I know you, I'll crawl onto your lap to get my belly rubbed, just like my "big" brother Bob. He's a lapdog, and I used to think that meant that he was there to sit on. I've since learned not to do that! I love going with him and my Dad to the beach and racing in the sand. On the weekends, Dad and I go hiking and it's my job to find him sticks to throw for me while we go. So as you can see, I'm very busy and have lots of jobs to do. But mostly, I'm not alone anymore, and I'm very happy with that!
Love,
Ernie.
Dear Greenhill, 
This letter is twelve and a half years overdue.
In July of 1995 I adopted a male Malamute named Mickey from Greenhill. Really he adopted me. I understand he was from a shelter in Douglas Co. and after time there was transferred to Greenhill where he had a better chance of adoption. When I brought him to the dog run he immediately tried to mark me, then my purse. I knew what he was telling me and that began our life together.
I changed his name to Abe, and he never once missed a beat. I can not convey all the life he shared with me - nor is it necessary. He was the teacher, and I his student.
He had a great life - he was the prince - and I always wanted to thank Greenhill and tell you how happy we both were.
Sadly on Nov. 1 Abe died at home. We think he may have suffered a heart attack or stroke; he was in the best of shape.
His vet, Dr. Carolyn Love, said he looked like a five year old (except for his teeth), plus he had no arthritis. He was slow and I certainly knew he was an older gentleman, but those who met him for the first time thought he was a young dog.
My heart aches for his friendship and awaits his smile and head in my lap...I'm sorry it took so long to let you know how much I always appreciated Greenhill saving Abe's life and allowing us to find each other.
Sincerely,
Catherine Kenyon
Austin, TX
Hey Greenhill Gang,
I know it’s been a few months since you saw me last, so I thought I’d drop you all a note. You knew me as Burly, but I’ve been renamed “Kirby,” which I like a lot better. I’m enjoying my new home with Bonnie, my “forever mom.” I also have a playmate named Aki who is a Tibetan Spaniel just like me. Aki is actually the one responsible for getting Bonnie and me together. It’s a neat story: When Aki ran away, Bonnie went to Greenhill to see if someone may have turned him in. In the process, she visited the kennel and there I was with my crooked teeth and one eye. But she fell in love anyway and pretty much adopted me on the spot! Aki was eventually found, thanks to Darla, a Greenhill employee who spotted him around Creswell. Thanks Darla!
Bonnie adopted me even though I had a couple of health issues. Before I came to Greenhill as a stray, my eye was injured and had to be removed. I got a really bad infection in the process. But Bonnie put me through treatment and I’m much better, though I still have a few pounds to lose. I’m a bit overweight for a Tibetan Spaniel due to my active appetite. My mom likes to say I eat everything in sight like a vacuum, hence the name “Kirby.”
Bonnie recently had a birthday and in lieu of gifts, she requested that her friends donate to Greenhill. As a result, toys, a food bowl, dog treats and $195 was donated in appreciation to Greenhill and all they do to help homeless animals.
Thanks Greenhill!
- Kirby
If you saw me now, you wouldn’t recognize me. When I came to Greenhill, I was very underweight for a dog of my breed. After my previous family abandoned me, I didn’t have much of an appetite. Even though the caretakers at Greenhill gave me plenty of food, I just couldn’t bring myself to eat. However, since I found my forever home two years ago, I’ve packed on the weight. I’m proud to announce that I now weigh close to 100 pounds!
My kennel mates knew me as Kilo, but my family named Buddy. Brynda, Bill and Samantha have been so good to me. Brynda was a volunteer at Greenhill when she met me. Apparently, I charmed her socks off! She took me home to meet the kids and grandkids and I let them climb all over me. After that, it was settled; I was going to be part of the family!
It took a little adjusting for me at first. I had bad separation anxiety. I couldn’t even stand it if my Mom stepped outside for a minute. One time I got so nervous, that I leaped through the window screen so I could find her. Fortunately, there hasn’t been any more incidents like that. Now that I know my family is never going to leave me, I know how to handle separation much better.
The family and I have a whole lot of fun together. I love ridding in the boat and being in the car, even if they’re just going around the block! I also like camping and wrestling with dad. I also enjoy laying my head on Mom’s lap when she’s reading. After a busy day, I love to crash on my couch. That’s right, I have my very own couch!
I’ve got it made!
- Buddy
You know, it wasn’t all that long ago that I was a shelter dog waiting for my forever home. But now that I’m a Greenhill Graduate, I’d like to enlighten my former kennel mates about what to expect in the “real world.”
If your parents are anything like mine, they’ll play fetch you with almost everyday, let you lie on their laps and take you to the park to play in the water and chase ducks! When I’m not out having fun, I’m taking a nice long nap in the sunniest spot in the house. Yep, I’ve got it good!
My parents, Max and Annette Smith, are so glad to have me around! They would like to give Greenhill a great big “Thank You!” for helping them find their match.
All for now,
- Presley
Hey gang! Since I found my forever home last April, my parents have been keeping me so busy that I just haven’t had much time to write. But I hope all is all is well. I know the caretakers at Greenhill did everything they could to make me feel right at home. As much as I enjoyed staying there, I’m glad to be living the high-life with Steve and Judy.
My parents love to travel and they take me everywhere they go! They also do a lot of hiking, and I blaze the trails right beside them. For those looking for your forever home, here’s some advice: Make sure your new family is just as active as you are. I promise you’ll never be bored!
Steve and Judy are so thrilled to have me in their lives. My mom made several trips out to the shelter looking for her match. It wasn’t until Cleo, an Animal Care Technician, pointed me out when my mom realized that I was the one she was looking for! The decision to adopt me was a “no-brainer,” she said.
Hang in there guys! The right family is going to come along and see that you’re the perfect companion.
Keep in touch,
Lady
Hello Greenhill,
This is a "hang in there" note to all my friends at the shelter. I was there for about two months, and I enjoyed spending time with each and every one of you. The staff was so kind,they let me be their favorite lap cat! But while I loved all of you, I am really enjoying my forever home. One of my new best friends works from home and I spend most of my day on his lap helping him make important work decisions. When we aren't working we chase some feathered capers or just dance around.
My new family is expecting a baby, but they know that I am gentle, loving and part of the family and now I look forward to being part of an even larger family!
Thank you Greenhill for everything you did for me. I was moved from a shelter in Cottage Grove to Greenhill. No one had taken me home then, perhaps because of my crooked tail. My current housemates value me and love me so much; they are so glad to have me as part of the family.
Love,
Harry Bobo "Boji" Bojangles.
Greetings to the Greenhill Staff:
My name was Mig while I stayed with you. I was a 2nd chance dog. My former family's house burned down in Albany and after a while I was transferred to Greenhill, where I waited to find my forever home. I waited for a long time but finally Diana and Derek came to see me. Diana had wanted a dog for a very long time, she had been searching 
online to find just the right friend. The day that we met, Diana had the names of some dogs that she thought would be just right to be part of her family. My name was on the list! Diana and Derek asked Kelly to bring me out for a play and even though I was very excited and jumped on them, Derek and Diana were happy to play with me. I tried to be very good and I came to them when they called my name. Kelly took me back to the kennel while Diana and Derek looked at the other dogs on their list. I noticed that they kept coming back to my kennel! I tried my very best to look like a sweet and loving girl. Diana and Derek still wanted to look at the other dogs on the list that were at LCARA. They came back and before I knew what was going on I was being brought into the office. I saw Derek and Diana and I got so excited, that I forgot my manners, ran to Diana and bounced into her lap! Sometimes I forget that I'm a big girl! Diana hugged me, finally I was going HOME! I love my new home. I have a fenced back yard to race around in. I have my very own potty place and like a delicate lady I only "go" there. My Mom bakes me delicious treats from her own recipe that she made up for me and we all love to play together. Mom and Dad love to teach me tricks and I teach them about playing. I'm still trying to make friends with T'Pau the cat but she's older and doesn't trust me yet, I'll win her over eventually! I have a new name now, it's Sigred (Sig for short). Thank you Greenhill for helping to make my dreams come true and giving me a second chance to find a great home.
Love from Diana, Derek, Sigred and a reluctant T'Pau
My name was Jinx two years ago when I was at Greenhill. My mom named me Charisma and calls me Charm for short. I was surrendered after wandering into a garage but now I live the comfy life in a townhouse with my mom and dad. I was at the shelter for a while before my mom and her sister found me. I matched one of the toys so well they weren't sure if there was a kitty hiding inside. But there I was, and mom thought I was perfect! I still have my pink collar that I got on my adoption day
, and I wear it everyday. In the begining it was just me and mom and we spent most of the day together, now though, my family has grown and is going to grow again with a new little brother kitty next month.
I spend most of my day laying in the sun keeping dad company when he's not in school. I have a window seat and I can ususally be found there when I'm not playing with my many toys. My mom's parents call me thier grandkitten and bring me presents. I usually hide my toy mice under the couch until mom and the vaccuum find them.
I like the little backyard here, there are always bugs to chase. I also enjoy car rides because I like to look out the windows. I don't mind the drive to grandma's house for the holidays, especially the one invloving an indoor tree. When we are at grandma's I get to hang with Nikki the Slinky another rescue kitty whose become a good friend.
I didn't know what was in store for me when I got to Greenhill, but now I have a forever home where I am loved and happy!!! So for all the kitties still at greenhill have faith the right person is going to find you!!!
- Charm
Hello to all Greenhill staff...
I wanted to thank everyone for taking such good care of me while I was an orphan. I was very scared during my month at Greenhill, but you found me the perfect family. When my mom came to the shelter she was at her whits end with my new sister, a 2 year old boxer. She was very anxious being home alone during the day and was very destructive. Since I came to my new home my sister doesn’t ruin anything anymore because she has me to look after her and keep her company.
I only made one mistake in my new home. I got a little confused and thought that an indoor plant was the same as an outdoor plant. Mom was so shocked at my mistake that she squealed and rushed me outside, I learned though and I have had no more accidents in the house after that.
My mom tells me everyday that I am wonderful and that she loves me a lot. My little sister, well she’s teaching me all kinds of things. I’ve learned all about tug of war, keep away, tag and best of all how to wrestle. She can get a little annoying when I’m trying to take a nap, she has a habit of sneaking up on me and pouncing, but I’m learning how to get her back. Mom’s been teaching me not to be afraid of a leash and how to walk without pulling her down the street. I’m a fast learner but I’m still pretty scared of the car. I love hiking in the mountains and on the beach, wow, the sand is so much fun... and the birds are fun to chase.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make me feel more comfortable while I was at the shelter and for finding me such a good home.
Bailey
(Formerly known as Noodles)
Hello!
My name is Buffy and I'm the happiest kitty in the world! My name used to be Misty, but when my parents adopted me from Greenhill, they thought Buffy fit me better. I couldn't be happier with the choice! I spend my days lazing around the house and backyard, pounci
ng on snakes and playing with my sisters, the four chickens. I love laying on the couch or bed and especially on my Daddy when he's sitting at the computer. My previous owners had me for five-years and my mom and dad have had me for two. They don't know how anyone can live without me! I'm so glad they found me! My mom saw me after a few minutes at Greenhill and decided I was the one for her. She lets me snuggle with her all day long because she is a student and is home most of the day. I sleep right next to her at night and most of the time at the foot of the bed. In the morning, my daddy gives me a few kitty treats on his way out the door to work. I have him trained!
I love my life and I am a healthy and curious kitty. My mom and dad take great care of me and love me with all of their hearts. I know that I will be with them for the rest of my life. I wish every kitty was as happy as me!
Love,
Buffy
Hi everyone,
I am an eight-month old Border Collie, Pitbull, Lab mix who was brought into Greenhill with my litter mates when I was just a month old. But I was a sweetheart, and I knew someday someone would love me.
One day a retired couple came in looking for a new buddy to fill their lives and keep them entertained. They saw how smart and good natured I was and decided to take me home. Since then I've had lots of new experiences like going to class and learning to be a good dog, and going to the coast, where I discovered how much fun sand is, and going for nice long walks with my new family. I even have a new human puppy to be pals with, although because I'm such a smart little girl, I'm very, very careful around him. My family calls him a grandbaby, and they seem to think a good deal of the little guy so I'm sure we'll be great friends someday.
I'm really happy and content now with my new family. I have a yard with lots of room to run, a family that thinks I'm a really smart girl and even a cat of my own, although she doesn't seem to want to play too much with me yet! But I'm growing on her and I think we'll learn to get along fine.
Thanks to Greenhill I had a chance at a really good life, and a loving family of my very own. As you can see, we are a happy bunch!
Hello,
My name is Shasta. I was transferred to Greenhill as a "Second Chance" dog in early September. One day later my new mom walked into the kennels and we hav
e been best friends ever since. That same day I went home with her. I am now 16 months old and a healthy 20 pounds heavier. I am fit, and my mom keeps me active with hikes in the mountains and runs on the beach, I love it! I hike with my backpack and because I am tired at night, mom massages me. I can tell my mom loves me very much, and all I try to do is make her happy. My other best friend is my neighbors dog JJ, he is also a lab mix and we run like crazy and play the game of take the bone away. We have a big yard and playing fetch is a blast, I have trained my mom well. I love chewing, but haven't chewed anything in the house because I have great bones.
My first month I caught a bee in my mouth and quickly looked like a Shar-Pei. After being taken care of in this awful incidence, my trust in mom has only gotten stronger. She believes in me and I have tremendous respect for her.
One last thing, thank goodness someone donated to Greenhill for my "Second Chance." They took me in and kept me comfortable. Not many people want big black dogs but I didn't give up.
Thank you everyone!
Shasta
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