DOGGIE PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Orville AKA Snuggles - adopted

• December 12, 2011

  Hello,

  We adopted "Snuggles" a bit more than 1 year ago. My husband and I have always had a dog as an integral part of our family. We continue to remember and love each one for different reasons. However we both agree that "Snuggles" is a very special individual. Since I last wrote, in addition to being a very present principal in our family's daily life, he has completed levels 1, 2 & 3 of obedience at the SFSPCA where I am a regular volunteer. When he was old enough, we enrolled "Snuggles" in the Intro to Agility class. The instructor commented that he didn't seem afraid of any of the obstacles (he had kind of a "let meet 'em" attitude). Snuggles was one of the easiest dogs to train that I have ever had. Although I admit we practiced a lot, he did very well in his class. Despite encouragement to continue with this kind of training, I am competitive enough and have no desire to be involved in the competitive dog world. Our next goal is for Snuggles to be certified as a therapy dog.

  We also have had the pleasure of doing a lot traveling with our boy. We have had many fun experiences that we can describe but I am only going to tell you about one. The three of us stayed at an Inn in Carmel that is very doggie friendly. When he wasn't playing on the beach, Snuggles was a star back at the hotel. He was so well behaved. Everyone wanted pet him, asked what kind of dog he was, how old he was, etc. The next time we are in Carmel my husband vowed to bring along a printed 'doggie fact sheet' to hand out.

  As a 'proud mother' I am attaching pics of Snuggles on his most recent graduation day, at home with his dad, and vacationing in Carmel.

• November 2, 2012

  Hello again.

  Another year has passed since we adopted "Snuggles" from your organization (adopted 11/2010). I can't recall if I mentioned that we renamed him Orville after an old friend who passed away not too long before we adopted our little guy. We usually call him Orvie or Orv. This year Orville took a break from dog training. Instead he assumed the task as chief home health officer (in charge of morale) and companion to my husband who required several knee/leg surgeries. Orvie's sweet nature and docile disposition really helped my husband get through some difficult times. The little dog stayed curled up beside my husband for hours at a time, often licking his ear or foot. During this time Orv and I still found time, in addition to neighborhood walks, to take him at least once or twice a week to one of his favorite places for some good exercise (Chrissy Field, Fort Funston, or Mill Valley Dog Park when we wanted to get out of the SF fog). After watching Orv's nurturing behavior with my husband, I began to think about enrolling him in a program for "Therapy Dogs" who visit hospitals, long term care facilities, etc. I think Orville would be great in this role...maybe after the holidays.

  Now that my husband is healthy again we have been able to take Orville on some car trips. We spent a week in Sonoma at the home of some friends who live outside of town. Orvie had such fun running around chasing deer and turkeys. Neither deer nor turkey was ever in any danger of being caught! We also took him to Mammoth Lakes to see some of the fall colors. We stayed in a dog-friendly lodge right on Twin Lakes. Orvie had such fun exploring the lake and playing with some of the other canine guests. As I think I mentioned last year, his good manners together with his sweet disposition make him a welcome guest wherever we go. He is an awesome traveller.

  Once again, thank you all that you do and for connecting us with this wonderful, sweet dog. We can't imagine our lives without him.

  Happy Holidays,

  Beth and Howard Crane

• December 9, 2013

  This is our annual holiday note to thank you for all that you do for the animals and give an update on our precious adoptee Orville "aka Snuggles" adopted from Doggie Protective Services on November 21, 2010. 2013 has been pleasantly uneventful for our family. We've just been living our lives. I decided not to enroll Orvie in school again due to conflicting schedules. Maybe next year since he seems to enjoy being with the other dogs and learning new things. We took him to the beach and the mountains for long weekends. When at home his favorite spot is Crissy Field which we go to at least once a week. He also enjoys Ft. Funston, Mill Valley Dog Park, the Presidio and Golden Gate Park. I've attached pics from two fundraisers he attended this year, from Crissy Field as well as of the necessary bath following every beach visit.

  Thank you again for all that you do for these wonderful animals and for those of us who are lucky enough to adopt them.

  Beth, Howard and Orville Crane