grand companions – spring/summer 2014

Spring Summer 2014

p 3 Grand Companions~Midland Making a mission possible.

p 6 A Rebel with a Cause After three strikes, Rebel hits a home run.

p 8 Dr. Abigail Smith A happy ending marks a new beginning.

2 www.grandcompanions.org Spring Summer 2014

Become a Suite agent Help make our

miSSion PoSSiBle

contact grand comPanionS for more information 432.426.3724

Your Mission,

Should you choose to accept it:

Choose a Sweet Suite Shelter Pet.

Tap your social and/or business network.

Find a home for the pet as fast as possible.

Alert GC Hqtrs. and well complete the adoption.

Join the game

of Saving liveS.

3Spring Summer 2014 www.grandcompanions.org

miSSion PoSSiBleby Laura Langham, Executive Director

In 2007 a brick fell on my headnot literally, thankfully, but let me explain. In 1989 I picked up a stray dog. We named him Charlie. We found him a home. Thats when it all started.

We formed a private, nonprofit humane society, in a tiny town in West Texas, surrounded by vast amounts of land. Every day wed work to make ends meet by fundraising and poop scooping (well, it is, after all, what we do).

Through the years, more people called needing more help with more pets. But more people in our isolated area did not want to adopt. Hmmtherein lay quite a quandary.

It was there, in that place of quandary, where I would spend my time. Id circled around our Texas island watching, listening, reaching out, and learning from dedicated rescue groups stretching across the Trans-Pecos region. But there seemed to be no solution, just a saturation pointa brick wall.

Thats when the brick hit mefiguratively. I was spraying a dog patio for the millionth time in my life and the brick wall started to crumble; I had an ideaan epiphany.

You see, we had grown. We had set up a temporary small, and umrather less than perfect shelter where we were forced to make do. That making do brought down the brick wall. From our hardships we created the Sweet Suite Sheltera new system of sheltering homeless pets. Now were ready to expand.

If you can dream it, you can do it. ~ Walt DisneyAfter years of working toward this goal, Grand Companions appreciates this opportunity to open a Sweet Suite Shelter Satellite in the former Midland SPCA facility. The satellite will help increase services for our local Tri-County area as well as help us reach our long term goal of providing significant relief for city and private shelters by facilitating pet transfers.

Grand Companions ~ 2014 / 2015 Goals

Complete Medical Clinic in Fort Davis Raise funds for Midland facility updates Hire a part-time veterinarian Increase number of Tri-County intakes Complete Midland facility renovations Increase pet transfers from city and private shelters

Open Grand Companions~Midland Our first Sweet Suite Shelter Satellite.

All Sweet Suite Shelter Satellites will have the same floorplan, specifically designed for our Sweet Suite Shelter systems. The Midland facility is beautifully suited for this design.

Thanks to Debbie & Mike Murphy of Texas Mountain Realty for Sponsoring our Front Landscape Project.

The Midland SPCA has been an icon in the Midland community. Accepting the torch passed from the founders of the Midland SPCA, Grand Companions is committed to re-opening the former Midland SPCA facility as Grand Companions~Midland as soon as possible.

Heroes ~ They serve our people, save our pets, work long hours, keep our cities and towns safe from the dangers of pets running at large, and face adversity every day. They rarely see a smile or hear a Good job. It takes a village to solve these problems and we are eager to help these heroes, our Animal Control Officers, by increasing pet transfers to Grand Companions.


Grand Companions Medical Clinic Surgery Suite

Surgery Prep RoomRecovery AreaPack Prep

Exam Intake Suite

Isolation Ward

Healthy Holding Suite

Puppy Kinder Patios

Sweet Suite Pet Bath Area

medical clinic coming Soon

Construction for the Grand Companions Medical Clinic has begun. The Clinic area will complete the planned expansion in our Miriam McCoy Home Office Center in Fort Davis. The clinic is expected to be completed this August.

Plans are underway to hire a part-time veterinarian. Having a clinic and doctor on site will increase speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness for increasing our programs as we expand to better serve the Big Bend and Trans Pecos region.

ANNUAL CA MPA IGN

Hopes Medical FundThey Cant Live Without It.

Treatment

Illness

Wellness

Emergency

Critical

Routine

hope

for homeless pets

HopesMedical Fund

Give a Gift to

Hopes Medical Fund432.426.3724

PO Box 1156 Fort Davis, TX 79734www.grandcompanions.org

This Years Goal

Your Gift Will Save a Life

$60,000

Above: Walls for the recovery area and isolation ward going up.

Left: Other improvements include a paved loading and unloading area to facilitate increased numbers of pet rescues and partner transfers.


the BeSt Buddyby Glenda Kelly, Grand Companions Volunteer Board Member

Buddy Wins the Battle Against DistemperEarly this past December, Laura called me to ask if I could foster

a dog for a couple of days. He was being transferred to Grand Companions from Midland Animal Services at the request of a local rescue group who knew him to be a super sweet dog. I agreed to help.

When I pick a name for a rescue dog, I usually pick the one that first pops in my headno real rhyme or reason, just an instinct. Buddy was the first name to come to mind after picking up this dog who was indeed super sweet. Buddy sounds generic but I knew, I knew it right away, he would be someones best Buddy.

As sweet as he was, Buddy was shy. And he was very thin. It did not take long to know Buddy wasnt well. My vet took one look at Buddy and said, I think it might be distemper. My heart stopped. I know of distemper, but in 20 years of fostering, I had never cared for a dog with distemper. I had only known that it was often a death sentence for a dog.

Three days later a test confirmed the distemper diagnosis. My doctor assured me there was hope but Buddy would need extensive care for weeks; it would be a long, rough road.

Looking into Buddys sad, kind eyes, I knew what I had to do. I had to change my holiday plans. I had to change my home to keep my dogs safe. I had to change how I would spend each day for weeks to come. But, there was no question, Buddy was worth it.

He had little strength to do more than sleep, go out to the bathroom, take his medications, and listen to my pleas to eat some food. From day one, he never whined or complained, he never

see pg. 13

Buddy spent his days at Grand Companions lazing around the suites, giving a high five to anyone who was willing to celebrate life with him.

Buddy and so many others owe their life to Midland Animal Shelter Adoptables and Midland Animal Services for their collaborative efforts in getting Buddy transferred.


a reBel With a cauSeBy Katrina Steele

In the 1955 James Dean movie, Rebel Without a Cause, the main character is an oft-misunderstood and troubled youth. His family relocates to a new town and he has to start over and try to find his way.

Our Rebels journey was much the same bounced around from home to home, he just didnt fit. He was too active. Too big. Had separation issues. Didnt play well with others. It seemed Rebel just couldnt find his place.

But when our family visited Grand Companions looking for a new friend, our whole crew fell under this big dogs spell. We adopted him and he was a perfect fit for our familywe didnt know how perfect until a couple years and almost 1600 miles later, when we moved to a small farm and started raising sheep. Rebel always enjoyed spending time out in the pasture with the sheep, but it wasnt until a set of twins were rejected by their momma that we realized he has settled in and has found his causecaring for the orphans on the farm.

This past fall, a set of twin lambs were born and the mom abandoned them right after birth. They were, in effect, orphans. We waited as long as we could, hoping the ewe would reclaim them, but she never did. That evening we brought them into the yard, still sticky from birth, since the ewe hadnt even bothered to clean them

After three owners and three strikes Rebel was brought to Grand Companionsthere seemed no hope for the destructive rebel. But with some Sweet Suite Shelter guidance Rebel cleaned up his averages and finally hit his own home run.


off. Completely unprompted, Rebel came over to investigate. He was ever so sweet and gentle, and licked those babies clean. Head to tail, he made sure they were spotless. We named the lambs Annie and Oliver and Rebel became their surrogate parent. He was there as they wobbled around the yard. He watched over them as we bottle fed them. When we kept his babies in the kitchen at night, he slept right outside the door making sure they were OK. As they became more steady on their feet, they would run and bounce all over the yard, always under Rebels watchful eye. It was such an amazing thing to witness the unlikely bond that formed between Rebel and his lambs. A dog who once

had no family was now caring for others who

had no family. Annie and Oliver grew stronger and started assimilating with the rest of the flock, but Rebel still looks for them. When he finds them, it is obvious how

comfortable they are around him. It seems even animals dont forget

those who have shown them love and kindness.

Hopefully we wont have any more orphan lambs, but Im certain if we do, Rebel will be a willing guardian. We can say with certainty he is no longer a Rebel without a cause.

continued from pg. 6

Dog Fancys Annual Publication DOGS USASweet Suite Shelter

In 2011, free lance writer Meredith Wargo used Rebel to tell the story of Grand Companions Sweet Suite Shelter. Below Meredith talks about her visit to our suites:

I confess to experiencing a bit of trepidation as I approached the shelter. Could this facility really be that different? And could this little shelter in West Texas somehow be the catalyst for changing the traditional shelter image across the map?

Within just a few minutes upon my arrival, all my fears were put to rest. Walking into Grand Companions is unlike any other shelter experience ... no odd smells ... no sad or scared eyes peering at you ... no whimpering cries heard down the hall.

Instead, everything was clean and orderly and everybody including both the humans and the four-legged creatures all seemed relaxed and in a happy state of being.

Rebel takes care of all his kids, two-legged and four-legged.


dr. aBigail Smithby Glenda Kelly, Grand Companions Volunteer Board Member

A Happy Ending for our K9 Correspondent-A Warm Welcome for Dr. Abby

Laura Langham, Executive Director of Grand Companions, describes Abby Smith as friendly, optimistic, funny, determined, true to herself, risk taker, energetic and all grown up. We can now add Doctor of Veterinary Medicine to that description. Dr. Abigail Smith, a native of Fort Davis, Texas, soon begins her new career at a position specializing in canine rehab, essentially physical therapy for dogs, at a location just north of Denver. Her job will be to aid dogs with decreased functionality due to such things as age, injury, illness or surgery.

Abby began volunteering at Fort Davis Veterinary Services at the tender age of 11. By extension, she also volunteered for Grand Companions. As a child, Abby dreamt of becoming an astronaut and a marine biologist. Living in Fort Davis, those options were not readily available to her, but as someone who

loved animals from as far back as she can remember, those close to her encouraged her to consider becoming a vet. Since her parents were friends with Drs. Taylor and Greathouse, the path to where she finds herself now, began. Abby affirms the doctors have been wonderful mentors throughout the years. Even as a young girl shadowing them, she was allowed to get involved with appointments and procedures, and her questions were always answered. She considers the bond with both of them to be priceless, as she was ultimately accepted to vet school.

Following an eventful birth in Alpine (her mom was rushed to the hospital from a backcountry

campsite in Big Bend National Park), Abby attended elementary and high

school in Fort Davis. She obtained an undergraduate degree from Austin College in Sherman, Texas and now

Everywhere youd turn, there she was. Funny, delightful, optimistic Abby Smith, volunteering for adoption days, pet contests, walking dogs, playing with kittens, highway trash pick upplaying any part that would helpeven at the cost of nearly passing out during the July 4th parade wearing the Sparky the Dog costumeall for the Mission!


graduates from Colorado State University Veterinary School. She maintains a deep appreciation for the West Texas countryside. Abby loves her hometown, but ultimately hopes to end up in the Pacific Northwest. Abby hopes to travel and experience a lot of the world over time. While it seems unlikely right now, she does not totally rule out the idea of moving back to Texas someday. We can only hope!

Surrounded by lots of pets growing up (cats, ducks, reptiles, fish, etc.), Abby insists she always wanted more. Her family never had dogs, but she often borrowed her neighbors dogs to get her fix. She was known to jump fences to make her way to neighboring border collies, German shepherds, and Rottweilers, to name a few. On frequent trips

with her family, many roadside turtles and snakes were picked up and removed from harms way, often observed for a few days for learning purposes, and released in a safer ecologically compatible area. Trips to California to visit grandparents, also exposed her to a variety of wildlife and sparked her interest in marine life.

Abby has several distant cousins who are medical doctors, but there are no other doctors in her immediate family. Her mother has a strong passion for

aBByi Placed my Bet Shed Be a vetby Laura Langham

What comes to my mind when I think of Abby Smith?

Friendly, optimistic, funny, determined, true to herself, takes risks, energeticand all grown up.

Abby started volunteering for Fort Davis Veterinary Services when she was about 11 years old. At the time I was the Lead Veterinary Technician and Practice Manager at the vet clinic. By extension, of course, Abby also volunteered for Grand Companions. Way back then, she was just a youngin, as my grandmother would say. A youngin who wanted to be a vet when she grew up. Us old timers who have stood the test of time in the field of caring for animals run across hundreds of youngsters who want to grow up and help animals. And, my oh my, how time flies, little starry-eyed Abby is one of the few who was able to follow through.

But is Abby successful? See Abby Smiths last K9 Correspondent article on page 14 to learn, in her own words, if she has been successful.Congratulations Abby, for yes, my dear, you are successful!

see Dr. Smith on pg. 17

see page 14 for our

LastK9 Correspondence

CoLumn

see our next issue for

FirstDr. Abbys Too Sense

CoLumn

After graduating from Fort Davis High School

and working her way into Colorado State University

Veterinary School, Abby continued volunteering for

Grand Companions. Her K9 Correspondent column

has been a favorite for our Grand Fan readers as she kept us engaged with critter stories of all kinds and the life lessons shes

learned along the way.


Alexie

Allie

Bruce

Bubba

Buddy

Cooper

Daisy

Duke

Elvira

Frostine

Furby

Hacky SackHank

Hawkeye

Jaeger

Joanie

Kitty

Lacy

Lilly

Lucky

Markie

Marta

Marvina Meriam

Pinball Wizard

Princess Lolly

Priscilla

Roza

Rupert Sage

Sagette

Sergey Sergio

Shayba

SpyroSunny Gray

Susie Q

Tickle

Trixie

Venus

YOUR DOLLARS AT WORK SAVING THE LIVES OF HOMELESS PETS!


Abigail

Adler

Charlie

Booter

Bosco

Cashmere

Chip

Cinnamon

Dark Smokey

Glen Kitty

Gnoppy

Grace

Howard

Iron Paw

Izzy

Kita

Lando

Big Leo

Little Leo

Mac

Malia

Mark

Michael Phelps Mickey Quinn

Mogul

NickyPepe

Sam

Skunk

Smokey

Sonia

SpikeStella

Twister

Victor

Viva

WallaceWiley

YOUR DOLLARS AT WORK SAVING THE LIVES OF HOMELESS PETS!

Callie


Stevie the Wonder dogBy Carey Kelley Wallis, Medical Coordinator

Jeff says he wasnt looking to adopt a dog the day he stopped by Grand Companions last May during a visit to Fort Davis. Five years before, he had lost his two beloved Australian Cattle Dogs ( a.k.a. Heelers) within three months

of each other to old age. It had hit him hard. Real hard. So, there he was at Grand Companions, just burning some time.

He would perhaps take a pup for a walk around the play yard. Brighten up a shelter dogs day for a bit. Yep, by golly, thats what he was there to do.

Little did Jeff know that, one week earlier, a terribly injured dog had been found wandering the streets in nearby Marfa and was brought to Grand Companions by a good Samaritan. And that this dog just happened to be a purebred blue Heeler. And this is where the story gets weird: In addition to his teaching duties at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Jeff is working on his certification in Orientation and Mobility, where he is teaching blind students how to use a cane. And get this: Stevie, as she was known at Grand Companions, had just undergone surgery to remove one eye, and had no sight remaining in the other. She was completely, irrevocably, 100% blindand desperately needing an adopter who could understand and mentor a special needs dog.

Jeff walked into the adoption suite where Stevie was snuggling with a staff member and says he immediately knew I had found a partner.

Fast forward to May 2014. Stevie is now known as Marfa and Jeff says he cant imagine life without her. Marfa has the perfect personality for my two daughters, ages nine and 13. She is friendly to all people she meets. Jeff adds that, I find that my desire to help the blind and the fact I have a blind dog makes it a small world. Small world, synchronicity, fatewhatever you wish to call itits a sweet, sweet thing when soul mates connect.

No, I did not want to adopt a dog. I was just there to have a look around.

Were lucky to have Jeff and Marfa drop in for a visit when in Fort Davis.

Blind in one eye with painful, advanced glaucoma in the other, Stevie was living on the streets of Marfa, recovering from yet another litter of puppies. We welcomed her into our Sweet Suite program, providing the medical care she needed to live a healty, pain-free life. She hit the jackpot when Jeff wandered in to see our place.

Hopes Medical Fund provided the money we

needed to give Stevie the medical care she needed.



BeSt Buddyfought me on taking medications. Even on his most miserable day, when he could barely hold his head up, he was loveable and charming.

We battled respiratory distress (stage one) for about ten days before he began to develop gastrointestinal distress (stage two). I tried everything to entice him to eat until finally, he simply refused all food. My vet said I would need to force feed Buddy a high calorie food using a syringe. Force feed. It sounded almost cruel, but I knew his body needed nourishment if he was to survive.

Even at his sickest, Buddy never complained, never turned away, never soiled his crate. At one point I had to carry Buddy outside to go to the bathroom but he always patiently waited for me to come for him. He was so weak, and at times I thought he was hanging on just for me.

The force feeding worked. Buddy started to perk up. But I knew after the debilitating gastrointestinal stage of distemper, there was a third stage. If a dog met the neurological stage, chances were slim hed survive.

After five or six weeks into the distemper ordeal, my fears of meeting stage three were alleviated. Buddy was gaining his strength back, looking better, and showing more energy and more personality each day.

On warm days, Buddy would spend short periods of time outdoors enjoying the sunshine. He absolutely loved it. Soon he was running and playing, wagging his tail at the other dogs (safely in the distance) and becoming stronger.

We had about a one acre area for Buddys convalescence. Here we began to get to know Buddy. I soon learned he loved the sunshine and

he was crazy about playing ball, playing as long as you had the energy to throw it.

He entertained himself and never barked or made a fuss for attention. He loved to explore, curious about his world. We began to leave interesting things out for him and he loved just carrying them arounda big rope, a dumbbell, a kettlebell, a shovel, all of it, just simple fun.

Buddy had come to trust me and a few others who spent time with him, but he was still shy with strangers. I knew it was time for him to now go to Grand Companions.

It was tough to see him go. My experience with Buddy is one I will never forget. I choked back the tears the day he left for Fort Davis. I would miss him. He is one amazing dog.

As I write this, Im happy to learn Buddy has found his people, has found his home. He is a dog, but Buddy embodies the spirit of making it through the tough times to enjoy the good times. He fought a long battle with dignity and grace and through it all, he taught me much about what being a good buddy really means.

The city shelter and committed volunteers didnt give up on Buddy. They spread the word and continued to contact their network to save him. And every day they work to save the next oneand the next one

Thanks to the passion and dedication of partners like

Midland aniMal shelTer adopTables Buddy was given

a second chance at life.


Grand Companions Humane SocietyBi-annual Newsletter

SpringSummer 2014

Published two times a year byGrand Companions Humane SocietyP.O. Box 1156, Fort Davis, TX 79734

www.grandcompanions.org432.426.3724

[email protected]

For permission to reproduce any article, drawing or photograph in this publication please contact us for approval.Cover photo taken by Katrina Steele

K9 correSPondentby Abby Smith

Success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. The definition makes it seem so simple and straightforward: a person sets a goal and then achieves it, thereby becoming successful.

I believe that definition falls short of what the word actually means and encompasses; it excludes an aspect of time, trial and error, self-sacrifice, learning, and most importantly of help. Rarely is a goal reached without the assistance and inspiration from family, friends, and mentors; theres not just one person behind a success story, it takes an entire support network. Sometimes, it even takes other people to remind you that youve been successful.

As I stand on the brink of graduation from veterinary school at Colorado State University, I receive regular congratulatory sentiments from all angles. I usually smile and say, Thank you, and carry on with my day, but deep down I have mixed feelings about being considered successful.

For one thing, successful seems like a strong word to describe how you feel at the end of a 10-hour shift that ended up lasting four extra hours because that Bulldog in the corner kennel absolutely refused to take his medication, and after you helped carry the paralyzed Great Dane outside to use the bathroom, he made a mess in his cage anyway that you had to clean up. When you emerge from the depths of the hospital exhausted and hungry, you cant remember the last time you showered, had a full nights sleep, or saw the sun. It seems far from successful to have sacrificed a lot of personal health and time with loved ones to work with cranky clients about a hospital bill thats too high. And it certainly doesnt feel like someone who comes out of school with a mountain of debt that will take the majority of a lifetime to repay.

At the same time, I feel as though Im almost plagiarizing when I thank someone for their congratulatory remarks. That simple statement of gratitude does not give credit to the people in my life who have helped me to and through vet schoolthe list is very long and keeps growingand I certainly could not have made it without them.

The trickiest part of success is the transition from trying to succeeding. When does it occur that a person can stop working towards something and admit that greatness has been achieved? Whether its adopting out shelter animals or graduating from school, sometimes you just need someone to remind you that you have succeeded.

I want to say thank you to all the people who have helped me get to where I am. If you are reading this, that includes you. These articles, meeting fellow animal lovers, and the constant encouragement from loved ones have helped me through the last four years. Every time someone congratulates me, you are on my mind as I reply with a heart-felt, Thank you.

BooK revieWLegendary LocaLs of the Big Bend and davis Mountains

by Jim GlendinningArcadia Publishing July 22, 2013

History125 pages

Jim Glendinning has captured the Home of the Last Frontier with his delightful and insightful collection of stories.

Each story describes the hardy independent old

timer and newcomer pioneers who have been drawn to and have helped settle the boundless region of the Big Bend and Davis Mountains.

Grand Companions is featured in

Legendary Locals.


The exceptional team who runs our Thrift Store never ceases to amaze us. One example of their stellar service and commitment:

Lead cashier, Jerry Stacy, who has been with us since 2007, recently sold the shoes off her feet ... literally!

A customer admired her shoes and was delighted when Jerry actually rang up the price and sold her shoes. Now thats commitment to our mission to save pets.

Isabella Harris is going places . . . and we all know shell make sure there are pets there. After years of volunteer service for Grand Companions, Isabella and her family will be relocating to Montana.

Isabella started volunteering to help pets after she adopted her very own Sweet Suite kitty years ago. Since then, she has been a devoted friend for our felines, coming for weekly visits. Well miss you Isabella but know youll spread your passion for pets wherever you go.

WhatS haPPening

Dogs Put Like in a Hike. Tara Poloskey, Park Ranger with Davis Mountain State Park, pictured here with Sweet Suite Shelter pet, Bobby Fischer, leads

a weekly hike to help homeless pets. The Davis Mountain State Park and Grand Companions have partnered to provide hikers with a hiking buddy every Thursday morning. Now Sweet Suite dogs are being spread far and wide as the hiking program increases our adoptions.

Youth volunteer, Amelia, supports Grand Companions mission for pets from her home base in Austin. Amelias family recognizes that the love of

pets and the passion for saving homeless pets has no boundaries.

So a little distance doesnt daunt Amelias efforts to help raise money for homeless pets. This young entrepreneur developed her marketing tools, gathered her supplies, and set her plans into actions for a lemonade stand.

The date is set. Mark your calendar for October 25, 2014 for the Collectibles, Antiques & Fun Stuff TENT SALE that nobody wants to miss.

100% of the proceeds from our annual sale is used for our pet programs.

We already have spectacular items lined up, but we need more. If youd like to donate collectibles, antiques or fun stuff for the sale, or if youd like more information, email [email protected] or call Phillip at 432.426.2008.

You dont want to miss our Thrift Stores new social mediareally, you dont want to miss our Facebook and Pinterest posts and pins.

Our fans have learned they may get first chance offers if they get to a special item post first.

Whats sold so far? A pair of beautiful lavender Tony Lama boots and a new pair of Justin Ropers. Items are selling within minutes of being posted, and we can take a credit card payment over the phone. So dont wait, dont hesitate. Become a Grand Fan of Grand Companions Thrift Store today.


WiSheS for our canineS Kongssmall, medium & large

Nylabones or similar chews

BilJac Little Training Treats

WiSheS for our felineS Kitty Kongs

Cat Chew Sticks

Kitty toys

FORT DAVIS VETERINARY SERVICES

Dr. Janet GreathouseDr. David Taylor

Pets Horses Ranch Animals

43441 Highway 17 SouthFort Davis, TX 79734

(432) 426-3086

In Beautiful West Texas

donationS made eaSyonline

WWW.grandcomPanionS.org

viSit uS

AN NUAL CA M PA IGN

Hopes Medical FundThey Cant Live Without It.

Treatment

Illness

Wellness

Emergency

Critical

Routine

hope

for homeless pets

HopesMedical Fund

Give a Gift to

Hopes Medical FundPO Box 1156 Fort Davis, TX 79734

www.grandcompanions.org432.426.3724

This Years Goal is $60,000Your Gift Will Save a Life


medicine, and she feels she may have inherited her drive to become a doctor from her mom. The two of them spent many hours talking about medicine as Abby was growing up.

Abby also acknowledges a strong support network of family, friends, mentors and classmates, who collectively helped her stay motivated and focused on her ultimate goals.

Abby says, All of my pets have either adopted me when they were strays on the street, or I have gone to the shelter for the sole purpose of gracing my life with the presence of a furry friend. Abby has been acquainted with Laura Langham all her life. Laura eagerly involved Abby with animal rescue efforts in Fort Davis when she began volunteering at the vet clinic. Abby describes Laura as both a thinker and a doer and is inspired by her and has learned from her. She firmly believes in the Sweet Suite concept and finds Laura an inspiration to animal lovers everywhere.

As a local hometown girl, Dr. Abigail Smith, we salute your hard work, your dedication, your perseverance, and your accomplishments. We offer our sincere wishes for happiness and success as you launch a momentous new chapter in your life. A lot of starry-eyed kids aspire to grow up and be a veterinarian and you will prove to be an inspiration to them all. Youre one of a kind.

congratulationS and good lucK dr. Smith

Alpine City ShelterCity of Odessa Animal Control Dustbowl Animal RescueFriends of the Alpine Humane Society Furry Friends of the FortLone Star Sanctuary for AnimalsMarfa Animal ShelterMidland Animal ServicesMidland Animal Shelter Adoptables

Midland Humane CoalitionPecos Animal ShelterPets Around MidlandRescue432ROMP Speaking Up For Those Who CantThe ARC ~Animal Rescue CoalitionThe City of Big Spring Animal Shelter

Paws For Commendations

Grand Companions would like to express our appreciation and admiration for these regional groups for their service, dedication, and willingness to build partnerships and community networks for homeless pets.

The positive impact these volunteers and staff members have for helping shelter pets is invaluable and we look forward to building more partnerships as we grow.


dr. Smith


Dear GC,I adopted Jupiter about two years

ago. I thought you guys might want to know she is healthy, happy, and still not a running dog. Sure, she gets excited for the leash but really she is my loving, lazy mutt. She is hilarious. She scares easily and was once afraid of a chihuahua even though she is 55 pounds now. I love her to pieces! She has lived with three dachshunds since she left you guys and now I fear she thinks she is one of them.

Thank you again for bringing me my best friend and dog-child. All our love, Adopter from San Antonio

Hi Carey, Just wanted to send you some pictures of the

princesses. They are doing well and have immediately acclimated to their new life in El Paso. They have already had their first DRs visit and are being treated for E-Canis. This does not seem to slow them down one bit. They are very active and are already getting accustomed to sleeping in their crate without much fuss. They are so happy to see us when we get home. They just want to play, fight with each other, and play some more.

My daughter and I couldnt be happier. Still working on the potty training. Zelda seems to be having less accidents while Freckles is a little bit more of a challenge. Shes not as sharp as Zelda, still scared of the doggie door unless she follows Zelda. Shes had a few accidents bumping into the staircase and glass doors pretty hard, but Im sure shell get the hang of it. She is the cutest thing that all her goofyness has endeared us even more. Thank you so much!!!

We adore both of them!!!Adopters from El Paso

Hi Grand Companions,Want to thank you again for hooking us up with

Marfa. She brings joy into our lives everyday. Journey is a good middle name for her as she has loved the journey north, watching new scenery and meeting new things, creatures and people. Marfa could easily put in a six hour travel day with the usual pee breaks. She just slept on my lap or watched the road go by and went in the back to get water anytime she was thirsty. She has gained a couple pounds and grown about two inches taller and her stamina is unbelievable. Yet she is also content to be quiet. She has shown that she can swim, though it was unintentional on her part so it was a good thing I had a firm grip on her harness. Each family member who has met her has fallen for her and fight over whose turn it is to cuddle. Settling in to the condo has not been a problem and she quickly got used to the elevator.

All in all we have found the perfect dog, or she found us. Either way we are all very content. I would encourage other retirees to look for a grand little travel companion.

Getting across the Canadian Border was no problem at all. We were not even asked for her papers, though we had them ready. Thank you so much.Adopters from Canada

Michelle,Latte is already good friends with my two neutered

male cats and my dog, Bunny Mae aka the cat sitter. As I told the vet tech, he is not the brightest bulb in the

box (dont tell anyone), but he is very social, beautiful, and willing to acclimate. He is a cheerful little person. For the first few nights I made him a hot water bottle in the guest room but now he sleeps in the big bed with the big boys.

We are all happy over here. Please share with Nash and Careythey have both been very helpful. He is yawning upside down in the big bed while we watched movies;

the photo says it allthe young man has settled in brilliantly. Thanks for all that you do.Adopter from Marfa

Confidentiality is of the highest importance to us, therefore, we do not publish the names of our adopters.


romP exPandS ServiceS Progressive. Persistent. Proactively working to end pet overpopulation.

Founded in 2008, ROMP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides free spay/ neuter options for pets of economically-challenged residents through the SPOT Program (Stop Pet Overpopulation Today).

Originally limited to residents of Presidio County, the SPOT program has grown and now includes Jeff Davis, Brewster and Culberson Counties. If you or someone you know needs assistance, you can download an application from ROMPs website or call 432-363-4PET (4738) and request an application be mailed to you.

When your application is approved, you will receive a voucher to take to the veterinary clinic of your choice. All of the veterinarians in the area participate in the program.

Put an end to Pet overPoPulationIt's the 2nd Annual Putt for Pets Golf Tournament at the Marfa Municipal Golf Course in Marfa, TX to benefit our spay/neuter programs.

What: 3-Man Scramble. For rules and course info, contact Golf Tournament Director, Manny Baeza at 432-386-3234

When: Saturday July 26, 2014

Where: Marfa Municipal Golf Course

Time: Shotgun start at 10:00 a.m. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Online registration through our website will be available during the month of July.

$50/golfer includes greens fees and 19th Hole BBQ dinner after the game. Cart not included. Food and beverages served all day.

Contests, cash prizes, awards and raffles.

Event, hole, food/beverage and registration sponsorship opportunities available.

Thanks again to our 2013 Putt for Pets Corporate Sponsors!Alpine Small Animal Practice ~ Buns 'n Roses ~ E.V. Services / MarfaLite Studios ~ Hotel Paisano

Livingston Realty & Insurance ~ Mando's Restaurant ~ mARFa Dog Training ~ Marfa Gliders ~ Marfa Magazine

Marfa National Bank ~ Pueblo Market~ Steve & Diane Parker ~ Ranch Improvement Co.

State Farm Insurance ~ Velvet Antler Boutique

More details about the program and downloadable application are on the ROMP website www.rompmarfa.org.

For more information about this event, call Minerva Lopez 432-638-7289

P. O. Box 1156, Fort Davis, TX 79734432.426.3724 / www.grandcompanions.org

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NonProfit Org.US Postage

PAIDAlbuquerque NMPermit No 1322

photo by Kathryn Busby

grand companions – spring/summer 2014

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