In early June, this young red dog's life changed forever. He was removed from the yard where he was kept chained in the Arkansas heat. He and the others from this dogfighting case made their way to a rural private shelter. The dogs were met with open arms. Dr. Nanci got to work triaging each of the dogs. Next, evidence photos were taken of each dog. This was Nanci's first dogfighting case, and hopefully her last. I can only imagine the emotion she was feeling as she worked quickly to get each of the dogs patched up and settled in the back. Holly and I went down to Arkansas to meet and perform behavioral assessments on each of the surviving dogs. Sadly, not all were still alive by the time we arrived. Some of these dogs were very sick, some beaten up, and others just could not go on. One by one, we met and assessed the first dozen or so dogs. We found silly ones, fearful ones, some were extremely stressed or confused. A few not ready for human touch. Then, a very special one walked into the room. Holly and I are professionals. We assess dogs all the time. But this dog, this particular dog, was different. He cautiously entered the room, low to the ground he looked around and slinked toward us. Holly and I sat down, maybe two feet from one another, and he nestled himself right in between. The fresh punctures and a large abscess on the left side of his face, the surrounding scarring that covered his face, neck, and chest, told us some of his stories. We had a hard time deciding how and where to touch him so as not to cause pain to his wounds. We then sat there, in silence, and cried into him. In all the years of assessments I have done with Holly, this has never before happened. He took turns in our laps, snuggling in as tightly as he could. We comforted him, and told him never again would he suffer as he had. Over the last many weeks he started his heartworm treatment and watched many of the dogs he knew from his yard move onto rescues around the country. He was pretty sick a few times, but under the care of Dr. Nanci and the staff has been doing well. Last week, he left the shelter with Dr. Nanci, never to return. She decided to bring him to her vet office to live as he finishes out his difficult treatment. And after that.... He will come to Handsome Dan's Rescue as my foster dog. Please meet Sesame.? (#opensesame) Sesame has a long way to go before he is healthy enough to make the trip from Arkansas to us here in Rhode Island. But his shelter days are behind him, and his chain and dirt spot just a distant memory now. To apply to adopt Sesame, once he is ready: http://www.handsomedansrescue.org/adoption-application/ Questions? Email me at heather@obhounds.com

Sky is a gorgeous one-year-old pittie. She lives at Exeter shelter in RI where she is adored by staff and volunteers. Prior to coming to the shelter, Sky was living in the woods in an outdoor kennel with a large male dog. (He has since been adopted) She has put all that behind her now and this one-year-old cutie is ready to find her forever home. Sky gets along with some other dogs, loves humans, and really loves tennis balls. Give her one and you are her friend for life. Sky has been matched to Handsome Dan's Rescue Shelter Dog Enrichment Specialist, Amy, who will be taking her through Outbound Hounds' Pit Class training program. What's better than adopting a new dog? Adopting a trained dog! Exeter shelter has some of the most amazing volunteers and staff anywhere, but still, it's not a home. So if you think you could give Sky the home she deserves, please apply here: http://www.handsomedansrescue.org/adoption-application/ For questions, email Amy at amy.gottfried@gmail.com

Handsome is a lovely senior GSD/Malinois mix in need of a patient and clam retirement home. He is being treated for Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. He is a little hard of hearing and has slight vision issues that come with old age, along with some hip pain. Handsome is a mellow and well-behaved dog who we are guessing is about eight years old. He would love nothing more than a quiet adult home where he can go for walks, car rides, and live a good life for his retirement years. Exeter Shetler is RI is where you can find Handsome. He is being loved and very well cared for by their staff and volunteers until his forever home is found. Address: 165 S County Trail, Exeter, RI 02822 Phone: (401) 294-2754

Tootsie Roll is a very special little being. She is four years old, about 38 lbs, loves everyone she meets, walks very well on leash, and is extremely EXTREMELY affectionate. Tootsie Roll came to us with Pyometra, an infection of the uterus and surgery. She is now fully recovered and ready for her forever home. Roll is an exceptional learner. I am a dog trainer and while I can't keep Roll, if I were to adopt a dog she would make me look like a trainer genius. She loves to work and picks things up super fast. Keep in mind that I work with dogs professionally, and she astounds me. I walk her with a leash attached to my belt and she rarely pulls. She is gentle taking treats, crate trained, potty trained, and loves humans young and old. Tootsie Roll is well behaved but does have two quirks. First, she jumps up on people, second, she wants to kiss them, a lot. She is working hard on learning to keep all paws on the ground, and that is the only way she receives the attention she wants. It will be imperative that her adopter understands this and continues to set boundaries in this regard. It's best for her to continue to understand that she can self-soothe, and does not need to be licking or jumping. I will be very picky about who gets to adopt Roll, she is a really special dog and deserves a home that is just the right fit. I'm her foster mom, heather. Email me with any questions: heather@obhounds.com To apply to adopt: http://www.handsomedansrescue.org/adoption-application/

Introducing Maisy!!! 1.5 - 2 year old Maisy had an awful life prior to her rescue. We can't give details due to an ongoing case but can say that she will be safe and loved for the rest of her life; we will make sure of it! As you will see in the photos, Maisy is very friendly and snuggly. She was great with nine-year-old Josephine. Maisy is in our Shelter Dog Enrichment Program where she attends Outbound Hounds' weekly training class with her enrichment specialist, Sara. Since she has never been a pet, Maisy has a lot to learn, but Sara will be right there to help her blossom. Maisy lives at the Hopkington Shelter. For info on adopting Maisy, please email Sara at saracaitlin@gmail.com. To apply, please go to handsomedansrescue.org. BIG thanks to Maisy's shelter for trusting us with this special little girl. You guys are awesome!

Tommy is a fun one-year-old looking for an active adult home. He is a resident of North Attleboro shelter and has recently been added to Handsome Dan's Rescue Shelter Dog Enrichment Program where he has been matched to Rianna! Tommy loves to play, play, play. He loves hanging out with humans and going out to explore. Tommy's friends at his shelter think he will do best as the only pet in the home. Next week, Rianna will start working with Tommy at Outbound Hounds Pit Class. Please email Rianna at Rlramirez513@gmail.com for info. HUGE thanks to the staff and volunteers at North Attleboro shelter who love Tommy very much! To apply to adopt Tommy: http://www.handsomedansrescue.org/adoption-application/

Ruru is in our Compassion Hold program. He will live out whatever time he has left with his foster care provider, Steve. Eight month old Ruru has a severe heart condition. His cardiologist tells us it is likely he will not make it to adulthood. We took Ruru into our Compassion Hold (hospice) program from a local shelter and placed him into a home where he will be loved and spoiled for whatever time he has left. For more info on our Compassion Hold program: http://www.handsomedansrescue.org/home/programs/compassion-hold-program/

Hailey is about as sweet and gentle as they come. She was surrendered to a local shelter with two other dogs when her previous owner was moving, lived in the shelter for a few months and was treated for some health issues, until we transferred her into our foster care program here at Handsome Dan's Rescue. Hailey currently lives with another dog, but may do best as the only pet. Other than the normal issues that come with old age, Hailey is a happy and healthy senior. If you may be looking for a mellow friend, please consider Hailey. Adoption donation - $50 To apply to adopt: http://www.handsomedansrescue.org/adoption-application/ Thank you for choosing rescue!

Mister was a resident of the Pawtucket Animal Shelter when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. HDR pulled him to the Compassion Hold Program and he's living out the rest of his time with his foster mother, Sara. She reports to us that Mister is quite possibly the sweetest, kindest, and the most joyful boy she's ever met. His days are spent napping, snacking, lying in the sunshine, frolicking in the grass, and hanging out with his dog and cat siblings (whom he loves dearly).

If you're searching for sweet, sensitive, and slightly awkward then adoptable Nubbies is your guy. He's gangly, goofy, and gregarious... a real head turner who’s always getting compliments on how gorgeous he is. Just take one look into those soulful, kinda crossed eyes and you too will fall under his spell. But don't worry, he doesn't let all that flattery go to his beautiful blocky head, he's smart enough to know that he’s a work in progress. Always eager to please, he strives at PIT Class to become the best Nubbies he can be. In his spare time, he loves car rides, walks, snacks, and covering his friends (basically every person he meets) with kisses. Nubbies does well on leash walks with other dogs, but should be the only pet. He’s a big, exuberant boy so sturdy older kids or a grown-ups only house, please. Oh yeah. His enthusiasm for life has left Nubbies with painful hips. He takes supplements, is responding well, and in true Nubbies’ fashion, he doesn’t let it keep him down at all. To find out more about the incredible Nubbies, please contact his Enrichment Specialist, Sara, at saracaitlin@gmail.com. You can also contact the North Attleboro Animal Shelter directly at 508. 699.0128.