It’s been a beautiful day in the ATL. We decided to make the most of it after a horrible week of losing both Odie and Eli to cancer on Monday and Friday, respectively. We have all done our share of crying, especially Mama Donna. So … several members of our Team Russell volunteer team decided to pack up our adopted dogs and head out to the rescue to celebrate the lives of the dogs we just lost, plus the new lives these rescues have found, thanks to Eli (and Eleanor’s) legacy.
We had a fabulous breakfast that turned into lunch, made toasts to the dogs via mimosas, and spent the afternoon letting Mama D love on her rescued babies while playing with the rescues currently waiting for their forever homes.
It was a wonderful day under the sun after a week full of gray skies. Thanks to everyone who came out at the last minute to make it a fabulous get-together. It meant a lot to Mama Donna
This is what today was all about -- letting Mama Donna see her former rescues and the impact Eli and she have had on the lives of other GA JRT rescues, like Maxie, throughout the years.
This day was also about Eleanor, who received lots of TLC. She is still adjusting to everything, but doing well over all. She loves the attention ... and sleeping in the house. Without her rock star hubby around to incite riots, she has actually started warming up to and getting along with the other dogs at rescue!
Mimosas to toast for Eli and the lives he saved over the past decade!
Kennedy was out and about, showing off that he can run just as fast without his wheels sometimes as he can with them. He also showed his mom where the food was ... on the porch ... up the stairs ... more than once. You go, baby!
Boe came back to see us today and it was so great to see him! He was adopted from GA JRT almost 10 years ago, not too long after Eli and Eleanor arrived. His parents, Debbie and Brad, have been a pinnacle team for our rescue since then. Mom does more things for rescue and Donna than we could ever try to list; Dad is a charity grant cornhole champ for us (among many other things).
Speaking of cornhole? It's never too early to start training for the SweetWater challenge in April. Bring it!
Just a couple of years ago, Chad was too scared to look at anyone. He had lost his home, lost HIS "wife" Clarisse to heartworm, and was just lost in general. Today, he was out and about with his parents and our "dream team" photog and foster team, Elisa and Kevin.
Former GA JRT Cooper always brings a smile to everyone's faces. Her mom, Bridget, arrived at rescue three and a half years ago, pregnant as could be. She was born into rescue, but has always had a home and "represents" (and licks faces) whenever she can. She brought Mama Donna a $1,000 check from her recent Dogly creativity grant today.
Former GA JRT Carson enjoying some down time with Dad ... This adorable little man with the "bark bark bark" bark came out with his brother, Cobb (also a GA JRT rescue). Their parents, Lily and Mike, work diligently to find just the right homes for our dogs, whether they are young and "perfect" or seniors and "special."
Pinky blessed us with her presence and showed us that she's "all growed up." This adorable pup never even made it to our pages before our wonderful supporters and volunteers, David and Davis, scooped her up. You can probably see why.
Maxie ... just being Maxie. She spent the first five years of her life in a breeding kennel; she's spent the past five, being a puppy, attending rescue events, and teaching everyone how we can all overcome anything ... and looking adorable while doing it.
Eleanor ... loving on Daddy Mike. Mike has spent the past several months, working diligently to "socialize" our dogs as much as possible. This was something we were missing, and he loves to take the dogs out for a day ride to meet people and to put as many in the field as sociably possible to learn, play and get along. This is imperative to them getting adopted. We had seven out there today!
Chloe came to us as the older, allegedly "less attractive" half of a sister abandonment when their family moved out of the country. She was overweight and miserable. She quickly joined life with former GA JRT Lorelee and her awesome parents, David and Pat, who are always on hand for fundraisers, printing needs and repairs around the ranch (just to name a few). She has lost weight, loves life, and (aparently) now dances for treats from Mama Donna.
Lorelee and Eddie, "hooking up" (just noses) again after both leaving rescue. wink emoticon He was facing a life-or-death issue not too long ago over a horrific hernia surgery, from which he has recovered 110% (thanks to your donations and support). She was a former breeder dog and didn't trust men. They hit it off immediately at rescue ... They were happy to see one another again today ... then he hit on her sister, Chloe, and well ... Men! (Just kidding)
Our fantastic photographer, Elisa, and her beautiful model, Isis Maria (aka Chad's sister), running through their trick resume without saying a word. There are many reasons Mom is so fabulous at her job.
Brigit never spent a day at rescue, but because of her silly "runaway antics" a few years ago, she contributed to the creation of this Facebook page, our website and, inevitably, this party. Her mom takes no credit. It's all about her.
"People are here! Does haz the hot dogs, Daddy Mike?" Sorry, Katie, just treats today, but spring vol day is just around the corner ...
Let's party!
Maxie has left the building ...
Eleanor ready to rest.
