We first met AJ when we were adopting our dog, Jeanie from Liberty Humane Society. She was Jeanie’s foster mom. We explained to her exactly the type of dog we were hoping for and she knew right away that Jeanie was our perfect match! The week leading up to the finalization of the adoption, she provided me with so much useful information, that I would have never been as prepared to welcome Jeanie into our home if it wasn’t for AJ. At no point was she pushy or did she claim that we had to do things her way, but all of the tips and pointers made for a very easy transition. Any time I had questions during the first few weeks AJ was a quick text away and always responded with wonderful advice. Three years later and Jeanie is a loved (maybe too much, we spoil her rotten!) member of our family. We couldn’t picture life without her and we owe it all to AJ! Our other experience utilizing AJ’s expertise came when we decided we wanted to foster a dog. AJ worked to find us the perfect dog for our first foster experience. She also provided us with valuable tips and tricks, since she is a professional when it comes to fostering. We could not have been successful foster parents if it wasn’t for AJ’s advice and guidance. I look back at our foster experience as so rewarding. I know when the time is right to foster again or adopt another dog, AJ will be the first person I contact.
My Husband and I adopted a 6 month old puppy from a rescue organization. We knew he was the dog for us, but being first time dog owners we had many questions. He was a loving dog but very high energy. We quickly realized our Marty suffered from separation anxiety. A close friend introduced us to AJ and thought she could share some insight to understand his anxiety based on her experience as a foster for several dogs. AJ came over to our house to work with us and Marty to have him follow simple commands to help channel his energies. I was shocked at how quickly Marty caught on to all the commands. She also recommended other things to help Marty such as, socialization with other dogs, doggie daycare, exercise, and exposing him to triggers. Two years later, Marty has improved so much and is truly an amazing dog. I believe this is due to our early intervention with AJ to get a Marty started off on the right foot. We still train Marty to this day with the basics AJ taught us. Marty is now a big brother to two baby boys and he could not be a sweeter dog. AJ’s help was invaluable to our family!
I reached out to A.J. when my husband and I were ready to foster a dog. We were desperate for advice on how to manage a new foster dog with our bossy, resource-guarding resident pup Addie. A.J. helped us determine what type and personality of dog would likely be easiest to integrate into my husband’s and my busy life – and Addie’s of course. We requested an older, laid-back male with our rescue group and waited until the right one came along. A.J. offered invaluable advice ranging from topics such as how to keep the dogs separated to slow introductions to the newest toys that were tested and “approved” by her own dogs. Not only did she help manage our expectations beforehand, but she followed up the next few days to see how things were going. With her help, we were able to help save a dog’s life – our foster dog Holtby was adopted to a wonderful young couple within a mere week!
As soon as Tom and I decided we were ready to add a furry child to our family, AJ was the best resource we could have ever asked for. Not only did she inspire us to choose adoption to begin with, but she helped us navigate us through the sometimes-confusing and lengthy adoption process. She helped identify reputable and trusted rescues in our area through her network of resources and suggested questions to ask about a dog’s behaviors, energy level, etc. to help us find the best fit for us. As soon as she sent us Rosie’s profile, we knew she was the one for us. After bringing Rosie home, we had a million questions that came up as new dog parents. From helping us choose the right type of collar, crate, toys and food to answering less-fun questions about poop, AJ was there for us every step of the way. She sent us a ton of articles to help our nervous Rosie assimilate into our home and her new life. Rosie has been the most wonderful addition to our lives. So much of that is due to AJ’s support and guidance. I could not recommend her more – she is so knowledgeable, calm, reassuring and empathetic. She is wonderful at the work that she does!
Ed and I had the pleasure of working with AJ for her adoption counseling services. She was immensely helpful in providing us with thorough guidance about rescues and the adoption process. While both of us have experience with dogs, this was our first time going through a rescue. She made some excellent recommendations on how to select the right rescue and what type of dog would be a good fit for us. Additionally, her connections with local rescues made the process easy and seamless. Thanks to her, we now have the love of our life, Fidget. And if that was not enough, AJ regularly checks in to see how we are doing with the pup and makes excellent recommends on how to approach different scenarios. Thank you, AJ for all your help!
My husband and I adopted Yoshi, our pit mix, in June of 2015. As first time dog parents we were excited but also a little nervous. Before Yoshi was even dropped off at our apartment, I was emailing A.J. with lists of questions. She had answers and reassurances for everything, and if something was unfamiliar to her, she had plenty of alternate resources to offer me. Her help was invaluable in those first months—from what food to buy and what food to avoid to what to do about Yoshi’s allergic reaction to grass—and has continued to be throughout this first year. It is wonderful to have someone to lean on who has experienced the many different situations and challenges that can arise when you bring a new dog into your home.
AJ’s counseling during my puppy (son’s) adoption was invaluable! We were co-workers at the time, and morning coffee-talk turned into countless hours of advice and knowledge that I could not have gained elsewhere.
AJ became invested into helping my family find our perfect addition immediately after I shared our goals. Without any prompting, AJ sent me potential dogs through multiple agencies in our area (North Jersey/NYC), offered to schedule meet-n-greets and served as a reference for my adoption process. AJ was even able to interview me for her own rescue organization. AJ offered an extremely honest and supportive approach, filled with more pros and cons than I could ever imagine, which helped me narrow our search to the right age/breed(s). AJ’s advice ranged from initial stages of finding the perfect rescue for your family to training the dog that you bring home.
AJ’s connections in the dog adoption world are remarkable and she is always willing to share her resources. Even though we live multiple counties apart, AJ was able to give me recommendations for dog walkers, doggy day cares and healthcare providers. I used all of AJ’s recommendations and have never been disappointed. As soon as we adopted our dog, AJ invited us into her world with options to volunteer and go on pack walks (AJ, I promise this will happen one day!).
While the process can be overwhelming, AJ kept it fun and exciting. I have been a puppy mom for about seven months now and AJ is still just as interested to see pictures of my dog as I am eager to show them. Although I miss AJ as a coworker, I know that I will forever have her as a friend and dog whisperer! I strongly recommend AJ’s services and am confident that when I am ready to adopt in the future, AJ will be the first person I call.