“I have been told that I can’t rescue them all. My reply: ‘I can certainly try!’”
— Annette Sosa, Bookkeeper + Office Manager

At Banowetz + Company, we’re all pretty much dog people. But a few of us have soft spots for the ones that others have discarded, looking beneath the dirt and lack of training to see the potential there. And after experiencing the tenfold rewards of loving a rescue dog, it becomes a little less clear as to who rescued whom. Here are some pics and stories of our pups, past and present.

ANNETTE'S PACK
Red (Australian shephard mix): Found in a parking lot, literally starving to death. She could hardly walk, and she was skin and bones, missing teeth and a lot of hair, and very dirty. The vet didn’t think she’d make it (but he had not met Annette). Red lived an additional one-and-a-half very happy, very spoiled years.

Abby (corgi): Rescued from a parking lot. She was one of two six week old puppies on their way to the pound if no one wanted them. She’s still with Annette and has a pretty great gig.

Aggie (chihuahua/blue heeler mix): Rescued at barely six-weeks-old from an unwanted, un-cared-for litter. Once skittish, she’s now a very fun-loving (and affectionate) puppy.

Arni (Jack Russell terrier): The only one that’s not a rescue dog, but Annette says he and the others rescued her. At 17, he’s still going strong.

Bear (blue heeler): Rescued from a tiny outdoor pen where he’d been confined for years and could no longer even run. He was in very rough shape, but through much love and TLC he recovered and lived a great life for the next two years.

Honey (golden retriever/lab mix): Rescued after hit by a car. Although several people stopped, no one was willing to help her. Annette loaded her up and got her to a vet where she needed surgery. After returning her to health, she went to live on a friend’s family farm.

KRIS' PACK
Zoe (basenji/blue heeler mix): Showed up on the Murphys’ doorstep one very hot summer day. She was a big-eared three-month-old puppy whose head was too big for her body — pretty much adorable. When no one claimed her, she found her forever home of 17 years. She was clever, ornery, super smart and full of personality.

Emma (blue heeler mix): Found trembling in the back of an SPCA kennel, it was love at first sight. Emma earned the name “Velcro Dog” and the feeling was mutual. What she lacked in sense, she made up for in sweet. She loved her dog bowl, and although she got a little round through the years, she could still catch a squirrel. She lived 16 years with the Murphys.

Ginger (chiweenie): Found last summer on a neighbor’s doorstep, this little girl had no collar and no tags and no one came to claim her. Although Kris didn’t think she was ready for another dog, this one stole her heart after just a few days. Ginger has a booster seat for the car and a cold-weather wardrobe, and loves to go anywhere Kris goes.

DAWN'S PACK
Harper Lee (terrier mix): Adopted from SPCA. The morning Dawn visited the SPCA, she had a daydream about how she would know the “right” dog: she’d be walking between rows of cages and the dog would basically pick her by raising its paw to greet her. Exactly as in her daydream, Harper raised a front leg and pawed at Dawn as if to say “Hey, it’s me! I’m the one.” Dawn adopted her that day even though she was heartworm-positive. She’s now healthy, heartworm free and the most loving, affectionate, and smart dog Dawn has ever had.

Baylee (miniature schnauzer): Adopted from Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of North Texas (MSRNT) as a playmate for Harper. Baylee was surrendered by an owner that had too many dogs, so Dawn knew she’d be used to sharing her space. Initially Baylee did not like to be held, but she has become very affectionate. Baylee and Harper have become great friends, playing all the time, keeping the yard safe from squirrels, and often napping together.

— Team Banowetz