For a happy ending, it doesn't get much better than this.
Matt and Peggy M. from Olympia, Washington, already have two blind chocolate Labs, and when they saw blind Creighton had arrived at the ranch, they emailed us to ask about adopting him. One of their blind Labs, Bobby Lee, is a certified therapy dog and was inducted into the Washington State Veterinary Medicine Association Hall of Fame as the 2007 Therapy Dog. Peggy wrote, "We mention this, not to boast about our dog (although we do think he is very special), but for you to understand that we share your belief in the potential of disabled animals to lead full lives."
They got their second Lab, Danni Rae, when she was a blind puppy about Creighton's age and sitting in a Chicago shelter with no adoption prospects. So Peggy flew to Chicago, rented an SUV, picked up Danni Rae at the shelter, and drove her all the way back to Olympia.
Matt and Peggy live on a 5-acre place and every day, blind Bobby Lee escorts one of them down the long drive to the mailbox. Matt told us today, "Bobby Lee thinks it's his job to go get the mail every day, so he does!"
When they first contacted us about adopting Creighton, he had just arrived here and was about to have surgery. We told Matt and Peggy we would be delighted to have them adopt Creighton -- honestly, we couldn't think of a better home for this puppy than with a family already so devoted to blind dogs! -- but we needed to get him through his eye surgery and post-operative period. We figured it would be a few weeks before he would be ready. So they scheduled their trip to the ranch for this weekend, and we had kept in touch in the meantime on Creighton's progress following his surgery.
We had, as you can imagine, fallen in love with this little blind guy from Mississippi, but this was also an incredible day of joy for us. We just knew that Creighton would be adored and treasured for the rest of his life by two special people who shared our love for these blind animals.
As for Creighton, he certainly agreed with our sentiments. He bounded right up to Matt and Peggy when he first met them, and then started kissing Peggy. An hour later, he was still kissing Peggy during our photo shoot this afternoon:
Thank you, Matt and Peggy!
Thank you to everyone involved in any animals life that loves them so unconditionally as they do you! This story made my day. Take Care and best wishes to a happy healthy life together!
Posted by: Tiffany L. DiBenedetto (Great Dane Mom) | May 09, 2008 at 12:21 PM
He is adorable and I am sure he will be happy in his new environment. This year is our first time adopting a Lab. They are full of energy and follow you everywhere. Good buddies.
Posted by: Rita Boatright | May 09, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Now this is what LIFE is really about. Keep up the good work,
Posted by: June F from Georgia | May 08, 2008 at 06:20 PM
A Lab With 5 Acres To Play WOW!!!
And Two Buds To Romp With.. God Is Good!! For Brown Labs.
Posted by: Patrick F. | May 08, 2008 at 05:33 PM
What a wonderful story! It brought tears to my eyes. He deserves a wonderful life with these great people!
Posted by: Daphne | May 08, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Super story...two thumbs up to you and to the wonderful couple who took him on and are making a home for him....a true inspiration!!!
Posted by: Karen | May 08, 2008 at 10:44 AM
What a great story about Creighton! My dogs are also therapy dogs and it is amazing how an animal can break through many barriers of a disabled or terminally ill person, especially when the animal also has a disability! Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.
Posted by: Becky | May 08, 2008 at 09:26 AM
What a Wonderful story!! Am so happy for the little guy and sounds like he'll have a loving home!!
Posted by: Mary | May 08, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Peggy and Matt are wonderful people! This is truly a "feel good" story when we all need one right now. I shed a couple tears reading the story - tears of joy for the love and compassion I know in the hearts of Matt and Peggy. Emmitt (love the name) will be well loved!
Posted by: Peri | May 08, 2008 at 08:40 AM
I have known Peggy and Matt for almost 3 years and I've met their beautiful dog family :) These dogs are loved and respected with a true heart of compassion from Matt and Peggy. They adore their dogs, and in return their dogs adore them. When Peggy talks about her dogs..her eyes sparkle with an indescribable joy-one that is felt deep from the heart.
I am so excited to meet the new addition....and another "happy waggily tail"
Posted by: Gini | May 06, 2008 at 06:04 PM
What a great adoption! Sounds like Creighton has found the perfect family & it looks that way too! I'm thrilled for them all. Wishing them all, including their existing dogs, happy trails.
Big hugs to the new family,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | May 05, 2008 at 03:46 PM
HE LOOKS SO HAPPY
Posted by: gayle | May 05, 2008 at 02:22 PM
My heart is absolutely soaring for you all! May these wonders never cease.
Posted by: Margaret | May 05, 2008 at 09:58 AM
I am so happy that Creighton has a new family!! Steve and Alayne, how wonderfull you must feel to know that handsome boy is going to a fabulous home. Keep in touch with Peggy and Matt for us so we know how Creighton is doing. God bless you all!
Posted by: Debbie | May 05, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Now THAT'S a happy ending! Congratulations to all!
Posted by: Linda | May 05, 2008 at 08:34 AM
We're SO thrilled for Matt, Peggy and Creighton! Their home sounds like a great match for him. We wish you many days filled with happiness and pup kisses.
If you can, send RDR a few pictures as Creighton grows and plays with his new pack.
Posted by: Boundforglory | May 05, 2008 at 07:25 AM
I'm writing from Olympia, Washington and I can vouch for the fact that Creighton could not have found a better home or a better pack!
Thank you ALL for all you do!
Posted by: Danni | May 04, 2008 at 09:55 PM
This is such wonderful news!!! I am sure you will miss your little buddy, but, at the same time, you must be very happy that he has found himself a family who will love him (and give him lots of kisses!!)
Posted by: maggie | May 04, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Steve and Alayne:
I know you will miss Creighton but gosh next to the RDR, this is the perfect place for him. Thank you to Matt and Peggy for making him part of their special family.
Posted by: Karen Coleman | May 04, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Such wonderful news! Creighton has been adopted out to another caring and loving new family...with chocolate siblings at that!!!! Steve and Alayne, you two are the best! Thanks for your compassion in this adoption process.
Posted by: Nina | May 04, 2008 at 05:15 PM
If only all the stories could end this happily! How could it get any better -- people who are deeply commited to his well being and loving him and accepting him; a huge place to play; other dogs to play with; and a chance to possibly be a therapy dog himself. Wow, what a great story! Big hugs for everybody!!
Posted by: Miranda | May 04, 2008 at 04:59 PM
What great news! Best Wishes to Peggy & Matt and Creighton and their other Labs. MaryJane
Posted by: MaryJane Cooper | May 04, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Of everyone who's part of this happy ending, I think I'm happiest for Debbie L. in Mississippi. Debbie, if you read this, thank you for all you do to make sure that Creighton and so many other dogs have a chance at a happy future.
Posted by: Jamie | May 04, 2008 at 01:58 PM
The first thing I said when I saw his first picture at RDR was he will be adopted VERY quickly.. I am glad I was right :O)
Posted by: Michele | May 04, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Creighton sure knew which star to wish on .... what an amazing happy story.
Posted by: Lalla and Sasha | May 04, 2008 at 12:06 PM
what a wonderful story!!!
Posted by: Lahna Zandi | May 04, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Congratulations Creighton, Matt & Peggy :- )
Posted by: Karen | May 04, 2008 at 07:38 AM
Reading this story and seeing these wonderful pictures will make me happy all day when I think of them. Creighton you struck it rich and I know the big happy family you are going to will get even happier with you there. Congraulations to all who helped little Creighton.
Posted by: Angela | May 04, 2008 at 07:09 AM
What a GREAT story! Needed one today, thank you! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Posted by: Lisa Lashaway | May 03, 2008 at 11:34 PM
How wonderful for Creighton! Congratulations!!! Although I'm a little bummed that I won't be reading about him and his puppy antics in this blog.
Posted by: yoonamaniac | May 03, 2008 at 10:17 PM
A match truly made in heaven--this made my day---maybe we can visit them since we don't live far--Portland, OR! :) Matt, Peggy, Steve and Alayne--hip hip hooray! Of course Creighton is the real hero!
Posted by: Shirley & James, Portland, OR | May 03, 2008 at 08:25 PM
This is a awsome story. You can see the LOVE, just by looking at the picture. Thank goodness for all the people who make these miracles happen.
Posted by: Kathy Maxfield-Duffy | May 03, 2008 at 08:04 PM
Wow, that was quick - and who could possibly imagine a more perfect home for a blind chocolate lab? Other than RDR itself, of course! Although I know you will miss him, it must be so rewarding to see others caring for disabled animals, too.
Posted by: heidi & the kitties | May 03, 2008 at 08:04 PM
Yeah! Congrats Creighton, Peggy & Matt! I have mixed emotions as I read the blog...I will miss hearing about the little guy, but it warms my heart to hear about Peggy & Matt's devotion to blind dogs and know he will have a super new home! Please continue to pass on any information in the future that you may get of Creighton...he's such a cutie. Many hugs to you and Alayne for taking Creighton in and taking care of him through his eye surgery. You two are the best.
Posted by: Sue H | May 03, 2008 at 07:55 PM
How can one be so sad and so glad all at once?
I will miss sweet Creighton SO much but if I had any misgivings about his leaving RDR all it took was that last photo of Matt and Peggy and their new love !
You deserve the best, Creighton and you got it !!!!!!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx0000000000xxxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Bibi | May 03, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Just wonderful! Happy dog, happy people. And brothers yet to meet.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | May 03, 2008 at 06:50 PM
What a wonderful happy tails!! Creighton is one very lucky dude indeed & to be going to a devoted couple who sees the potential in these special & challenged animals!!!
Posted by: Leah | May 03, 2008 at 05:51 PM
WHOO~HOO for Creighton! Congratulations to Matt & Peggy on the addition to their new family and most of all thanks Steve and Alayne for making this all possible!
Posted by: Lynn | May 03, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Hurray for Creighton. I didn't think with all the publicity that little guy was getting and how adorable he is that he wouldn't get adopted. Great news!! Way to go Matt & Peggy.
Posted by: Sonya Brooks | May 03, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Oh my goodness! Yay, this is such a heart-rending story, but a happy one. If only the world were full of more Rolling Dog Ranches and Matt and Peggys!
Posted by: Zan | May 03, 2008 at 04:36 PM