Well, we knew someone would be lucky enough to adopt this beautiful three-legged girl, but we were thrilled beyond belief when two very special people turned out to be the ones!
Remember Paul and Jennifer, who adopted blind and deaf Gabe from us back in May?
Yes, they're adopting Ella, too! They had fallen in love with Ella when they met her at the ranch after they flew out from California to get Gabe. So Alayne and I were delighted when they asked if they could adopt our Bella Ella! Their original plan was to fly to New Hampshire this fall and pick her up, but scheduling the time off together to make the trip was proving difficult, so we offered to send Ella out to them to make it easier all the way around. Just picture them with their arms around Gabe and Ella!
We arranged with Gale Lang of TLC Pet Transport, whose company drove the crew out to New Hampshire for us, to take Ella to California for us. Gale's team picked up Ella yesterday afternoon. I will admit, I was an emotional wreck saying goodbye to this sweet girl. The driver was a little shook-up to see me crying as I handed Ella over to them. She hadn't been with us long -- only since February -- but she had really made an impact on us.
She had come so far since first arriving as a frightened, please-don't-come-anywhere-near-me kind of dog. In my original blog post on her arrival, I had said that her real disability was in her head -- her fear of people. But her fears soon began to fade as she watched the other dogs interact with us, and before we knew it, Ella actually became jealous! It was impossible for us to make over another dog without having her shoehorn her way in on the action -- a development we loved to see!
Ella has such a soft, gentle personality -- she's as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I know Gabe will enjoy having her company, that's for sure! Paul and Jennifer have told us how much they adore Gabe, and we know they will adore Ella just as much, too.
A couple of weeks ago Ella finished the final round of her heartworm treatment, and she came through it just fine. That meant she was ready to travel.
So yesterday we hugged her and kissed her and sent her on her way to California. Paul and Jennifer have promised to send photos of Ella with them after she arrives, and I will get those on the blog.
Thank you so much, Paul and Jennifer!
---
Wow -- up to 2nd place as of Friday morning!
Please keep voting for the sanctuary in the Shelter Challenge -- the votes are adding up! And remember, you can vote every day, so consider bookmarking the voting page to make it easy.
You can vote in the Shelter Challenge here.
Please note: Use Rolling Dog Ranch for our name and NH for the state and our listing will come up.
It was thanks to all of your amazing votes that we won the $20,000 Grand Prize in the final Shelter Challenge of 2009, and we came in fourth nationwide in the first Shelter Challenge earlier this year, winning $3,000. So this is serious money and can really make a difference for our disabled animals! Please help us win this round of the contest by voting every day, and by encouraging your family, friends and colleagues to vote every day, too. Thank you!
Hello people & critters at Rolling Dog Ranch. I vote for you every chance I get. We love all the work you do and cry happy tears with stories like Ella's. We rescue animals too. Currently, we have 20 dogs & 11 cats & will get 3 more feral kittens tomorrow. We will socialize them & help them get adopted. We have a 3-legged cat, but she does not know about any handicap! She is the boss around here! We continue to admire your work and are almost envious of your pets!
Posted by: Phyllis Smith | October 23, 2010 at 05:52 PM
Paul & Jennifer, God bless you both for opening your home to two wonderful & beautiful dogs.
Steve & Alayne, God bless you for all the wonderful and caring things you do for the animals.The world can use more people like you.
Posted by: Kathy - PA | October 21, 2010 at 08:23 PM
Yay for Ella!!!!!!
Posted by: Kristopher Leino | October 21, 2010 at 05:44 PM
To all of you who do what you do THANK YOU from all us who do what we can to help these abused babies You guys really rock.
Posted by: iris lambka | October 21, 2010 at 05:33 PM
Paul, Jennifer, Gabe & Ella- how absolutely wonderful!!! I was likewise touched by Ella's sweet but shy face. She reminds me so much of my own Katie- who was painfully shy but "blossomed" into the most affectionate girl that makes friends, just a little bit cautiously. Can sure understand your emotions Steve & Alayne. Congratulations on helping her learn about good forever friendships and family.
Posted by: Margaret | September 27, 2010 at 02:32 PM
So, so glad to read about Ella. Her face is just precious! She has come so far and I'm sure will be so happy to be living with Gabe in her new forever home!
Also wondering when you will be able to have volunteers at your new home in NH? My family and I are not too far (in MA) and would love to come and help out on various weekends when you are ready!
Posted by: leighsa | September 26, 2010 at 09:32 AM
Just look at Ella's smile in that photo......you must have just told her about her new forever home!
Still waiting for an update on little Miss Roo.....does she have her wheels yet?
Posted by: Marla in Kansas City | September 24, 2010 at 07:23 PM
Oh Steve...I'm so sorry for your tears (I'm crying too) - as Ella is just the sweetest and most special little girl. But we're all happy for you too - and for Ella and her new forever home. I'm going to miss seeing her on the blog. Jennifer and Paul - we insist on lots of updates on Gage and Ella!! May God bless you and your precious pups.
Posted by: Alisa | September 24, 2010 at 04:32 PM
Congratulations and best wishes sweet Ella. I hope your original rescuer hears this wonderful news. Thanks to her and RDR you are no longer that scared, injured pup you were just months ago. I'm so grateful to have come along on your journey to forever happiness and love in a family. Thank you Paul and Jennifer. I know you'll take good care of our special girl.
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | September 24, 2010 at 03:51 PM
Wat to go Ella! Gabe has a sister now!!
Paul & Jennifer, Thank You for opening up your home once again.
Steve,
I, like many others have stated, shed tears reading your post (happy tears!)
Posted by: Doe George | September 24, 2010 at 03:28 PM
Oh my oh my - what a lovely story - should be titled "Trio of love, beauty, and courage." Steve, you and Alayne have such courage to do what you do. And the beauty and love jump out from the picture.Ella looks serene and lovely - can't wait to hear/see more about this sweet family!!
Posted by: Angela | September 24, 2010 at 12:10 PM
Well, sat here crying tears of joy for Ella. I'm getting a little worried that everyone is going to get adopted before I get to come over to meet them all. But believe me, that would be a disappointment I could live with. I know you will miss her but she's so lucky to be going to such a wonderful home.
Posted by: Kathie Taylor & Lee Purcell | September 24, 2010 at 12:00 PM
Now that I've wiped away the tears ... my hands are free to write - Paul & Jennifer - how wonderful! Thank you on behalf of all us friends of RDR. I remember when Ella first arrived and the progress she made was wonderful and touching. Now this! Fantastic! You must have one loving home! God bless you. And doggie lovin's to Gabe, too! Awwww ~ ~ ~ ~
Posted by: Lisa K. from CA | September 24, 2010 at 11:54 AM
Happy tears... What a difference you have made to a dog who needed a chance to experience kindness and love.
Posted by: Carol | September 24, 2010 at 11:38 AM
Rhonda, I'm sending you a special hug of sympathy as you mentioned losing your dog. I'm so very sorry. Remember, they live on in our hearts.
I ditto what everyone else has said about sweet Ella going to her forever home with Paul & Jennifer and gorgeous Gabe! Looking foward to those photos!
Steve, you and Alayne work miracles all the time. Thank you a million times over for all that you do!
Big hugs all around,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | September 24, 2010 at 10:43 AM
AAAHHHH!!!! This is the absolute greatest news!!! Two of the the most special dogs-Gabe and now Ella. Thank you, thank you...
Posted by: Colleen & Wes Vermillion | September 24, 2010 at 10:06 AM
I'm sorry you cried. Your heart will mend and a new little one will steal your heart. It is always so hard.
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | September 24, 2010 at 09:57 AM
Way to go Ella!! Just goes to show what some TLC will do. Steve I believe I would have been crying right along with you. Those kind of dogs just seem to tug at your heart strings just a little bit more than the others. I originally was thinking about adopting her when she was still in MT, but decided Timmy fit Levi's personality better! I know she will have a great home with you and Gabe. Now you just need to get room to adopt Cash!! HA :)!!
Posted by: Laura, Levi & Timmy | September 24, 2010 at 09:48 AM
I am so happy for Ella! Paul, Jennifer & Gabe are so lucky to have her & she is lucky to get her forever home.
I know how hard it is for you all to say good-bye to your furry friends. It's bitter sweet! Saying good-bye but knowing they are getting their forever homes full of love & attention. And, knowing you are making room for 1 more baby that needs help. Thank you for what your do!
Thank you to Paul, Jennifer & Gabe for opening their hearts & home for Ella. Can't wait to see pictures.
As of Friday morning, 1st place in NH, 2nd place overall!!! YAY!!!
Posted by: Colleen & In Memory of Sweet Kitty Erin | September 24, 2010 at 09:39 AM
What wonderful news! Ella is beautiful. I am sure she will miss the ranch but be very happy with her new home and friends.
Posted by: Tracy B | September 24, 2010 at 09:26 AM
Great Great news
Posted by: gayle | September 24, 2010 at 09:03 AM
Your post made me cry this morning. I'm happy for all and especially moved by your unwavering ability to coax out an animal's true nature. The Beatles were right—all you need is love.
By the way, RDR has jumped up to number 2 on the shelter challenge!! WOOOHOOO!
Posted by: Lynne Parker | September 24, 2010 at 07:26 AM
Way to go Paul and Jennifer. WooHoo Ella. A new special home with attention only divided by two...lots of love coming your way.
Posted by: Dee in KY | September 24, 2010 at 06:58 AM
Oh my goodness, what wonderful news! Ella and Gabe will be reunited. What fun it would be to see their first greeting.
There's something very special about these two dog angels.
Sending loving thoughts to you all!
Posted by: Chloe | September 24, 2010 at 06:50 AM
Love all the dogs, but wondered why you never show any other animals. Would love to know how the blind horses are doing. We have a blind foal and she is thriving ... the vet wanted to put her to sleep! But she has a home for life with us.
Posted by: Margaret Galbraith | September 24, 2010 at 04:46 AM
I can't even describe the joy I'm feeling right now at hearing of Ella's adoption...
It's simply fabulous news!
God bless you, Jennifer & Paul. I wish you, Gabe & Ella a long, healthy, happy life together.:-)
A huge hug to you all from Italy.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | September 24, 2010 at 02:36 AM
How wonderful that Ella is going to such a loving home with Paul and Jennifer and that she'll be with Gabe! I was seriously going to check on adopting Ella, but one of my dogs has a bit of a jealousy problem with new dogs coming in so that took care of that. She is such a beautiful girl. Can't wait for updates!
Posted by: Ann | September 24, 2010 at 02:21 AM
Oh, your emotional departure of Ella really made me feel emotional. Ella is so beautiful and has come so far! RDR literally saved her life. Jennier and Paul you will be truly blessed! Thank you all!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | September 24, 2010 at 01:58 AM
Oh how I will miss hearing about Ella and seeing her beautiful self! She tugged my heartstrings from the moment she arrived, and seeing her blossom was so joyous. I know this is the best possible outcome for her, and she will be so happy in her new home, but it's hard to see them go nonetheless. Godspeed to Ella, her new family and her new brother Gabe!
Posted by: Heidi, Emmett the Beagle, and Moxie the kitty | September 23, 2010 at 11:13 PM
How wonderful!! Ella's come SO far, she deserves a wonderful forever home!!
Posted by: Kenna | September 23, 2010 at 10:27 PM
Woohoo! I've been a little tenderhearted lately about losing my dog, and Ella's story and attitude was so similar to hers that now I'm teary eyed too. What fantastic news for Ella.
Posted by: Rhonda | September 23, 2010 at 10:23 PM
What a wonderful ending to a very sweet dog's story! You and Alayne did wonders with beautiful Ella. Not only does she get a home of her own, but, like Molly, it's with a built-in friend as a roommate. I couldn't be happier for them all even while I sympathize with the tears for you and Alayne as you said goodbye.
Posted by: Moon Rani | September 23, 2010 at 10:09 PM
Oh I am just SO SO happy for darling Ella.. You have done a fantastic job showing her how humans are supposed to be..
She is ready for the rest of her life with new loving parents!
Posted by: Maree in NZ | September 23, 2010 at 09:52 PM
Bless you, Paul and Jennifer!
How wonderful for Gabe and Ella.
Such happy news!!!
My heart feels for you,
Steve and Alayne. I know this is what you work so hard for. Loving them also means you will miss them. They are so worthy of all this love~
Posted by: Glenda | September 23, 2010 at 09:29 PM
Yay for Ella! Thats fantastic! Cant wait to see pictures of Ella and Gabe together :)
Posted by: Kate & Luke | September 23, 2010 at 09:07 PM
What another wonderful turn of events for a sweet little girl. Bella Ella, I will miss you, but I know your new mom and dad will keep us all in the loop. I could tell from your early pictures that you were just looking for a reason to trust again. You've lucked out about 3-4 times that I can count! Kisses on your little nose.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | September 23, 2010 at 08:02 PM
OH YEAH, Oh Yeah, Oh Yeah!!!! Paul & Jennifer you are the BEST! Ella will be very missed but for what a GREAT reason!! The picture of her with her vets arm around her showed how far she has come under Steve & Alaynes love and care. The fact that she is going to a great home, with a built in friend that she already knows, is just icing on Ellas cake. I know letting her go was very hard on you Steve & Alayne, but you know where she is and the fact that she CAN go should make you feel awesome. Love can be bittersweet. Thank you for transforming so many lives. Please, Paul & Jennifer do send updates on Ella and Gabe. I miss Gabe and we love to hear the follow up on "our" friends. Thanks. Anne
Posted by: Anne in FL | September 23, 2010 at 07:34 PM