Message From: Lisa October 11, 2009
I am in love with your many beautiful animals up for adoption, you are doing a wonderful job!

Message From: Danielle Hansen October 6, 2009
YOU GUYS ARE TRULY AMAZING!!! KEEP DOING A WONDERFUL JOB!!!!! =] GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

Message From: Jess and Gilmore September 5, 2009
Hello to all!!! We adopted Gilly last Nov, actually I should say he adopted me. He is doing WONDERFUL!! A big whopping 70 lbs now, he thinks he is still my 20 lb lap dog!! He has proven to be a perfect fit, and I have a hard time remembering how life was before he came home...but have an even harder time imagineing life without him!! THANK YOU for all you do!!!

Message From: STEPHANIE August 28, 2009
MAY 11 2009. since I got "big boy" now Wyatt he was very shy but with time and love he has become a sassy german shepherd that I know so well, he is still sweet but has come to trust me so we have a new adventure everyday. Thanks MARS for saving him and giving him a chance. I am truly blessed with him.

Message From: (Private) August 25, 2009
Keep up the great, heartfelt work with these beautiful creatures of God.

Message From: Megan and Zach August 7, 2009
We just got our first foster (Ripley) and we love him to pieces! He is a huge ham, and couldn't fit in better with our little family! We are not sure whether we will adopt him or not, but either way he is getting spoiled and loved until he finds his forever home! We never realized what an amazing experience fostering is, and look forward to doing it for a long time to come! Love, Megan, Zach, Annie (resident cockapoo) and Ripley (now known as Riley)

Message From: Bethany July 31, 2009
I wanted to update everyone on how well Ranger is doing. He has got to be one of the smartest dogs i have ever seen!! We adopted Ranger on July 3rd. We have been VERY happy with Ranger, and he seems to be happy with us too! I would like to take this time to thank Aaron and Christina for fostering Ranger and keeping us posted on how he was doing while he was visiting there. (oh yeah, and in case your wondering, when i took him to the vet 2 weeks ago, he was a HUGE 33 lbs. ) He's gonna be a BIG boy!!! Thanks to everyone who makes this possible...he is such a wonderful addition to our family!!!!

Message From: Heather June 23, 2009
Sometimes people will ask me why I rescue or my other favorite "Isn't it sad to foster the dog and then have to give it to the adoptive family?" I am sure some of you hear the same questions. This is why I do what I do... Dear Foster Mom Author Unknown DEAR FOSTER MOM: There I sat, alone and afraid, You got a call and came right to my aid. You bundled me up with blankets and love, And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug. I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold, That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold. You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend, You loved me and healed me and became my first friend. And just when I thought you'd done all you do, There came along not one new lesson, but two. First you said, "Sweetheart, you're ready to go, I've done all I can, and you've learned all I know." Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss, Along came a new family, they even have kids! They took me to their home, forever to stay, At first I thought you sent me away. Then that second lesson became perfectly clear, No matter how far, you will always be near. And so, Foster Mom, you know I've moved on, I have a new home, with toys and a lawn. But I'll never forget what I learned that first day, You never really give your fosters away. You gave me these thoughts to remember you by, We may never meet again, and now I know why. You'll remember I lived with you for a time, I may not be yours, but you'll always be mine.

Message From: Heidi and Mike May 20, 2009
We adopted Dante on May 17th. We have changed his name to Jack and he has stolen our hearts! He is a perfect fit for our family and an amazing big brother to our retriever Maggie. They bring out the absolute best in eachother. Jack is a joy to have around and we could not be happier with him. A huge thank you to Mary for matching Jack with our family and a huge thank you to Katie for being such a fantastic foster Mom and taking great care of our big Jack!

Message From: Cassie & Tanner May 14, 2009
We adopted Chaya last Friday and we couldn't be happier. She is fitting in so well, all our neighbors love her and can't get over how beautiful her color is, even the name she came with is perfect (it hebrew it means "life"). Thank you so much for helping her when she needed someone and turning her into the happy puppy she is today!

Message From: Jen & Pat April 7, 2009
Our family adopted Holly on March 21st. She fit into our family right away, She is perfect! God bless all of the volunteers that work so hard to make sure that all of these animals are safe and go to a good home. Thank you for brining Hollly to us.

Message From: A Caring Foster March 28, 2009
Thanks to all who care for these wonderful animals! They are not just dogs or cats they are a ray of sun on a dreary day, a warm kiss when a heart aches, a funny bark when the night is black, and understanding their unconditional love is our challenge! Why cant we all love the way they do? No matter how scared, scarred, or unhappy when arriving, the efforts of the organizers @ MARS, the fosters, and forever families can not be measured! Thank you for letting us be a part of this and being able to teach our children that there is something out there for us all to do to make the world better even if just one dog at a time! Our kids smile so huge when they arrive and fill with tears so fast when they go, but I for one will not ask for anything in return other then there new families to understand what a gift they have been given when thier eyes meet for the first time! To adopt one is admirable above all else! To foster many is our goal! Please remember these our not just pets they are gifts from above not to be taken for granted! We are to reign over the animals of the world! However we can do so with a kind heart and a gentle touch just as we should eachother! A kind spoken no will go further then yelling followed by pain! To see the results of torture and pain turned around by love and respect has no greater sense of accomplichment! To see weak turn into strong, sick to healthy, scarred to happy, and cowering turn to playful is more reward then any dollar can bring! Please remember they may not be people, however they deserve respect and love as much as you or I, maybe more!

Message From: A Caring Foster March 18, 2009
~The Meaning of Rescue~ Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed, all nicely tucked in my warm new bed. I'd like to open my baggage, lest I forget, there is so much to carry - so much to regret. Hmmm...Yes, there it is, right on the top, let's unpack loneliness, heartache and loss. And there by my perch hides fear and shame. As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave - I still have to unpack my baggage called pain. I loved them, the others, the ones who left me, but I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me. Will you add to my baggage? Will you help me unpack? Or will you just look at my things - and take me right back. Do you have the time to help me unpack? To help put away my baggage, to never repack? I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see, but I do come with baggage - Will you still want me? ~ Author Unknown ~ Could not have said it better!

Message From: A Caring Foster March 14, 2009
Thanks to all who care for these wonderful animals! They are not just dogs or cats they are a ray of sun on a dreary day, a warm kiss when a heart aches, a funny bark when the night is black, and understanding their unconditional love is our challenge! Why cant we all love the way they do? No matter how scared, scarred, or unhappy when arriving, the efforts of the organizers @ MARS, the fosters, and forever families can not be measured! Thank you for letting us be a part of this and being able to teach our children that there is something out there for us all to do to make the world better even if just one dog at a time! Our kids smile so huge when they arrive and fill with tears so fast when they go, but I for one will not ask for anything in return other then there new families to understand what a gift they have been given when thier eyes meet for the first time! To adopt one is admirable above all else! To foster many is our goal! Please remember these our not just pets they are gifts from above not to be taken for granted! We are to reign over the animals of the world! However we can do so with a kind heart and a gentle touch just as we should eachother! A kind spoken no will go further then yelling followed by pain! To see the results of torture and pain turned around by love and respect has no greater sense of accomplichment! To see weak turn into strong, sick to healthy, scarred to happy, and cowering turn to playful is more reward then any dollar can bring! Please remember they may not be people, however they deserve respect and love as much as you or I, maybe more!

Message From: jessie March 2, 2009
we just adopted carley and renamed her bitty, she is a wonderful joy to have around and we are glad to have adopted her!

Message From: Danielle and Mark J. February 16, 2009
It is only day 2 with Teddy (formerly Patch), and we love more than anyone can imagine. We believe our puppy is a genius because he is already potty trained! He's only had one accident... and it was our fault. We want to thank MARS and Teddy's foster family for taking such good care of him. He is our angel. We are so blessed to have him in our lives.

Message From: (Private) February 12, 2009
we just adopted carley and renamed her bitty she is soo cute and nice to have around!!!! im just soo happy we got to her before every one else did!!!!! =)))))

Message From: Rick & Katie February 10, 2009
We are on our 7th foster dog - we currently have Tara. Every one of these dogs has touched our lives in such wonderful and unique ways. The foster experience just keeps getting better and better with every dog. We are so grateful to volunteer at MARS - what a worthwhile cause. A special thanks to Susan, Erik and Amy for all that you do.

Message From: marsha_sperling January 27, 2009
I am praying the Japanese Chins get foster homes, or better yet, adoptive homes, soon. I can't imagine anyone so cruel to keep them locked up in the conditions they were in. Thank goodness for the angel who rescued them from such a life. Chin's are such loving, devoted creatures. I just applied to foster and thought I would check out the guest page.

Message From: Jennifer January 13, 2009
After reading about and viewing pictures of Tawny, we fell in love with her! We are keeping our fingers crossed that she can join a loving family and be with a brother figure again, (Toby- a 6 yr-old muggin) Keep up the good work!!

Message From: Jennifer January 13, 2009
After reading about and viewing pictures of Tawny, we fell in love with her! We are keeping our fingers crossed that she can join a brother figure again, Toby, (a 6 yr old muggin) in a loving family.

Message From: Tina Nelson January 8, 2009
That is so sweet what impact you guys have on these beautiful angels lives! I want to help them all and wish I could adopt every single one of them!

Message From: susan January 8, 2009
Happy New Year to such a beautiful group of caring, nurturing people!

Message From: Patty January 6, 2009
Pippi chose me & you all enjoyed every minute of it! I am proud to have made the adoption final on January 4th, 2009, she is now known as Piper. Thanks MARS!!

Message From: Andy January 6, 2009
I adopted Ian (Who became Gus when he got to my place) back in September, and he has become just a great dog. This is my first rescue, but definitely not my last. To anyone that is considering a new friend, please don't count the rescue option out. I was just thinking the other day how glad I was to have a dog back in my life!

Message From: (Private) December 21, 2008
I foster for a different rescue, but I am always falling in love with your dogs and cats. May every doggy and kitty have a home for the holidays! Thank you! :)

Message From: Angie December 21, 2008
I came across your website through a news story I read about a Pitbull that was rescued. One hour later my eyes are full of tears of mixed emotions. Sad because of the Rainbow bridge stories as well as how a lot of these dogs came to you. Tears of happiness because of how you all have dedicated your time & money into such a wonderful organization to give these dogs a second chance at life. I have adopted 5 cats/dogs from my local shelter & they are the best pets ever! There are several dogs in your care that I would love to adopt, but I just don't have the room right now. I will spread the word about your program. Keep up the wonderful work! God bless!

Message From: Julie Lavin December 20, 2008
Thank you, MARS, for helping the puppy mill rescued dogs! You are a wonderful rescue and your work is appreicated!

Message From: (Private) December 12, 2008
snowball you will be missed, just like ginger you go so fast. she got sick very sick gods will could not have helped her,but we tryed. we all tryed very hard. just like we are trying with you. your little heart is still pounding thats good right? but when it stops i will love you forever. my love is still strong now. for right now, stay golden poney boy stay strong. we will all get through this. all your friends are waiting. MARS will take you to them. thrust me, trust us! we all will miss you but for now stay golden please stay golden.

Message From: Bryn, Brian, and Ella December 9, 2008
We adopted Bindi on 10/26/08. We love her so much. She is the most gentle dog EVER! Our 3 year old daughter loves to cuddle her and help her play with her toys. We feel so honored that we get to be Bindi's forever family. Thank you so much, MARS!

Message From: Bryn Werner December 9, 2008
We adopted Bindi on October 26th. We could not love her more! She is the sweetest, most gentle dog I have ever met. Our 3 year old daughter loves to cuddle her and Bindi is great about it. We tried to have Bindi sleep in her kennel at night at first...that lasted 3 nights. She is a bed hog, but we wouldn't have it any other way. We love her so much and are so thankful that MARS rescued her. We feel honored that we get to be her forever family. Thank you so much!

Message From: (Private) November 29, 2008
little snowball will be missed. I don't know why life must be so cruel to you. you were the best dog i knew. But now most people will never know you. Mid-west animal rescue did their very best to save you and they helped you till the end. They hold your hand as you bounce across the rainbow bridge that ramdo put his paws on not too long ago. You will be missed very much but wave down at us when you are happy. Let us know that please sweet little boy.

Message From: Shana & Tony November 17, 2008
We are Carmen's foster parents. She is so sweet, intelligent and a real people pleaser. She knows sit and down, we are working on dance, paw and bang. What a cute little girl. I am so glad that I decided to help out fostering

Message From: Jill and Tony November 13, 2008
We will look in, frequently, we are looking for another "forever friend " to add to our family.

Message From: (Private) October 31, 2008
My dear sweet little Oxy, I now know a pain worse than loosing a pet to death. I miss you so much and think about you all the time and wonder how you are. I know that you are in good loving hands that can help you find your forever home. You will forever be in our hearts!

Message From: Shelley October 28, 2008
You guys should get something for what you do you are life savers!!!

Message From: Shelley October 27, 2008
We have been fostering Delilah for a little bit and she is so great! you guys do the best thing ever in the world! Delilah is now potty trained!!! i'm so happy about that!

Message From: (Private) October 27, 2008
I am fostering Delilah and shes the best. She learns so quick. Potty trained already!!! and she knows how to sit how cute??? We love her a lot and want her to find a great home and my family knows she will be leaving soon!!!

Message From: alexis October 22, 2008
atka was the one who really caught my eye

Message From: alexis October 22, 2008
they all are so adorable

Message From: jesse October 21, 2008
You guys are the best you save cute puppies!!!!!

Message From: Nicole September 11, 2008
We adopted a great cockapoo back in July and she has greatly enriched our family life. She is in obedience training and has recently learned the down command. Now if she would juts stop eating paper...We love her a lot. Thanks!

Message From: Julie Griffin September 4, 2008
We adopted Frisky in August (black toy poodle). He is coming along quite well. He is still timid and very afraid of men but is learning to venture out of the safety of his cage when no one is looking. We leave the door open so he can come and go as he pleases but still has that safety net. So far he seems to be potty trained and he loves to go walking. We go for several walks a day. He is the most adorable little man around. Thanks so much for making him available to us. We just love him

Message From: a compassionate hear August 22, 2008
What an amazing and bittersweet thing this all is. Finding homes for these adorable deserving animals is such a sweet thing. Bitter comes to mind when I read about the Missouri pound. How cruel and sick people can be. Hope to foster or adopt soon one of your precious dogs. I will pray for your organization. Keep up the great work.

Message From: Stella's mom August 22, 2008
I have a forever home now! You saw me on MARS as Meri; but my new mom and dad named me Stella. I am learning the rules of the house and I don't get to be the boss. My mom and dad are proud that I potty outdoors and have not had even 1 accident in the house since I came to live with them on August 10. I love my long walks and I'm learning about the "gentle leader-head collar". It's ok and I really want to put it on because then I know it's time for a walk. I love my Kong with a treat and peanut butter for Kennel time. I start obedience classes in September. I really would like to be in a doggy playgroup so I have bigger dogs to play with. I live with a Doxie. He doesn't like my puppy energy too much. I just want him to play with me; but he doesn't understand. Anyone available for playtime?

Message From: Erin August 12, 2008
Thank you for saving Marcus from death. We have only had him for a couple of days now and he is the best!! He was nervous at first but I think he is starting to realize that he has a loving home for the rest of his life now! We can tell he has become more comfortable,and i think he is realizing that he now has a family! We love him! Thanks again!

Message From: Max July 27, 2008
I want to thank my foster mom, Dawn, for taking such good care of me and helping me find my forever home. I love living with my new family. I have had my new home for 1 week. My days are so busy. I take lots of walks with my 4 and 8 year old girls, and endlessly play fetch in my fenced yard. I like lying on my new quilt on the couch or by the girls' beds. My entire family loves me...even the cats. And, I love cat food! I like to clean out the cats' dish at night. Thank you MARS and Dawn! Love, Max (formerly known as Frankie)

Message From: Dog lover July 26, 2008
I love dogs! I want to adopt

Message From: Kelly July 23, 2008
Can't wait to apply to foster or adopt one of your dogs when our family is ready! :)

Message From: Tanner Wriggley Voynich July 16, 2008
Hi there. Maybe you guys remember me. I was at the pound for a long time then I went home with people who said they'd spoil me until someone wanted to adopt me. It was so nice sleeping on a bed and playing with toys and getting to roll in the grass that I decided I was staying with them forever. It only took a couple of kisses from me and looking at the woman with sad eyes before she fell under my spell. The man was a bit more work but I'm pleased to say I convinced them. It's GRRRREAT having a family. I have two sisters and three brothers now. My oldest sister is a cat and she's not always nice but my other sister is a dog that likes to swim just like me. I sure am glad you guys rescued me and found me my family. Love, Tanner