The end of 2023 and early 2024 brought quite a number of babies into our care, among them Ollie, Chubbs, and Nibbie.

One little guy was a "Christmas miracle." Mia received a desperate email from the Downey shelter about a tiny six-week old puppy who needed saving immediately or would be euthanized. After a bit of scrambling, BMD volunteers Tanya and Dakota, and Tanya's sister Karla, picked up the three pound puppy on Christmas Eve. They named him Ollie.

Chris Gerber took one look at Ollie on Petfinder and was smitten. He was seeking a companion he could train to be a therapy dog. The pair have been working with trainers, and Chris expects certification when Ollie turns one. In the meantime, Ollie accompanies Chris in many public places, visits a dog park three or four times a week, and plays frisbee and ball. He also has a sibling he loves; Belle, a 14 year old yellow Lab.

Chris reports they're doing great. "I'm learning patience from Ollie." This three-pound, six week old rescued puppy has matured into a handsome, healthy, and beloved young dog, with a fulfilling, happy, and purposeful life. 

Another pup who needed BMD was Chubbs, so named by Mia because he was the chubbiest puppy she'd ever seen. At two weeks he was removed from his mom; she was rough with her two pups due to shelter stress. Sadly, his sibling died, which meant Chubbs had been the only one nursing. That boy could eat!

This sweet Husky mix charmed us with his antics and fluff. As expected, Chubbs was soon adopted. He now weighs 100+ pounds - and still growing. He's thriving, too.

Chubbs's family includes four humans and two Husky brothers. "I've loved Huskies ever since I was young," said his adopter, Hong. The family already had two, then Chubbs showed up on Hong's phone in Petfinder. Time to add a third! The two kids love the morning ritual: three Huskies wake them up with kisses. Hong calls Chubbs her "shadow" because he follows her everywhere. Chubbs has three walks daily, and besides his Husky brothers, two other Huskies and an Akita are his playmates. What a great life for Chubbs!

Nibbie came to BMD from Wildomar shelter as a very sick eight-week old puppy. She was a hot mess who entered the shelter dirty and malnourished, full of worms, bow-legged, with a case of mange. The shelter sent multiple pleas to save this puppy. We took her, knowing she was running out of time.

With weekly baths given by volunteers and a lot of healthy, nutritious food, she has grown to be a completely healthy, strong, and happy young dog. Nibbie quickly became a BMD favorite; she is so loving and lovable. And adorable.

Friends of BMD, Malia and Jim, had recently adopted Jasmine, renamed Kiana, through our Foster SLA program. The pair decided to foster Nibbie after the two dogs met and got along great; playing, running, and giving each other kisses. Nibbie's superpower is that she's irresistible, especially to Jim. Malia originally said, "no way, no puppies." Nibbie is now a permanent member of the family. We couldn't be happier. 

According to both Malia and Jim, "Nibbie is ready to go at 5 a.m. every day. It's incredibly cute, but...it's 5 a.m!" She's a great kisser and cuddler, loves her food, socializes with her sister Kiana and dog friends, and continues to gain confidence and leash skills. Raising Nibbie has been a good learning experience for Malia and Jim.

Raising a puppy is a challenge, and requires a lot of hard work and patience. We're gratified that great adopters stepped up to give Ollie, Chubbs, and Nibbie a full and happy life. Thanks, donors and supporters, for helping us continue our work!