While browsing animal rescue sites, looking for a companion for her senior dog Kip, Jennifer instantly fell in love with Precious, a Jack Russell, Bichon Frise mix who came from a house hoarding 38 dogs. “She was shaggy, scraggly and had the cutest rainbow shaped ears,” says Jennifer. When Jennifer and her husband, Adam, met Precious in her foster home, she was very attached to her foster mom. She was skittish and constantly turned back towards the house when they took her for a walk.
Precious @lisacrispophotography
Despite Precious’s fears, Jennifer and Adam decided to bring Precious home with them the following week. She hid for the first 15 minutes but soon felt comfortable enough to join her new owners on the couch for a cuddle.
Initially, Precious would jump at loud noises and sudden movements, and she would cry when she was picked up, likely because of abuse she suffered earlier in her life. After a couple of months, those insecurities completely dissipated, and while she is still a little reluctant to be picked up, she knows Jennifer and Adam are completely harmless and show her nothing but unconditional love. Their dog Kip was treated like a king, and Precious graciously accepted the role as the household’s new queen.
Since first arriving to Jennifer and Adam in the spring of 2019, Precious is now thriving. She darts to the door when she sees her leash, loves going on walks and can’t resist rolling over in the grass for belly rubs. She also loves dressing up and showing off her stylish outfits.
Margie @lisacrispophotography
Jennifer follows rescue organizations on social media and saw a little cutie named Margie who reminded her of Precious. Margie was adopted by a couple but despite the fact that they were very loving and sweet to her, Margie had some deep-rooted issues due to being locked in a closet most of her life. She struggled to adjust to her new home and eventually was returned to Coveted Canines Rescue. It turns out Precious and Margie were rescued from the same house and it was later confirmed that they were indeed related, and both were around 10 years old.
Jennifer connected with Alyssa, Margie’s foster mom, hoping to reintroduce the sisters. When the time came, the two dogs instantly recognized each other, and it was heartwarming to see them reunited.
Between Alyssa’s pregnancy, moving houses and caring for a dog she had recently adopted, she realized it wasn’t the best situation for poor Margie. She asked Jennifer if she would be willing to take over the role of foster mom, and Jennifer agreed.
Precious & Margie @lisacrispophotography
Jennifer posted about Margie on social media to attract potential adopters, but no one was surprised when, after just a week, Jennifer announced their #FosterFail, stating that she and Adam would be keeping Margie as a permanent member of their family. Their dog Kip was on the decline, and Jennifer and Adam knew he wouldn’t be around for much longer so they felt it would be a good time to welcome another dog into their home.
“I call them the golden gals,” says Jennifer. “They are the cutest little girls you could imagine. Just knowing we gave them the best life possible in their retirement years makes us so happy.” Precious is Jennifer’s shadow and Margie is Adam’s. This is amazing since Margie was afraid of men and wouldn’t go near Adam in the beginning.
They discovered a lump on Margie, which has since been removed, and while she’s still jumps at loud noises, she doesn’t mind being picked up. She loves chest rubs, dinner time and gets the zoomies after she poops. Margie and Precious love dressing up; Margie’s colour is purple and Precious’s is pink.
Margie & Precious with their brother Hank @lisacrispophotography
Jennifer and Adam are committed to caring for senior and special needs dogs. They adopted a third dog, Hank, a few months ago. He is two years old and blind, and he came from a puppy mill in Texas. While Precious and Margie love him, he’s a little too high active for them, so Jennifer and Adam arrange play dates for him so expel some of that youthful energy.
Jennifer and Adam hope to continue inspiring people to adopt dogs that need a little extra attention and care. “We want to dedicate our lives to saving dogs… I want people to know that it’s worth the extra time and effort to adopt a senior or special needs dog, because they give you so much love in return for saving them from a terrible situation.”
They are starting a t-shirt company that will sell music themed dog shirts, and they plan to donate part of the proceeds back to rescue foundations. Their retirement plan is to buy a plot of land up north and run a senior dog rescue. We are so grateful for the love and care Jennifer and Adam devote on a daily basis, and hope more people will open their hearts and homes to rescuing dogs in need of shelter and security.
Check out Margie and Precious on social media @margie_and_precious and keep an eye out for Jennifer’s t-shirt business @punkpetapparel.
All photos by Lisa Crispo Photography. You can find her at: lisacrispo.ca, Instagram & Facebook.