Thank you, thank you and thank you a million times over. Your work with these dogs is truly heroic, selfless and loving. I have no doubt there will be a special place in heaven for each one of you! Keep up the Great work!

Dee (in frigid Maine)
Zuzu (a happy ES , playing in the snow of Maine!)

And Dandelion the English Shepherd thanks you too.

For all the work you're putting in for these dogs, for all the hours, all the dirt, and drool, the barks and snaps, our family thanks you.

-Shannon Larkin
Cambridge, MA

Thanks to all of you who are working with the dogs day in and day out. The progress you’re making is just incredible! You are the first people who have ever done anything for these dogs, and I know they appreciate you and their new life.

Pam Kaye and Cash

Hello and Happy Valentine's Day to all of you volunteers helping with the rescued English Shepherds. Those of us English Shepherd folks throughtout the rest of the United States are very aware of this situation, and are so very thankful of the wonderful work you are doing for these dogs. Believe me, if we could be there with you, we would be.

Happy Valentine's Day! and God bless you all!!

Paula Goff in Indiana
(I'm attaching a pic taken today of 2 of my english shepherds: Willow and Alfie.)

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Greetings and Happy Valentine’s Day to the Operation New Beginnings Volunteers:

This message is sent with heartfelt gratitude for all you have done and continue to do for our precious English Shepherds. Your time, talent, and dedication to these dogs are greatly appreciated.

My “boys” send their thanks as well – as rescues, they both know the importance of the job you are doing. May God bless you and the dogs you care for.

All Our Best:
Martha (NESR NE Coordinator),
Ben (8 year old, tri-colored ES, rescued at 5 mos.) and
Siggy (7 year old shaded sable ES, rescued through NESR at 3 years)

Hello,

Thank you for caring and helping these dogs find a future. We have been watching and hoping for the best ... with every step, every smile, every laugh at their antics you are bringing these hopes to reality.

Tell them they're good.

All our best wishes,
Kathy Lofthouse
www.runjumpweave.com

Hi

Thanks you just isn't enough to say what we really mean. What you are doing for the dogs is just incredible! You are truly dedicated. Here is a picture of my English Shepherd. His name is Falcon. Sincerely,

Pat,Falcon and Cleo

Hello to All!

This note of sincere thanks comes from an owner of a previously rescued ES, named Luke...see attached pix. He's also a b/w and is 'assumed' to be ES, at least mostly ES! All I know is he is a wonderful dog and we love him dearly. We have had him almost 4 yrs., he was a displaced canine after one of the Florida hurricanes. For all of you wonderful folks who are putting your time and energy so freely and generously into caring for what has become known as "The Montana English Shepherds" I send a huge "THANK YOU"!!!! You guys and gals are soooo appreciated...by the dogs, tho' perhaps they don't know that yet, and by those of us who love these- and any- dogs. I seriously would be there with you if it were humanly possible! Unfortunately- and it's not a weak excuse- I hafta work! But in doing so I was able to at least send a respectable donation to try to assist with your care of all those deserving dogs. Please know there are many, many of us who would be there if possible. There are many ES folks who will, if the situation arises, be fostering those dogs in need. But we would never get that far without all your dedication. Again, thank you, many, many times over, and God Bless you!!

Most Sincerely, Sylvia and 'Luke" ( I'm a rescue- I was 46 lbs. when Mom got me...now I'm 65 lbs! Thanks for helping my fellow ES!!!)

Thank you for all the time and care you are giving the dogs in Billings. You are providing the steps to a new life and a bright future with loving families.

David and Nancy Houtkooper in Minnesota Shelby, Milo, and Gracie

I don't really know what to say to all of you volunteers helping with the rescued English shepherds other than "Thank you so much." Those of us associated with this wonderful breed really appreciate the time and effort you are putting in for these dogs. It breaks my heart to read about your efforts and to think of what those poor dogs must have endured, through no fault of their own. I consider myself a 'newbie' in the ES world. I first heard of the breed about 4 years ago and got my first puppy a few months after that. Since then, I have fostered 4 males for National English Shepherd Rescue. I have always found NESR to be a wonderful group of people to work with. And the fostering itself, although painful when the dogs leave for their forever homes, is very rewarding. I hope that you are feeling the same about the work you are doing for the Montana dogs. Thank you again for all that you are doing. I know that it is appreciated by the English shepherd community, by NESR and most of all by the dogs!

Susan

www.trswmorgans.com

Thank you so much for all your hard work with these English Shepherds. I have loved the breed for many years and am so glad that dedicated volunteers like you are taking/making the time to help these dogs and puppies reach their full potential. While I am too far away to help in person, I want to let you know how much I appreciate what you are doing. Here are a few pictures of my ES and ES mix enjoying life in California.

Thanks so much for all that you're doing!

Cari Templeton in CA

Happy Valentines Day to all the Operation New Beginnings volunteers and your families, from three rescued ES and their people in Washington State! We can't tell you how grateful we are for your commitment to these animals.

We know the days are cold and the work is hard and road ahead may seem endless. Your commitment to keeping their shelters clean, bellies full, and beds warm, the kind and quiet presence you offer, the willingness to see the *true dog* hidden away inside these animals... for these things, we can never thank you enough. On a day when you are tired, cold and frustrated, we hope that one dog will show you the chink in his armor of fear and mistrust and that the light of his potential will begin to spill outward and warm your heart. That is the gift you are giving these dogs and it would not be possible without each and every one of you.

Melinda King
Treasurer, National English Shepherd Rescue
(www.nesr.info)

and

Sparky (13 yo sassy-pants ESy dog from a municipal pound)
Opie (5 yo black & tan NESR graduate; originally from Eastern WA)
Nicky (4 yo black & tan NESR graduate; originally from Texas)

I don't know if you can imagine the frustration the NESR team feels in not being able to be present to help with these dogs. We are used to jumping into action when we find an English Shepherd in need. To know that there are over 200 English Shepherds in such desperate need but not being able to train, comfort, touch them has chaffing with frustration. The only thing that helps is knowing you our volunteer angels are there to help.

Thank you seems like such on inadequate offering but I can't think of words that express my feelings any better. Thank you for being there, for your patience in sitting in the stalls waiting for the shy dogs to come around. Thank you for feeding, and cleaning the stalls. Thank you taking them out for walks and runs. Thank you most of all for opening your hearts to love these poor dogs.

I hope that this small gesture will give you a small glimpse of our appreciation for your donation of time, talent, and love.

Kathi Tesarz, Cody & Cassie
President
NESR
For the love of a dog

To all the volunteers at Operation New Beginnings:

I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful care you are giving the dogs at Operation New Beginnings. These dogs got off to a rough start, and you are giving them a new lease on life.

With gratitude,
Irith Bloom
National English Shepherd Rescue

From Sally and Brady

Dear Operation New Beginnings Volunteers - Thank you so very much from one of the NESR team who is here in Vermont wishing she could be more help out there in Montana. I so very much appreciate all the time and love you all are giving to these dogs. I know there are still months to go through in this process and I hope I get to meet you and thank you in person before this is done. Here's a picture of five of my seven English Shepherds.

Jan and the gang

To the volunteers of Operation New Beginnings-

Thank you for everything you are doing. Because of you, I have hope that Chandler's relatives will get the great homes and lives they deserve. We love you all. *hugs* and a big *slurp* from Chandler.

Jean & Chandler

Thank you to all the people working with the Montana English Shepherds. Our 3 English Sheperds, Joe, My Buddy, age 10-Tuff Traveling Taffy age 8 and Ali age 7 tomorrow are the most wonderful and loving companions. Joe was a rescue as well as Taffy. We are so blessed to have them. You will be blessed for the work you are doing.
Norma in MO

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From Jan Greenberg, Sam, Casey, and Sydney