I was driving back to Chicago From Atlanta and at a pit stop in Tennessee's Blue Ridge Mountains I found these precious puppies at a gas station. So many people had come and gone seeing them and ignoring them. This sister (left) and brother (right) were living in a water drainage pipe amongst jagged stones and broken bottles... covered in fleas and ticks and with bellies filled with icky worms. I have no doubt in my mind that had I not stopped at that very station, they would not have made it. However, now they are adjusting to a warm home and yummy food in a Chicago Suburb and are available for adoption through www.aear.org. Not bad after coming from a bed of broken bottles.

They are about 7 weeks old and adorable, naturally. Firecracker (brown) is a very confident pup who likes attention and likes to be the center of it. I think it's quite appropriate that I found them across from a fireworks store... she is definitely a little firecracker! She is also a good big sister and takes her...

Bear is a 2 year old German Shepherd mix living in rural Indiana that ran into some really bad times. His former family had decided he just didn't fit into their life and they dropped him off at the local humane society. He had hit rock bottom and his luck seemed to have dried up. Unfortunately, a great many dogs were left neglected and unwanted and the humane society was busting at the seams with so many wonderful animals they were trying to save. Bear spent many days and nights wondering if someone would come and give him a home again, but no one did. His time was running out...

However, thanks to wonderful rescue workers and volunteers, a transfer was coordinated to Animal Education & Rescue. As of right now, Bear is still looking for a family to adopt him, but he's safe and warm in a foster home and so happy to still be alive. Bear is loyal, friendly, good with kids, dogs and even cats. He would love a family that will appreciate the loyalty and devotion of a shepherd. If you are in...