GOOD NEWS PUPDATE FROM MACI’S NEW LOVING FOREVER MOM
“Maci is doing well. Starting to feel comfortable here. The first few weeks when someone came in, she was not sure if she was staying or going with them. She is getting more sure with each day. Maci and Buddy are doing well together. Two peas in a pod. “
Special “Thank You” to Maci’s amazing foster mom, Joy who once again, “worked her magic.
We are wishing Maci, mom, dad & Buddy (four-legged brother), “Continued Happy Days Ahead!”
GOOD NEWS PUPDATE. SMITH (MING) HAS BEEN ADOPTED & IN HIS LOVING FOREVER HOME
From Smith’s Loving Forever dad & mom, Don & Monique:
“It’s probably time to share some news….we have a new Hartmann. We adopted him from Destiny for Dogs right after we lost Morrissey. It was difficult to do this as quickly as we did but 5 months later and I know it was the best decision we could have made. Morrissey will forever be with me, I miss him constantly, and know he would absolutely be annoyed with this Puppy. Somehow it was meant to be this way…this little guy needed a home and we had room and fell for him immediately. He’s so sweet, curious, smart and loves his new life.
Thank you to everyone that helped us adopt him!
Don Charles Hartmann.”
Dear Don and Monique,
Thank you both for all your dedication, patience and unconditional love with Smith
Smith went from a horrible hoarding situation to “Heaven on Earth.” You opened your heart and home to this beautiful, deserving fella, providing an extraordinary home where he is truly a beloved family member.
Many thanks for assisting Dania (Annie) & Mindy (Gidget) by providing information and tips to help with Smith’s two siblings. You are amazing and we are grateful for all that you have done for Smith and your support.
GOOD NEWS PUPDATE! RUSTY HAS BEEN ADOPTED AND IN HIS NEW LOVING FOREVER HOME
From Rusty’s new loving forever mom:
“Hi JoAnn, Rusty is doing great! He slept with Mia and me and stayed very close to me. He has a good appetite, loves Farmer’s Dog and Badlands Ranch. I picked up a dual dog leash attachment, so we’ll give it a try this evening. He’s very playful and loves Mia his new sister. Such a sweet boy”
There are no words to express our appreciation to Rusty’s new mom and dad for all that they have done for this 13-year-old little guy. Besides providing him an extraordinary, loving, forever home. Rusty was fully vetted, including 8 teeth pulled prior to his adoption. Unfortunately, this little guy had to have the rest of his teeth pulled and a belly button hernia removed. Rusty and his parents are “troopers.” We are all truly grateful for all their unconditional love, dedication to this deserving little guy. His new mom & dad are truly “Rescue Angels”
Sadly, Rusty’s original owner passed away and the family member who was caring for him could no longer do so.
Thankfully, Destiny for Dogs was able to assist. Once again, “Joy to the rescue.”
We are all Wishing, Rusty, mom, dad and Mia (four-legged, sister) Lots of Love, Health & “Happy Days Ahead!”
IN LOVING MEMORY OF LEXIE’S FROM HER MOM
“Hi JoAnn,
I had to reach out to share some tough news.
My heart is just broken … our sweet Lexie girl has crossed the rainbow bridge.
I know it was what we had to do. She was almost 14, holding on as long as she could for us, and we gave her every drop of love we could up until her last breath.
She was the best girl.
I know I will be ok in time, but this one is killing me at the moment.
She was truly the heartbeat of our family, and we all miss her beyond words.
As sad as we are, we are so grateful for the time we had with our beautiful girl. It sounds crazy, but she had the sweetest soul and I just feel like she actually made us better people.
Thank you to you and your wonderful Destiny for Dogs for bringing Lexie into our family. I believe she really was our destiny, and she will have a piece of our hearts forever.
Love,
Jennifer & family
PS – Here are some of my favorite pics (hard to choose from the hundreds that I have!) of our gorgeous girl. She was the sweetest couch potato who certainly loved her naps – we took lots of them together.
We are now without any pets for, I think, the first time in my life!
The house is way too quiet, and I hardly know what to do with myself – especially in the stillness of the mornings and the winding down of the evenings.
I know I can never replace any of them, but we are all definitely missing the companionship and love of our fur babies, so we are on the lookout for another rescue (or maybe 2).
Endless thanks, once again, for all you do!
Dear Jennifer & Family,
We are all so sorry for the loss of your beloved, Lexie
Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos of Lexie and for providing her, such an extraordinary and loving forever home for all those years. You were truly her Rescue angel.
Lexie & Paxton were truly blessed to have you and your family.
Until you meet again, always in your heart and beautiful memories.
Love & Hugs,
JoAnn & The Destiny for Dogs Family
PART ONE: GIDGET HAS BEEN ADOPTED AND IN HER LOVING FOREVER HOME
From Gidget’s Mom:
“Hi JoAnn. All good things today. We have gotten in closer proximity, and Gidget is walking a bit out back on the leash with us. Also responding to her name often. She was in the dining room by herself and started wining and doing that standing begging dance at the gate. Did you know she can stand on her hind legs and stay standing? For a few seconds at least.
A great day! Two petting sessions in a doggie bed. Touching her feet, belly rub, head massage. Just before bedtime, I was able to hold her before she went in her crate.
Gidget is leash walking with Archie and Penny! Sit, go in your house, place, come, go pee, go poop, are works in process.
She loves Charlie Bears and her backyard. I think she knows “life is good”.
Gidget is letting Rich touch her now. She’s learning her obedience skills and seems very happy with her new pack.
Gidget is adorable! She’s my precious little girl!”
PART TWO:
GOOD NEWS PUPDATE FROM GIDGET’S MOM
“Gidget has blossomed into a happy, sweet, devoted, playful and loving little girl. She loves to wrestle with her sister, Penny, and fetch her favorite toys. She can usually be found chillin’ on a pillow or in her crate. Still a bit frightened by big trucks, and new places, she is gaining confidence with every new experience. When we met, we could not get near or touch her. Today she wakes us up with kisses, snuggles, and cuddles. Rubbing her cow spotted belly is what we all live for. Gidget is our treasure and her life is good.”
Dear Gidget’s Mindy & Rich,
We are grateful for everything you have done for Gidget. All your patience, nurturing, training, unconditional love. You are truly Gidget’s “Rescue Angels.” She certainly hit the “doggie lottery.”
Special “Thank You” to Gidget’s Foster Mom, Joy for always “coming to the rescue.”
We are all Wishing Gidget, her mom, dad, and fur-sister Penny, “Continued Happy Days Ahead!”
Hugs,
JoAnn & the Destiny for Dogs Family
GOOD NEWS PUPDATE! ANNIE HAS BEEN ADOPTED AND LIVING “HAPPILY EVER AFTER” IN HER LOVING FOREVER HOME
From Annie’s mom, Dania:
“On February 19, 2026, I had the pleasure of meeting and adopting right on the spot, Miss Annie, formerly known as Autumn. I am so grateful to Destiny for Dogs Rescue for allowing me the opportunity to rescue such a beautiful little girl. She came in with lots of struggles, anxiety, and scared of the world itself. But with time and lots of patience, she has come around in the last five and a half months. Excuse me, last six months. We started out with weeks and weeks of no contact, as she was very scared for me to pick her up. She would hide under the bed or under the couches. But slowly she started developing a routine I found so cute. She would meet me in the closet every day for an available pickup time. This is when she felt comfortable for me to pick her up. And slowly it became a little more every week or so. She has a ways to go, but has come around so wonderfully, and I am so very proud of her for being such a good girl and allowing me the time and patience to love on her. I do strongly believe she feels very safe with me, and that makes me proud. And that means we are on the right track. She did a little bit of training and picked up a lot of good habits. She is actually eating out of my hand now. Every now and then, I also get lucky with a couple licks. The leash is coming along. She will not walk ahead of me, but behind me. And we are continuing to work on that on a daily basis. She does great in car rides and loves visiting new places, as long as I am near her. This little girl’s eyes captured me from the beginning. Beautiful, black, soulful eyes that called out to me. I realized I am the one that will be able to help her and guide her and give her the strength and bravery to become the strong, confident dog I know she can be. Thank you, Destiny for Dogs Rescue, for allowing me the pleasure to love this little girl. We look forward to many more achievements and goals, and we’ll keep everyone updated on our journey with Miss Annie.”
Dear Dania,
Annie is such a beautiful girl and so blessed to have you as her mom. I will never forget the first time we spoke on the phone and your comment about Annie’s eyes. She is truly your little angel and so happy that Annie brings laughter to your life on a daily basis.
We thrilled that our beloved trainer, Jen Bielen was able to assist you with Annie. Jen is
“outstanding” and kudos to you and Annie for making such progress.
So elated that Annie was wonderful on your road trip to North Carolina. How exciting that she is going to board a plane and vacation in Puerto Rico. Annie has definitely come a long way from the first day/week/month. Thank you for always having faith in her. Plus ensuring that your little girl is living her best life ever.
Thank you for providing a loving forever home with unconditional love. You are truly Annie’s “Rescue Angel”
Wishing you and continued “Happy Days Ahead!”
BACKSTORY:
Annie and her siblings, Gidget & Smith, were not treated as part of the family, no kind words or a gentle touch. Thankfully Annie & her siblings found extraordinary adopters who made a HUGE commitment: “Dedicated, nurturing, supportive, active, adopter/family with patience to go slowly and the understanding that the process will take time.”
The requirements for Annie, Gidget & Smith’s adoption were met 150%! We are truly grateful to all of you.
Special “Thank You” to Joy for being such an amazing foster mom to Annie, Gidget & Smith
GOOD NEWS PUPDATE & PHOTOS FROM HUNTER’S MOM“Hunter is very healthy and spoiled. Thank you for Hunter.”
Tami from Dr. Barton’s office found Hunter under a car when he was just a small puppy in 2014 (his owner was not found). We knew from his ginormous paws that he was going to be a BIG BOY. Hunter looked like a Great Dane and was a precious puppy.
Thank you, Tami for saving Hunter and Vickie Virzi for fostering until he went to his extraordinary, loving forever home.
HUGE Hug & Thanks to Hunter’s mom & dad for providing the life that we wish for every fur-baby.
Good News Pupdate! Arlo has been adopted and in his FABULOUS loving forever home that he so deserves.
From Arlo’s mom:
“Good morning! Just wanted to let you know that Arlo is doing great!!! He was a little shy at first, but given a little time, he has warmed up to everyone in the family and is such a little cuddle bug. He is really such a good boy. Loves routine, listens very well, and loves everyone. We are smitten, and our boys just adore him too. I think Arlo really trusts us and knows he’s found his fur-ever family now.
Joy, you must have done an amazing job fostering because Arlo really listens well, is perfectly housebroken, and sleeps through the night already on our schedule! Thank you so much for taking amazing care of him before he got to us.
Wanted you both to know that we are so very grateful for our sweet little Arlo & so excited to have him in our family to love on!
Good morning, Jennifer
What a way to start your and my day with this wonderful “Good News Pupdate” for Arlo.
I am smiling from ear to ear.
Truly grateful to you and Scott for providing Arlo what I know to be, the most amazing & extraordinary loving forever home, just as Lexie and Paxton. Thank you for all that you did for them. Once again, we are so sorry for the recent loss of your beloved, Lexie.
We are Wishing Arlo, his mom, dad, & “2 legged” siblings, “Happy Days Ahead!
Rusty the 13 year old Shih Tzu / Yorkie has been adopted and in his new loving forever home. He hit the doggy lottery and is so deserving. Rusty will be 14 in December but acts like a 7 year old boy. Even with the onset of cataracts and heart murmur, Rusty loves following his new mom everywhere, running, playing with toys, and bringing his favorite toy to his person.
We are wishing Rusty’s mom, dad & fur-sister Mia, “Happy Days Ahead!”
Happy Birthday, Sweet, Little Precious Beanie
“Hi JoAnn, this is Beanie Burrito and today is my birthday.
Beanie says thank you so much for the birthday wishes.
We are wishing Mr. Beanie Burrito many, many more “Happy Birthday’s Ahead!
In Honor and Loving Memory of our beloved, Barbara Kay Phillippi, who passed away peacefully February 15, 2026
Barbara will always be remembered as a “Special” part of the Destiny for Dogs Family. She was an extraordinary foster mom and volunteer for over 12 years.
Frankie, a young, frightened JRT brought “Rescue Angel,” Barbara into Linda and my life that day. There are not enough words to express our love and appreciation to Barbara who always came to our rescue in more ways than one, becoming an excellent “medical” and “special needs” foster mom, saving so many precious lives.
Barbara was a beloved friend. When her health started to decline and she could no longer foster, we always kept in touch. We (Kenny, Sue & I) visited her lovely assisted living facility with our “rescue” dogs and Barbara’s last forever foster, Jade that she lovingly
referred to as “Bug.” Barbara chose Lynn McGrew to be Jade’s new “forever foster mom” two years ago. Last month, Bug went to Rainbow Bridge now reunited with Barbara and her fur-brother, Frankie.
I loved reminiscing with Barbara and wanted to share a few messages she sent and many photos that touched my heart.
“I so miss our connection. The phone call with news of another pup that needs a foster. Never had one that I didn’t cry over when they left me.
Eleven years ago I took Frankie to an adoption event. One week later I knew he would be mine…
I would gladly give my life for one more day with my Frankie, who went to Rainbow Bridge July 10, 2023. He was my heart boy, loved flowers … who knew? Frankie was a wonderful temperament tester for new foster furbabies.
You have permission to post whatever you wish my dear. Always promoting fostering. It’s a difference between life and death for way too many animals. When a dog leaves a foster home, it will be fully vetted, socialized, and housebroken. The new home will have been inspected and deemed safe and appropriate, protecting the pup. I’m just sad that the fostering days are behind me”
We truly miss our dear friend, family member and foster mom. If you have an adoption story about Barbara, we would love for you to share in her memory
The lovely tribute written by Barbara’s family is a reflection of their beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother who was an incredible lady, beautiful, brilliant, caring, loving & kind.
We are sending loving thoughts, healing prayers to Barbara’s family and dear friends. May she Rest In Peace
With Deepest Condolences,
JoAnn, Kenny, Linda, Lynn, Melody and the Destiny for Dogs Family
In Loving Memory of Cindy Nettifee
Cindy always had a smile on her face, a kind word to say, a helping hand to lend, caring, considerate, outgoing and a friend to all.
Kenny and I met Cindy while employed with the United States Postal Service. We became friends and spent holidays with Cindy and Don for 18+ years. We celebrated many happy occasions.
Cindy was an animal lover (dogs, cats & birds). She volunteered with Destiny for Dogs to assist with adoption and fundraising events. Cindy opened her home to foster dogs and assisted with finding them new loving forever homes. She never met a fur-baby that she didn’t adore and the feeling was mutual.
Cindy was loved dearly by Don, her family, friends, neighbors, and church. The outpouring of love, dedication, prayers and support was phenomenal. Thank you to all who provided comfort to Cindy, Don and her family. Please continue to keep Cindy’s loved ones in your loving thoughts and healing prayers.
Rest in Peace, Cindy
Cindy’s Obituary, and information on her “Celebration of Life” provided below by Cindy and Don’s dear friend, Karen Shedrick:
Obituary for Cynthia M. Nettifee
“With profound joy and gratitude, we announce the passing of Cynthia M. Nettifee to eternal glory on April 28, 2026 Born on January 6, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, she leaves behind a legacy of love and faith. Her life was a testament to the power of love, as she cherished every moment with her devoted partner, Don, who adored her unconditionally. Together, they embarked on countless journeys, forged unbreakable bonds with friends who became family, and cultivated a deeper connection with the Lord. Cindy was a devoted attendee of Family Church Sherbrooke, attending Sunday Service and multiple bible studies. Her love for the Lord and humanity inspired us all. She will be deeply missed and cherished in the hearts of many.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Family Church Sherbrooke, located at 8657 Lantana Road, Lake Worth, FL 33467 on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. In honor of her compassionate spirit, donations to any animal rescue organization would be a meaningful tribute in lieu of flowers.”
Terri, you are in our thoughts today, particularly on the first anniversary of your passing. You will always be remembered in our loving thoughts and prayers.
We love and miss you,
JoAnn, Kenny, Melody, Linda, Lynn and the Destiny for Dogs Family
This plaque was to presented to Terri’s Husband, Sam in her honor & memory from Destiny for Dogs.
There are not enough words to express our love and appreciation for all that Terri did to assist saving two and four legged precious lives.
Always in our hearts and wonderful memories.
We miss Terri’s beautiful smile, her laugh and kindness.
Rest in Peace our precious Angel.
Yesterday I had to put my beautiful Max to sleep. He was in acute kidney failure & horrible pain. 11 years young & my faithful baby, sleeping on my pillow next to me every night, touching my eyelids with his big fluffy paws as if to make sure I was still there. He has taken a piece of my heart with him. The dogs will miss him as he liked grooming them.
JoAnn received a call from the cleaning lady that found Max the Maine Coon kitty inside a vacant apartment in a dog crate, in Boynton Beach. He was the love of my life for the past 9 years & I had to say goodbye to him. Max was a big dog lover & tested many of Vickie’s Blessed Paws’ dogs.
Thank you for the gift of Max for the past 9 years.”
Evelyn, we are so sorry for the loss of your beloved, Max. He was beautiful inside and out. I remember the day Linda and I picked up Max and brought him to you. It was pouring rain, he was so good in the car, just wanted to cuddle. We knew he was a special kitty.
Thank you for providing Max a wonderful loving forever home for 9 years. You were truly his rescue angel.
As always, grateful to you and all that you do to save precious lives.
Sending love, healing thoughts & prayers. Until you meet again, Max will remain in your heart and wonderful memories.
Good News Pupdate from Little Miss Honey’s Mom
“We have missed our girls and are thrilled to introduce you to our new pups!!
Meet Daisy Mae (4mos) and Little Miss Honey (14mos).
We adopted through 2 different South Florida rescues and feel so very fortunate to have received the honor of adopting both! They are loving/enjoying each other immensely and living their best Princess lives!!”
Destiny for Dogs says “Thank you for opening your heart and home to Little Miss Honey. She truly hit the “Doggie Lottery and “Heaven on Earth.” So excited that Miss Honey has Daisy Mae as her “fur-sister.” They are both beyond precious.”
Thank you providing both “special angels” an extraordinary and loving forever home.
Wishing all “Happy Days Ahead!”
Huge Hug to Little Miss Honey’s foster mom, Rona. Thank you for all that you did to prepare Honey for her new loving forever home
Happy Holidays from Ava, Beau, Darby & Mom
Wishing Ava & Beau “Happy Days Ahead” with their new Forever Mom & Big Sister, Darby
Today is Pierre’s One Year “Gotcha Day!”
Thank you Gina & Jeff for providing Pierre a “Second Chance” at Life and the “First Chance” at Unconditional Love and in a Real Loving Forever Home
Pierre is a perfect example of “What Love Can Do” It truly “Takes a village.” Thanks to each and every one who stood by Pierre and never gave up on him for 16 months. You are all his “Rescue Angels” especially Mom Gina, Trainer Jen & Handler Woody
We are Wishing Pierre, Gina, Jeff, Feather & Fur-Siblings, Continued “Happy Days Ahead!”
“Lacey and Mommy visiting Santa! I am thankful for every day I have with Lacey and Destiny for Dogs for bringing us together.”
Destiny for Dogs and our volunteers are wishing Lacey, her mom, and dad a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year
Precious photo of Peanut and his mom, Connie. Enjoying a dinner party in their home.
We are wishing Peanut and his loving family, continued “Happy Days Ahead!”
We think of Terri when reading the Poem written by Ashley Rice:
“There are women who make things better… simply by showing up. There are women who make things happen. There are women who make their way. There are women who make a difference. And women who make us smile. There are women of wit and wisdom who-through strength and courage- make it through. There are women who change the world everyday… Women like you.”
— Ashley Rice
“The passing of Terri Kaufman (West Palm Beach, Florida), born in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida leaves a void in the hearts of many, as we bid farewell to a loving soul who departed on May 21, 2025 at the age of 78.
As we bid farewell to this luminous soul, let her loved ones carry forward the torch of her memory, illuminating the path ahead with the warmth of her love and the brilliance of her spirit. Though Terri may journey beyond the horizon of our sight, her essence remains woven into the very fabric of our being — a guiding light in the darkness, a beacon of hope in the night.”
We are sending our deepest condolences to Terri’s Husband, Sam, Family and Friends.
“Hi JoAnn! It’s time for the annual Rivera 7 Christmas Crew Collage featuring all the fur babies and my special Papi!!!!!!”
Destiny for Dogs volunteers are wishing Papi, his two- and four-legged pack a Merry Christmas.
“Happy Pawlidays from all of us but especially Finn! I cannot begin to tell you how incredibly lucky we are to have this amazing boy in our lives because of you. We will forever be grateful for this little ball of love. Have a wonderful holiday season.
Maureen, Sam and Finn”
Destiny for Dogs volunteers are wishing Finn, his mom, dad a Happy & Healthy Holiday Season.
NOTE: Thank you, Jackie for sharing and being such an extraordinary foster mom & friend.
PHOTO FROM HER BELOVED MOM, JEN
Rest in Peace beautiful and loving angel, Truckie. You were an amazing girl.
Thank you and your mom for all that you did to make this world a better place for so many rescue furbabies.
Fly High, Run Free, Happy, Healthy and Whole, at Rainbow Bridge
“Recently we took a trip to the west. Piper met the donkeys in Oatman, Arizona and experienced the Skywalk at the Grand Canyon. As always, she was such a good little traveler and brought happiness to those we met.
I’ll be forever grateful to you for the gift of Piper. She will be 12 in January.”
Destiny for Dogs volunteers are wishing Piper, her mom & dad continued “Happy Days Ahead” traveling all over the country. Piper is a lucky little lady to have such extraordinary parents and a wonderful life.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF RUBY AND REESES FROM THEIR BELOVED MOM, JANET
“With a heavy heart we just lost both Ruby and Reeses both to advanced Cushing’s Disease.
Ruby was 16 and had been our spoiled fur baby tor 10 years. She bought such joy to our lives. She had advanced Cushing’s disease and diabetes for the last few years. We miss her.
Reeses was 8 and was also our spoiled fur baby. She bought such joy to our lives. She had advanced Atypical Cushing’s disease and diabetes but was not diagnosed in time to give her a fighting chance. We lost her 3 weeks after Ruby”
Destiny for Dogs are sending loving thoughts and healing prayers to Janet, Joe and Joey, in the loss of their beloved, Ruby & Reeses
They are once again “Happy, Healthy & Whole” Running Free at Rainbow Bridge
Until you meet again, always in your heart, thoughts and beautiful memories. “Just look Up.”
Maddie and her BIG rottie sisters. Can you guess who is the “Alpha Dog”? LOL Maddie is a BIG dog inside a little body. You go Girl!
Maddie truly hit the “doggie lottery” with her mom, dad, two & four legged sisters
We are wishing all continued “Happy Days Ahead!”
A touching message from Jennifer in the loss of Tiny Tim, her beloved mother, Betsy’s fur-baby that she loved so very much.
“Hello, it is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you that Tiny Tim finally crossed the rainbow bridge yesterday October 23. He gave my mom (Betsy Beal) love and comfort for the last three years of her life, and then I was privileged to care for him for the past 2 years. He was almost 18 years old. And such a sweet old doggie!!”
Betsy was loved by all whom she touched. Plus, Betsy so loved her little Tiny Tim AKA TT. We are truly grateful to Jennifer for the care she provided to her mother and then the continued unconditional love to her mother’s beloved fur-baby, TT
Thank you, Jennifer for sharing your mom & Tiny Tim’s memorial
We are sending loving thoughts & healing prayers to you and your Family who now have another Angel in Heaven to watch over all of you
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE” REGISTRATION#: CH41202
