Destiny For Dogs, Not-for-Profit 501 (c)(3)

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!”

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!

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!”

“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.

“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.

 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!”

Dear Donna, 

Thank you for providing Rocky an extraordinary and loving forever home. You are his “Dream Come True” and the “Happily Ever After” that Rocky so deserves.

We are all wishing Donna and Rocky “Happy Days Ahead!”

Art, 

Thank you for sharing a photo of your gorgeous girl, Nandi.  She looks so happy and is blessed to have such wonderful parents & loving forever home.

Wishing you, your beautiful Claudia and Nandi continued “Happy Days Ahead!”

“This is our Benji, who will be seven years old in March. We adopted him from Destiny for Dogs when he was two years old. He came to us with Heartworms, and we took a chance on each other. Today he is our beloved family member who is the best boy!  We will be furever grateful to JoAnn and Destiny for Dogs. He has bought us great joy and so much love.”

Dear Gail, 

Thank you for sharing your beautiful baby, Benji’s photos and pupdate.

Many thanks for taking the chance and seeing him through his Heartworm Treatment.  You are wonderful fur-baby parents and truly Benji‘s “Rescue Angels.”

We are wishing Benji, mom and dad continued “ Happy Days Ahead!”

Tucker was skin & bones when rescued. He could not walk, kept in a small cage that he couldn’t stand up in and therefore his legs developed atrophied. Tucker lived in Hell and now has “Heaven on Earth” which he so deserves thanks to his extraordinary Mom & Family.

From Mom: “Sending you the latest and greatest pic of Tucker & his life of luxury!”

P.S. – Bohdi was also rescued from a breeder.  He was scheduled to be euthanized after digesting K9 Turf. He couldn’t eat or drink. Destiny for Dogs was contacted by Lynn from the Animal Clinic at Wellington Reserve to take Bohdi under rescue. We agreed, and Dr. Abbott performed major surgery to save his life. Bohdi was only six months old, and his life would have been ended. Instead, he too had a “Doggie Fairy Tail Ending”

Special “Thanks to Dr. Abbott, Lynn, Linda, Candice, Gabby, Foster Mom Jackie (for both Bohdi & Tucker).  Last but not least forever mom’s Stephanie & Lili

It truly takes a Village to save precious lives

GOOD NEWS PUPDATE FOR “PIERRE LOVERS” FROM HIS MOM, GINA

From Gina: 

“We adore Pierre & he’s in love with Millicent. She lays by me with her feet on him and they sometimes play footsies.  Pierre sleeps in my room with his blanket and pillow! He is very spoiled!

In the morning he runs into his room and brings a toy to me and one to Jeff! We absolutely love Pierre! So happy I took that chance with him. “

Gina – All Pierre needed was you.  Thank you for providing him that “CHANCE” which changed his life to Heaven on Earth. You are Pierre’s “Rescue Angel.” 

Thank you for you and your unconditional love for Pierre. 

We are wishing Pierre, mom, dad, fur & feather siblings continued “Happy Days Ahead!”

Good News Pupdate & Photos from Ruby’s Mom. Can you say, “AWW?”

Ruby’s mom says, 

“She is a beauty and sooooooo sweet!!!

This sweet & loving girl was purchased from a breeder “sight unseen” by a lovely couple. Unfortunately, Ruby had severe separation anxiety and could not be left alone in their condo.  They were heartbroken when surrendering her.

Thanks to Ruby’s extraordinary Foster Mom, Stephanie who worked her magic. This special angel was adopted by Steph’s dear friend.  Ruby is a precious gem, so loved, & living the “Doggie’s Dream” life that she so deserves.

We are wishing Ruby, mom, dad, & family continued “Happy Days Ahead!”

GOOD NEWS PUPDATE FROM JESSIE’S MOM, YOLI

“Hi JoAnn, this is Yoli. Today is mine and Jessie‘s 7-year anniversary.  I just can’t thank you enough for bringing her into my life. Jessie certainly is a joy and makes me laugh every day. She has personality plus and I am blessed to have been able to adopt her. Thanks again! Keep up the great work.!!” 

All of us at Destiny for Dogs are wishing Jessie and her mom, continued “Happy Days Ahead!

GOOD NEWS PUPDATE FROM TOPAZ’S MOM, MELANIE

“Hi JoAnn, 

We are all doing very good and in love with baby Topaz who mostly is now Topi or Toe Toe or Lovebug.   She really is an amazing pup with a crazy big personality! She definitely thinks she’s a model which she is happy and does these adorable poses. She’s also no longer an escape artist at all either. I like to think it’s because she knows she’s HOME!

Thank you very much we are very fortunate and grateful to you and your organization.”

All of us at Destiny for Dogs are all wishing Topi, her mom & dad, continued “Happy Days Ahead! “

Hercules “Good News Pupdate” and “GOTCHA DAY photos from Mom

Hercules AKA Herc hit the “Doggie Lottery” 08/07/25 with his new loving forever family. It was “love at first sight” for his mom, Karen & fur-siblings

Hercules is enjoying his new life, “Fur-Family” and Mom who is truly his “Rescue Angel”

“Tail End” continued …

Mom says, “Herc is incredible. I can’t thank you enough. He’s a keeper and has found his furever home.”

We are so happy for Hercules and mom, such love shines in both their eyes. A picture is worth a 1000 words (see pics).

Such a perfect match for his new mom & family. So needed & so deserved.

Wishing Hercules Mom, Karen, Bailey & Pepper Lots of Love & Only Happy Days Ahead!

GOOD NEWS PUPDATE & PHOTOS FROM LOLA’S MOM

“I love Lola, and Lola loves me. Isn’t that a song, lol. 

She just got groomed. She adores her groomer. She is such a blessing.”

Lovely Lola is Loving Life and so Loved by her mom, Susan.

Another “Awww” for the Day.