Tales of Waiting —These 10 Dogs Just Want a Home

"What's his story?"

It's a common question at dog adoption events. And there is no denying that the answer can tell you a lot about an animal — where it came from, what its personality is like and whether you should bring it home.

But the stories of many of the dogs who come twice a month to an adoption event outside Dublin's aren't known. They were unwanted, neglected and alone. 

Without the help of a woman passionate about making a difference, their story might have ended with that, especially considering many were in shelters that euthanize animals. That woman is Terri Stonehocker, the president and operator of Stonecliffe Animal Rescue in Leemore.

Stonehocker started the non-profit, no-kill shelter in 2003 and has since helped thousands of dogs find homes. The dogs are driven nearly three hours to the Dublin adoption event every other Saturday. Without the organization, these are dogs which would have very likely lived a short life. Instead, Stonehocker has made it her mission to give each of these dogs a real story, complete with a happy ending, no matter how long that might take.

Last month we introduced you to one dog waiting at the rescue. who had been looking for a forever home since early 2011. Beau happens to be deaf. We hoped someone would read the article on Dublin Patch and fall in love. And that is just what happened. Beau was adopted by a loving couple who lives in the Sonoma wine country. (Click to see the photos of Beau's new life.)

I recently started volunteering with this wonderful organization and learned that although Beau had been waiting since March for a home, he wasn't part of a list referred to as "the Top 10."

That list includes 10 dogs who have been waiting as long as two-and-a-half years to be adopted. The reasons they're there vary. Perhaps it's that some look a little different, or are rather shy, or that they just haven't caught the attention of the right family.

We introduced you to a few weeks ago. Henry has been waiting more than a year and a half to be adopted.

Also on the list is a 4-year-old chihuahua/terrier mix named Poppy. She was born around October of 2007 and is a bundle of love. Poppy likes to be active and would be great for someone who wants a walking or running partner. She's a sweet, spunky dog looking for a home to call her own. 

Fiesta has been waiting more than a year for someone to say, "She's the one." The Italian greyhound/chihuahua mix was born in December of 2009. She weighs about 11 pounds and loves to cuddle. 

The eight other dogs (including Angie, who has been waiting two and a half years) all have different personalities, unique characteristics and are of varying breeds. Yet they all have one thing in common. They've been waiting far too long for a forever home.

If you'd like to read more about each of them, just click on their name (you can also check them out in the attached photos):

Angie (Terrier), Henry (Mexican Hairless/Poodle), Felix (Terrier), Bellatrix (Terrier/Chihuahua), BINGO (Jack Russell/Terrier), Oakley (German Shepherd/Husky), Mama Cass (Terrier) and Lenny (poodle).

Stonehocker will no doubt continue to love these dogs unconditionally until the right adoptee comes along. She's given them a second chance and the opportunity to turn their dismal story into something wonderful.

Now is your chance to help these 10 dogs live the life they deserve with a loving family. You never know — perhaps you're part of their "and they lived happily ever after" story.

The rescue will be at Dublin Petsmart on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an adoption event. You can request to meet a specific dog. Contact Stonecliffe Animal Rescue at stoneclifferescue@hotmail.com for more information.