Here's the re-telling of Redman's walk down the lane to "happily ever after" --

-- he originally was adopted by the couple at the right in CT, who had to surrender him 4 mos later for personal reasons.

More on his prior adoption is here.

They DID the right thing, by bringing him back to SPBR upon surrender, instead of dumping him in a kill shelter -- this boy is special, and too many people have blessed him along the way.

Next, enter heaven --

-- Penny, a prospect in Cape Cod, whose pit bull recently passed due to complications from cancer surgery.

Here's part of the email I just received from Krista, Penny's friend --

"Hi Eric, 

... and here's Penny. She has so many great traits as an adopter -- foremost, she chose REDMAN, an adult, over puppies that were available --

-- that in itself is worth a happy dance!

Adults have many advantages over puppies -- including they're already housebroken, and their temperament is already defined, and known by the adopter.

Then he comes to me for a quick "high five" --

-- I must say, Redman, we hit the jackpot this time!

Inside, Penny reviews obedience with our boy -- and he REMEMBERS -- !!!

-- and not to sound too much like a queen, but I just LOVE this house -- !!

He is blessed, and doesn't he know it.

Penny works at a company that relocates trees for zealous land-owners on the Cape. This means she can bring Redman to work with her, and he will be a regular passenger in her Jeep Wrangler, buckled in, of course!

The great thing about Penny is that she realizes Redman has his own personality already, and that she will be patient in getting to know him -- if he doesn't like certain circumstances, people, etc., then she'll modify his exposure to those situations --

There we have it, two happy clams...

... here's Penny's one-day update --

"Redman is a sweet pea!!  All night every hour he would look at me as if to say thanks this is great!!  And kiss me all over my face (my bed is pretty comfortable)!! I tried to coax him into the shower, he felt bad that he didn't want to and tried (stuck his head in) I think I'll try a sponge bath on the deck.  I appreciate all the time you spent here yesterday, and my apologies for the length of time....it's a serious decision. 

It was very obvious that your dogs are not the only ones with a heart of gold.  Red met the kitties and went crazy, hopefully he wanted to play with them and not use them for cheweez....time will tell.  He is a very appreciative and grateful dog....and that's a good feeling for both of us.  Red and I are staining the deck and then going for a roadtrip to buy toys and real cheweez later.  Thank you again, keep in touch..... I will too.  

Thank you, Penny, for giving this boy a new lease on life -- he is one of my all-time favorites, and came from such a difficult beginning -- and now he has the life of a prince --

THANK YOU!

Well, Redman's anniversary just came up --

-- he has been with Penny for a year!

Penny's friend is in photography school, so Red and Penny took advantage to enter in a recent photography contest --

-- here's Penny and Red --

-- formal --

Penny writes --

"I have had Redman for one year..... and ...... 6 days!! He is definitely my best friend. Just like with all intense relationships...... it has at times been challenging :) but well worth it.

When your husband, boyfriend, friend or child hits a hard spot...... you don't give up on them."

"Redman has proved that with guidance and understanding.... rewards are immeasurable!!

When Redman first came to my house, he needed some work with manners - he didn't understand that here in the country we don't bury every bone in a 3'deep hole or that just because the stick of butter was left on the table it was not his!!!"

"Redman has also taught me that alot of the times his shortcomings were actually derived from mine. Knowledge is king.

Red is a wonderful addition to our family, we all adore him and I can't imagine life without him. He never gave up on my ability to learn more about him ...... while he was learning more about me."

Well, awww -- !!

And to top it off, HERE IS THE PHOTO THAT WON THE CONTEST -- !!

Here is the original story I wrote about dear Red, a little over two years ago -- look in his eyes -- :(

"Redman was originally a West Virginia pup, found one day while children threw rocks and stones at him.

Redman next went to the local shelter, and suffered weight-loss and infection -- he was kept in an outdoor kennel, and was slowly deteriorating. Here are pictures of his conditions...

Redman was clearly not doing well at this shelter. Enter, the first angel -- Carrie, from Boston. Carrie wrote, "He cannot stay where he is at. I am so afraid of him being stolen and he also cries and cries for someone to come and play with him. " Redman was shortly thereafter transported to Northern VA, and I drove down one hot August Sunday from CT to retrieve the sweet boy."

And here is where he is today --

-- vibrant, healthy and loved --

-- this is a miracle of sorts, for Redman, and also for all those who believe in re-homing adult dogs to great adopters!

So, Redman is home -- and loved -- and is perfect --

-- when people ask Penny what breed he is, she merely says he's a "fuzzy bunny' --

-- who knows exactly where he came from, or what he "is" --

-- but for Penny, he's her world, and she is his world --

-- for this, he is in one of my hallmark homes, and I couldn't be more proud!