April 14, 2026

Faithful Friends Staff-

I know personally how much work rescue takes and I just wanted to take a minute to share a happy update. Five years ago, we came across an 11 month old Landseer Newf that had been surrendered to you guys through Petfinder. We came down to meet him and boy was he a goofball- I remember you guys describing it as “monkey farts” which we didn’t quite understand at the time but he quickly showed just what that meant LOL. That same day you guys were doing a piece on your rescue and later published an article including pics of him. We came back about a week later with our Great Dane to see if they would get along- she wasn’t sure what to do with all his energy- she was 3 yrs old at the time. Fast forward 5 years from his Gotcha Day on 4/15/2021 and he is living his best life!! His name is Cooper now (previously was Papa Mingo) and he loves walking our farm pastures with his Great Dane sister who is now 8. He also inspired us to rescue another Newf- she was surrendered at 8 yrs old and will be 11 this year. To date we have now rescued 8 dogs over the years and it has made me want to get involved with rescue myself. It is so heartbreaking but also so rewarding when you see those happy ever afters, so I wanted to be sure I shared ours! We are forever grateful and thank you for everything you do! 

September 20, 2022

Faithful Friends is a hidden gem. I have two friends that have done volunteer work there for several years, so I was familiar with the name, but had never seen the facility until about a year ago. My first impression was how much land was associated with the site and how well maintained the grounds were. Upon entering the building there was no smell that is usually associated with shelters, and everything was pristine and clean.

My grandson had been begging for a dog for several years. I told him when he was old enough to be responsible and take care of a pet, I would consider it. Upon turning 10 this year we decided now was the time. So the search began. I have always preferred to adopt a pet rather than buy. We decided what we were looking for and word went out to several friends and vet techs to keep their eyes open for us.

First stop was the vet where I had adopted my last two pets. They no longer handle adoptions. Next stop Rowan Animal shelter. They had mostly larger dogs. Then my friend who volunteers at Faithful Friends said there was a dog I might be interested in taking a look at. We talked to Mary and set up an appointment to visit and meet the possible adoptee.

The dog we met was physically exactly what were were looking for – male, black and white shih tzu, 8 years old (I’m so over being a puppy mom). He immediately related to me. He was very tolerant with my grandson, however, did not interact much. We took him outside to walk which he wasn’t very keen about, and when we came back in Mary said I have another dog I want you to meet. I was surprised.

Mary brings out this little black female shih tzu mix and she immediately went to my grandson. It was love at first sight. Needless to say she is the newest member of our family and settled in like she had always been with us. Mary had the insight to recognize the first dog was not the best fit for us.

I have sung the praises of Faithful Friends to many friends and told them what a great experience we had. One person asked about the adoption fee. When I told her $250, she immediately said oh that’s too high. I explained that we got a female dog that had been fully vet checked and given a clean bill of health, given all shots needed, spayed, microchipped, given a heart worm shot good for one year and even groomed before we picked her up. Go check those prices with the vet and tell me if you still think the adoption fee is too high. I was amazed that Faithful Friends took care of all this prior to new ownership.

In closing, I want to say there is a hidden gem within a hidden gem and that is Mary Padavick. I was so impressed that she stayed with us during each visit to observe behavior between animal/human. Her insight is spot on. Again, I was impressed that she took the time to observe. She was always easy to reach and willing to communicate past history of the adoptee, which was very helpful.

Faithful Friends is a great facility and Mary is wonderful in helping you find your perfect furever baby. We feel truly blessed to have found ours.

Angie Hayes

September 2022

An adult chihuahua was found on a hot August day in a crate along the side of a road, with no water or food. He eventually found his way to Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary. When he arrived, he was scared, had no hair, and wanted to bite everyone! Through the patience, love, and care from Mary Padavick and the FFAS staff and volunteers, he settled into a routine – eat, sleep, and go outside. He wasn’t very social and just wanted to bury himself into his comfy bed and blankets. Mary loved and worked with him, and they eventually established a trusting bond. As a volunteer at FFAS, this unsocial chihuahua caught my eye, not because he was the cutest dog I had ever seen (remember he was hairless, had a tattoo and scars from possible cigarette burns), and he always had that grumpy worried look. After my volunteer shifts were over, I would sit on the floor in an area where he was. The first few times together, he paid no attention to me, but then he started coming out of his bed and getting closer, until one day he finally sat on my lalp. Rather than him possibly spending the rest of his life at FFAS, I thought he could live in my home, buried under his blankets. Mary guided me on care for the temperamental little chihuahua.

Elmer turned out to be the most loveable dog I have ever had. While he still liked to bury himself under five blankets, he turned out to have such a huge personality. He enjoyed going on walks, playing with toys, running around the house, going for rides in the car – and even started growing back his hair.

It’s hard to think about what would have happened to this neglected and malnourished dog if he had not found his way to Faithful Friends. And because of the hard work and dedication of FFAS staff, Elmer became a loving companion that I will never forget.

Rita Peters