In September of this year, RAGOM rescued several goldens from a puppy mill in Iowa.  These dogs were named in honor of America and in memory of those lost on the 11th.  One of the dogs, a two year old girl, was called Spirit.  She was brought into RAGOM small and afraid of the world.  After several weeks of tender loving care, it was determined that Spirit was pregnant with her third litter in two short years of life.  Her puppies were due in November, making them ready for sale during the Christmas season - a huge money making time for the breeders who jeopardize the lives of their "livestock" through over-breeding and neglect.  RAGOM volunteers helped keep Spirit well fed and comfortable through her pregnancy.  Spirit finally gave birth to eight healthy golden pups who were named in honor of the dogs working tirelessly at Ground Zero in New York City.  These little ones are now looking for homes to call their own so they can enjoy the puppy-hood that their mother never had.

RAGOM will be carefully screening applications for adoptive families interested in Spirit's pups.  Please bear in mind that puppies do not make good holiday gifts.  They are not like a toy or a video game that can be set aside when it is no longer new.  They require constant care and training and will become a part of the family.  If you are interested in one of these puppies please give your decision a lot of thought and then fill out an online application. If you have already been approved, please contact placementragom [dot] org and let us know that you are interested in one of the American Spirit Pups.

Annie is a female, born 6:46 p.m. -- Annie brings smiles to tear-streaked faces, comfort to stressed-out workers, and companionship to distressed children at a center where victims of the World Trade Center attacks come for help.