1 day

2 weeks

4 weeks

Well, little Capone (formerly Dante) sure has come a long way! He is one of Dea's litter, from Fall 2004, that can be seen here.

Here's our mother Dea, who went to a great home in Massachusetts here --

-- and all the babies went home, too, as can be seen here -- !!

Here, he meets his new Dad, Steve --

-- LOOK AT THIS PROUD FATHER!!

And next, momma Stephanie --

-- baby fits right in -- !!

Steve and Steph try to pose with their new boy...

... but Steve can't help but garner a kiss -- !!

And little Capone let's out a big,

"Oh DAD" -- !!!

Stephanie writes --

"Hi Eric,  I would love to give you a great update on Capone. I thought today would be perfect because it is his exact 6 month b-day. Steve and I (Stefanie) got our Condo.

He is probably 50lbs and he is so silly. I am recently unemployed, so he goes almost ever where with me. He sits right up in the front seat, with his seat belt on...REALLY...and is so cute. We go to parks and my moms. My parents have a German Shepherd, Boomer, and he wasn't really socialized with other dogs, but he loves Capone.

I have attached a picture that was taken on 02/06/05 at my grandparents. He has his favorite travel toy. (It is just like Uncle Boomer's) My grandfather took this and I thought it was so sweet how much everyone loves him.

Sincerely, Stefanie Carnevale"

"Hi Eric,  

I know it has been a couple of months, but I wanted to let you know how everything is. Steve and I got engaged in April, and the wedding is set for November. We wanted Capone to be the ring bearer, but I am not sure the guest want to be trampled by my little Pone.   Capone is such a big Mamma's boy. I pretty much take him every where with me. Everyday before I go to work we go to my mother's and play with the family German Shepherd, Boomer. Let me tell you, Boomer has liked maybe two dogs besides himself...EVER! He loves Capone though. They play in the kiddy pool and with their toys. They also love to run around the coffee table until they pass out.

I now only work part time as a Vet Assistant/Tech, so I have plenty of time with him. I also volunteer some time on weekends to Wildlife rehab. If we don't get to my mom's we go to the park or to my Gram's and play there or swim. Ya he loves the water. He was a little shy at first, but loves it. He blows bubbles in the water. While I work, he sleeps with Steve after he gets out of work.

Capone really helped heal my broken heart from the death of my fourteen year old cat that died last May. I tried not to get attached, but when I look at his big Doe eyes, I melt. I wanted to thank you for him. I can't imagine where he would be if it hadn't been for you. I ALWAYS pass on your name and organization to anyone and everyone that meets Capone. You are such a wonderful person and I know I have probably said this stuff before, but I am so touched by the great person you are.

 I read everything on the sight to do with the San Fransisco dogs. You have asked the one questioned that has been bothering me since I saw the news. Who, What, Where, When, and most important WHY? I am totally against the negative press and would love to do anything to help out. Especially with SPBR. More people need to know about these dogs and get realities version of these so called animals. I am not sure if you have anything I can put up at the Vet Veterinarian's office that I work for, pet stores, groomers, Kennels, and other vet's in my area. Flyer's or cards. Anything.  

I will send pictures soon, hope everything is well.

Sincerely, Stefanie "

And WOW -- what a BOY!

Steph writes --

"Hi Eric,  It's me, Stefanie -- Steve and I got married in November. I am always checking out your site and always here to see how things are. I read through your stories and things that you have dealt with.

We were blessed to have you bring Capone, formally Dante, into our lives. He was one of Dea's pups. Every day I am so thankful. He is my boy and he goes almost everywhere with me."

"I have enclosed pictures, because he is very handsome and I want you to see the wonderful life you have helped him to find. He has a cat brother, Sonny, and the two of them tear up the house. He also has a much older sister cat, She'ba, she's 16 and she stays away from him. We have a condo now, but in a year or two we will be getting a house. I really would love to adopt or foster some dogs when it comes to that point, but until then I will think of you and all the animals you have helped to make their lives fulfilled. Attached is a story I read the other day and it made me cry at work. I can't believe anyone could be so cruel. As soon as I got home I had to hug and kiss Capone, because without you, that could've been him!

I am forever praising you and what you and your volunteers do for these dogs. Some time I would love for you to see Capone, or I can send you pictures via mail if you can't get them through email. I am so glad there are people like you in the world. Stefanie"

Well, I couldn't be more proud of Steph and Steve...

You never really know how great people can be until you give them a chance, and look at what they have done with their boy -- they have taken him from a tough situation, and he is flourishing --

-- a brindle/black male pit bull, mind you! These are the ones that often don't "make it out" of the pounds, because people want the cute white and tan puppies --

-- and also, I can't help but be proud for what Stephanie writes about SPBR -- for every positive comment like Steph's, there are many hours of driving, feeding, walking, reading emails and paying spay / neuter bills --

-- but stories like this make it all worth while --

THANK YOU, Steph and Steven!

Well, an update that leaves me all grins --

-- Steph writes --

"Hi Eric,
We had our son 12/30/06. I am just getting use to being a mom. I have some great pics to share with you. The baby & Capone. He is such a great joy to have around."

"He is extremely patient with the baby & me. I will be back on shortly, once I grasp this whole mom thing. Stefanie"

Well, stories like this make life worth living --

-- THANK YOU, Steph and especially to little Capone -- how proud we are of you!