Trot's story is a real heartwarmer -- and that's always welcomed -- !!

Here's the story of little Trot, who came to rescue with his momma, Lila, and 11 other siblings in the Fall of 2005.

Lila, his mom, tragically didn't make it out of her foster situation.

The only logical next step out of this heart-break was to ensure that every one of her babies the best home possible, and that's what I did --

-- one home visit at a time.

Here's little Trot's lucky star, with Elsie and Henry in Bed-Stuy, New York --

-- here he is, with his proud parents at the home visit!

Elsie and Henry just finished building their house, and they said it felt a little empty, so little Trot jumped right in, ready to fill those shoes -- !!

As I left, I knew this was a wonderful home --

-- homes I wish for, and homes that when I find them, I cherish.

So, with that, after 900 miles of driving for this boy, my work was complete...

...it was now time for him to spread his wings, and that he did -- !!

Elsie writes --

" Hey Eric,

These pics span from the day we adopted him until today, really today.

We've done so much together, he's been a lot of work but so worth it. He is definitely a blessing in our home."

Tilly and him (the cat) will probably never be the best of friends, but, he totally respects her as his boss and she leaves him alone unless he forgets she's a cat and she has to "show him."

She's awsome though, I've been caught in the middle of a hissing match and I used to freak out because she always swipes at him, but i've realized that she never actually pulls her nails out, she just kind of boxes him away, which is kind of comical and Trot seems to think she's playing so I have to intervene. But all in all they are fine.

Well, like I started to say, Trot's awsome.

Everyone in the neighborhood knows him and loves him.

He has a ton of doggie friends, even pups that according to their owners are finicky about other dogs seem to not mind having Trot around :)

These pics are from the following events:

Christmas bath and first official meeting of the family

puppy class

puppy graduation

trips to the park

trips to the beach

hike and hound trip

his first snow experience (he freaked out at first but then totally got into it)

let's bring home every stick we see

our first summer bbq

playing w/ mom and dad

and finally, mom is bored and wants to take more remedial pics of her puppy son. :)

Thanks again for everything.

We always wish you the best!

Forever grateful,

Elsie (aka. mommy),

Henry (aka. poppy),

Tilly (aka. hisss) and of course,

TROT (aka. the sweetest, silliest, horniest, puppy dawg eva!)

Well, stories like this certainly make the whole rescuing route a worthy one --

-- little Trot is being loved, responsibly owned and is now a member of the family!

It's amazing how many counters out there exist to stories like this --

-- self-proclaimed rescue "experts" who shun rescuing pregnant mothers, or mothers with puppies, saying to instead "spay" the pregnant female and to focus more on adults that need homes.

Meanwhile, these "experts" do little to no "rescue" on their own!

Well, thank God we live in a free country, and that we can do as we choose. To me, a developing puppy, in its mother's belly, is just as worthy of any dog in getting a home...

... and in dear Trot's case, I am sure that anyone who ever crossed his path would agree!

More from Elsie --

I feel like such a proud mom. I read what you wrote about changing people's views on Pitbulls and you couldn't be more correct.

It's amazing how many children in the neighborhood come up to us and ask "Is that a pitbull?"

I always answer yes and their response never ceases to amaze me. "WOW, I AIN'T NEVAH MET A NICE PITBULL."

So every time I go through my (kids version explanation) about how all dogs are pretty much the same as kids when they are puppies, they just want to love and be loved and that the only reason there are mean dogs out there, (pitbulls and other breeds) is because their owners raise them to be mean or just don't know any better.

Then I get the same "OOOHHH", and honestly have a ton of kids follow me up the block, playing and petting Trot. (he simply adores kids) It's a sight to see. :)

Well, such representin' -- HOW PROUD!