We decided to get a puppy, like many others, during the pandemic. We knew the gravity of the commitment and wanted to make sure we brought a dog into our lives who would be happy and comfortable with life in the city, going on outdoor adventures, and meeting new people. At first, Luna was really shy and slow to warm up. After the huge transitions she experienced so early in her life, and because of the incredibly informative team at Life of Hope, we expected this. We tried to slowly introduce her to people and places.  At first, Luna would have to meet someone a few times before becoming comfortable with them. With time, consistency, and reassurance she has become so confident and cuddly. It has been so fulfilling to watch Luna acclimate to our home and grow more into herself as she become more comfortable in her life with us. Now, we couldn’t imagine life without her. Not only is Luna a beautiful and healthy dog, she is so sweet and animated and smart. She can learn any trick right away and will do anything for a treat. She has become a great running buddy and even after a run with…

I used to have no feelings for stray cats and dogs until my trip back to Taiwan three years ago. I encountered a litter of puppies in the mountains, abandoned, without their mother. This incident has changed my life. At that time, I left the puppies at a temple and walked away with tears. Due to a lack of knowledge, I have no clue how to help those puppies. The turning point to make up my mind to help these furry kids was that I saw so many disabled strayed dogs in the mountains in Taiwan. Hence, I decided to adopt a dog. I stumbled across LHF on Facebook to find out about the process of dog adoption. I originally planned to go back to Taiwan to adopt a dog, but I didn’t expect that LHF would be willing to assist my friend and me in shepherding the adopted dogs to France. At first glance at Formosa’s photos, I knew she was the one! It’s like fate! I named her Formosa to echo our origin. Her nickname is A-Bui, by her foster family, which means chubby in Taiwanese. It must be my fate to have her as I was called…

I would like to thank several people for bringing Hero, my 16-month-old “Formosan” into my heart. Before being united with Hero (formerly known as Greta). I was afraid of dogs and never thought I would own a dog, let alone a stray. My husband has always wanted to have a new dog after his dog passed away 25 years ago. My husband had a short experience playing with a Formosan mountain dog and always remembers how cute the dog can be. After moving from the UK to France and facing Covid-19, we decided to have a new meaning of life by adopting a Formosan mountain dog. Hero is such a gentle and calm girl to be around. We were nicely surprised by how quiet she can be at home while goofy and active in our yard and the park. My friends and neighbors can’t believe that Hero doesn’t touch our shoes even though our open shoe shelves are next to her bed. Hero is cautious with dogs and enjoys observing all activities. It takes her some moments to learn how to play with other dogs. She is also an excitable hunter chasing after birds and running at high speed. The…

We love Life of Hope Foundation! After our previous dog died of cancer last year, we knew we would eventually get a dog, but doubted that there could be another dog as perfect as she was. I am so happy I was wrong, because Sesame (formerly known as Nana) is also perfect for our family! I am so thankful to LHF for bringing Sesame into my life. I am so impressed by LHF and my experience has been nothing but positive. It is evident how much they love their dogs and want good homes for them. Anita has been so helpful. She was super responsive and answered my many questions. I told her about our family and asked her for profiles of dogs that would fit our family. Sesame was one of them. When we decided on Sesame, Anita sent lots of pictures and videos of Sesame during the wait. She would tell me all the good, naughty and funny things about Sesame. The entire process was explained carefully to me in detail so nothing was a surprise. Meeting the kind flight volunteer and picking Sesame up at the airport was easy. Sesame was understandably so scared for the first…

Instagram: @itsboooris  6 months ago, my partner and I found Boris on Life of Hope. We were looking to adopt the right dog for a while and rescues we talked to weren’t responsive. There wasn’t anything that felt “the one” until a friend recommended to look at Life of Hope who also adopted a dog there. We knew Boris is the one after looking at photos, videos and his bio. When you know, you just know. We were willing to go to San Francisco and pick him up then fly back to Seattle. It was meant to be because he has the same birthday with one of us. We went through a smooth and thorough process with Anita. We also got the chance to thank Joyce, the person who rescued Boris. This was the best adoption process. Anita was very good with communication, informative, flexible, helpful, kind, patient and works hard to find good homes. She was committed to help us while we panicked  about cancelled flights during a heat wave.  She helped us understand Formosan mountain dogs are the way they are and their home in Taiwan. Also these dogs need a lot of patience because of what they go…

I’m so grateful that I experienced my adoption journey with Life of Hope Foundation! Anita was there every step of the way to answer questions and provide information on the newest member of my family, Isha. Isha’s foster mom, Joyce, also did an exceptional job of sending me videos and photos of Isha’s interactions with other dogs, cats, and strangers. The contact I had with them pre-adoption was consistent, clear, and helped me determine if Isha would be a good fit for my home.  Isha arrived at the airport with blankets, water, toys, potty pads, and high quality leashes, harness and collar. Since she’s been home with my fiance and I, she has deeply enriched our daily lives. We love her unimaginably so! We had been wanting a dog for a long time to accompany us on our adventures (our two other animals are house cats). When we found Isha, we knew she was the perfect fit for our family. Isha was saved from an abusive situation, so understandably, she was quite shy the first week or so in our home. But after she began opening up, we couldn’t stop smiling every minute we spent with her! She is incredibly…

From the moment I saw Stevie’s face, I knew she belonged in Montana with me! I had previously seen on LHF’s social feed that she had, sadly, been abandoned again with her daughter. After contacting LHF and stating that I felt I needed to adopt her, and that my Aunt and Uncle would happily take her daughter, it was a bit of an excited wait before they’d arrive and be ready to pick up. The pandemic had restricted us to driving to California (from Montana) to meet the girls, but we saw it as an adventure! Life of Hope (Ivy and Anita specifically) kept in constant touch with me on their arrivals, were willing to work with us and have always been a joy to communicate with. They truly care for each animal they rescue and take special care that each is going to the best possible home. This is the reason I came back to adopt my second dog with them! Stevie was nervous initially and now that I think back on it, she was worried for her daughter and the unknown surroundings they were in. That is my Stevie’s nature, so sweet and loving, though she needs to…

I wrote a little testimonial of my amazing experience with the Life of Hope Foundation.  Feel free to add to the website if you want:“After growing up with dogs in my family, I have always known that I wanted a dog of my own one day.  With the pandemic, it seemed like the best time to realize that dream.  I knew I wanted a rescue dog, but I didn’t really know how to best pick one.  After some searching online, I came across the Life of Hope Foundation.  Within a few days, I heard back from Anita and she helped by finding the best dog that suited my interests and lifestyle.  The whole process was quicker than expected, and after a few more days, I picked up Jerry (now Meelo) from SFO. Before Meelo arrived, Anita gave me a lot of helpful advice for Meelo’s favorite toys and snacks.  By the time I picked him up, I felt as prepared as I could be.  When I brought him home for the first time, he was definitely shy and nervous around me and my family.  Every day, I saw a little bit more of his personality come through.  It took about a month or two, but he is now fully…

Life of hope foundation brought us our blessed Formosan Mountain dog; Coffee is her name. She has been a sure delight in our family. She has brought many smiles, fun, and laughter to our home. Here is how Coffee came to live in her forever home. It was end of summer August 2020 to be exact when we lost Lola a German Shepard & Lab mix. We lost her to cancer when she was 10 years old. It was tough to lose Lola. One day I was looking at other dogs because we are just a house hold that needs a dog. Especially my youngest boy (Jacob).Jacob was not doing well without a dog. Missing Lola a lot I was just scanning and looking at dogs. I came a-crossed about 10 dogs that I think would fit in our family. In a kidding manner, I showed my husband & he saw coffee’s sweet face & said that is our next dog. I said you know she is from Twain? He said that is her, she is our dog. Next thing you know, we started the process to adopt Coffee.Life of Hope made it easy and I enjoyed the process. They…