Payton, Holly & John are the other kids that frequently join Ajax and Buttercup on their adventures. Payton joined the family in 2014. The rescue group that she was adopted from says that she came from the small town of Crowley, Louisiana. She was in a high-kill shelter, and at only 29 pounds, she was thin, emaciated and heart-worm positive. When the rescue group found her, they guestimated that she was around a year old. They didn’t know that the German Shepherd mix was also expecting.
Through a network of transport volunteers, Payton made her way to a rescue group in Tampa. She was fostered with a family that trained service dogs to assist with veterans, and shortly after her arrival, gave birth to nine puppies.
One afternoon, there was a large pet event in the Tampa area. There were frisbee jumping dogs, water diving dogs, dog vendors, and lots and lots of dogs for adoption. At the time, Payton’s mom and dad had been looking for a new fur baby for awhile. They packed up their current dog and Ajax and headed to the event. When they found Payton, they knew right away that she was the one. The two dogs were friendly, and they began playing right away. After filling out the paperwork, Payton was off to her new forever home.
However, Payton immediately had second thoughts. As everyone was walking her to the car outside of the event, she slipped her collar! Off she ran, darting in and out of cars across the wet, muddy field. Mom, who was a few months pregnant, chased after her, calling out her name. People at the event tried to help, but no one could catch Payton. Mom was not about to give up though, and after what seemed like forever, was finally able to catch onto her. She scooped her up and carried her back to the car, ready to start on their new journey together as a family.
She quickly settled in to her new home, and her family couldn’t believe how sweet and mild mannered she is. It’s said on a regular basis that she is one of the best dogs the family has ever had. She loves the kids, walks, and snuggling in laps. Oh, and she’s also been nicknamed the “Food Eating Monster” for her tendency to swipe yummy snacks. Payton recently celebrated a milestone – after two years of various slow treatment methods for her heartworms, in August, 2016, she finally had her heartworm test come back negative.
It’s been almost three years since Payton joined the family. A few months after she came home, 
Buttercup arrived. Last year, Holly and John joined the chaos. Buttercup loves birds, and had birdhouses and bird statutes that she tended to everyday at her grandparents house. One spontaneous afternoon, the crew grew bigger with two new parakeets. Payton immediately took a special liking to the new family members, sitting with them for hours. She continues to dote on the birds, and keeps a careful watch to make sure they are ok, especially whenever someone approaches their house. Holly and John like sitting outside, singing and taking vacations with the family.