Four MARS Dogs, One Beautiful Rescue Adoption Story

Ella, Tovah, Walter, and a room full of love — exactly the kind of ending every rescued dog deserves.

Some updates stop us in our tracks.

This is one of them.

When Ella reached out to share about the dogs she has adopted from MARS over the years, we knew it was more than a simple alumni update. It was a reminder of what rescue can become when a dog is given time, safety, love, and a person who sees exactly who they are.

Over the years, Ella has adopted four MARS dogs: Rabbit, Candy, Tovah, and Walter.

Each one brought something different into her life. Each one left a mark. And each one is part of a bigger story about love, healing, and the incredible bond between rescue dogs and the people who choose them.

It all started with Rabbit. Ella’s first MARS dog opened the door to more rescue, more love, and more lives changed.

Rabbit: The Senior Dog Who Started It All

Rabbit, lovingly known as Old Man Rabbit, was the first dog Ella adopted from MARS.

He was a 9-year-old Beagle when he came home, but age didn’t stop him from living a very full life. Rabbit traveled everywhere with Ella. He flew to Idaho and Boston, joined her on road trips, and even spent time with children when Ella taught early education.

Rabbit had a calm, gentle presence that made people fall in love with him. He inspired family members and friends to adopt dogs of their own, and he was part of what led Ella into the world of animal-assisted therapy.

Though Rabbit passed away before he could officially become part of that therapy work, his impact never left.

His love, calmness, and joy helped shape everything that came next.

Candy, soaking up the comfort of home — one of the four MARS dogs who found love with Ella.

Candy: The Shy Girl Who Found Her Confidence

A few years after adopting Rabbit, Ella fostered and then adopted Candy.

Candy had been with MARS for a while before she came home. At first, she was shy, nervous, and unsure of sudden noises. But Rabbit became her safe place.

She bonded with him quickly and stayed close by his side. With his help, Candy began to grow more confident. Her silly personality started to shine, and she became more social with both people and animals.

Candy had her own unforgettable little quirks, too. She didn’t bark or bray, but she was a loud breather and would snort when she found a good smell. Those sounds became part of home.

Candy was also a cancer survivor. After having two large tumors removed, she went on to live almost four more years — far longer than expected.

Ella with Rabbit and Candy — the first two MARS dogs who helped turn one adoption story into a much bigger rescue story.

Rabbit and Candy both passed within a few months of each other, and losing them was heartbreaking. But their love stayed with Ella.

And in time, two more MARS dogs would find their way home.

One look at Tovah’s face, and it’s easy to see how she made her way into Ella’s heart.

Tovah: The Bright Smile That Changed Everything

One day, while looking at MARS social media, Ella saw Tovah.

Tovah had a bright smile and a one-of-a-kind look. Ella quickly inquired about her and went to meet her. While puppies played around her, Tovah was busy running up to people to say hello.

Ella knew right away.

Tovah was home.

Tovah turned out to be adventurous, affectionate, people-loving, and deeply connected to those around her. Ella quickly saw something special in her: the heart of a therapy dog.

Today, Tovah is a registered therapy dog. She works alongside Ella with mental health clients and also volunteers as a therapy dog.

Another MARS dog, once waiting for her person, is now helping people heal.

Walter brought the goofy charm — and found a home that understood him exactly as he was.

Walter: The Goofy Guy Who Learned the World His Way

Then came Walter.

A few winters ago, MARS posted about dogs arriving in Minnesota who needed foster homes. Ella saw Walter’s photo and felt something tug at her heart.

After talking with the foster coordinator, she learned Walter was coming from the same shelter Rabbit had come from.

To Ella, it felt like Rabbit was sending her a message.

Walter came home straight from transport, so not much was known about him at first. What he showed immediately was that he loved to cuddle, burrow under blankets, and be close to his people.

Over time, Ella learned that Walter is deaf and has poor distance vision.

But Walter is also incredibly smart.

He has learned many signs, uses different barks and sounds to communicate what he needs, and continues to show just how capable, loving, and joyful he is.

He is gentle, goofy, loves sunbathing, enjoys learning tricks, and is wonderful with kids.

And now?

Walter is training to become a therapy dog, too.

Walter and Tovah settled in side by side.

A little goofy, a little stylish, and very loved.

A little silly, a lot loved — Candy’s personality shines through.

Old Man Rabbit, living his very best lake-day life.

Ella and Rabbit, the first MARS dog who started it all.

Candy and Rabbit, cozy at home together.

This Is What Rescue Makes Possible

Rabbit. Candy. Tovah. Walter.

Four different dogs. Four different stories. One family built through rescue.

Ella shared that her life has been better because of these dogs, and that every day she sees how much they love their lives.

That is everything.

This is why foster homes matter. This is why adopters matter. This is why senior dogs, shy dogs, special-needs dogs, and dogs still finding their confidence all deserve the chance to be seen.

Because sometimes, a rescue dog becomes a travel buddy.

Sometimes, they become a best friend.

Sometimes, they become a therapy dog.

And sometimes, one MARS dog leads you to the next, and the next, and the next.

To Ella: thank you for loving Rabbit, Candy, Tovah, and Walter so deeply. Thank you for seeing them for who they are. And thank you for reminding us why this work matters so much.

Where all roads lead home.