 Linda Johnston
Hello…..my name is Linda Johnston and I reside in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania with my husband, Terry, and my mom, Maryanne. We also share our home with two wonderful MAESSR adoptees, Ranger and Reggie. I have no children of my own, but my life is fulfilled by two step-daughters, Joy and Michelle, and my niece and nephew, Christy and Bryan. Family gatherings are a huge part of my life. I have two brothers and two sisters-in-law I see often. Ranger and Reggie have two cousins, a golden retriever named Divot and a springer named Arnie. My springers vacation with their furry cousins and get to play with them often.
Terry and I are co-owners of Allegheny Mortgage Corporation. I worked there for 14 years as a loan officer before we became owners. I still work as a loan officer while my husband runs the daily business of the office. I am a member of the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church where I have served as a Deacon and an Elder.
I have owned springers for twenty-five years. My first two springers were from a breeder in western Pennsylvania . My very first springer, Shilow, was a liver and white bench bred boy and with him, I began my love of the breed. When he passed I went back to the same breeder and got Bogart. He was also a liver and white bench bred dog. When he passed, Terry and I decided to look into rescue.
I was not sure this time that I wanted to keep up with a puppy. We adopted our first MAESSR dog, Quincy , in September of '03. He was a middle age adult and such a special dog. He was my first field bred, black and white with lots of spots. Quincy passed away after two short years from lymphoma. I became the proud mom of Ranger in January, 2004, again adopting from MAESSR. Ranger was abused by his owner and was in four different homes before he came to us. He has come a long way. Since losing Quincy , we adopted a third time from MAESSR. Reggie came to live with us in October of '05. He was found as a stray and is v ery sweet. One thing I have learned is that there is room in my heart to love many dogs and none ever replace or take away the wonderful memories of those I have lost.
It was because of Quincy that I started to volunteer with MAESSR. What I found through his adoption was not only wonderful dogs but a wonderful organization. I did not think I could love springers any more than I already did, but my passion grew even more. I started doing interviews, home and shelter checks, coaching prospective interviewers and transports. I was then asked to help with the owner release program. In September of 2005 I was asked to serve on the MAESSR Board. I began working with the post adoption coordination in March of ’06 while also assisting with foster home program. In Oct. 07 I was asked to fill the position of Volunteer Coordinator. The thing I am most fulfiled by is the pet ministry we have started. We now have a gr oup of 35 prayer partners. Anytime a pet is in trouble we are there for support and prayers.
I must say that volunteering with MAESSR is very rewarding. I have met so many wonderful, loving people and have made many new friends. I encourage people to get involved. There are many, many ways to help springers in need through MAESSR.
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