Carissa Hendrick is here. Her specialty: shy dogs.

We are so very happy that she has decided to join our team of folks dedicated to make life right again for the famous 22, the outcasts, the Vick-tims who are now the Vick-tory Dogs. The moment Carissa heard Best Friends made a lifetime commitment to these dogs, her bags were packed and she was ready to answer the call. "I am so tired of hearing the negative hype and bad press these dogs and dogs like them are receiving. To know the breed is to love the breed and I was honored to return and care specifically for these dogs," Carissa said.

Carissa is very passionate about wanting to rehabilitate these dogs and help them become the poster kids for all dogs who have been victimized by the likes of dogfighters and abusers around our nation – to help prove that they can be happy members of loving families. She wants everyone to see the potential of these dogs so that people can witness their true personalities shining through.

"Every one of these dogs has an individualized training program so what may work for one may not work for another," says an exuberant Carissa. The daily assessments with staff on hand recount their day and that is where adjustments are made. Keeping close tabs on these guys relies on the skilled care and trained eyes of the staff.

Layla is one of the dogs who was experiencing some difficulties adjusting. She is hyper-excitable and toys, agility trail, puzzle/food type toys weren't really keeping her intrigued. Layla would bounce about and up and down to the point of frenzy until they realized that wherever she goes, she needs a den. There was too much stimulation for her when she was outside and not enough when she was inside.

The team created some really fun and cozy dens for her to relax in and enjoy. She now retreats to her outside den if things get too noisy and loves her indoor den with lots of toys for when she needs to entertain herself. We have a much calmer Layla now. She enjoys her walks when she's out, and life "at home" when she is home. It's just something as simple as this adjustment that makes all of the difference between a content dog and one who is really struggling to find their happy place.

Sound familiar?