DECATUR - Cherry Vieth didn't know if she'd ever be able to fill the empty places in her heart after she lost the last of three dogs she and her husband raised from pups.

Their first, a cocker spaniel named Chantel died in 2007 at age 17. Their second, an English bulldog named Boo, died in 2004 at age 12 or 13.

Finally Tigger, an English bulldog born to Boo 12½ years ago, died from multiple health problems in February, and her husband Dave - who was grieving, too - said it just wasn't fair to get another puppy because both of them have jobs outside their home in Taylorville.

But Vieth eventually persuaded him to reconsider by showing him an online photo of Missy, a 3½-year-old English bulldog she found on www.petfinder.com.

It turned out that Missy was living in a Decatur foster home and was the first animal put up for adoption by an Illinois English Bulldog Rescue started in May so that people downstate could adopt the breed.

After filling out an adoption application, Vieth stopped by the home of Ron and Teresa Weybright after she got off work her from her job as a dental assistant at the Decatur Women's Correctional Center June 24, and it was love at first sight.

"They said she's really a laid-back dog, but she came at me like a bowling ball and gave me lots of puppy kisses," Vieth said. "It felt like it was meant to be."

Teresa Weybright, who manages the Macon County Animal Control and Care Center, started the rescue with two partners - Jordan Matyas of Chicago and Kim Michelson of Secaucus, N.J. The trio met through their work with Chicago English Bulldog Rescue, but because people adopting from that organization must live in the Chicago area, they decided to start their own.

"We're just out to save as many lives and make as many happy families as we can," Matyas said.

Indeed, Matyas stands ready to foster bulldogs in his home when his work schedule allows and on June 27 drove the new rescue's second dog, a 4-year-old male, to the Weybright home in Decatur from Kane County. A third dog, this one a 6-year-old male, arrived from the Belleville area on Friday.

Michelson's role, on the other hand, has been to create the rescue's Web site and advertise its dogs on Petfinder. "Once a bulldog is in your heart, there is no turning back!" she said.

Weybright feels the same way and has converted her husband Ron, a former owner of hunting dogs, to the point that the couple has five English bulldogs of their own. "They have a face only their mama could love, but when they're happy their whole butt wiggles," she said.

English bulldogs make great companions, but they are not for everyone. The breed is prone to breathing problems and unable to tolerate hot weather for long. Buying one, however, can cost $2,300 to $3,500 compared to the group's adoption fees ranging from $550 for a dog less than a year to $150 for one 8 or older.

The fees cover spaying/neutering, microchipping and getting the dog current on vaccinations.

"Anyone wishing to give up their bulldog can contact the Web site or me directly, no questioned asked," Weybright said. "We understand with the economy, things happen."

Missy, meanwhile, is settling in nicely at the Vieth home in Taylorville.

Cherry Vieth said the dog made herself at home on the bed in the master bedroom her first night and long before bedtime. "She must have smelled us there, she's just a joy," she said.

"I told Teresa she knows but she doesn't know what a wonderful thing she has done," Vieth continued. "My heart's healing already knowing I'm helping someone else's dog."

INFORMATION

Go to www.ilenglishbulldogrescue.org or contact Teresa Weybright at teresa@ilbulldog.org.

tchurchill@herald-review.com|421-7978