adoption
Our guide to animal adoption; learn why, where, and how to prepare to adopt a cat, kitten, dog or puppy from an animal shelter or rescue group.
One Lucky Pup
He came to us at just five weeks old, this fuzzy little bundle of exuberance. We had recently lost our adored seven year old schnauzer to cancer and we did want another dog, but planned on adopting a grown dog. I told our vet to keep us in mind if someone was searching for a home for an older dog. We just didn't think we up to puppy training. And then fate stepped in.... A friend of our son's had two aussies (Penelope and Thor) who had produced a litter of six adorable pups. Bonnie posted pictures of the puppies often. She kept them in a pen in her business. Most of our small town knew they would be up for adoption in the weeks to come. Everyone shared the joy and loved the photos on social media. Many stopped by to chat with Bonnie and admire the growing pups. One day in early September a neighbor noticed that Bonnie hadn't been seen walking Thor and Penelope for a day or two. He called local police asking for a welfare check. The bouncy friendly redhead had been hiding some deep dispair. None of us knew the pain she had endured. Miss Bonnie had taken her life in the presence of her eight beloved dogs. That night the officers found the adult dogs but just one pup. They had been told that five additional puppies were present, but it was only a "welfare check". They couldn't search without a warrant. Animal control allowed our son Chris to take custody of the dogs, as they knew him. We were living in Chris's home. He came to give us the news of the tragedy and brought Penny, Thor, and a tiny frightened puppy. At just five weeks he wasn't really old enough to be weaned. I guess nobody told him that, because he dived right in to a bowl of kibble, lapped up some water, and fell asleep on my husband Mike's feet. He had chosen his person. We fell in love that night. The rest of the pups were found the next day, miraculously alive and well. They were taken in by a local chiropracter and sheltered until homes could be found. We kept Penelope and Thor until Bonnie's children could come from out of state to take them. We could not part with the pup, so he stayed. A life long friend of Mike's came by for a visit and heard the story. He petted the pup's head and said "I guess they oughtta call you Lucky!" So Lucky he became. On his first vet visit the doc said," I thought you were looking for an older dog!" I replied, "sometimes the dog chooses you!" Doc then asked did I want Lucky's tail docked as is often done with mini Aussies. "no," I said. "God gave him a tail, let's let him keep it!" Lucky's tail has been in constat action from that first day, expressing his joy. He was the easiest puppy ever trained--Following our older Aussie out of the dog door, and even at his tender age, hardly ever having an "accident " in the house. He never chewed up any shoes,or anything else. I guess we will never know, but I believe Lucky knew he had found his forever home. He is three years old now, and we will always love him. WE are the lucky ones...
By Sally J. Pahler3 years ago in Petlife
Woman's Best Friend
I’ve never felt more loved by anyone than I am by my dogs. We got my current puppy, Rocky (as in Balboa, from my mom’s favorite movies growing up), shortly after we had to put down our last dog in February. He is often very stubborn. Sometimes, he refuses to listen to commands, or doesn’t come when he’s called. However, he is still very attached to us and gets very excited whenever my family and I return from work or school. He loves all of my family members and has a different way to greet all of us. For me, Rocky always runs circles around the room until I pick him up, and then he gives me lots of licks on my hands and cheeks. My brother always walks in to see the puppy rolled over on his back, wriggling around and begging for belly rubs. When my mom comes home from work, Rocky runs up and down the stairs and wags his tail, barking and whimpering excitedly to show her that he missed her very much.
By Brenna Williams3 years ago in Petlife
Sunset at the Field
I don’t believe in love at first sight. I suppose I did once, back when I believed in fairies and magic and that good things happen to good people. Those days are long gone. I have come to find that love is a slow burn, quick to light but slow to flourish. It grows slowly, concealed in the small moments, unnoticed until it is a roaring fire.
By Kristen Johnson3 years ago in Petlife
Sweet Pups: An Interview
A few months ago, my sister, Janis, decided that she was going to adopt a dog of her own. It was a long process because her apartment’s landlord usually has restrictions that prohibit residents from keeping pets. However, thanks to approval from a doctor, they made an exception for her to adopt a pet. By this point, she decided on who she was going to adopt: a foxy rat terrier puppy named “Angie” who was renamed “Zelda” after a character from the “Legend of Zelda” series of games. Then came the day of adoption and I joined Janis to cross state lines into Massachusetts to take Zelda home.
By Jenna Deedy3 years ago in Petlife
Our Miracle Buddy
Leo was my miracle little buddy. He was a clingy little guy that grew up with lots of hugs and love, something in short supply during the global pandemic. During that dark period, many of us questioned whether seeking an emotional connection with others was possible. When Leo’s owner suddenly passed away, he became despondent. Leo lost his appetite, and the surviving husband expressed little desire to meet Leo’s health and emotional needs.
By Anthony Chan3 years ago in Petlife
Bubbles - Special Cat
Bubbles has been with me about 4 months each day she’s been making progres. Bubbles is a rescue cat from a well known UK animal charity called “RSPCA” her original name was called “Aurbun” but I didn’t really like the name. I had a few names for her but I can’t remember now what they were now; however I went to the RSPCA centre with my boyfriend to go and meet her first, this was because it was due to the fact that it’s easy to say I can adopt her straight away but it was down to Bubbles at the end of the day if she can accept me and my boyfriend.
By Lizzy Arrow3 years ago in Petlife
