Ken and Sharon adopted Lucy from the shelter about eight years ago.  She was about a year and a half old and one of the timid dogs that always hang out in Stephen’s office under his desk.  When Sharon and Ken first got Lucy home, she sat on their kitchen love seat and just shook for the first two weeks.  Every night they had her sleep on the bed with them to boost her confidence; that plan worked and she started coming out of her shell after the first couple of weeks.  They also started her on daily beach walks and quickly realized that even when they let her off leash she was always going to stick like glue.

About a month after they adopted her Ken and Sharon went on a short vacation and Lucy stayed at a local kennel.  But she was so frightened the whole time they were gone that they take her most everywhere they go or she gets her own vacation at their son’s house.  Although Lucy was wary of the car at the beginning, she now loves it and rides contentedly even on long car trips.  Sharon says it’s one of her favorite places because it makes her feel safe.

Lucy is now well-adjusted and happily spoiled.  We love these reports!  

 

Prince (on the front left with his two buddies) was adopted earlier this year.  We’ve just heard from pet parent Doug. “For the volunteers who worried if Vince (Prince) would fit in his new forever home. For the staff members that wondered how he would do with his new family. To everyone who fell in love with him and hopped he would be comfortable. A picture says a thousand words.”

 

Jake and Caitlin Biron adopted Smoke (formerly Cody) in May of 2012 when he was an eight month old pup. They’ve sent us pictures showing some of the things Smoke likes: naps, beach time, and watching deer in his yard.  The Birons say this Aussie/Catahoula hound mix is very loyal and a great companion. He’s friendly with other dogs and loves to play with them.  He also loves kids, fishing, swimming, hiking, and clam digging.  We’re happy Smoke, Jake, and Caitlin found each other; it sounds like the ideal home all around.

I spoke with Betty, who adopted Claire (now Fluffy) and Hallie (now Misty) this year, and Lexie (now Precious) the summer of 2013.  When I asked her about Claire, she said “You mean the pistol?” with a laugh.  A few minutes later I heard a commotion close to the phone and said “That must be the pistol.”  Betty said yes, they were all chasing each other around the room.  As she says, “They fly through the house and they all get along well.”

Unlike any cat I’ve ever known, Fluffy loves water.  In fact, she’d take a bath with Betty if she could and routinely gets into the tub while it’s draining. And she loves it when Betty flicks water at her.  Misty had a bladder infection when she first got home and Betty got plenty of exercise trying to catch her so she could wrap her in a towel and give her antibiotics. Misty is healthy now, “feisty and full of energy.”

Betty’s ten year old Maine Coon cat (adopted from a different shelter) acts like a mama to the newer three adoptees, licking them and showing them the ropes. When I asked Betty how she selected her cats she said “they chose each other.” Good job, all four of you!  That’s Precious, Misty, and Fluffy left to right below.

These pictures say it all.  Sugar (adopted seven and a half years ago) is in the photo on the left and Sugar and Walter (adopted four years ago as a puppy) are together on the right. Both dogs get along very well with the baby in the picture – she’s now three years old.