Animal Rescue Stories

My soulmate

13 years ago Sheba was 2 years old in Vancouver Humaine Society scheduled to be put down, I brought her home and she has enriched my life as no person ever could - My soulmate, my Best friend- we've been together through life challenges and she made me a better person. 2 weeks ago after a long fight with cancer Sheba went to a better place where there is no pain; I know she was brave for much longer to give me more time and teach me courage. I miss my friend, my little girl- may her beatiful soul rest in peace.

Vesna
Sault Ste Marie, Canada

Mason found a Forever Home

We found Mason at our local SPCA - he was 10 months old and had been in the shelter for 2 months! When we brought Mason home, we found that he didn't know how to play -- he was very interested about playing with his furry brothers and sisters, he just didn't understand - how sad is that! As you can see, he is now happy and well adjusted - if not a little spoiled.

Dana C - Carmichael, CA

Dana C
Carmichael, CA

Jericho The Bully

After the loss of our cat Andy Boy, we rescued another cat. Jericho had already been through three owners. It was said that he was a bully. The last owners had two Schnauzers & Jericho would supposedly wait at the doggy door to terrorize & beat up the dogs. They had him declawed, but that didn't stop him, he has quite a set of choppers & back claws. When we got him, he had been caged for several months & had gained weight & was flabby. He was so timid & weary, it was hard to believe he was a bully. He soon warmed up to us & started playing. Gradually he dropped some weight & toned up. He is now 19 pounds (he is a large cat) & measures 18" from the base of his tail to his shoulders. His bully side did come out. We came home one day & found a "stuffed animal massacre" & Jericho in the middle of it all. Fortunately they weren't torn up, just
strewn through the living room. He fears nothing...except whirling leaves, the sound of a tape measure & maybe missing a meal. I bought him some stuffed toys from the pet store, but he still has it in for Sammy the seal & Mr. Bunny. His new favorite toy is a laser beam. After playing hard, he comes to me & likes to be held like a baby & have his tummy rubbed. He is loved & adored & has found his forever home.

Adriane Simmonds-Meeks
Wichita, KS

"Any Dog But That One"

Napoleon was a rebound dog. Two weeks after my thirteen-year-old cat died from cancer, I headed for the animal shelters in Manhattan to find a replacement. My boyfriend at the time took the bus with me up First Avenue to Bide-a-Wee. He was drawn to the macho dogs. We test-walked a Boxer and two Pit mixes, who were all good looking and sweet, but not easy to handle. I noticed Napoleon curled up in a cage in a room with other small dogs. We stared at each other-the dog and I-and I asked if I could walk him. He seemed depressed, but there was something about how he looked in my eyes without averting his gaze that revealed so much. My boyfriend said, "Any dog but that one." Once we were walking outside on East 38th Street, near the East River, I fell in love. Napoleon (known as "Chummy" in the shelter) was independent and intelligent, yet also completely responsive to me and the leash. He held his head and tail high. He is a Corgi/Spaniel mix, short and long body, brown and white soft hair with freckles and spots. He was ten months old, and had been homeless his whole life. I adopted him on the spot. He was not yet neutered, and ended up staying in the shelter with a fever for another month, before they finally agreed to do his required surgery. I rode the bus for an hour and a half every day for thirty days to take Napoleon for a short walk. I wanted him to know that he had me for good. He still does.

Laura Sue Phillips
Brooklyn, NY

Our Little Binny

Binny came into our lives as a scared, tired and hungry baby seeking shelter in our bushes. That was nine years ago. Since then, each and every single day with him has been a wonderful journey. I cannot begin to tell you how this precious, loving, loyal and hilarious little ball of energy continues to brighten our lives.

It so increasingly important that people understand the enormity of the love from a rescued child. We have rescued two kitties in the past 20 years (Schatzi and Binny) and are presently caring for 4 additional feral kitties who sought shelter in our yard a few years back. We have done our part by having each of them spayed/neutered. Although they are feral and remain so, they, too, understand love and have shared their love and loyalty with us.

Jane Parsons
Custer, WA

Angel: a rescued rabbit's story

I found Angel, dumped by her owners, in a tiny cramped cage in a feed store that sells small animals for snake food. Her left rear hip and right rear knee had been broken and went untreated. Despite the suffering she endured Angel is very trusting and loving. She has brought nothing but joy to our family. She is loving, spunky and very intelligent. She has no idea she is different from other rabbits and hops around happily in her own special way!

JJ
not given, AL

Kona

Kona's mother was set to be put down at a shelter, when someone nicely took her in a rescued her. The large lab walked into there house and had a litter of puppies. No one even knew she was pregnant. All the puppies were fostered out, and that is when we found her. She loves playing with our yellow lab, Shasta, and gives us her love everyday.

Jamie
Northbrook, IL

Our Little Diva

After my female Japanese Chin Zoe passed away last year my male Japanese Chin Spikey was grieving and missed her very much. We found Petunia, Pug Chihuahua mix on Petfinder and it was love at first sight. She is now Bette, and Bette and Spikey are inseparable. Bette has brought so much joy into our lives. She is full of love. And, she is the Diva of the neighborhood.

Glenda and Bob
Winston Salem, NC

My Wylie

I went into the local shelter thinking I would like a female dog with short hair. I walked out with a male pup with long hair! Wylie had an ear infection, roundworms, kennel cough, and the mange but we made it through all of that together! He brings pure joy and unconditional love into my life every day and I am so incredibly lucky to have him! I LOVE my baby boy!!

There are so many amazing homeless animals out there......please adopt a rescue or shelter dog!!

Wendy
Douglasville, GA

My Babies

I rescued my twelve year old Shepherd/Sharpie mix in 1997 from the Hendricks County Humane Society. Her name is Keena. She has been the best dog. Last year we took in our little guy, Sammie, a one-and-a-half year old puggle. Sammie lived with my stepdaughter's grandma. She was unable to take care of him so we took him. He is the cutest thing. He is a trouble maker, but you can't stay mad at him when you look at that cute little face.

Crystal Neighbors
Avon, IN