Animal Rescue Stories

I FOUND THE LOVE OF MY LIFE MY SWEETHEART LUCKY

My family and I went to the North Shore Animal League in NY searching for a puppy to adopt. When we got there everyone was rushing to the tiny puppies, but I wanted to see all the other dogs first, so I passed by the sick ward and found the cutest 3 1/2 month old black and white speckled puppy with red brindle mixed in. He was named Scottie by his previous person, and he had a cold, and was being treated for a parasite called giardia, which dogs get when they drink stagnant water. As I looked at him, he put his paw on my shoulder and from that moment I knew he was going to be my pup. So I went to find my family and an adoption counselor to put a hold on him, but when I got back, someone else had already put a hold on him. I did not lose hope even though my family wanted me to look at other pups. I knew this little guy was meant to be with me, so I waited around and in about 30 minutes I went back and as I knew would happen, he was available again! The other family probably decided not to take him because he was sick and also had a heart murmur which I didn't find out about until I was at the adoption window. They told me about the heart murmur and asked if I still wanted him and I said YES! So he was finally going to be my pup. As we were leaving the building, Lucky as I named him, was so terrified that he would not walk; so I carried him and held him even though he was drooling and hyperventilating in my arms in the back seat as we were driven home. Then as soon as we got in the front door, he became the happiest, most loving, sweet and funniest dog I've ever known. He is the Love of my life! My Sweetheart Lucky!

Augusta Moore
STATEN ISLAND, NY

My Fur Baby Saved Me!

Earlier in 2018, my pug fur baby crossed the Rainbow Bridge. The day after she passed, my lab got gravely sick and almost 3 months to the day, she laid in the backyard and passed. Five days prior to my lab passing, I decided that Abigail (my lab) was heart broken and needed a friend. I wanted to rescue a french bulldog that many were being used for breeding purposes - nothing more. The ASPCA said that these dogs were "damaged" and couldn't be around other dogs. That's when I decided to rescue Ginger from Little Rhody Rescue. Ginger is a german sheperd / corgi breed. She has a face like a german shepherd and short legs like a corgi. Abby seemed to perk up - but unfortunately she left to be with Max. Ginger became a calming source for me. She came from down south and has the best personality. As a pup, I set up a playpen type of area so she could spend time with my mother in the kitchen, but would be safe when I had to leave for errands or work. My mother loved Ginger. Sadly, my mom passed in October 2018...again, so much sadness but my fur baby Ginger saved me again. I don't know what I would do without her and although I saved her...she has no idea what she has done for me. Cannot imagine my life without her.

Brenda M. Pacheco
PROVIDENCE, RI

Snatched on Christmas Eve

Ms. Autumn was dumped in the "family" front yard when the humans got a dog in the spring. She was 11 years old, completely declawed, affectionate and became bonded to me & my husband as we spent months walking by her home to feed her.

With no shelter from the summer or winter weather storms from her "family", we decided on a blustery wintery storm Xmas Eve (2015) we were going to offer her a warm, safe furrever home. I drove to her house, called for her and she hopped right into my car!!! She rode on my lap for those short 2 blocks and is still an awesome lap cat!!

We call her "Holly Autumn" now!

Cindy Weber
SHAWNEE, KS

Finding Kiki

Every morning, I feed a small feral cat colony in my neighborhood. Suddenly another
cat showed up, a beautiful, long-haired calico. It took me almost a year to win her trust,
and finally to catch her and take her home. Now she has her own window where she can
gaze out into a garden, instead of wandering the streets. I named her Kiki, and she kicks
up her legs and dances when I bring her breakfast. Kiki and I now live happily ever after.

Stephanie Wood
MONTCLAIR, NJ

My saving Grace

I had a a major 12 hour surgery back in 2008 and had to recoup at my parents. 2 wks after dad found 2 newborn calico kittens while gardening. We felt the mom must be close as they had many feral around so left them. Sadly when we rechecked them one was dead and the other at 2 oz nearly so. I was on my way to docs and she was like ice so I stuck her down my shirt. She started trying to suckle so on the way home we got formula. In the next couple weeks I became critically ill and needed 3 more surgeries. During my long painful recovery loving and caring for my Gracie Mae gave me something positive to focus on. She was my saving Grace. Next year Kai was found at birth too in their garage. He sadly did not live past 6 and dad also passed.Gracie is now a beautiful 10 yr old but I had been wishing for another black male kitty to love but not pursuing it . One day I was gardening in dads yard and I found 2 10 day old kittens . The black boy Tucker is a decendant and the spitting image of Kai. His sister Dahlia looks Siamese with amazing blue eyes. I think dad sent me a final gift that day.

Donna Lombus
UTICA, MI

The Best Dog I Never Wanted

After my 13.5 year old pit mix (Bodges) passed around Christmas 2017, I was devastated. I told friends & family that I wouldn't be getting another dog; I never wanted to go through this feeling of loss again. I began looking at dogs on petfinder.com, as it provided a little comfort. I found myself bookmarking a few dogs, & my dad & I narrowed it down to a one-eyed dog named Stacy. Through a bit of email correspondence, it was almost time to make the trip to meet Stacy...then I received a heartbreaking message: after reviewing what a week in the life of Stacy and I would be like, it was decided that I wouldn't be a match after all, my lifestyle was just too active. I took it as a sign that I was not meant to have another dog. A close friend sensed my sorrow & sent me a few pictures of LabraBull pups we'd previously discussed, again I told her no 'too big' 'not that cute'....anything I could say to shut her down. Knowing me all to well, she finally talked me into going to 'just have a look'. I had our friend show me the males, females, this one, that one...only one pup wanted anything to do with me, the 'not that cute' pup. When I was just about to give up, I told my friend that Bodges had been a runt, & inquired if they happened to have a runt. They let her out, and lo-and-behold, it was the same pup that kept getting on my lap, the same pup I said wasn't cute, that I had brushed away to look over the other pups. She went to her mom and they licked faces, almost as if saying their goodbyes, then she came back to my lap. I stood up holding her & said 'I guess I'm taking this one,' thinking I'd probably be bringing her back in a day or two. This Jan 20th was Elenore's 1 year 'Homecoming.' She knew I needed her, even when I couldn't see it myself. She's smart, loving, kind, & very goofy! She's all over my Youtube & Instagram, she sleeps in my bed....I love her more than words can describe. I'm blessed that she chose me that day, & that I brought her home and gave her a chance. She has a white W on her chest, & I call it her Superhero mark; she's my Wonder Dog

Taryn Rianda
SALINAS, CA

Jack Rescued Me

I saw Jack at an adoption event at PetSmart. I hadn't wanted to go there that day, *had* to get cat food (2 cats, also rescues), but still put it off to the last minute. Lola's Rescue was just about to pack up as I got there. I saw Jack, a chihuahua/min pin/terrier/(?) mix. He was sitting in the shade, trying to stay cool; it was June 2018. I had to get a better look, so I got closer. When I saw his face, I burst into tears. He had been abused, had scars on his face, and a piece missing out of both ears. How can people abuse animals? I'll never understand. I went in to buy the cat food, so I could "think about it" but I knew already that I had to adopt him. I came back out and found out how to apply online to get him. I filled out the form that evening; I think it was Saturday. Jack's foster mom, Delores, called me the next day to see if they could come visit on Monday, June 19. I was so excited, I could hardly sleep! When they came to visit, Delores told me I could have him that very day! I think it was partly my big, fenced-in back yard. :-) Jack has been with me ever since. He gets along fine with the cats, but is still a little afraid of people (can't blame him for that). He's come really far though, since I first got him. He now sleeps on the bed with me, and doesn't run when someone comes in the door. That's OK. I have infinite patience with animals (with people, not so much!), and I spoil him with real chicken to eat every day. There was just one thing: he never barked! Maybe a little whimper if he wanted to go out, but not a real bark. I managed his trips outside by paying attention to when he went in the direction of the back door. I asked the vet if he had been de-barked (I wouldn't put it past the awful person/people who abused him) but she said she would have to look really deep to know for sure. I wasn't about to put him through that. Then I asked Delores if he had ever barked at her house? She said no, he never had. Finally, one day about 4 or 5 weeks ago, he wanted to go outside and he actually barked! An honest-to-goodness bark! I was ecstatic! Jack had literally found his voice! He hasn't barked since, because I still pay attention when he walks toward the back door, but I'm so very happy that he is *able* to bark!

Just one more thing: If you're looking to adopt, Lola's Rescue is great! They vet their adopters really well (I like that) and they don't have a big building. All of the animals have foster homes until they find their forever home. I really believe God made me go to PetSmart that day (I so didn't want to go!), so Jack and I could find each other. A wise friend once told me: "A coincidence is God's way of staying anonymous". I believe that, and I believe he shoved me out the door that day to find my precious little dog. I'm so very blessed to have Jack with me! I hope he feels the same way about me. I love him beyond words. I know that, one of these days, he will know that he is totally safe with me in his forever home. BTW, I still consider Delores my friend. I send her updates on Jack periodically. :-)
I highly recommend Lola's Rescue if you have lots of love to give an animal. They specialize in at-risk animals with uncertain futures. My kind of people!!
Anita C.

Anita C.
ARVADA, CO

Smokey the Cat

Almost eleven years ago three of us were walking home from a neighborhood bar down the middle of a one-way street, at 2 am, I was behind the other two by a few steps and I heard a meowing from behind. There was this grey tabby kitten a month old maybe, trying to catch up. I stopped and picked him up and he started nibbling on my earlobe. Took him to Arizona from Michigan with my fiance, where we lived in an apartment with a large balcony for eight years. There was a semi-feral molly, who kept having litters on the balcony. We gave away as many as we could but eventually ended up keeping 6 of the kittens from different litters as time went on. Just before moving back to Michigan I was able to capture the molly and other stray cats and get them spayed or neutered as a goodbye to them. Just before we left someone dropped two calico female kittens at our doorstep, couldn't say no and brought them with us too. Smokey my grey gateway cat who helped nurture the balcony kittens was inspirational, in saving these lives and preventing other unwanted births.

Edgar Poe
WYANDOTTE, MI

People let me tell you bout my best friend

I was nervous about getting a dog. We had dogs growing up, and I had shared the responsibility of caring for my boyfriends' dogs in the past, but I hadn't had one of my own since I became an adult. I have several cats, but as you know, cats are totally different than dogs. There were many factors to consider: had to be small enough to fit through the pet door I had installed for my cats, had to at least tolerate cats, had to be chill, but also ready for an adventure. I like hiking, boating, swimming, camping, kayaking, gardening, volunteering for the TNR program at my local shelter, going to concerts, and an occasional nap and binge watching of Vikings, Seinfeld, and Mad Men thrown in so you can understand why I was nervous. It had to be a versatile dog. Then one day, one of my friends who runs a dog rescue sent me an email from one of our state's shelters. It said, "We have already put down 9 dogs. These are the next ones in line." I hurriedly looked through the photos of so many sad faces. I couldn't take them all so I responded, "I'll take the smallest one!" After all that careful planning and then BOOM! Enter: Skully Peanut Wilson. Poor thing looked like a walking stick with patches of fur missing, 100s of fleas and ticks ALL over his body, obviously abused. I didn't care. It was love at first sight. We had a rough first year figuring out all his skin and allergy issues but I wouldn't trade him for the world. I think he feels the same way about me, too. We've lived happily together now for 6 years. Did I say 6 years...seems like yesterday. Love him so much!

Jennifer Luttrell
FRANKFORT, KY

My feral kitten

Two days after 4th of July in 2017, I discovered a tiny kitten by the neighbors shed. I knew that several feral cats had taken up residence there and apparently one had kittens. Two other kittens were dead - apparently killed by an animal or something, but one was alive. She was mewing some pitifully just on the other side of our fence, and there was no sign of her mother (or whatever killed her siblings). So, I scooped her up and after making her comfortable in a cat crate, made a run to the store for kitten formula and bottles. She wasn't afraid of us, being so young, and grew quickly into a beautiful sweet and healthy cat. My Kotoha will be three this June and is part of the family - and very bonded to me.

I had lost two dogs (one to medical issues and one to age) and one cat (also to age) in the year just before I found Kotoha, so finding her really helped fill the hole in my heart and I know she would have likely died without me rescuing her. It's a win-win for us both!

Linda Szymoniak
SCHERERVILLE, IN