Happy Homes

	Happy Homes

	We love to hear about the pets people have adopted from our shelter:



	My first visit to Animal Services was two weeks before Christmas, 2005. My wife wanted a black kitten desperately. We fell in love with Papito, a 6 month old kitten. A week later, we were eaten up with guilt for not adopting his brother also, so we went back, only to find he'd already found a home. There was another kitten pulling on our heartstrings though and we ended up taking home Persephone, a four month old, fuzzy gray ball of neuroses who had been at the shelter since she was only a few days old. As you can see, they're best friends. They've adapted well to the two other kitties (also rescues) that we brought home over the last 5 years and are the undisputed rulers of the house. A few years later, when we bought our first home in July 2009, we knew the first thing we wanted was a dog and we came straight to Animal Services. We ended up with Athena, a "lab and ?" puppy who was just 8 weeks old and left in the night drop by her prior owner. She's perfect for us...just the right size and energy level, and you can see every day how happy she is just being home. This picture was taken Easter morning when she was about 7 months old. She's just celebrated her first birthday and we are looking into training her as a therapy dog for people in hospitals and nursing homes. Thank you for helping the animals with nowhere else to go! -Hillary

		2 years ago, we adopted Sampson, our shepherd/husky mix. He's my jogging partner/protector, and our 3 boys love him! Lots of love and patience was all we needed to train him so he wasn't the one walking us! He's more of a family member than guard dog, but we know he'd protect us just as quickly as we'd protect him. Thanks for helping us find the perfect doggy for our family! -The Merritt Family

	We adopted our kitty from you in April and named her Pumpkin because of her roly poly tummy! She is the perfect kitty and can't understand why she wasn't adopted sooner. We are a lucky family! -The Halletts

		I adopted two dogs--big brother Ben in 2001 when he was 8 months old--someone had moved out of their house and left the poor boy in the back yard. He and I connected right away and have developed the kind of close bond you can only get with a "pound pup." Little sister Annie joined us when she was just a 9-week old playful girl. She has grown into a tall, athletic sweetheart, but she will always be my "little girl." They both are doing great at the ages of 8 and 9 (almost 9 and 10 now!) and I cannot imagine life without them.

	We adopted Bella in 2002. My mom secretly went and saw her without anyone else knowing. My mom then came back and got us and brought us to see her. There was a new puppy jumping around (her brother or sister) and we wanted that one because Bella was now sleeping in the back of the cage all by herself. Then my mom said it was that one in the back so brought her home and let her run around in our backyard trying to think of a name. Then we thought of my great-grandma's lamb named Bella who we loved to pet and play with, so that is what we named her, Bella. She is the best dog ever. We love Bella! -Emma, age 11

		I adopted this beautiful cat from you about a week ago. She is our pride and joy. I changed her name to Princess because that is truly what she is to us. She loves to sleep with her mama and she is still getting used to her two brothers, although they love her to death. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to adopt her and bring her to our family. Wish I could adopt them all. Thank you, Tonnette

	We got Peggy, a five month old kitten, and she's adjusted beautifully to our home. We were looking for a companion for our other cat, Odin, who was lonely during the day with my partner and I constantly working. After only a couple of days, the two have grown quite comfortable with one another, and play almost constantly. It has been a great pairing, and we are grateful to the staff and volunteers at Animal Services for helping us to find her! Note: One of the reasons we chose Peggy was because she was the loudest, most obnoxious one in the room and turned a lot of people off. In just a few days, her temperament has mellowed, and while she does talk quite a bit, she's more conversational than whiny. I urge anyone who is considering adopting to take a second look at the ones who put you off at first--very often the perfect pet is waiting to come out, if you just give them the chance.

		I adopted Jasper in Feb, 1996. He was 6 months old and starving when he came to the animal shelter. He was the only cat that day that would approach my active 3 year old son. Jasper is turning 14 next month and has been diagnosed with cancer. This may be our last year together. I look forward to his old kitty meow every day. I am thankful that we found each other. He is and will always be my best friend. We have been through life together. -Debbie

	We adopted Kali (then called Callie) in January 2009. She's a border collie/retriever mix who is smart, loving, and full of energy and fun. Kali loves to go camping, chase frisbees, and perform tasks, such as taking the key out to the mail box, bringing in the mail and the newspaper, and carrying gardening tools. Her coat is now beautiful and shiny, and she has overcome her initial shyness around other animals and people. Since she enjoys herding, we hope to give her the opportunity to herd something besides us in the future! Thank you to the animal shelter staff and volunteers for all you do. -Judy & Don

		I adopted Rufus in March of 2007. I so desperately wanted a companion who would be able to travel with me and visit with my elderly clients, if they so wished. Upon arriving at your shelter, I opened the door to the dog pens just as the door in the rear opened with two volunteers...and a small dog. And there he was...Rufus...trotting down the hallway with no clue as to what was going on or where he was. Almost 3 years later he is still the number one man in my life and is adored wherever we go. His goofy wild hair, quirky old man personality and endless terrier enthusiasm is loved by all. My cup runneth over... -Kelly

	We said goodbye to our beautiful Nadya on Monday, April 6th, 2009. She had been a beloved member of our family since May 1995, when we adopted her. Of the six huskies we have had over the past 39 years, Nadya was the smartest and the sweetest, and always wanted to be near us. Many friends assumed we had named her after Nadia Comaneci, the first Olympic gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10. That was a good portent, but she was actually named in tribute to Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, whose spirit-filled violin concert we heard with the Seattle Symphony a few days before we brought Nadya home. -Gerry and Barbara

	We adopted Diggy, a 10-week-old border collie/lab mix puppy, in 1996. She quickly became the center of our universe and made our family complete. Two years later, a cold and hungry little pit bull mix puppy showed up on our doorstep - we never found her owner and she joined our family. Diggy and Tommie became inseparable, Diggy assuming the momma dog role and taking care of little Tommie. I can’t imagine not having had the last 13 years with our girls. In January 2008, Diggy was diagnosed with diabetes. We give her two insulin injections every day and she is still very healthy. She never hides when it’s time for her shot. I honestly believe it’s an indication of the trust and love she has for us. While we have had to make slight adjustments to our lives - making sure one of us is home when it’s time for her shot and taking vacations/trips that she can go on with us - we wouldn’t trade her for anything in the world. Tommie has developed allergies, and while it can be a little challenging to keep them both healthy, they are so worth the effort. They love us unconditionally and we them - unconditionally. Thank you for your tireless efforts to save these helpless animals and for placing Diggy in our care - she has truly brightened each and every day of the last 13 years of our lives. -Linda & Mike

	I adopted Lucy from the shelter in July 08. She was a stray cattle dog mix and already there for almost two weeks. From the start, we learned she has major chewing problems, separation anxiety and needs exuberant amounts of exercise! But we stuck it out with her and she is a wonderful addition to the family! She is now well trained, chews sooooo much less, and is quite the little athlete! I am so happy I found her when I did and took her home with me. Life is so much better with her around.

		Rukia arrived home last night around 6pm. We kept her in the carrier for awhile so she and my other ferret, Ginger, could sniff each other out safely. Well, neither approved of this and a cacophony of door rattling ensued. Since they seemed so insistent, I decided to let Rukia out. After a couple of minutes of sniffing and rolling around, they became best friends and adept partners in crime. Ginger has Rukia well-acquainted with all the hiding spots in the front room and she has already begun her own little stash of toys and other odds and ends. She is the friend Ginger needed and the extra amusement I needed! Have you ever seen two ferrets share a water bottle? It is so adorable--especially when one is half the size of the other. Thank you so much for the opportunity to give Rukia a forever home. She makes our silly family very complete!

	Most of our pets have come from Animal Services over the last 25 years and all of them have been exceptional. Buddy and Rocky are brothers that we adopted in 2001 as young adults. They were obviously attached to each other so we adopted both. They enjoy each other's company as well as cuddling with us. In the spring of 2008, Ciara was a wonderful addition after losing our old male Dobie the previous year (Ciara was approximately 3 years old). She is a fun and loving dog with a huge sense of play and need to cuddle, when she isn't curled up on the couch or stretched out by the fire. Thanks, Animal Services, for being there--not only for the animals but for people who love animals. -Jewell and David

	I adopted this wonderful black lab/great dane mix in fall of '03 when he was about 3 months old. His name is Henry, but Mr. Stinky or Princess Twinkles also works! He was quite a challenge early on; he ate a the door jamb to our basement and raged through like a tornado, chased the mailman down the street, fell off a cliff in Bellingham, and had many other exciting adventures! But now, 5 years later, he a sweet, wonderful, well behaved dog...well, sort of well behaved! I'm so glad I found him--he was meant for me! -Adrienne West

		I would just like you to know that a Blue-Heeler, German Shepherd mix dog we named "Laci" is doing fantastic! I'm sure you all will remember her as the one-eyed dog adopted this July. She's accomplished many things, including becoming best friends with our three cats; watch-dog of the century; and completing dog training 101 at Petsmart. We love her and couldn't have found a more perfect pet to blend into an already-blended family. Happy holidays to you all and let's hope all of the animals you shelter find homes like ours and the love, care, companionship, and healthy life they all deserve! -Reuben

	Thank you for our sweet little Pearly girl. We had been making weekly visits to the shelter after losing our beloved lab last summer to cancer. I saw an ad listed by Pearl's foster home and stopped to see her--it was love at first sight! I called my husband crying, begging, pleading that she belonged with us and he said yes! We took all 6 kids to pick her up and she won all of them over instantly as well! She is sweet, adorable, spunky and spoiled! We just love her and thank you so much! She is right at home with all of new brothers and sisters! -The Krug Family

		Hi. my Name is Tunguska Diamond-- Tunguska for the rivers running in Siberia--as I just love the water! I'm getting along really great with my big brother Brock. He teaches me lots of stuff, like playing, wrestling and digging! I actually taught him something--how to jump up on his dog house and lie down up there. I can sit on command, am learning to lie down and this new thing brother is helping me with--dancing. Every morning I greet mom with my pink teddy bear in my mouth--she likes it and thinks it's cute! I'm learning how to sing too. I just wanted to thank you for finding me ,"My Forever Home."

	We adopted Willow about a month and a half ago and are very happy. She is so wonderful and very sweet. It has been so much fun to see her grow and adjust to her new home. She is a fast learner and already knows sit and down and we are working on come and stay. Without the help of Animal Services, we would have never found her and we are so thankful to have her. Thank you! - the Van Ramsey Duseys

		We are so thankful for your adoption program, as you brought Benny into our lives in April. He is 20 pounds of joy and we enjoy every second with him. Benny is spirited and energetic, yet loves to cuddle and snuggle on the couch when we are having some down time. He seems very happy with us, too - he loves that we take him to doggie day care at Fort Lewis while we are at work each day, so he gets to play with lots of other dogs and expend his energy; he also loves to hike with us all over the state. Everyone who meets him falls in love with him and we can't even imagine how such a great dog ended up at the shelter. Thank you for uniting good homes with the best of pets. -2LTs William and Kristen Johnson

	I am so glad to have found Mattie in your shelter. I was finally ready to adopt another dog 2 years after losing one to cancer. I went to the shelter hoping to find a smaller male dog but fell for Mattie, a springer mix. She was so quiet when all the rest of the dogs were barking. She is such a good girl and she smiles all the time! You never know which animal is going to be the one for you--keep your heart open as you meet and greet them at the shelter. Thanks so much for my happy girl! -Lisa Ramirez

		We adopted Remmy about 2 weeks ago and we just wanted to let you know how happy we are with him and him with us. He has adjusted well and we're so pleased with him. He rode home great in the truck with us and laid down like a perfect gentleman. When we arrived at the house we walked him around the yard for a little while and then brought him inside. He walked in like he'd lived here his whole life. He is very comfortable here and has already made his way into our oldest son's room to sleep on the bed with him. He's been great and we couldn't be more pleased with our decision to adopt a shelter pet! -The Buckout Family

	One day after work, while visiting the shelter, I just wanted to hold one of the kittens. One of the volunteers took a little scrawny tabby kitten out of the cage for me to hold, while I looked at the adult cats. This little kitten began purring and lay on my shoulder as happy as can be. After about 45 minutes, another visitor said to me "Looks like you found the your kitten." I realized I had become so attached to this little girl, I had no choice but to call her my new baby. She is now the most spoiled, awesome cat anyone could ever want. She sleeps in my arms at night, pats me with her paw when she wants something and insists I pet her until she falls asleep. -Charlie, Lisa, Wrinkles, and Little Missy

	Onyx learned early on that it was fun to climb the ferret cage and bat at the ferrets' toys from the top. As you can see, Cuddles and Ricochet don't seem to mind much. You can also see the ferrets climbing around in our bookcase! We adopted all three pets from the shelter and love them very much. -Terry

	We adopted Doozie in August 2007. She is a beautiful two year old, dilute calico cat. We saw how happy she was when our son brought his cat with him from Seattle for a visit, so we decided she needed a pal. Lulu was in our vet's waiting room, and we found out she was from Animal Services, so we went to the shelter and adopted her, too. She's bigger than Doozie but about the same age. Being indoor-only cats, we thought it was good to have two and apparently, they agree. As you can see, they get along great. They have different personalities, and they occasionally have a short spat, but most of the time they get along wonderfully and are definitely not boring to live with. -Gabi and Alec Clayton

		This is Sally - Selkie's mom (see Selkie near the bottom of this page). She was adopted 09/04/2001. Sally (and of course Selkie and her sisters and brothers) were fostered by Earl and Toni Gorss, volunteers for Animal Services, back in the fall of 2001. Because she previously had such a hard life, I try very hard to spoil her (though I wish I hadn't given up my queen size bed). Everyone in the neighborhood knows her and she knows every house where she might be able to charm a cookie from its owner. She's adjusted well to her "better" life and I've adjusted to sleeping on the couch. She's so good, it's sometimes hard to believe she's not human. Thank you for the wonderful job you do. -Jodi & Sally

	We thought you’d enjoy a recent picture of our kitty, Lucky, that you helped our daughters rescue from the Tumwater School area. He’s sunning himself under the umbrella in the picture. He’s doing fine, but we’re going to need to put him on a diet since he’s currently 14 pounds! - The Contris Family

		Thank you for helping us add such a spectacular member to our family. My sons and I visited your shelter several times on the lookout for a golden retriever. We were patient and boy did it pay off! Roxy has been such a blessing to us and has brought so many smiles, laughs and good times. We love our Roxy so tremendously, we can't even remember what life was like without her. Thanks again for all that you do and most of all, what you have done for us! - The Hannah Family

	Sometime in early 1993, we adopted our little Amos from your facility. He just passed away on 11/27/07. He would have been 15 years old in January of 2008. We just wanted you to know that your efforts made a difference for Amos. He had a long, happy life with a family who loved him. We are going to miss him. Thank you for providing a safety net for animals that otherwise might not be so lucky. Keep up the good work. - Karen Johns

		A very sad goodbye... Roxy was adopted this year, a little older and worse for wear, but her new family loved her and took a chance on her anyway. Sadly, Roxy's health declined, and in December, she suffered liver and renal failure. We send our deepest condolences to her family, and thank them for making Roxy's last months happy, comfortable and full of love.
	All three of these sweet little monsters came from the shelter. Cosmo (white and yellow) is the oldest and joined the family in 2004. Then Chino Chingon (the cat) came Jan 2007. The most recent (and naughtiest) addition is Cleo, adopted as a puppy in Oct 2007. Thanks for helping them come into our lives. - The Fravalos Family

	We got the girl on the right (Gracie, as in Gray Cat) in January 2007, when there were almost no kittens to be had. The little guy on the left (CowBoy) came into our lives in July 2007. At first we wondered if they'd get along, but as you can see, it's hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. They love each other and we love them both. Thanks for providing us with such a fine family. Melinda & John, Olympia.

		Pam and Keith Phillips with their cat, Studley, who was adopted from Animal Services in May of 2006. Studley is now a “therapy cat” in the Providence Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy program at St. Peter Hospital. He is the hospital’s first therapy cat. Way to go, Studley!

	In January 2006, we adopted a 2 yr old German Wirehaired Pointer from you--it was love at first sight. We always wanted a GWP and this was a wonderful opportunity. We named him Decker and he quickly became part of our family of 3 cats. He is now being shown in AKC junior showmanship and obedience and is being used by two high school 4H kids. He loves to hunt ducks and swim in his life jacket for hours at a time. Thanks for all you do for our community and the pets that are a part of it. -Jennifer Sagerser

		I adopted Shiimsa in September of 2005. He was just a tiny kitten who didn't want to leave my shirt. He has become an integral part of my life. I'm so happy he has turned into a big, happy, healthy cat. I really appreciate the care he got before I took my little guy home. The picture is of him trying to be included in a game of Scrabble last Christmas. -Adriana

	We adopted these siblings Sept 06 when they were just 8 weeks old. They continue to bring us so much joy. Both are indoor kitties and (as you can see) just adore sleeping and lounging. Bonnie & Clyde let us know they want attention by rolling over on their backs, showing us their big bellies and letting their paws dangle in the air--which as you can imagine is super cute. They also love playing together and chasing each other around the house, running behind our heads on the couch and then jumping up onto the big cat tree we got for them! Thank you so much for helping us find our kitties and for all the work you do! -Maria, Evan, Bonnie & Clyde

		Lucky was found thin, dehydrated and with a broken rear leg by a Tumwater High School student. A teacher kept the cat in a classroom until Animal Services could pick him up. Everyone who had contact with the cat thought he was a wonderful being. We used donated funds and determined that the best course of treatment for the broken leg was amputation because the break was older and fractured in numerous places and probably wouldn't heal correctly. The student's family visited Lucky at the shelter throughout his ordeal. He now lives with them and their other two cats and is very happy. He would have died without the intervention of the students and their care and compassion for this little guy.

	I had been going to the shelter for a few weeks looking for a hunting dog for my husband and came across Auggie, a lab/retriever mix. He was only 10 months old, skinny (about 35 lbs.) and had a leg that shook like he had nerve damage. He looked at me and I looked at him and it was love at first sight. He came home to Matilda the lab, and 2 cats, Apollo and Katmandu. I thought for sure that there would be hissing and spitting and just a complete uproar with the cats. Auggie fit in like he had lived with us forever--he and Katmandu hit it off like old friends. They sleep, play and sometimes eat together. Auggie and I are pretty much inseparable, except when I go to work. He is such a sweet dog! Auggie has been with me for about a year, weighs 80lbs. and is healthy, happy and rambunctious.I feel fortunate to be able to adopt him.

		Skitter passed away in August 2007. We extend our condolences to his family and friends. I want to thank you for helping me find the BEST DOG IN THE WORLD....I got him in 1998. His name is Skitter or Skid man. He is a Lab/Newfoundland mix. Skitter was my 4-H dog for 6 years. At my first dog show I won Grand champion! He is the reason I want to be in a lot more shows, even though I retired him from 4-H. He is my best friend in the whole world and I wanted to thank you for my baby boy Skid man! Thanks, The Swearingen Family

	We adopted Steve in November 2006. He is a black lab puppy who has made life so great. My husband and I have read all of the books on how to train him to be an obedient and happy dog. He learns incredibly fast! We feel so lucky. The Dorlands

	We got Autumn in 1999 and Puffy in 2001. They're both thriving and loving our new home on 5+ acres, even if they do get locked in at night because of coyotes! I hope you all have a great New Year! From James, Meagan, Dylan & Ian

		We adopted Sally Skittles from the shelter in February 2002. She had been surrendered because her family was moving away and she was 3 years old at the time. She is almost 8 now and a much beloved part of our three cats family! Thank you for helping us find her and for all the wonderful work you do on behalf of animals. Sincerely, Lee Ann

	Thanks again, Animal Services! You guys are all wonderful for doing all you do to help animals. We adopted our first dog, Daisy, on the left, earlier this year. She told us she wanted a buddy to romp around the yard with, so we came back and our 2nd dog picked us out! We named him Gus; he's on the right, and you can see he is quite at home. This was taken after only one week; Daisy let him into her special cuddle territory! They're great friends! Gus has learned all the basic commands, never had a potty accident, and been so gentle with our 3 girls! What great additions to our family. Our Best To You, Tim & Emily

		In June of 2006, my husband and I went to the shelter and found Bri waiting for us! She is about 2 years old, adjusted to our house in about 1/2 hour and now, of course, rules the house. She quickly got used to traveling with us in our motor home, which is just great. The staff and volunteers at the shelter do a great job! We are so grateful to have Bri in our lives! Jeff and Cheryl

	We adopted our kitten in October of 2006, after weeks of searching for the perfect kitty for our 3 year old son Meric, who had been anticipating a kitten for a long time. When we brought his surprise home and he opened the carrier, it was love at first sight. Our son has learned how much to fill her food bowl each night and he always reminds me to make sure she gets fresh water. He named her Pancakes because of a song he learned in preschool, and he sings it to her all the time. She has even become good friends with our Italian Greyhound, Shelby, who finally found a cat who will just lay there and let her sniff all over them. Thank you for helping Pancakes find her happy ending. Angel, Lance, Meric, Pancakes and Shelby

		We wanted to thank the Animal Shelter so much for our wonderful additions. We adopted 2 lab/rott mix puppies Sept 2006. They recently turned 3 months old. Daisy is black with white trim & is extremely spunky & energetic. Zoe is brown & black and is the most loving and mellow puppy we've ever seen. They have settled in nicely into our home and have gotten used to their feline sister. Brie was adopted in March 1998. As you can see, she is spoiled rotten and is the pack leader of the whole gang. We can't imagine our lives without these little creatures. Thanks for bringing us all together. Tracy & Rob

	We just wanted to say thank you to Animal Services for our wonderful Daisy. She has been with us for 3 months and she is a real treasure to our three girls, 7,5, and 2. It's like she was just waiting for us when we saw her at the shelter. She is now about 10 months old, is house trained, comes when called and is sooo gentle with our children! A better family dog couldn't be found! Thanks again, Tim and Emily

		I adopted Auggie Doggie last month. Auggie came to a home that already had 2 cats, and a 3 year old female lab who had lost her companion to cancer over a year ago. Auggie stepped into his new home and acted as if he had lived with us all his life. The first member of the family to greet him was Matilda our female lab. It was love at first sight. Then...came the cats. I thought that it would be the usual spitting, hissing and clawing. Fortunately, the cats didn't seem to mind the new arrival. My oldest cat, Katmandu (who is 12 years old) greeted Auggie like he was an old friend and now sleeps with Auggie in the house on a regular basis. The other cat, Apollo, just thinks that he is a big cat and bumps up against him and Auggie licks him in return. Auggie has been a great addition to our family and I wanted to thank you for having the opportunity to adopt him.

	Dear Friends, Just a note to say thank you for taking me in and finding me a great home back in August 2005. You matched me with the best person ever! She took me in right away, gave me love, food and lots of toys. I go running when she calls my name because I know I am about to get all the attention I want! I get pretty much anything I ask for…food, water, a head scratch, new toys. I am living life! Thanks for finding me a wonderful home! I owe you! -Anais

		On Good Friday 2006, my husband and daughter left the house and told me they were going to get me an Easter Gift. Oh great I thought! I'm getting a new dishwasher! Yippee... An hour or so went by and they came home, Natalie came in with some papers in her hand and behind her came Michael and my present. She is the most beautiful, loving, good natured and playful dog I could ever hope for. I didn't think I was ready for another dog; we lost our two old doggies in December last year, but my family knew better. It was love at first sight. Coffee settled in immediately. We took her shopping for toys and food, a new bed, collar and leash, and treats--lots of treats. She has met the vet and had her rabies shot. I'm so happy that I didn't get a dishwasher. Thank you for our sweet new Coffee Cake.

	My new owner, Jackie, flew all the way from Great Falls, MT to adopt me! We flew back together and I've settled in with my new friend, Bess, really well. We even have our own porch to sun ourselves on! I have lots of land to run on and I always come back when I'm called. Thank you, Jackie, for giving me a second chance and such a great home! --Prince (I'm the one reclining in the back.)



	Would you like to see your adopted pet's story here? Please email a photo and brief story to our webmaster. Be sure to let us know your pet's name, when you adopted him/her from us, and whether you want your full name included in your pet's story.