Animal Rescue Stories

'Hog' Dog

Little Orphan 'Annie' was found when they bulldozed the woods near my work. She had been abandoned and no one seemed to want her. She was malnourished, filthy, had worms, ticks and fleas. She also had rat hair and feathers stuck in her teeth. She weighed less than 6 pounds. I took her to my vet and then to my home where she has become Queen. She rides on my Harley with me - sitting proudly between my legs wearing her Doggles (dog goggles). She is a happy and healthy 12 pounds now. She is truly a Harley girl - 'HOG' dog !

JudyLynn Mischel
Fort Walton Beach, FL

Crazy Casey

When we finished our house we knew we needed a Dog. Large gated yard & access to acres of rolling fields right behind us, my husband & I knew it was perfect! We varied on what breed, but both agreed rescuing was the way to go. The "system" in Ireland is not well developed. It's run by a small group of extremely caring & dedicated individuals. They have no funds or resources & there are no no-kill shelters, just willing foster homes & hope. We found Casey, a black lab/collie mix puppy in county Offaly about 2 hours away, staying with a wonderful foster mom. Casey had been found abandoned & roaming the streets. Unfortunately "puppy dumping" is an accepted practice here. Thank goodness for her & us she was taken in by the Offaly SPCA & a foster, other wise she would have been given only 5 days in a pound. Now, 9 months on Casey is healthy & happy. Favourite past-times include hogging the sofa (as you can see by her photos), chasing birds & watching sheep on our evening walks in those back, rolling fields. Nothing lifts the human sprit like watching a dog frolic! It hasn't always been easy - the beginning puppy stages with Casey were trying to say the least - but she's got a big brain and an even bigger heart and we found quickly it's nearly impossible to not give in to those big brown eyes. We thank our lucky stars every day for Casey & especially thank the wonderful people of the under funded, under resourced & under appreciated Irish SPCA! True hearts of gold!

Jennifer
Carlow, Ireland

Our little princess!

This is Lucy. When we swim she loves to float in her boat with us. She's a Shih-tzu-Lhaso mix and the most spoiled dog EVER! She sleeps under the covers in between my mom and dad! She's our little princess!

Jill Kimmle
Belleville, IL

Dumpster Kitty

I work at a bar and grill and I was leaving work when I opened my car door and got in and just before I shut it this little guy jumped on my lap and onto my shoulder and just started purring... I almost closed him in the door. I brought him home, named him Tony and for 6 months now he's been tearing up the place with his adopted brother Clyde (cat) and his 3 sisters (dogs) ever since. His mother still lives by the dumpster in a cardboard box house we made for her. She's almost friendly enough and hopefully soon we can take her in and get her fixed and vaccinated and into a good home.

Linda Jensen
Pine City, MN

Sammi Jo

My daughter and I found Sammi Jo at an animal rescue shelter and I fell instantly in love. My husband, however, said NO WAY. "We have Abby (our wonderful Australian Cattle dog) and that is more than enough". The next day he relented and off I went to get little 11 week old Sammi Jo. She just turned a year old last week, and guess who is probably more crazy about her?? That's right - her "daddy"!!!!

Jan Bugg
Auburn Hills, MI

Rescue Dogs, THE BEST!

Both dogs came from rescue. Maddie, 4 yrs old the female was shy when we first got her, but has developed into quite a lady. Puff 4 yrs old, was found as a stray, had huge seperation problems when he came to live with us. He has come a long way in 6 months. They have become best buddies and the lady rules. He says its easier that way. What a great feeling when you walk into a room and they are always so excited to see you. They have given us so much Everyone should have a rescue dog.

Charlotte

Charlotte Powell
Philadelphia, PA

"Just look at those eyes!"

I had recently lost my dachshund and was reluctant to adopt another dog so soon when a neighbor called to say they had found my Rottweiler mix wandering around a local lake with no collar or ID. She had worms, fleas and had recently given birth. We concluded that after providing her previous owners with a litter of pups, she of no further use to them. Or, that she was too gun-shy to be useful as a hunting dog. So while I knew expensive vet bills and lots of exercise were in our future together, it didn't take me long for me to say YES! when I saw those eyes and her rare beauty for the first time. I named her "Gypsy" in honor of her wandering life before we met and the mysterious origin of those light blue eyes. I am 65, live alone and give thanks every day for her loyal protection, love and companionship on our long walks together. She sure keeps me moving! Everyone who meets Gypsy can't help but say, "Just look at those eyes!"

Sue Chaney
Cincinnati, OH

Petfinder Pack

We have 5 Siberians and 2 Golden Retrievers; most of them are through Petfinder. They all live in our house and get along marvelously well. They are thoroughly spoiled and have made our lives richer and our laughs longer. Second chance pets are the best investments our love has ever made.

Bobbi
Woodstock, GA

TROUBLE LOUNGING

Trouble was such a welcome addition to my home after a bad breakup. She made every day a joy. On Friday, February 13, 2009, due to a brain tumor, she joined my first cat, Trash, in heaven. I am sure they are both telling stories about me and laughing as they were my BEST FRIENDS. I miss both of them immensely but am now sharing my life with another rescued cat, Stoney.

Paige Stone
Newport News, VA

Hank

I adopted Hank, a Catahoula mix, from a rescue shelter. She (yes, Hank is a girl), was the runt of a large litter and tiniest by far. Her big eyes and charming underbite sold me immediately. She has been the highlight of my life for the last 4years now. Making me laugh and bringing me joy every day. She is currently training to become a therapy dog!

Sarah H.
Houston, TX