I Pick You

I Pick You

Six years ago my mother expressed she wanted a cat for her birthday. The Sunday before mom's birthday, my friend and I went out for lunch. Since there was a long wait for a table, we decided we would take a look in the nearby pet store which usually featured rescued cats. As we were going in we noticed a woman putting some crates with cats and kittens in her car. Not giving it a second thought we went on inside. Like a moth to a flame we were drawn to the lovely glass enclosed area where several kittens were playing. Immediately the one owl-like kitten came up to the glass and looked directly at me as if to say "I pick you!" It was love at first sight! Every time we came back to the area the kitten would come right up toward me. We inquired about the kitten, only to find that the lady who had just left was the person to talk to about adopting this insistent little bundle of joy. Within four days he was our kitty! Even though he was supposed to be mom's gift, the kitten named Sabastian bonded to me quickly after I nursed him back to health! To this day he comes running to me or calls out for me with many purrs and rubs, saying "I picked you!"

~Sandy McGrady

TUXEDO PARK, NY

Mini-Me

Mini-Me

I am a volunteer at a charity animal shelter in Spain, called "PAWS-PATAS". While working one evening, I heard very loud yelping coming from the lower area of the property. Upon investigation, I discovered a tiny puppy that had been thrown over the fence. As she was so young, I fostered the puppy for the shelter, and gave her the name "Mini-me" because she looked a lot like a miniature version of our other Jack Russell. Well, to make a long story short, Mini-me became part of the family, and we adopted her for ourselves. She's a great companion to us, and we are so happy that we kept her. I wish everyone would adopt a shelter dog.

~Didi Arias

City Not Listed, Spain

Best of Friends

Best of Friends

We found our big girl Aja (lab/Dalmatian mix) in a shelter In Thornton, Colorado in October, 2004. She was very timid and frightened as we walked past barking dogs to the play yard. I couldn't possibly take her back through the chaos to that kennel, so we adopted her on the spot. Five years later in April, 2009, I found Bo (Bichon Frise) outside our home. He looked like he had been on his own for some time, very dirty and matted with a few bumps, scrapes and a torn ear. The vet checked his chip for an owner but was not registered, so I immediately registered him to us and had him groomed. They were best buddies for 9 years until Aja went to doggie heaven October 8th, 2018. She's now waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for us to join her. And Bo, in the meantime, is very spoiled and loved!

~Debbie Gauer

MESA, AZ

My Joy

 My Joy

A few years back I was going through a very difficult time. I was praying to find joy in my life. The depression put me in a very dark place and I just couldn't get away from that dark cloud of depression that looked over me. We starting talking about getting a dog and my husband thought it might be just what I needed. But at the same time we wanted to rescue a dog. We wanted to be what a dog needed too. So I began my search on Petfinder. When I saw her picture I fell in love immediately. This poor girl had been through so much in her young life. She had been running from who knows what type of situation and was hit by a truck and left for dead. She was put in a cage basically to die. Her time was up. But THANKFULLY our dear friends at Susie Q Dog ResQ saved her precious life just in time. Little did they know they were saving mine too. She had some deep lacerations and a broken leg. A pink cast was put on her leg and they took her home to heal and to get her ready for her forever home. When they posted her on Petfinder I immediately saw her and inquired. They insisted she would need extra TLC to heal. I was ready to take care of her. But as much as she needed me, I needed her. Because she was such a happy girl during this ordeal she was given the name Joy. It's perfect. My prayers were answered. I found my Joy. They insisted she needed lots of care while she was recovering. I was ready to take care of her. We have bonded in a way that my husband describes as unlike anything he has seen. She needs me and she is there to lend a helping paw or 4 when needed. She is what I call my "soul mutt". A couple years ago she received her CGC title which I am very proud of. There's a saying, "who rescued who?" I'll let you decide. :)

~Jennifer Wright

AUBURN, NY

Dumpster dog with newborn pups....

Dumpster dog with newborn pups....

I was recently blessed with a bouncing baby girl........with a tail, lol!! I named her Fortza, which is the Italian word (forza) for "strength,"....and here's why: Fortza was found tore up, scratched and emaciated in a dumpster with a litter (5) of day-old puppies. She was believed to have been a bait dog (used for dog fighting) based on her condition upon arriving at the Palmetto Animal Clinic. Apparently, a non-English speaking man saw the dog and her puppies in a dumpster somewhere in Palmetto, and brought all of them to the Palmetto Animal Clinic. My friend Estella Pena, made me aware of this dog/situation by tagging me in a Facebook post. I instantly offered to adopt this little angel after she was done nursing her pups. Unfortunately, Fortza was in such bad shape herself, she didnt have any immunity to pass on to her babies, so tragically they all passed away (Fading Puppy Syndrome). Fortza is only about a year and a half old. I've been visiting Fortza for the past month at the Palmetto Animal Clinic where Paula Rowell and her awesome team nursed, trained and LOVED this little gal back to good health. Paula put soooo much of her time and heart into working with Fortza!! I'm the biggest fan of Paula's heart, and feel absolutely honored to know her. She's incredible, guys!! Paula Rowell and her team at the Palmetto Animal Clinic have a non-profit, donation-based Angel Fund that is used to cover the cost of the medical recovery efforts for animals found in heartless situations, like Fortza. I'm happy to report that Fortza is gaining weight, full of energy and is an absolute lover. She never leaves my side, and falls asleep on me or in my arms every night. She's getting along incredibly well with the other dogs in my neighborhood!! She's a 'lil timid with people, but warms up instantly to women. She is still untrusting/fearful of men, but we are really working on it...just this evening she waggingly approached my (male) next door neighbor (who didn't even have treats!!)!! This 'lil mama is the epitome of strength and love. I'm in total awe of how trusting she is already, and how well she's acclimating to everyone and everything. Progress, not perfection is our goal, and baby steps will get us there. I'm so proud and completely honored to have this amazing little heartbeat as my new copilot on this journey!!

~Abby Ciosici
BRADENTON, FL

My Fluffy story

My Fluffy story

Fluffy was abandoned at an apartment complex I lived in. I made sure there was fresh food and water daily for her. It was middle of summer on AZ. She finally walked up to me when I was sitting outside and jumped on my lap and started purring. She ate the Tempation treats I had right out of my hand. Glad she picked me as her human companion.

~Sheri Blommer

MESA, AZ

Three kitties

Three kitties

Our cat, Milo, unexpectedly died at the vet’s office. We were devastated. We decided to go to the shelter to see the cats there and maybe find one or two to bring home with us. We visited with a couple of them and then took a look in the kitten room. Three litter mates were in one cage playing with each other. We fell in love, but just couldn’t fathom having three cats. We had to leave as the shelter was closing. We decided we wanted to adopt one or two of those three kittens but which ones? We couldn’t leave one by itself, so I went back as soon as the shelter opened next and ran in and asked if all three were still available for adoption. They said, “yes” and I said, “we want all three.” Maddie, Ben, and Jerry have never had to be alone. They have been so much fun! Adopting from a shelter is the best way to go for sure. We can’t imagine life without our three kitties.

~Sheryl Williams
LEANDER, TX