Alumni Tales 1

Alumni Tales are stories of happy pet adoptions from The Maryland SPCA. If you have an SPCA adoption story you would like to share, please go to our Alumni Tales Submission page and tell us yours. You can read more great stories on our Most Recent Alumni Tales, Alumni Tales 5, Alumni Tales 4, Alumni Tales 3, Alumni Tales 2 and More Tales pages.

Sammy Is the One

My husband and I adopted Sammy in June 2001 when he was nine months old. We had taken about four dogs out to the pen and, by the time we got to Sammy, we knew he was "The One." Instead of getting distracted by the other dogs around, he carefully jumped up and laid his paws in my hands and pleaded with his eyes to take him home. We fell in love with him right there. When we brought him home, he had some minor adjustments healthwise due to the stress of a new environment, but he quickly became our "spoiled baby." He loves dog parks and doggie daycare. We recently moved to Utica, NY (my hometown), and he LOVES it. He can't get enough of the snow and cold weather.
The SPCA listed him as a lab mix. I think he has some terrier and sight hound in him too. He is a dream dog, not to mention a beautiful one, too! We love him to pieces! — Christine

CoCo Heals the Hurt

My CoCo became part of our family when I lost my beloved Bandit after 12 years. Bandit had a stroke in my front yard. At first, I swore no more new pets. I already had a 9-year-old dog named Boomer and a 1-year-old cat named Daryl. I had hopes that Daryl would help Boomer with missing Bandit. Bandit would play a little but was really sad, so I decided to come to the SPCA to check out the dogs. I steared away at first from CoCo because he reminded me of Bandit, but other dogs didn't seem to be the right fit. So Boomer and CoCo met, and it was love at first sight. It has been two weeks now. CoCo is a sweet boy and is so loving. He knows how to help the hurt we all feel from losing Bandit. Thank you, SPCA, for all you do and may God continue to bless all of you who work there and the animals you help save. — Kim and Family

Banyen Makes Himself at Home

We adopted Banyen (formerly named Bantam) back at the end of April. As you can see, he wasted no time making himself at home. One of his favorite things is lounging on the brand new bed we got, which he is convinced we bought just for him! He has made plenty of friends, both two- and four-legged, in his short time with us. He loves his chew toys and rolling around in the grass. Thank you so much for taking good care of him until we could find him. He has made us realize just how much we missed having the sound of four little paws following along behind us. —Tim and Karen

Malachi Fits Right In

My husband and I have a 9-year-old Husky/Shepard mix, named Caleko. We had been talking about adopting another dog to keep her company and to keep her active. We went to the SPCA with a puppy in mind. While we were there and walking around, we locked eyes with Malachi, a 2-year-old loveable, gentle Malamute who was in need of a good home.
It took about a week before he and Caleko adjusted to each other, but now he is part of the family. He is very vocal and loves to sing to us. He especially loves to sing to the harmonica. It is quite funny. We didn't expect to adopt an older dog, but we are so glad we did. He quickly fit right into our family. Thank you!!!! —Margaret

Millie Is Looking Good

In November, my husband George and I lost our much loved 17-year-old Cairn terrier, Willie. A couple of months later, my two daughters and I went to the SPCA with the sole purpose of donating his leftover supplies. While we were there, my daughters, knowing how much I missed Willie, convinced me that I just had to go through the kennel and look at the dogs that were up for adoption. We walked in and there, sitting in the front of her cage watching us, was "Maxine" (now Millie), a small, ten pound "terrier mix" with cherry eyes (a condition where the gland in the eye protrudes, producing a small red "bag" in the corner of the eye). Despite the cherry eyes, she was absolutely adorable! I was worried, though, that no one would adopt her because of her eyes; I knew I had to be the one to save her! Millie came to live with us the next day.
As you can see from the picture, Millie has had her eyes fixed and has settled quite comfortably into her new life. Even though she can be quite vocal, we love her! Thank you for taking her in and caring for her so that she could become a member of our family. I know Willie would have approved! —Mary Ann

Bailey Is Very Happy

We adopted Bailey in the fall of 2003. Going to the SPCA with the intention of getting a puppy, we never thought we'd be leaving with a two-year-old dog. When we 'met' with Bailey, she was very loving and rather shy.
She's no longer so shy! She loves being outside with us and the more dogs around, the better. Though originally scared to death of our cat, they finally warmed up to each other. If you sneak into the room where they are sleeping, you can catch them curled up in a ball together.
Bailey is a very happy dog, and we are very glad we got her. Thanks! —Genny

Evie Makes Life Better

I've had Evie (formerly Iesha) for less than a week, and my boyfriend and I are already completely in love with her. She's incredibly smart and makes us laugh with everything she does. She curls up and sleeps between us at night, and constantly reminds my boyfriend of the much-adored cat he had while he was growing up. Already, my life is better. Thanks, SPCA! —Ginger

Murray Turns Heads

Dear SPCA,
I adopted Murray on March 16, 2007. He was originally named Gnarls Barkley, but that's too hard for my 2-year-old nephew to say. Murray and his sister were part of a litter of strays found in VA. I had planned on getting a female dog—even all the names I had picked out were for females. One look and one visit with Murray, and I knew I had to have him.
I was told he's a Lab mix. After research through online pictures, I have decided that he's a "Boxbeagldor." He's got the legs and coloring of a Boxer, the webbed feet of a Lab and the howl and face of a Beagle. I am not sure how big he'll get. He was 14 pounds at 3 months old when I got him, and he gained 12 pounds after the first month of living with me. Murray has the softest fur and the biggest brown eyes that make you want to melt. He turns heads every time we visit Petsmart. He's such a loving dog. He's playful, curious and so kind. He's currently learning how to swim with my brother's Chessie.
I believe SPCA dogs have a special sparkle in their eye and extra pep in their setp because they know they have been given a second chance on life. I would adopt from the SPCA again in a heartbeat. Murray has been such a wonderful addition to the family. —Katy

Hope Will Be Loved Forever

Dear SPCA,
Hope has been a wonderful addition to our family. When we adopted her, she was named Shady, and our son renamed her Hope. She is so very, very affectionate and loving. She still has a fear of men and of anything that moves or makes noises, including the wind. She is getting a lot better though.
We've socialized her a lot with other animals and people. She and my son are like best friends. She also has a Boxer pup that belongs to a family friend who is her new playmate. She is happy and healthy now and we will love her forever! — Vanessa

Franklin Is a Friend for Life

Dear SPCA,
I have no idea why this big boy was given up for adoption!
I first met Franklin when my roommates and I came in looking for a house cat. I noticed something different about him in particular. I think it was the fact that he seemed to be the most relaxed cat in the place. I knew then that whatever chaos might occur in my house, Frankles would be able to roll with the punches.
Although I have loved quite a few cats in my live, I have a special place in my heart for my little Franklish. And while roommates have come and gone, Franklin and I are in it for life. —Amy

To Know Zoe Is to Love Her

Dear Maryland SPCA,
Zoe has brought so much joy to my life! She is my baby and everyone who knows me, know about her. She loves to go for walks and hikes, chase squirrels, eat, play and, most of all, snuggle. Since adding a new dog to our family, she also likes to taunt him even though he is seven times her size. Zoe is also a therapy dog with Pets on Wheels and visits nursing homes regularly. Everyone who knows Zoe loves Zoe! —Stacy

Lia Loves to Learn

Dear Maryland SPCA,
My boyfriend and I came to the MDSPCA just to spend time with the animals, not looking for a pet, but we ended up falling in love with one in particular! We first saw Lia and fell in love with her gorgeous blue eyes. We adopted her even though she was already over a year old.
We decided we were up for the challenge of house training a one-year-old dog. We were far surprised how easy this task was. Lia was just looking for love and would follow any directions that, in the end, would lead to more love. Of course, there are always things to work on, but the feeling of joy we feel while watching her learn surpasses any problems. My advice to new owners is to prepare for the worst in case it happens, but also let your new pet into your home and watch how fast she learns things to please you. Good luck! —Cari