Alumni Tales 5

Emma Is the Sweetest Dog

We had been looking for a dog for a few months when we came across a black lab mix named Brody (we later renamed her Emma). She was all skin and bones and was just lying in the kennel. I knew at that moment she was the perfect dog for us. She was very timid at first and stayed away from people. About a week after we got her, we had a party for my nieces and nephews, she completely opened up to the kids. Almost five years later, she still is shy of adults but opens up to children. She has also raised three litters of abandoned kittens that we found. She now has a little sister to play with too. Emma is the sweetest dog we have ever had. —Dawn

Delilah Loves City Life

Delilah has been a JOY!!! She is loving city life! My roommate and I could not be happier. She is just the most fantastic dog— sweet, caring, loving, well behaved. She loves my friend's dog Lucas (who was also a rescue from the MDSPCA about two and a half years ago) so they are now best doggie friends. We run every morning and walk every day in the park when I come home from work. She loves to be outside and loves being around people. She is doing very well with training and has never made a mess in the house! Everywhere we go people comment on how beautiful and well behaved she is—which is SO true! I feel so blessed that I found her and that she found me. I am so happy she is a part of my life and that I could save hers. —Elisa

Aurora is Beautiful Inside and OUt

On May 7, 2007, I adopted Aurora, a 3-year-old Maine Coon, from the MDSPCA, after having lost my 18-year-old Tiffany to cancer that January. Aurora had a very tough time while in shelter care, developing a virulent eye infection that had ultimately led to her left eye needing to be surgically removed. She had been very sick, suffering adverse reactions to medication, and had been in isolation and lost a significant amount of weight. At the time I adopted her, she was recovering nicely but still had stitches and was adapting to having only one eye remaining. Despite her ordeal, Aurora retained her great personality and was a staff favorite, and she captured my heart from the moment I saw her. The staff were thrilled to see her being adopted, and commented that animals with disabilities are often overlooked in favor of a "perfect" pet and often stay in the shelter for a long time. I want to encourage prospective adopters not to bypass an animal who may have had some physical problems.

Aurora settled into her new home as though she had lived there forever! She is a wonderful and loving companion. The loss of her eye hasn't affected her one bit—she races up and down the three flights of stairs in my row house, loves to play soccer with wadded paper balls and watches the scenery out the windows with rapt attention. Nothing gets by her—she can spot a tiny bug or her neighboring "boyfriends" (my next door neighbors' cats) long before I'm aware of them. Everyone comments on what a gorgeous cat she is—and they're right—she is beautiful inside and out. I am very thankful that The Maryland SPCA gave Aurora a second chance so that I could be lucky enough to have this great kitty share my home and enrich my life. —Suzanne

Pinot Is Queen of the Household

We adopted Pinot (formerly Zoe) on March 29, 2008. We had lost our much loved 18-year-old kitty, Jamara, six years before and had decided it was time to bring another kitty home. Pinot was a tiny 10 month old who stole our hearts immediately. She reached her paw out of the cage, latched onto me and said, "Mom, I want to go home!" She had the same effect on her new daddy.
Pinot had some serious respiratory issues almost immediately. She was taken to the emergency hospital in Howard County where we're convinced they saved her life. She came home after 11 hours of care and, with medication and love, recovered nicely. I'm happy to report she is now a happy, healthy over one-year-old adorable tabby mix who is queen of our household and queen of our hearts. She has also gained a good amount of weight and has a clean bill of health from her vet.
Thank you to the SPCA on Falls Road for providing us with such a loving (and bouncy!) addition to our home. —Maggie & Bob

Pumpkin Is a Wonderful Kitty

I adopted 1-year-old Pumpkin (formerly Nermal) just about a month ago, and she is perfect! She was affectionate even one day after being spayed. We bonded instantly. Her first two weeks home were a little rough. She was very scared and did not want to eat. She spent most of her time hiding in her cat castle or wanting to be carried around like a baby. Little by little, she got used to her new home. Now she is eating, playing and meowing. She is very curious, funny and extremely smart! Pumpkin is a wonderful cat, and I cannot imagine going home to an empty apartment anymore. —Kathryn

Shady is a Great Dog

My husband and I adopted Shady (formerly Shakey) in 2003 when he was only 10 months old. We both did not have any other animals and no kids. We felt that we needed a dog to complete our family. We moved to California in August of 2005. Our dog is so spoiled, he even has a next door neighbor that spoils him too. We call them his time share family. He is now almost five and doing great! We love him so much. Thanks, SPCA, for a great dog. —Cheryl

Shultzie Is Already Spoiled

It has been a month since Shultz joined our family, and what a month it has been! That sad woebegone look has permanently left his eyes. His little tail twitches, and he is one happy fellow. He and Buddy bark up a storm and play tug of war, chase each other and cuddle. He has been swimming in the ocean and loves the dog park. His coat is filling in and we ADORE him! —Andrea

Rosie and Phoebe are Best Friends

Just wanted to let you know that Rosie (adopted 4/04) and Phoebe (formerly Carmen Ali, adopted 2/07) are doing well. They are best friends and play together on a daily basis. They enjoy going to the dog park and love to swim. They will go nuts for a tennis ball.

We are happy to report that Phoebe gained about 20 pounds since we've had her and now has some muscle. She's still a tiny boxer at 45 pounds. They are really the best dogs in the entire world. Thank you SPCA! —Tracy

Rescuing Roma Was the Best Decision

I adopted Precious and renamed her Roma. She is a wonderful, loving dog. She has adjusted wonderfully to my cats and is very well behaved. She doesn't bark when people knock on the door; she just sits there waiting patiently to see who's on the other side. She gets along well with other dogs and loves people! Rescuing her was the best decision that I've made, and everyone loves her! When I first brought her home, people were so surprised that she was so obedient and loving after only having her for a few days. I've now had her for over a month, and I can't imagine my life without her! She is about 5-6 years old, and she acts like a puppy still! The positions she sleeps in are so silly and make everyone smile. I can't even begin to show my appreciation and gratefulness to the SPCA for letting me adopt such a wonderful, loving and gentle dog! Thank you so much! —Jade

Romeo Was A Great Cat

Romeo—At first, I was pretty ambivalent about adopting you (my first cat). On Day Two, I almost left for work without feeding you...wasn't your model supposed to come with thumbs?! But since I've lost you to FIP, I've been heartbroken. I never expected you to fulfill and enrich my life with such unquestioned love. Thanks for being such a great puss and thanks to the SPCA for hooking me up to my favorite cat. —Katherine

Sister Loves the Water

I quickly noticed Sister when I walked in the door. She was quiet, and I knew that with the Lab that I already had at home, she have a great home. When she came home with me, she didn't respond to "Sister" as well as I expected so I called out "Bella" and her ears perked up. She now answers when she is called and sits on a snap command. We have a river behind our house, in which we took our other dog Caesar. We had high hopes that she would like the water, and we were right. They love getting in the water just as much as we do. They love it on a hot but not humid day, and the water is refreshing. —Amber