January 1, 2010

Memorable Adoption Stories of 2009

Each year, millions of fabulous cats and dogs, through no fault of their own, wind up in shelters across the country. Their background stories vary as widely as the animals themselves: Some are abandoned by their owners, while far too many more are removed by authorities from cruel or abusive situations. Others fall victim to a family death, or a move—and some simply wander away from home and become lost. Regardless of how they get there, your support enables shelters to offer these hard-luck pets a second chance at a happy life.

Thanks to you, the ASPCA Adoption Center, Mobile Adoption Center and our Partner Community Shelters across the nation were able to find new forever homes for tens of thousands of companion animals in need. Since it’s these happy endings that help keep us going, we would love to share with you a few of this year’s most memorable adoption successes—and to thank you again for the impact your generosity has had on these animals’ lives.

1. Salty
2. Skylar
3. Duff
4. Tulip
5. Smoke
6. Poppy Seed
7. Mikey
8. Bonnie
9. George
10. Cricket

Salty

Found as a stray on the busy streets of Manhattan, Salty was understandably introverted around humans. In fact, it took more than a month for this shy girl to come out of her shell. Nevertheless, thanks to the patience of her new adoptive family, Salty has become a spunky, toy-stalking kitty, who loves nothing more than to sleep curled up next to her mom every night.

Skylar

Skylar was one of hundreds of animals rescued during the ASPCA-assisted raid of Thyme and Sage Ranch, a Wisconsin “sanctuary” run under deplorable conditions. She was undersocialized, suffered from a severe case of kennel cough and had fur so matted, walking was nearly impossible for the poor pooch. Luckily, after some much-needed rest and care, this gal was adopted into a loving family—with three feline siblings—and has been given a second chance at life.

Duff

Trapped inside a duffel bag for six days, Duff was rescued by two maintenance workers and brought to ASPCA partner shelter, Spokane Regional Animal Protection Services (SCRAPS). The kitten received emergency medical treatment and a safe and cozy place to recover. Duff was adopted by one of his rescuers and given a name that reminds everyone of how he overcame such a tough start in life.

Tulip

Four-year-old Tulip spent more than three years at the ASPCA Adoption Center waiting for the perfect home. A hopeful staff member posted Tulip’s adorable mug on Facebook, where it was seen by a woman living in Warwick, NY. Instantly love-struck, the woman drove two hours to meet the puss. A connection was made and Tulip gracefully retired from shelter life, content to play “Queen of the Desk Chair” in her new forever home.

Smoke

Smoke was rescued by ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents after his owner left him outside for days in a crate without food or water. Malnourished and suffering from a severely infected neck wound, Smoke spent more than a year recuperating from his trauma. By the end of his recovery, he emerged as an energetic, playful pup who was adopted by a New Milford, CT, family. Today, Smoke is more than content to romp and play all day and to sleep beside his new mom every night.

Poppy Seed

An ASPCA staff member rescued Poppy Seed after noticing a group of children throwing rocks at the two-year-old stray. Our staffer sat on the sidewalk for nearly an hour, gently coaxing the injured cat toward her. Poppy Seed spent a few days recuperating at the ASPCA Adoption Center. A potential adopter soon overheard the kitty’s tragic story, and after one head butt, took him home!

Mikey

After being rescued, along with nearly 30 other Poodles, from a hoarding situation in Queens, NY, Mikey, the eldest of the group, finally found his perfect forever home. At 10 years of age, partially blind and afflicted with chronic dental disease, Mikey worked his magic on an adopter with a heart of gold. He now spends his days sitting on his new mom’s lap while she works, and greets each doorbell chime by lifting his front paws off the ground in a little jig.

Bonnie

Rescued along with Mikey from the Queens Poodle hoarder, eight-year-old Bonnie was an instant hit at the ASPCA for her unyielding affection. So lovable was Bonnie, she found her perfect match with a Manhattan family who came into the ASPCA Adoption Center looking for…a cat! Despite being 100% canine, this little Poodle is beloved and spoiled by her new forever family.

George

Three-year-old Pug mix George arrived at New York City’s Animal Care and Control suffering from a devastating injury to his paw. George was transferred to the ASPCA, where his right leg was removed. After weeks of recovery, a certified dog trainer from Albertson, NY, eventually took George home. He is now content to be the “man of the house,” sharing his life with four fabulous ladies—one human mom and three other rescued pooch gals!

Cricket

Intrigued by her gentle disposition, one ASPCA staffer talked up a nine-year-old lap cat named Cricket to her family, who insisted she bring the tender feline home. Cricket was nervous upon arrival, choosing to sit in the same spot on the couch for days, barely eating or drinking. Then, presto!—one week later, her true investigative nature came out, crowning her the official snooping-queen of the household!

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