Friday, January 30, 2009

Scooter, the doggie formerly known as Boomer

Dear Lovely Folks at Homeward Pet Adoption Center,

Thanks for following up with me to see how my new canine family member is adjusting to life.  I adopted Boomer, a Lhasa Apso mix from your shelter in early December 2008, and it could not have been a better experience with a better outcome.  The staff and volunteers were empathetic, knowledgeable, and helpful, and the process from start to finish was exceptional.  Particularly with the difficult time I was emerging from, my experience at Homeward was nothing short of perfect.

In early November, I was devastated after the euthanasia of my beloved dog Porkchop.  I had adopted Porkchop early in 2008, and while I knew that his age of 13 meant that we would not have an extremely long time together, I wasn't expecting it to be as painfully short as it was.  My apartment was so empty without him, and my cat Fatty and I dragged ourselves about like a couple of sad sacks.  Our days were hollow, and our nights long and empty without Porkchop.  To say that we were heartbroken does not begin to describe us.  We were wrecked.

Not wanting to betray Porkchop's memory, and not wanting to rush my grief, I resisted well meaning suggestions from friends to visit with adoptable dogs.  But when Fatty began to compulsively groom himself, I knew that I must do something to allieviate his loneliness.  Our family of three needed to find our third.

I had a few simple criteria in mind - a dog that was smallish in size, that got along well with cats, and a bit older.  My experience with Porkchop taught me that there is nothing in the world better than an old dog.  And I knew that many dogs over a couple of years of age are often over looked for "cuter," more rambunctious youngsters.

I turned to Petfinder.com and found myself drawn to a little tan fluffy dog named Boomer.  His story of neglect and betrayal, of being abandoned by the very people who were supposed to protect and care for him, broke my heart.  I decided that perhaps I could visit with him.  But I swore up and down during the ride to the shelter that I was just there to visit.

Obviously, that all went out the window the moment I met Boomer.  Cute did not begin to describe him - he was so cute it was ridiculous.  Returning from his trip to the groomer, he was prettified and ready for a new start.  A staff member brought us to the yard, to interact and see how we got along.  I stood back, and gave Boomer his space, and allowed him to initiate contact.  He bounced right over, jumped up to put his paws on my legs, wagged his curly tail and smiled.  His brown button eyes seemed to say "Hey!  Don't be sad!  I'm here and I've had troubles and I'm happy to see with you!"  I crouched down to tickle his ears, and he licked my nose.  My heart melted.  I had found my new best friend.

Now going by the moniker of Scooter (he throws himself on the ground after his toys and then scoots along with them in his mouth), he has brought so much happiness back to our home.  Every day he makes me laugh, and while I'm not much of a morning, I gladly rouse myself at 6 for a nice long walk with my buddy.  We continue to work on basic obedience and good canine citizen skills, and our only real hang up is the occasional over exuberance on Scooter's part.  He's been potty trained from day one, and he and the cat Fatty enjoy chasing each other and well meaning sneak attacks.  I could not have asked for a better match.

I am sure that with the work that staff of Homeward Pet Adoption Center perform each day, you often face the ugly and gut wrenching reality of what far too many cruel people can inflict on innocent and helpless companion animals. I wanted to share Boomer's story with you, because it is your dedication that brought us together.  Thank you for rescuing him, patching him up and having faith in the fact that somewhere, someone was waiting for him.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing me together with my best friend.

Sincerely,

Colin Lovell

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Some Notes from Tas's 'Journal'

Hi Laurel,

I'm attaching a few new pictures of Tas for you. He's really doing well
and
is getting more comfortable with each passing day.

Week 2 - Tas Journal

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH.......I never knew there could be so many great places
to
sleep. I've discovered a heat vent under a table where that crazy dog
can't
bother me and it is really fun to just stare out at her. One day she
stuck
her nose under there and I decided she needed a little warning not to
bother
a sleeping cat. I didn't see her the rest of the morning. She's doing so
much better. She only tried to lick my face once yesterday after I
finished
my Tender Vittles. I'm not too wild about her slobbering all over me but
the
other cat seems to enjoy it so maybe one of these days I'll save a few
flakes of tuna on my whiskers for her.

My big kitty sister is turning out to be OK. We just started eating our
meals together and it's nice to have company. She's not as dopey as I
thought she was going to be. I guess my good looks and patience won her
over.

Today, I was sitting in front of the big glass door and just about had a
stroke when a big brown thing walked up to the window and just stood
there
looking at me. It didn't appear to want to hurt me but I wasn't taking
any
chances. I headed under the table. I hear it is something called a deer
and
she comes around the yard all the time to visit with my kitty sister who
was
also laying by the door. This were really quite peaceful until that
crazy
dog heard about it. She came tearing down the stairs and just ruined
everything. We all scattered in different directions and the noise was
really loud. Could somebody translate. What does 'WOOF, WOOOF, WOOOOOF,
GRRRRR, GRRRRRR, WOOOOOOOF, GRRRRRRRR, THUMP mean??? I guess the thump
was
her running into the glass but the rest of it I need help with. Again,
more
zany antics - jumping up and down - spinning around - dancing on 2 legs.
This dog is quite a character but she's growing on me.

Tomorrow is my 2nd week anniversary and I think I've fallen in love with
my
humans. They let me sit on their laps all the time. My human Dad lets me
lick his bald head. That feels kind of funny but I'm sure his scalp
could
use a good once over. I figure if he can buy me new kitty treats the
least I
can do is run my tongue over his head once in a while. My new Mom is
really
crazy about me. She took my pictures yesterday so I guess I'll get my
pictures in the family album. Cool!

I really need to run and see about my doggie brother who is both blind
and
deaf. He let's me bump heads with him and sometimes I think he like me a
lot. He's big and fuzzy and just sleeps a lot. He has trouble getting up
and
down the stairs but I like it when he comes in the rec room and takes a
nap.
He's a quiet presence.

Life is good.

Tas

Tiger Lily (now Ginger) and her new best buddy Theo

 

 

 

Hello Laurel and Homeward Pet Staff,

 

We are finally writing to update you on Tiger Lilly, the kitten we adopted in December. Her new name is now "Ginger". She has been a great addition to our family. She loves to snuggle and purr, play with toys (especially the feathery ones) and carry her toys around the house.

Attached are a few photos for you to see how she has grown and give you and idea of the attention that she is getting (she is quite spoiled). As you will see she has won over her "big brother" Theo, our German Shepherd.

 

Wishing all of you a wonderful new year!

 

 


Chief Stevens

Hello - we adopted our wonderful new family member, Chief, in the summertime.  We, as a family, wanted to express our gratitude towards your pet rescue for facilitating our beloved Chief being brought to the home God intended him to be.  We looked for the "perfect" dog for our family for about a year.  He was older than what we were looking for and pretty scared but we all "just knew" and he was "perfect"  for us.  He was about 13 pounds overweight and terrified of most grown-ups when we first got him.  He was never afraid of children but was scared of most everyone else.  We just loved him and included him in most everything and he quickly warmed up.  Now Chiefers Creepers (is his nickname) has lost about 8 pounds, loves to take two walks a day and while he still hasn't gotten past some of his people fears he definitely feels at home at our house.  We aren't sure if he came from a neglected background or outright abuse that caused him so much anxiety but he is getting better and better each day.  We love him and he is truly a member of our household.  Because Chief loves his family so much our only challenge on occasion is his desire to knock over the trash when he is left alone in the house for what he deems to be an unexceptable amount of time.  : )   I say because he loves us so much because he doesn't like us to be away long.  We give him his comfort.  We are negotiating with leaving a blanket out for him to lay on that he likes and a bone.  When Chiefers does knock the trash over he seems to inheritantly know how to pull the poor pitiful me act with those soulful eyes and turned back ears and we can't stay upset with him and he knows it!

We absolutely adore him and like a new baby can't imagine life without him.  Thank you so much for helping bring him into our lives!  I attached a picture of him and our youngest.  He's much lighter now but you can see how happy he is!

Love

The Stevens 

Mel's journey to her forever home

Around Homeward Pet we often say that it 'takes a village' and Mel is
certainly an example of that. She came to us from another shelter where
she was born from a feral mom. When she came to Homeward we sent her out
into a wonderful foster home where she received lots of love and one on
one. Mel came back to us a totally different kitty, very well adjusted
and self confident. On Saturday she was adopted to a wonderful couple.
Here is their story...


Dear Homeward

I'm sorry not to be able to address each of you by name, but I would
like to thank all of you for the wonderful adoption of Mel!
When I saw her on your website Saturday morning, we couldn't wait for
you to open at noon; I had my heart set on her.
My husband and I couldn't be more pleased. We haven't stopped
smiling and giggling since we received her.
After 48 hours, she is barely skittish. She's playful, a quick study
with a good memory, and, of course, very curious.
She is also affectionate and enjoys our attention. She wants our
company and doesn't like to feel left out.
Yesterday was her 3 month anniversary. She had a few little treats
that came with the "Hello Kitty" welcome bag.
As a big fan of "Hello Kitty", I thought that your bag was thoughtful
& cute!
I will be going to "interview" veterinarians tomorrow; there are 3
within a 5-10 minute drive from our house.
I will have an appointment by the end of the week.
We realize that a lot of people were involved in the saving of and
subsequent care of Mel's family.
Thank you for all the wonderful work that you do.
We will make you a priority for a charitable donation.

Congratulations on your 19th anniversary. We came to you on a most
auspicious day!

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart,
Martha

Friday, January 23, 2009

FW: Xmas Photos of Loki and Juno

 

 

 

Here are a couple of shots of Hailey’s newly adopted kittens, Loki and Juno, taken by Hailey herself.

They are growing up fast, doing great, and charming the socks off of everybody. Very social & playful, but can cuddle with the best of ‘em. They seem to get along great with Integrity, our adult female Chihuahua.

Thanks for everything, Laurel.

Jen

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Pet Food Recall

PetSmart is recalling seven of its Grreat Choice dog biscuit products because they contain peanut products made by a company that has been linked to a salmonella outbreak in 43 states and Canada, the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.

For more info, use this link.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/01/21/peanut.recall.treats/index.html

I Found My Home!

Hi! My name is Murphy; glad to meet you! When I was at Homeward Pet, I
was called Rudolf because they did not know my real name. I met my knew
family one week before Christmas 2008, and have been in my home for a
month now. I love it here! I have lots of toys, and three people who
love me SOOO MUCH! I sleep in my buddy's room... he is like a big
brother to me. My family has had to learn a lot... I still sometimes can
steal a sock or towel, but it's getting harder because they are
remembering how sneaky I am! It's so fun when they try to catch me! I
love to go for walks, and have been teaching them how to run with a
leash in their hands. They are learning really fast!
I have been to the vet several times, and really like it. Dr.
Bellinghausen is really smart and seems to know just what I need, except
for those shots... I don't think I really needed those. I am getting
bigger too. I am now about three and a half months old.

I just wanted to be sure to let all the folks at Homeward Pet how much I
appreciate you taking care of me and helping me find my family. You all
were terrific and I loved playing outside the best. I love the snow!

If you want to see more photos of me, I have a photo gallery online now,
at
http://picasaweb.google.com/Coach.Mayberry/MurphyEinsteinMayberry#<http:
//picasaweb.google.com/Coach.Mayberry/MurphyEinsteinMayberry#>
.

Life is good. Wag more, bark less!


Your pal,
Murphy

Bo the dog

Bo is enjoying his new family. Grandma is home with him everyday.
Grandpa makes sure Bo gets all the attention he needs and begs for, but
when Grandpa leaves Bo wants to wait patently by the door until he comes
back home. Bo has also gained a new doggy cousins in Coobie(pictured),
Coco, Cooper, Molly, Shadow, Roxy, and Thug. He enjoys his large yard
but does like to escape every so often. Bo is now at a healthy weight,
a healthy home, and has a large extended family.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Delilah finds happiness

 

 

Hi,
  On July 11th I adopted a sweet one year old brown Tabby. I was a little uncertain about taking on a new pet, but my daughter (she does not live at home) convinced me it was the right thing to do. Every day I am very glad I took her advice. Delilah is a joy. She has won over both dogs and is living happily indoors. She has lots of toys to play with and has the run of the house.
     Thank you for taking in all the pets you do.
 Irene

Friday, January 16, 2009

Sheba finds her best buddy!

I wanted to let all know that Sheba has adjusted pretty well to her new
home and is doing great. We took her to Companion Pet Clinic in
Snohomish/Clearview and she got a clean bill of health. Her favorite
thing to do is sit in the computer chair and sleep all day. She also
loves to watch the birds eating from the bird feeder outside on our
deck. I'm sure she wishes she could reach out and grab one. But all in

all things had transitioned well and my daughter couldn't be happier.

I have attached a couple of pictures we took of Sheba. Thanks so much
for making our daughter's Christmas the best one yet!

Thanks again,
Paula

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Cheyenne (now Emma)

Hi~

I'm sending this email in response to the phone call I got from Homeward

asking how my new kitty is doing. My little girl was named Cheyenne in
the shelter, but I wanted to give her a new start, so after much thought

I chose Emma.

Emma had a slow transition period and was very scared and shy at first.
However, now she feels very comfortable. Last night she discovered the
basket where I keep her toys - it was very exciting for her! :) She
poked around in the basket for a little bit, selected a toy mouse, and
took it out on the rug to play with. So cute!

I've attached a couple pictures of her (one of her playing and one of
her and me).

Thanks so much!

~Kaelin

Hubert the wonder dog

Sorry it has taken so long to get some photos and an update to you all; I know he has been missed around there. J

Hubert has certainly made himself at home and gets sad when anyone leaves the house. He loves walking with the girls to school but, sometimes decides that he is done walking at the most inconvenient times, like the middle of the crosswalk, and we have actually missed a green light for the next one due to him not being ready to cross. LOL

Family and friends have all stopped by to meet him and he is loved by them all and some of the smaller kids argue over who he (Hubert) likes best.

He likes to trick us into walking around the yard with him by making us think that he has to go potty, it's not a bad thing, but at night he likes to walk under the trees and my wife gets scared that a raccoon will jump down on her. I've tried to convince her that raccoons don't fly and that Hubert would most certainly let her know if anything, ANYTHING was around.

He sleeps in our bedroom because we don't let him on the couch and if we turn our back he's right up on them and then hops down when he hears us and acts like he wasn't on the couch. It's all quite comical and you can't help but laugh. My wife, Michele, says she doesn't snore so I recorded Hubert snoring the other night and then played it for her and told her she woke me up by snoring so loud and now she is really self conscious. J LOL His floppy doggy lips flutter when he snores and has a good dream going on in his little doggy dream world.

Anyway, that's all I can think of right now. I'll keep you all updated.

Thanks again for everything . 

 

R°chard McCoy

 

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Update on Marley (formerly Vixen) Adopted 12/17

 
Hello everyone at Homeward Pet!
 
Thank you for your call yesterday, checking in on our adorable puppy. We adopted "Vixen" on 12/17.
 
My husband was concerned that her name sounded too much like a adult entertainer, so she became "Marley" as soon as she got home. Unfortunately, neither of us were aware of the book/movie "Marley and Me," so now everywhere we go we hear, "oh, Marley like the movie?"  Not quite. Every year during Christmas, our cat earns the nickname "Scrooge." (She as a history with both trees and packages.) We introduced the puppy to the cat as her new "partner in crime." Hence, Marley.
 
Miss Marley is the perfect addition to our family! None of us can believe she has only been here for three weeks. She is 99% housetrained (down to one accident every couple of days), is a natural on the leash, and spends at least two hours each day on a walk or playing fetch outside. She loves to chase a tennis ball, but every once in awhile will return with some random stick instead. She keeps all three of us in stitches. She sleeps in her kennel right next to to the master bed, and is now sleeping between 6 and 7 hours at the longest stretch each night. We haven't had a middle-of-the-night potty break since week one.
 
Unfortunately, Marley did develop a respitory infection within three days of coming home. Our vet gave her a course of antibiotics and that cleared up nicely. She has also been to see Dr. Klevin for one round of shots, and will be back in two weeks for the last of her puppy immunizations. Despite her brief illness, Marley is growing like a weed. She was 12.2 pounds when she arrived home. A week ago at the vet she was already at 18.6. Since her arrival, she has grown enough to easily manage our stairs (and hop onto the couch when my husband thinks I'm not looking).
 
Now that she is no longer contageous, we have begun socializing Marley and taking her on doggy play dates with other dogs in the family. She is a little timid, but is definitely getting the hang of "being a dog." We have also started some basic training. She has mastered "sit," "lie down," and "drop it." We are still working on "off" and "go to your bed." We have spoken with Puppy Manners at Cascade Kennels and will enroll her in their next round of puppy classes. Given that our adorable baby may someday reach 80 pounds, she simply has to be a well-trained girl! 
 
In short, I don't think it is possible that the three of us could love her any more than we do already. The energy she brings into our home is delightful. We are so grateful for your help in making this a reality for us.
 
Attached are a couple of photos of the divine Miss M.
 
Best,
Kindra Reid

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Family photo with Otis

Here is a family photo of us with Otis.

 

We are enjoying him immensely!  Except for the farting.  J

 

- Steve and Jollee

Friday, January 9, 2009

Milo-enjoying the good life!

"Milo is right at home. I hope you enjoy the pictures".
-Carolyn

(Milo was a rescue cat who is FIV positive and has been in foster care
the past few weeks -he is about to be officially adopted and from the
looks of the photos, Milo hit the jackpot!!!)

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Stella adopted!

Stella found someone to usher in 2009 with and is already settled in to her new home in West Seattle. You might have read her story on this webpage as she was recently Pet of the Week. This beautiful senior bengal cat was looking for a special home without other animals to sneak up on her as she was deaf. She found the perfect home and we have heard that she is adjusting beautifully and is already sleeping with  her owner at night! One of Stella’s owners is deaf himself so her new family is very sensitive to Stella’s needs. This very special girl has found her ‘forever’ home and we celebrate another very happy ending!

 

Laurel Ehrlich

Cat Program Manager

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Every Day is Special with Miss Dobby

 

Dear Friends at Homeward,

 

This is the story of a wonderful 11 year old stray that we found at Homeward in April of 2003.  Her name then was ‘Killer’ – a mix of schnauzer, poodle (and I suspect doxie), she was very overweight and weighed a whopping 25 pounds when we took her home.  You had brought her over from Eastern WA and she was solid mats and had been left out all winter in Spokane (her person had died and the family was not into her I guess).  We could hardly tell which end was which, but she looked at us and wobbled right along when on leash.  She had an old injury to a front leg so she had arthritis and an adorable wobble when she walked!

 

We re-named her Dobby (after the Harry Potter house elf) and we’ve been blessed with THE most wonderful dog.  We do, however, sometimes call her a sneaky old cow because arthritis and all, she can get any food that is left within reach – on TV trays, etc. – she’s quite the chow hound.  She is a great friend to our Lhasa Skipper (also a rescue and about 14 years old) and they often sleep touching one another.

 

Now Dobby is down to a svelt 16 pounds and looks quite cute.  She plops her head on you when in your lap or if in your arms and she is just a dear.

 

This year, she is 17 years old and sadly, her body is not at young as her spirit.  She has had a heart murmur since we got her, and lately it has worsened so she is on meds to stop fluid in her lungs.  The vet did not expect that she would be with us this long, but she is still having fun.  She never says ‘no’ to a walk or a treat and loves to go for car rides.  She has never been much for learning tricks – just down and sit, but she would have me tell you that she has trained us quite well and is an expert at getting treats! 

 

Every day with her is a joy now and we will treasure her for as long as she can be with us.  Adopting an older dog is a true pleasure and we thank you in our hearts every day for bringing Dobby to us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Deeanne and Francesco

 

 

 

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Our growing puppy

 
Hi. Thanks for the call to check in on our new little one, Max (or as you knew him, Weezie). You mentioned sending in some pictures so I thought I would send a few your way. =) He is doing great. He is all signed up to start puppy school next week and knows how to ask to potty outside, sit, lay down, and loves to go for walks to hunt for pine cones. We are so happy with our new addition! He is just the best puppy we could have asked for!
Thanks,
Angela, Josh, and Max (formerly Weezie)

#1: Max survives the big snow! he loved it!
#2: His favorite spot... being lazy on the couch.
#3: Max all bundled up for his first vacation... Winthrop, WA.
#4: Josh, Max, and Angela enjoying the snow day.



 

Zac

 
 

Dear Homeward Pet Staff,

 

Zac, a German Shepherd mix, we adopted from Homeward a few months ago, is a great addition to our family. He seems very content to be in our home, and is doing wonderfully with our cat, and rambuctious 9 year Lab mix,Cecil, formally name Baker, who we also adopted from Homeward.  We are so happy to have him as a part of lives.

 

Here are a few pictures of him and Cecil we thought you'd may enjoy seeing.  I think you can see him smile in a few of them.

 

Regards,

Brooke and Jonthan 

 

Happy tails-Harvey

First of all we would like to thank all the staff at homeward pets for
providing such excellent care to all the animals at the shelter. Keep up
the good work! Harvey is everything I was looking for in a dog and more!
He fits into our family perfectly (except he hogs the whole couch)! He
is a BIG boy weighing over 75lbs and counting. We adopted Harvey in
July 2008 when he was four months old, and we haven't looked back since!
Harvey has the best personality, he loves to share his toys with other
dogs (often carrying them over to another dog and spitting it out in
front of them) and he plays great with dogs of all sizes. Harvey truly
enjoys every inch of our five acres, and always makes sure to do his
"jobs". Harvey has taken it upon himself to bring the horses in every
night and put them out very morning, he is a natural herding dog! He
also makes daily checks on the chickens. He is also catching mice better
than any barn cat we have ever had. Harvey is very confident and
independent, he is definitely not a needy dog. The true love of his life
is my parent's 15 year old blue-healer mix, who has had a new lease on
life since his arrival. She has been his mentor, teaching him how to be
a true farm dog (especially looking after the chickens). Harvey has made
us laugh until we cry on a daily basis...he truly is the family clown.
He loves watching the tv programme "Living With the Wolf Man"...and
judging by his reaction to the commercial for "Marley and Me" he is
looking forward to seeing that too! In his down time he likes to look at
himself in the mirror and try to play with the dog that is starring back
at him. Once again We would just like to thank you guys...Harvey is the
center of our world and we wouldn't have it any other way!

-Colleen Cotey-Fitzgerald and John Paul Fitzgerald

One-eyed jack/chester update

Hello!
 
We adopted Chester (or One-Eyed Jack as he was called over there) last Sunday.  We absolutely love Chester, he has been the best dog!  He is friendly and loves to cuddle with us (especially when we're watching a movie or reading a book).  He is doing a great job on walks and hasn't had any accidents in the apartment!  Car rides are scary for him, but we're working on that as we don't like to be without him! :)
 
Thank you for helping us adopt our new best friend/child!
 
I've attached a picture, he was super tired after playing catch with his little turtle!
 
-Heather and Scott
 

Friday, January 2, 2009

Mac

 
Hello,
 
My husband and I adopted Mac, an 8 yr old lab mix, in Sept.  We wanted to drop a quick note giving you an update on him...
 
He's doing wonderful and has really bonded with us, and our other dog Maggie (5 yr old Lab).  We've got him to be quite active and as as a result he's lost some weight.  At his vet visit last week for a teeth cleaning he weighed 78 pounds. 
 
Attached are a few pictures from the holidays.  We spent Thanksgiving in MT and he loved exploring the mountains and outdoors. 
 
Wishing you a joyful 2009,
 
Erin & Thomas Price

Pics of fritz

 
 Here are some good times with my family.  We do enjoy doing a lot of things together . 
 We wish you all a happy new year.
love fritz and family