Alumni Tales 2

Maya feels at home

Maya immediately came home, sat by the pond in the back yard, and has felt at home ever since. She has made many friends, both human and canine. She is such an important part of the family, we can't imagine life before Maya.
— Margie

Raphael Is the Best Dog in the World

My good old boy, Raphael, was adopted 4 1/2 years ago. He is the best dog in the world. Miss Pat, a volunteer, matched us up, and we are a perfect couple! He walks well, listens, loves, and is a great loving companion. Raphael and my other dog, Pee Wee, are best friends. They love each other to the end. When I brought Raphael home, Pee Wee looked at him as if to say, "Well, where have you been?" You see, six months before, our beloved Brooksie passed away suddenly. Brooksie had helped me rescue Pee Wee from the streets, and thus Pee Wee helped keep my heart from breaking too much when Brooksie went on to heaven. Raphael and Pee Wee are the loves of my life. Rescuing a dog is the best thing you could ever do. For them, and for yourself!
— Maryanne

Toby Enjoys Being King of the Castle

Just wanted to let everyone know how happy my fiance and I are with our adoption of Toby. He is a great dog who is very smart and keeps us on our toes. As Christmas comes near, I am thankful to have our sweet "Mr. Fluffy," and I know he knows that he has a home and is loved. The photo attached is Toby enjoying being the king of the castle.
— Michele

Clarence Is Loving Life!

You probably hear back from people a year or so after they adopt dogs. I thought you'd like to hear from an old-timer! We adopted Clarence in 1999. When we adopted him, he was all skin and bones! Clarence was the skinniest dog I had ever seen in my life! We found out he had been a tv dog of the day (with no one interested in him) and figured this underdog needed us. Maryanne at the SPCA did our paperwork and told us she had a special relationship with Clarence. She seemed so genuinely concerned for his well-being. Well, Clarence quickly gained weight and became best buddies with our other dog Louie. We've had him almost 8 years now, and he's still feisty! He and Louie love to nap (see picture—Clarence is in front), and Clarence is basically loving life! Thanks so much for a great dog!
— Christine

Freddie Becomes the Marina Mascot

My wife and I would like to thank The Maryland SPCA and all its staff for giving a second chance at a forever home to Diesel, now known as Freddie.
On the ride home after adopting our new buddie, we discovered that he didn't have much experience traveling in a car. As avid RVer's this presented a challenge, but with a little patience Freddie discovered that both cars and boats are fun. Now we can't keep him out of our truck because he knows that a ride means endless opportunities for ball chasing, people interaction and, best of all, boat rides. He's now the mascot of our favorite marina and gets treats whenever we gas up.
Thank you for giving him the second chance that brought him to us.
— Henry & Mary

Abby Is a Great Puppy

Hi Maryland SPCA,
I just wanted to let Kate and everyone know that I am okay. My mommy is the best. She says I am so spoiled. My mommy and daddy said that I am very smart. They thought that I would have trouble being potty trained, but I let them know when I have to go. I miss my brother (Iggy). I hope he is okay. Now I have 3 new cat brothers.
— Abby

Hi guys,
When I first saw Abby (formally Ameila), I knew I wanted to take her home. Abby is a great puppy. When I adopted her, she was not house-trained. I thought I was going to have trouble training her, but it turns out I was wrong. Abby is very smart. She has only had a couple of accidents. She lets me know when she has to go potty. I have three cats, and they all love her and get along great.
We took Abby to get groomed yesterday, and she had her shots updated. She is a great puppy. I am so glad you all took care of her while I was searching for her. We will keep you updated.
— Tiffany

Zoe Has Been a Joy

We got Zoey (formerly Sara) at The Maryland SPCA, and it has been such a joy to have rescued her!!! Zoey says, "Today I just graduated from obedience class!! Yay! And I am doing agility and flyball. But, I HATE people touching or putting things over my face!! I have new friends—a Lab named Simba and three cats that I torment all the time. Well, I am learning. I have a BIG dominance issue, but I am working on that!!! I am spoiled rotten and loving it!!" Thank you, SPA, for giving me Zoey and giving Zoey me!!!
— Sandy

Enjoying Every Minute with Trixie

We adopted Trixie (formerly Cinnamon), a Boxer, after spending about two months looking at all the shelters and rescue groups we could think of. Everyone said you'll know the right one when you see her. We already had an 8-year-old Lab, and I was leaning toward another Lab, but my son had other ideas. One look at Trixie, and that was it. It was her first day up for adoption. She was skinny and scared, but she just struck a chord with us. We brought our Lab, Sophie, out to meet her, and they basically ignored each other.
After being spayed, Trixie was ready to go home with us. I read all the books about introducing a new dog to the household and thought I was prepared. Boy was I wrong! Trixie kept attacking Sophie. She was this skinny underweight puppy taking on a 65-pound Lab. Eventually she came around to the realization that she wasn't the boss, and things settled down. After obedience classes she became a perfect fit in our household. When Sophie died suddenly on Christmas morning 2005, Trixie was a great comfort to our family.
Now sadly I have just learned that Trixie has cancer and only about two months to live. We are taking walks and going to play with her many friends at the Howard County dog park and hope to keep her happy and healthy as long as possible. Right now you'd never know she's sick so we're enjoying every minute we have with her. I'm sure I'll be visiting the SPCA again soon looking for that next special friend and companion. A new pet would never replace her, but I've found that each dog has its own unique way of fitting into your life.
— Irena

Cody Celebrates 10 Great Years

Hi SPCA, my former home!! I just wanted to update you as I have just celebrated my 10th adoption anniversary. I have the best life ever! In the 10 years since I have been adopted, I have traveled, swam in lots of different places, eaten lots of different foods, chased countless squirrels and have even been on TV on several occasions. I am slowing down a little bit, but my appetite for food and chasing squirrels has never been better! Thank you so much, SPCA, for finding me the best home ever!!!
— Cody, adopted by Marcy

Murphy Keeps Us Laughing

We were looking for a fun and playful cat to adopt. Boy did we get that and more in Murphy (formerly Mason). Murphy, who'd been transferred from BARCS just the day before, after spending two months in that shelter, keeps us laughing and busy. We're still in the adjustment phase, but we can tell that Murphy definitely likes his new home.
— Ade and Monique