Alumni Tales 8

Alumni Tales

Alumni Tales are stories of happy pet adoptions from the Maryland SPCA. If you have an MD SPCA adoption story you would like to share, please go to our Alumni Tales Submission page and tell us yours. Below are some of our recent favorite stories! You can read more great animal stories on our Alumni Tales, Alumni Tales 7, Alumni Tales 6, Alumni Tales 5, Alumni Tales 4, Alumni Tales 3, Alumni Tales 2 and Alumni Tales 1 pages.

Chachi is a Talker

I was the first in line, and his baby blue eyes captured my heart but his kisses sealed the deal. My husband always wanted a big dog, and Chachi is an Australian Shepard/Catahoula Leopard mix. He gets along with our cat, Louie, and my Chihuahua, Butters. Chachi is a talker and has to get the last word in—LOL. He is one smart and clever dog who loves to destroy toys but mostly loves his squeaky toys—LOL. We can't love him anymore than we do.
-Tammy & Bob

Fletcher Rescued Her

I adopted Fletcher (formerly Poogie) in 1998. On June 2, 2011—at the age of 13—he crossed over the rainbow bridge. Even though I rescued him, the truth is that he really saved me. 1997 was an awful year—divorce, death of a friend and losing my dog and one of my cats. I went to the MD SPCA and adopted a dog, but after several days, I realized that I was not ready for a new dog. In tears, I returned him to the shelter. The volunteer manager at the time (Aileen Gabbey) suggested that I become a volunteer "to get my dog fix" and allow myself time to heal from my dog's death. Eight months later, I walked into the MD SPCA nursery and there was the cutest puppy I had ever seen—a three-month-old Border Collie mix. I sat on the floor in his kennel, he crawled into my lap, looked into my eyes with pure puppy love and licked me almost to death. I took him to his forever home and within two days he became very ill (with Parvo). After spending 10 days in the ICU, he was well enough to return home. He was healed and with his sweet, loving, energetic, playful and loyal doggie self, proceeded to heal my broken heart. He added joy to my life every day for 13 years. Thank you, MD SPCA, for the amazing good work that you do and for giving me Fletcher. -Pam

Kente is a beautiful, loving dog

I had just dropped off my freshman son at the bus station to return to his school that Sunday afternoon. I felt so liberated that I decided to stop by the MD SPCA to see an older dog I had admired online. I was looking for a dog that would get along with my cat, Missy, whom I had adopted nine years earlier. When I arrived, the older dog was gone and the choice of dogs was few. Then I spotted a volunteer carrying this adorable puppy— big feet, brown eyes, so cute!!! When I inquired about this dog, the volunteer informed me that he was already someone else's choice to adopt. The would-be adopter then turned to me and stated that I could have him since she was considering another dog. The volunteer handed over Wiley (named for his coyote looks, I suppose). And from that moment until the present, he was my dog! I named him Kente (as in African Kente cloth) for the beautiful colors of brown, orange and black in his brindle coat. I didn't realize that I would be raising a baby; I had just gleefully sent my first baby off to school that morning! But Kente has loved me so and I him, that I've never regretted adopting him. He's grown into a beautiful, handsome, loving dog. -Joyce

Smitty Brought Much Love and Joy

Smitty was not our first choice, he was our second, and without the wonderful people at the MD SPCA, we would have never had the chance to know him. Sadly, three days ago, he passed, but not before bringing more happiness to our family than I can express with words. Smitty was a gentle, caring, loving soul, with whom we were lucky enough to spend the past nine years. I can only hope that sometime in the near future we can be matched with another dog who might bring us even half of the love and joy our Smitty Boy did. Thanks a million times over. -Lori

TUCKER Brings Happiness

My girlfriend and I adopted Tucker after visting the MD SPCA the day before with my daughter. He was so well behaved. We fell in love with him, but there wasn't enough time to adopt him, and I didn't have all my paperwork to get him. When we can back the next day, he remembered us and was so happy to see us. Since he's been home, he's just been so happy playing and being loved. He even crawls into bed with us now. I am so happy to have him in our lives.

We would love to get together with other dog owners for some play time. If you are interested, you can message me. -Glenn

on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Sincere6979
email: sincere697902@yahoo.com

Portie enjoys his new family in North Carolina

When I found out we were moving to North Carolina, one of the things my parents used to bribe my sister and me was to get another dog. We already had one Dachshund, Frankie, and we couldn't get enough Doxie love! My mother was at a charity function and was talking to a woman who worked at the MD SPCA. She said that they had just gotten a Dachshund off the streets and into the shelter. So, of course, we just had to see him. Porter was skinny and small, and he looked extra skinny in his big scarf. Frankie seemed interested in him, and they got along well, so we adopted him. Now, here in North Carolina, Portie and his half-brother, Spunky, enjoy cuddles, long walks and generally being spoiled. While Spunky prefers playing fetch, Portie enjoys sleeping on the couch under his heated blanket. We love our Dachshunds for their quirky, fuzzy selves! -Kitty

Habibi is a Wonderful Boy

A few months ago, our older cat died at 16 years of age and we wanted to get another cat. We needed a cat who would be able to get along with another cat and our dog, and we wanted a lap kitty. My son and I looked at several kittens, thinking they could most easily adjust, but we couldn't make up our minds. An MD SPCA worker suggested Argonne (now Habibi), a young, fully grown cat. He had been at the MD SPCA for six weeks because he had been sick, and when we had looked in his crate, he hadn't come forward so we could look at him. When the worker unlatched his crate, he stepped out into her arms, purring madly, and then crawled from one pair of arms into the next, ecstatic with the attention.

We have been so happy with him! He is easy-going and loving, and fits into the family perfectly. He is a wonderful little boy. -Genevieve

They Love Coming Home to Raven

Raven is very happy. My niece, Michelle, brought her to our attention when she volunteered last year. Raven (or Tina as you called her) was only 69 pounds when we got her. She gained five pounds a month her first four months. She is now a health 97 pounds and is no where near the shy, reclusive dog we brought home a year ago. She loves everyone. She wants to chase all the squirrels in the neighborhood and is the nosiest dog we've ever met. She has to check out everything we bring into the house, clothes we put on, store bags, etc...
After we lost our dog, Sasha, in December of 2009 after 11.5 years, the five months between her passing and getting Raven were so hard. But having Raven in our lives makes it so special to come home every day. We love her very much! Thank you. -Steph & Dave

Pumpkin and Hardie Are a Sweet Pair

We've now had Pumpkin (orange tabby) for just over a year (He was my Mother's Day present last year.) and Hardie (bassett hound) for just under a year (He was my husband's Father's Day present.). Both were adopted from the MD SPCA. Both were adult animals.

Pumpkin I loved immediately for the way he inhales while purring, mouth slightly ajar ("rrrronk!"); his freckled lips; his predilection for laying down on my chest, even while I'm upright; and the fact that he sleeps with me every night (unless, increasingly common of late, he's sleeping with Clara).

Hardie the inscrutable has taken a bit longer, but I am smitten with him these days. His implacable droopiness conceals a mischievous streak. Lost a toy? Chances are Hardie has whisked it upstairs. Despite being shaped like a keg on short legs, he can whisk; however, creeping, silent on his massive feet, is his real forte. Here's a 45-pound hound who can cross a hard wood floor silently. Hardie never ever shows aggression with children, even those of strangers. That's a wonderful thing. And on Saturday mornings (my day to sleep in until 8:30), he stands with his head on my mattress whiffling softly until I get up. I've given up trying to train him (i.e., he's trained me not to train him) and now we are all quite content.

Sweet animals, both of them. I wonder what their years were like before they came to us. I'm glad we have 'em. -Antje

River was the Best Dog

For years, River was the best dog you could ever ask for, extremely loving, protective of the kids and energetic. River gave us five wonderful years with her, and we absolutely loved every minute with her. It's with great sadness that we must announce her passing. River passed away last night in her sleep. We know that had it not been for the wonderful people at the MD SPCA, we may not have ever had the pleasure of having her in our lives...THANK YOU!! —Norman

Roscoe Makes His Family Happy

Hi, my name is Roscoe, and I was adopted one year ago today. My MD SPCA name was Big Daddy, but my family changed it to Roscoe Alexander. I now live with Mommy, a human brother and sister, a feline brother named Chase Christopher who was adopted from Baltimore County Animal Control and my new niece, a bunny named Daisy. I love running around outside with my human siblings, going for rides in the car and hanging out on the couch with Mommy while she watches the Ravens and NASCAR. Mommy tells Chase and me every day that she's happy we're here, and we feel the same way. —Roscoe, adopted by Lisa