George had started out in Germany and was passed from one family member to another before he ended up in San Antonio, and in an abusive household. On September 28 2003, he was adopted as a 10-12 year old schnauzer mix through the Older Pet Program.

After 4 years he began to trust his family. He lived with his family there for seven years and then, on September 17, 2010, George passed away. He had just come home from being groomed, so he was very handsome and regal looking. He loved looking good!

His Mom tells us, “He taught us how to love him more, how to respect the fact that his whole life had been horrible and here he was giving us a chance. He opened his heart to us also! I just want everybody to know what a huge difference he made in our lives. He changes me and my family to be better and more understanding of people. He was the best thing that could have happened to us.”

 

One of our adopters wanted to share pictures of her two sweet, loving pets that were both adopted at ADL years apart.

The dark cat, GiGi, was adopted in 1993 and sadly passed away in 2008, at the age of 15.  Stevie, the blond one, was adopted in 1999 at six weeks of age.

In the picture, GiGi was 6 years old and Stevie was 6 months old.  Stevie has grown to be an absolutely beautiful cat now at the age of 10.  Their owner writes, “Both of these pets have given me so much love over the years, I’m thankful every day for having them in my life.”

 

Maximus came to the shelter as a stray suffering from a broken femur. He spent a portion of his healing time in our hospital where he won the hearts of all the staff who cared for him on a daily basis. Max desperately needed a more comfortable place to completely heal and he was finally fostered by a volunteer who had met him while spending time at the shelter. Apparently Max’s sweet personality won her over too, and she adopted him two months later.

We hear he has his licker license and likes to climb up on your lap for a cuddle every now and then. He also likes to talk to his mom, but only at home because he’s a little shy in public.

 

 

 

 

Dylan‘s owner writes, “In October 2007, we had 2 wonderful dogs, Buddy & Bo, but we sadly lost Bo to illness.  Buddy did not cope well after Bo’s death, so our veterinarian recommended that we get him a furry friend to keep him company.  He spoke very highly of ADL, so I started looking through the “Pet Personals” on ADL’s website.  There were so many cute dogs that just tugged on my heart strings.  My husband, Buddy, and I went to ADL and walked through each of the units looking at the various dogs.  When we went to look at one particular dog, Dylan, who we saw on ADL’s website, he was out in the play area with several other dogs.  We spotted him right away from the cute picture that we saw on ADL’s website.  There was something special about Dylan right from the start.  All the other dogs were barking at us as we walked along the fence with Buddy.  Dylan was just running alongside the fence, following us, and wagging his tail.  He wasn’t barking or jumping on the fence, like a number of the other dogs.  At the time, Dylan was about 7 months old, and he had been at ADL for a couple months.  He was from an abusive home, so he was quite skittish.  It was evident that he just needed some tender, loving care before he could build trust in us.  Buddy, my husband, and I enjoyed some time with Dylan and quickly realized that we had found a dog to join our family.  We fell in love with Dylan, and he joined his ‘forever family’ on October 18, 2007.  Dylan is a wonderful, smart, playful, and loving dog that blesses our daily lives.  When the need arises in the future to find another new furry friend for our home, we will certainly head for ADL.  Thank you, ADL, for a loving dog, who helps make our house a home.”

A couple saw a starving dog in a humane trap out in the country. They saw her in the trap for three days and on the 3rd day; she had 7 puppies in the trap with her. They then brought the entire trap, containing all eight animals into the shelter. A volunteer was asked to foster the frightened mamma dog with her puppies until the puppies were big enough to find homes. She came to be known as Lupe, and all of her puppies came back to the shelter at six weeks of age and were quickly adopted. Her foster mom felt that Lupe would probably always be a special needs dog so she adopted her.

Matt was found as a 2-year-old stray and brought to the shelter in March 2003. Because he was so scared, he began lashing out at anyone who tried to enter his personal space (the kennel). As a volunteer, Lupe’s mom had made friends with Matt and later became a staff member. Matt had lived at the shelter for over three years, so she thought that he could use a little break. She introduced Matt to Lupe and they both got along, so Matt started spending nights at home with Lupe. As Matt’s foster mom, she tried hard to find Matt a permanent home. But no one came in asking about the cute little red heeler, so after 6 months; Matt made his foster home a permanent home.

 

 

 

Blue‘s owner writes, “We went to ADL to get a playmate for Kirby, my then two year old black and white shih tzu. We were looking for an active small dog to be Kirby’s buddy. We walked in and and there were alot of people, so we were waiting to talk to someone and we were letting Kirby get comfortable. One of the volunteers started talking to us and he told us about Espada, who he said was very gentle. We agreed to see her. He went in to the building and came out with this huge yellow dog, she was everything we did not want! She was a female, she was over 75lbs, she was older AND she was heartworm positive! She looked into my eyes and I fell in love. We brought her home and it was not easy; she kept trying to eat the cat, she attacked Kirby twice and she would eat anything left out on the kitchen counter. After about a month things got easier. She calmed down and her gentle nature took over. The cat had kittens which we kept and we rescued another shih tzu so Kirby could have a play buddy. Espada, now known as Blue, is the sweetest most gentle dog. She loves to lie on her pillows with one of the four cats and with at least one other dog. It will be two years this October and she is a 90 pound, happy inside dog who loves everyone and who is loved by everyone she meets!”

 

 

Phoebe was adopted at six months of age in 1999 and Darby was adopted during a Christmas adoption event in 2000. Their owner writes about Phoebe, “Her ADL name was Mindy. When I went to the shelter I found most of the cats gone to an adoption event. Phoebe’s brother (Mork) was gone as well. She was all alone and so small. I looked at the older cats but Phoebe kept hollering. She persisted until I came back to the kitten room. She stretched out her paw and just kept touching my arm and calling to me. Well, she made her point and that day, she found her forever home.” Darby’s adoption is described next. “I went to the event to see Mom, who was volunteering. Well, I admit it, she snuck me in early to show me this tiny baby. She was so terrified she was balled up like a tiny fuzz ball. She was barely over 2 pounds and was so terrified I could not get her to uncurl at all. Well, that did it. I could not imagine this scared little baby having to stay all day at this event. It would have been too much for her. Her ADL name was Oreo. I had some difficulty getting Phoebe to accept Darby. But, they finally decided to mark off their territory and they each have their own zone.”

 

Rex‘s owner adopted him in 2007. He tells the story best when he writes, “I didn’t have a dog for over ten years, then a friend of mine sent me a link of another dog at the ADL and I looked through the site and saw Rex. I went over to the ADL on a Saturday, saw Rex and all the other dogs. I knew then that he would be coming home with me. He was the only dog that didn’t bark at me, he just licked my hand and walked to the other side of his cage. I went over to the other side and petted him for awhile and went home to ponder what to do next. The apartments I lived in had a restriction on weights of dogs so I talked to the leasing agent and she gave me approval for Rex. The next Saturday I went to the ADL and spent 30 minutes with Rex. Once the paperwork was done, Rex was in my car and driving back with me to the apartment. Rex has his issues; he digs, is scared of rainstorms (he hides under the bed) and doesn’t like anybody coming up behind him - but just like people dogs have their problems. He lives inside, gets to run everyday in a big tennis court and hangs out with me at the pool or on the balcony and also we go to the dog park. I love Rex and would never ever think of getting rid of him, even though there are times he gets me going. I’m so glad my friend sent me the email about the ADL as now I am preparing to bring Rex to Korea where I am working. Wherever I go my buddy Rex will go too, we’re a family.”

 

Skipper’s used to be called Falkor when he briefly stayed in our kennels. His owner writes, “It has been over two years since we adopted Skipper (aka Falkor). He is really spoiled but he is also very smart. I wanted to share pics of him to show that his adoption has been and will always continue to be a success story.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You likely remember Mitch. He came to us so badly injured that he not only lost one of his legs, but his bladder had to be repositioned. Mitch’s new owner writes, “You said Mitch was a ‘special needs’ dog. I think your secretary transcribed it all wrong- it should have read ‘especially neat dog.’ I’m sticking true to what I said I would do- Mitch gets about four hours a day outside, on a leash. On working days, we take a long morning walk or jog, a potty break, an after work potty break and a long evening walk. The dog sitter stops by twice during the day and tries her best to tire him. I’ve read about five books on dogs by now, and the one that makes most sense to me is Caesar Milan’s approach of making sure the dog gets enough exercise. And Mitch is one high energy dog. The funny thing is- he was slower and more cautious in the shelter, and I thought, ‘Hmm…well, he’ll be a cuddler. It would have been nice to have a running partner, but I don’t think he can keep up with me.’ HA! The truth is, now that he’s learned the neighborhood, we sprint just fine side by side. (Okay, well- I really have to book it to keep up with Mitch.) At first, I was super cautious and worried about his back leg. Only to bring him home early and watch him zip around the house like gangbusters. Mitch is looking good and eating well. He’s put on a pound. Of course, that’s all muscle. Or the special homemade liver treats his vegetarian ‘Uuuugh, I am touching raw meat!!!’ mom makes him.”

 

Raider stayed at ADL for 2 years before being adopted by his new mom. He was a distemper survivor who was passed over by most visitors due to the residual affects of the disease. She affectionately writes of him, “Bucky (Raider) is doing great and he is beautiful. Wednesdays are his anniversary days – when he chose us for his forever home. He is so beautiful. He is relaxed. Words cannot describe how much I love him. I love all my dogs, but it is as if Bucky and I were made to be together. He and the other dogs make a handsome pack and are wonderful with each other.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brenda stayed at the shelter longer than expected for such a well-adjusted, happy girl. Thankfully, her chance came to find a great home! Brenda’s new owner writes, “Brenda has a new name it’s Mama and she’s a doll we are adjusting to each other but i have confidence in her as she slowly accepts her new place!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chester came to us not once, but twice. He really is a lucky dog this time, because he’s set for good! Mitch’s new owner writes, “Things with Chester have been great!  I couldn’t be more pleased with a dog!  When I first brought him home, he had a hard time adjusting.  He did not like being in the crate while I was gone, so he would manage to “break out” of it and destroy the house.  Over the past month or so, he has gotten much better with training, and actually likes being in his crate!  He does fabulous on walks around the neighborhood.  I have been able to put him in his harness and run, which he really enjoys.  He has been to the vet for check-ups and even a deep teeth cleaning!  They look great and his breath smells good!  He has been pretty easy to train, and loves being right by my feet all the time.  Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better dog, or a better adoption experience.  His Avid and 24PetWatch have both been updated, and his new collar tags are in the mail now!  I can’t wait to put them on him! He is such a lovable dog with so much affection, and I couldn’t imagine my life without him!  I’ve attached some pictures we took this morning. Thank you so much!”

 

 

Love Bug wasn’t here long, but some of you may remember his stay. Love Bug’s new owner writes, “Halo, formally known at the ADL as Love Bug, is doing great!  She has adopted wonderfully with our 10-year old Field Spaniel we adopted about seven years ago from ADL as well.  Here’s a snap shot of her on our patio.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cooper found the home of his dreams! His family came from south of Houston to get him after contacting us via facebook. They had lost their dog of 13 years the month before and Cooper looked exactly like their dog. He looks like he’s enjoying life. This is what his adopter wrote to us on facebook after receiving a call from Sarah in the Adoption Center, “Thanks for the call today Sarah! We love Cooper and thank you for taking such good care of him. This is Cooper as an RV dog and beach dog at Matagorda over Labor Day weekend.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

JD wanted a new home so bad…we’re so glad he found the perfect one! JD’s new owner writes, “We adopted Jade (you know him as JD) five weeks ago today and couldn’t be happier. We love him and he has adjusted very well to family life in our home. He’s had numerous new experiences in the last month and has accepted every challenge. We are starting to focus more on some training issues now that he has settled into a routine. As you can see from the picture below, he became spoiled very quickly!”