Adoption Happy Endings
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More happy endings: page 1, page 2
The Ark receives many letters, phone calls, and emails from happy adopters of Ark pets. We post a few here, to brighten your day. We hope to add a dog and a cat to these pages every week or two.
Li'l Boy, a five year old Chihuahua, quite shy and apprehensive after living in a back yard breeder's cage where he was rescued by one of our care givers, has found a new home where his personality is beginning to shine through. Below is the note to Lorna from Judy:
Dear Lorna & Staff,
Just a quick note to let you know that L'il Boy (now named Chico) is getting along very well. He's under my desk right now snoozing. I brought him in to work for the afternoon and he was quite the social butterfly! He really came out of his shell, and went from office to office, tail wagging, and happy to be at work.
He traveled very well on the way home from Cherryfield. No motion sickness or restlessness (although I did think he might earn the name "Stinky"). The gassiness isn't an issue now; I'm sure it was just nervousness. I think he is going to love riding in a car. He certainly didn't mind the ride to the office (15 minutes) this afternoon.
I want to thank you all for this little dog. He's already wormed his way into my heart.
Best to all of you,
Judy and Chico
Picture: "Our wonderful Billie Jean surveying her domain"
Billie Jean has finally found just the right home! At The Ark she was very shy, and her first adoption didn't work out. But now she is a happy and well-adjusted cat, and her new owners (in Beals) love her, as you can easily see in their note to The Ark:
"Here is a picture of our wonderful Billie Jean for your scrapbook. She is a fantastic kitty, sweet, lovable (on her terms), smart and very much an important part of our family. Here she is on one of her favorite perches, checking out her landscape, and undoubtedly planning her day's activities. After a month, we introduced her to the outside world very slowly, and now she loves playing and 'hunting' outside and frequently lands on our bed at daylight to be patted first and then to be let outside! She comes when she's called or when my husband whistles to her. She's very content to prowl on our large front and back lawns. She has decided that being in a fisherman's family has many perks–sampling lobster and scallops and fish on occasion! Billie is forever rubbing up against our big lab and under his chin. We are so happy to have our new forever kitty in our family! Thank you!"
TINKERBELLE, a four year old Viszla mix, surrendered because her family was opening a day care and she wasn't all that crazy about having her ears pulled, was very devoted to her family. She was miserable at the shelter, barking constantly for someone to come get her out of her kennel, and leaping around when she was released. Jeff and Lys, who have no children, came more than once to spend time with Tink before they decided to adopt. She went home with them on August 22. Below is the email they sent to Lorna regarding Tinkerbelle's adjustment to them, and their Ark experience:
Hi Lorna and Ark staff, volunteers, and board members:
I'm writing to thank all of you at The Ark for connecting us with Tink, our four-year-old female vizsla/lab dog. She is a gem, and we feel that we really "won the lottery" in bringing her into our home. She is truly a member of the family, even though we've only had her for a few weeks.
We were very impressed on our visits to The Ark with the excellent care the animals receive. We both have some previous experience with animal shelters, public and private, and we feel that The Ark is doing an exceptionally good job.
At a time when adoption procedures for an animal can be as complicated and problematic as those for adopting a child, we especially appreciate the sensible and straightforward approach of The Ark. You gave us a clear picture of our dog's background, health record, etc.; and you recognized that we would be good and caring new owners for her. Thank you!
Tink now has her place in our hearts and in our home. She has her own bed (though she also likes to snuggle up with us when permitted), toys, groomer, and vet. She gets a good walk every day, playtime, good food, and plenty of healthy treats. We're part way through a course in obedience training, and she is learning to be a "loose leash" walker. She's very proud to be a "good dog" and loves the praise and attention it brings her.
Again, thank you for matching us up with this wonderful dog. We'll be happy to recommend The Ark to anyone we know who is looking to adopt a pet.
With sincere regards,
Lys and Jeff
Maxey and Snowball live in Virginia in the winter and in Machias in the summer.
"Here's little Maxey letting Andy know who's in charge. It was less than 24 hours before our boy kitty was out and all over. Now all three play. Snowball is happy as can be and seeks out Maxey for a romp. Thank you for your help in finding our new family."
Cat smelling flowers: "Snowball's first night, smelling the flowers. She has made herself at home very quickly."
While at The Ark, Snowball, not at all fond of other cats, lived in a kitty condo, and it was believed that she would need a home where she was the only cat. She was with us for seven months, living in her own kitty condo. Her history includes abuse resulting in a crooked jaw. At the same time, however, she had a "spirited personality" and loved to play and to be held.
Maxey was adopted as a kitten, and perhaps that's why the two animals have gotten along well together in their new home, which also includes a dog!
Neema, formerly knowns as Swiper, was one of four cats rescued from the outdoors and surrendered to The Ark, She was adopted by Carolan and her daughter, Jordan. Neema's family sent the following note along with pictures.
"We'd like to thank you for being there and being so devoted to the welfare of all these orphan animals. Your devotion is commendable. It really shows how much you care for them. We're very happy with our little cat. We changed her name from Swiper to "Neema", Jordan's choice."
Jordan & Carolan
from Jordan: "I LOVE my cat !"
Maggie & Ryan
Marge and Miff have adopted two dogs from The Ark: Maggie, adopted about four months ago at the approximate age of 19 months is the black dog, and Ryan adopted in 2001 has white on his face and paws. Maggie is the dog nose-to-nose with Miff!
"We LOVE her! She's the most sweet and responsive dog we've ever had."
These are the first words on Maggie's Adoption Follow-Up Questionnaire.
In answer to whether Maggie is adjusting, they wrote "Very well. She understands our routine and house rules and fits right in."
They are dealing with one unexpected behavior: Because Maggie is stronger and faster and tends to dominate Ryan and get the toys herself, Miff and Marge take time to play with Ryan alone so he will have fun too.
Would they adopt from an animal shelter or humane society again? "Absolutely–a great experience."
They go on to suggest: "We think you have a first-rate operation! Maybe more posting flyers in pizza places, etc. (That's how we first saw a picture of Ryan and learned about you 4 years ago.)"