Home for the Holidays - Adoptee Updates

We wish all animals could have Happy Holidays but there are some that we know are having the best of holidays because they are homeless no more. During this time of year we hear from some of our adoptees and it brings us great joy knowing that they are now valuable, worthy family members. We'd like to share some of this year's holiday greetings with you in hopes it warms your heart as much as it has ours.

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Jack was surrendered to the shelter when his family did not want to spend more money on getting a correct diagnosis for his skin condition which turned out to be easily treatable sarcoptic mange. Because of the trauma to his skin from ripping out fur due intense itching, Jack will always look like a marble pound cake as his new hair grew in dark. But just look how handsome he is on his first Christmas with his new family! Click here for Jack's story.

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In January 2009 Higgins was picked up by animal control, a 4-month-old-puppy at the time, screaming in pain after having just been hit by a car. We took Higgins to a surgeon to fix his leg, many people pitched in to cover the expenses of saving his life, and now Higgins celebrates the holidays with a fully functioning leg, leading a wonderful life. Click here for Higgins' full story.

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Portia (on the right) was left at an animal shelter because her humans were having a baby. It was just as well because the care they gave her left a lot to be desired. Portia ended up in a great home 1 1/2 years ago where she is kept meticulously groomed and is a cherished family member. You can click here to read Portia's story.

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Molly (formerly Holly) is living the good life. Three years ago Molly was to be euthanized in a Virginia shelter because the hunters were bringing in more beagles that would not hunt, the shelter was full and those there the longest were next in line for the needle. Molly ended up in the shelter when tenants were evicted, trashed the house and left Molly and her litter of puppies there. No more puppies for Molly and no more new homes either. Click her to read Molly's story. Her family emailed this holiday update:

Molly had a great Christmas...she must've been a very good girl because she got quite a few presents from Santa. Quite honestly, she is always a very good girl!! She is so cute with her toys..she is still as playful as the day we brought her home. She still has the green bunny you had given us when we adopted her. She loves to play with it, but it's pretty amazing, she doesn't hurt green bunny. Many of her other stuffed animals have needed to be sewn, sometimes to the point of no survival, but she is gentle with her green bunny.

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Parker had lived the first year of his life tied to the back porch all day long, all night long. Animal control convinced the owner to sign him over so he could have a better live. Well, just ready for yourself the life Parker has one year later. No living outside tied to the porch, that is for sure!

Parker is really such a wonderful dog. He has brought so much joy and love to our life. He is definitely a mommy's boy and follows me everywhere I go in the house! He loves to snuggle with me on the couch and go for walks. He had a ball in the snow this past weekend. He loves to dress up as you will be able to tell from the pictures.

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Anita was adopted from us as a little kitten n 2002. We get a Christmas card from her every single year without fail. We so look forward to it. This year her family writes:

We're so luck to have Anita. She is our princess. We love her a lot. She is very cute and smart.

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Opie (right) was sitting in the shelter scared to death and in extremely unkempt condition. Those days are behind him now as he snuggles up on Christmas Eve with sister Schatzie (left) and brother Rusty (middle). Click here for Opie's story.

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Sammie (front right) lived for a very long time with a broken wrist. Once in our care his wrist was surgically repaired. Even with his legs permanently deformed, Sammie gets around fine. After being adopted for two years and returned because the teenagers lost interest, Sammie was again adopted 3 years ago. One thing we know for sure: He will NEVER be returned again. He is now in his forever home. Click here for Sammie's story.

Sammie has had a very happy month. He absolutely loves the snow - they all do. I am still amazed that with his legs being the way they are, how fast he can run. He outruns both the other dogs in the yard. It's pretty funny. He's very happy with the new bed that Santa bought for him. All the boys got new fancy Christmas collars, nylabones, some squeaky toys, and of course lots of treats. Smiley faces all around!

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Willie (left) was found as a little puppy sitting on somebody's front porch. Click here for his story and adorable baby pictures. Four years later his family writes:

Willie is doing great! He has brought so much joy into our lives. We are devoted to each other! What a cool dog - everyone who meets him loves him. Thanks for saving him!

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Button was just adopted this past Thanksgiving Day. We took her all the way to Illinois! We had received a lot of applications for Buttons but we were looking for a very specific type of home for her and that home happened to be 800 miles away in Illinois. So we made last minute arrangements to drive to St. Louis, MO to visit family for Thanksgiving and drop Buttons off in Illinois on our way. Indeed, Buttons has just the life we were wanting for her! Plenty of toys, plenty of walks, trips to Grandma's house, getting spoiled rotten and as her new mom says, Buttons has not just found her forever home, she has found her forever-and-ever home! Click here for Buttons' story.

So we leave you with a final picture of Buttons visiting with Santa and wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and the best of holidays!