Success Stories

Here are some stories of animals that found their forever home.  If you have adopted a pet from our shelter and want to share your story please email us at solas@cox.net  

I wanted to let you know Todd weighed in at 71.4lbs and Poochie at 55lbs.  Both are doing well.  They are inside all the time with me (day and night).  I do not have to kennel them at night; they sleep on their bed, in my bedroom. They also took over my lounger in my reading room, so I have to sit on the couch in the TV room to read.  They go outside fine, but they cry when they have had enough, so they are smart.  Nicole

I adopted Nitro from Council Bluffs Animal Shelter on 02/22/2005 and he has been the best dog ever.  He is a boxer/chocolate lab mix and the whole family thinks the world of him.  We were a little nervous because we have a Doberman at home that we got when we she was little and starving and didn't want to make her mad but things are great.  Nitro is even great around our 2 year old.  He seems to have taken a liking to me and follows me everywhere.  He loves to sit at my feet while watching TV and was already housebroke when we got him.  We took your advice and had him fixed just a couple weeks after picking him out and things went great.  I love the new addition to our family and want to thank you guys again for giving me the opportunity to adopt him. Thanks again..............

Michelle 

I adopted a year old female Blue Healer and Australian Shepard cross in 2003 from the shelter.  Brandy was my baby!! She went everywhere with me and was my perfect little friend.  Her favorite place was seat belted into the back seat of my car; she would climb in and wait to be buckled in!!!   She got out of the yard and hit by a car in 2004.   My heart was broken as I had to put her to sleep that day, there was too much damage and nothing could be done!! I had my Sweet Brandy for just barely a year.  

I swore I wouldn't have another dog, but my Dad contacted you guys and found out there was a Female dog that had just been rescued the mother was a Heeler cross.  In her litter I am told Kitty was the only one who has the Heeler markings.  On hearing my story one of the ladies showed them to dad and one of the Nice people at the shelter said they would call dad the minute the puppies were available for adoption. I am so glad they did... I will remember that day forever!!! I am in a saddle club that often directs traffic off horse back for local events that Saturday that’s what we were doing. My parents went to the shelter when they came back the little ball of fur was almost completely covered sleeping in my mom’s arms she was so tiny. They told me they knew I said I would never have another dog, and if I REALLY didn't want her then mom would take her.... but the minute I said something she picked her little head up and looked straight at me.... her eyes just seemed to ask me if I would REALLY not accept her in my life. I just started crying and there was NO way she was going to be with anyone but me. She was perfect. Kitty got to go on her first horse ride and in her first parade while on a horse as she never left my arms that day. She is now a Beautiful 2 year old dog. I love her so much and can't imagine my life without her now.   I  don't know who the wonderful people are who actually helped my dad, and I don't know who made that phone call but I will forever be thankful!!! Kitty has a WONDERFUL Forever home and I have a Wonderful Forever friend who taught me that just because you loose one love doesn't mean you can't ever love again. NOW I have 2 wonderful dogs who are the one constant light in my life. When she was about 6 months old she was sitting facing my dad and I and we REALLY noticed the white mark on her chest.... depending on where you look at her from and how she is positioned is either a perfect heart when she is laying or a Cross when she is sitting or standing.... She was sent from Heaven to mend my broken heart... and she has gone far and beyond that!!!

In February of 2005 I adopted two fabulous kittens, Gary and Baxter.  Gary and Baxter have brought so much love and joy into my life.  When I first adopted the boys I was in the middle of a divorce.  I hated coming home to an empty house.  Now I come home to two energetic, cuddly kittens. Who always come running to greet me when I come home from work.  When my friend mentioned that I needed a cat, I thought she was crazy.  She stated, “Cats are very therapeutic and loving”.  Now that I have them they truly are.  They boys love to run, jump, climb, and wrestle.  It is so amazing to watch them roll around on the floor and play.  At night they will snuggle with me as we fall asleep.  I am always awakened with them nudging me out of bed to give them their morning treats.  Adopting Gary and Baxter was the greatest event.  There is nothing like the love a great pet, and in my case I am blessed twice.   

Here is a story about Jack.

About a year ago I heard about this sweet little dog at the shelter that did not have any prospects for adoption.  This young dog, I was told, was very scared and timid and was not showing well.  I had just bought a new house and now that I had the room for a dog, I decided to look into his situation.  I sped to the shelter on my lunch hour and had them bring him out of the kennel for me to meet him.  The poor thing was so afraid he wouldn't walk on the leash and had to  be carried.  He wouldn't lift his head and was frozen in place even though I sat on the floor with him to talk and pet him.  I decided that even though he would be lot of work that I would be able to help him. The next day I picked him up and our and out life together began.  We had a really rough patch in the beginning.  He escaped on his first day and practically gave me a heart attack.  In addition to that he was not house broken, was afraid of people, was terrified of the leash, and I don't think had ever even been indoors.  He was terrified to walk up and down stairs and had to constantly be carried everywhere.  I had to chase him in the house to get him to go outside.  If he was outside, I had to chase him to get him to come back in.  I wasn't sure if either of us was going to survive the first week.  Slowly he began to trust me and he became more and more affectionate.  Jack, as he's now named, is simply the best dog I have ever had.  He is extremely smart and well behaved.  I don't have a family so he's not just my dog, he's my kid.  We are inseparable, Jack and I.  He sleeps in his own bed next to mine, and whenever I am home he's always at my side.  He loves to go for rides in the car and he gets very excited when we go to "Grand-ma's" house to play with her dogs.  I feel safe with him and loved, and I am positive he feels the same way.  Now, I can't even imagine being without him or not having him in my life.  I consider him to be a precious gift and I am thankful for the series of events that brought us together.

Here is a picture of a Blue Tick mix that came to the shelter and his new happy family.

In the summer of 2003, we visited your shelter, and left with a retriever mix named Sadie.  We took her home in the afternoon, and it took her the next several days to grow comfortable with us.  But very soon, she was a real part of our family.  We've changed her name to Maggie.  She's a wonderful dog: gentle, loving, sweet, loyal, and affectionate.  She's found a forever home, and we've found our perfect dog.  Her sisters (our cats Sophie and Chai) love her (though Sophie won't admit it).  I hope that others will find happiness with a pet like Maggie, and do so by adopting from an animal shelter like yours.   Words can't explain how happy she has made us. 

Update on our shelter cat with the frost-bit ears.  Nemo is his new name:

Just wanted to let you know that Nemo was picked up from the vet last night and spent his first night at home. He was fine with all the dogs except the JRT and who could blame him??? The JRT IS A BUTT HEAD!! By this morning all was going very well and Nemo had fun playing with the water I had dripping out of the sink to entertain him for 30 minutes while I got ready for work in the bathroom. We love him dearly. He couldn’t be any friendlier OR MORE LOVING. Dr Strohbehn *fixed* his ears so they are now round and beautiful!! He is neutered and his pink eye is gone as is his upper resp. infection. I LOVE THIS CAT!!!!!!!!!!!

We adopted "Cupid," an adult female cat, just after Christmas and our move to this city for retirement. She has been renamed "Chelsie" and is beginning to respond to this name. Chelsie has discovered that we have unlimited time for her and makes the most of lap time! Regular brushing and a good diet are fluffing out her soft gray fur and she is becoming a lovely little sweetheart.
Three years ago our wonderful little calico that had traveled the Alcan Highway with us was euthanized after her sufferings with a mysterious wasting sickness that defied the vet's analysis. Two years ago we surrendered our beloved cat Troubles to end his sufferings from the same ailment. We were reluctant to adopt another cat until we had moved from that community, and hoped to find a cat for our new home.
We appreciate the time that the Petfinders volunteer spent with us as we made this difficult choice from among so many other cats that deserved another chance with a loving family.
Our adult children and their families have all adopted rescued pets and find them to be excellent family members.
We all bear a responsibility to care for these beautiful creatures who bring so much into our lives.

Harper is the Himalayan from our shelter who was adopted by Christina (she is a rescue foster parent over in Des Moines). Harper had no teeth but really is a sweetie! She sleeps with Christina’s Italian greyhounds.  Christina wanted to thank everyone for giving Harper a chance.  She is slowly gaining weight, and Christina will hopefully have a
dental donated by the local cat clubs, as Harper is in desperate need of one.  Harper is such a quiet, gentle little soul.  Even her tiny meow is so dainty!  Christina is considering putting a bell on her, as she is such a silent little thing.   

She's so happy, but always looks like such a little grump... Her mouth
feels much better today - she was hungry as a horse and eating her
kibble like crazy!

Hi-

I'm just emailing to let you know that Fez is doing great. He is fitting in really well with our family. Our son Zach absolutely loves him. They spend a lot of time chasing a string around the house. I am so glad that we found him on the Petfinder website. He is a really sweet cat we all love him very much.

Thanks, Ann

Hi,

We just wanted to let you know, Maddie loves life here in Onawa, IA.  We go out to our state park daily and walk about a mile and a half, and then she swims and plays fetch in the water for about 30 minutes.  She loves her boys so much.  They all lie on the floor and watch TV, play fetch and sleep together, she even goes out and plays ball with them.  We all love Maddie so much; she is such a wonderful addition to our family.  Thank you!

Sincerely,

Jennifer

This is the story of Jack.  Jack is an older German Short Hair that found a home with the help of a rescue group in Colorado.  Our friend Dee transported him to Colorado.

Hey Dee!
Thank you so much for bringing the food to us.  It came at a great time as we were at the end of our fiscal year and outta money!  We also donated some to folks that needed it.  Jack is doing great!  What a wonderful old man he is!  He does the happy/crazy dog dance for me all the time...he's such a joy!  I think he was probably a Jake in his old life, but we already have one...so, he is Jack and seems to like being called Jackie Boy.  Do you know anything about where he was picked up, etc?  Also...we picked up a little gift for you and it has been sitting at my desk for a while! 
Thanks again!
Clare

Sally's story:

Hi, My name is Sally,

I came to live with John and Charlotte in August.  Boy was I scared, but they warmed up to me real soon.  It is so nice to have LOTS OF ATTENTION!!!.  I get to run free with in my limits and more or less do as I please.  I have gained some weight and feel so much better.  Mom says I have too much energy.   

There are new and strange animals here, like cats, horses and sheep that I have learned to leave alone.  Also there is another Samoyed dog that has seen lots of birthdays and does not pay much attention to me, plus a little Shih Tzu, I love to tease to get her in a huff!!   

Oh yes, I have plenty to eat and drink.  I am so happy here!   

My parents think I am cute and pretty.  Dad keeps talking about my "plummes", what ever that is.   

Dad says I am pretty and pretty hard to get ahead of.  I love to ride and do not like it when Dad leaves without me.

Thanks again for introducing me to John and Charlotte.

Sally

We took our little kitten home yesterday from the Council Bluffs Animal Shelter. She is adorable and we already love her so much. We named her Tiger Lilly. She loves to watch the fish tanks and sleep in her new bed. (She picked it out herself at PetSmart and refused to get out of it even for the checker to scan the tag!) We would have never even known about the Council Bluffs Animal Shelter if it wasn't for some of your representatives that came to the Omaha PETCO on 72nd and Dodge where we live. They were very helpful, and although I don't know their names I would like to commend them for all their hard work and dedication. You and all your volunteers do necessary work and it is an awesome sight to see you all in action! I thought you might like to see our success story. We thought maybe you could pass it on to all your volunteers so they can see it, too. Maybe this way the lady who had Lilly in her foster care might be able to see how happy she is at our place. (The lady called her Eddy.) We thought adopting a cat was out of our reach. All the places we had talked to wanted more than $100 for a kitten. Your representatives helped us see that there are places that want to see cats and dogs in good homes for less than a fortune! I cannot express my gratitude in words. There is nothing that feels better than adding a bundle of love to our apartment. It truly now is a home! Thank you so much and good luck in the future!!!

Sincerely,

Jodi and Matt