Success Stories From PHS

Julie

Julie (formerly Judy) is a loving and very affectionate cat. We had been considering adopting another cat for some time when I decided to stop by the Putnam Humane Society where I had already adopted two other cats from. After looking around at the kittens I mentioned that I would be willing to adopt a grown-up cat as long as he/she would fit into our family of three kids, two cats, two birds and 1 dog! Julie was brought out for my consideration and I immediately new she was the one. She was not shy at all, liked to be held, began purring as soon as my daughter and I pet her and rolled on her back to have a belly rub. Once I heard that she had a litter of kittens that had all been adopted my mind was made up.....she deserved a loving home as well. In fact, my two year old wanted to take her home that day! Julie had no trouble adjusting to our home. Her favorite spot inside the house is a warm and comfortable fleece blanket on the foot of my son’s bed (as seen in the picture!). She will always purr and talk to us whenever we are around her so that she gets a little pet and a kiss. She truly is a special cat and will be loved and taken care of for the rest of her life:)

The Bonelli Family

Bucky (Hurricane Katrina Survivor)

Saccagawea

Back in December 2004 I was found to have some serious health issues and wound up on disability.  This left an extremely active person barely active.  By May 2005 I was bored out of my skull and slipping in and out of clinical depression.  My health poor and living in misery, it was actually a therapy dog and a social worker’s seeing eye dog that got me thinking.  Maybe a companion dog would be good for me.  I had a great dog in my younger days and never tried to replace her because she was just the best dog in the world. 

I started checking local shelters and was starting to think this wasn’t going to work.  I needed a special dog.  I couldn’t have a puller or a dog with too much energy.  I couldn’t have a little dog either.  What I needed was a helper dog. 

Even after visiting The Putnam Humane Society I though I would never find what I was looking for.  Then the girl who was helping me said, “What about Lulu?” (now Sacagawea).  She was a shy girl I had missed because she had been hiding in her igloo. She was just about as lost for her human as a dog can get.  Her big brown eyes looked sad and she needed me as much as I needed her.  I took her for a walk and that went well.  We ended up adopting her and this is where the true success comes in. 

Apparently I reminded her of her previous human or something.  I did not have her home for more than 2 hours when I reached for a slice of pizza. That made her turn on her brown eyes (a look that can melt steel mind you).  I started giving her commands and unbelievably the dog knew basic obedience as well as some advanced.  She was like a soldier snapping to commands asked of her. 

I’m still in awe. It will be three years in May and I am still learning things about her.  How could I be so lucky?  My old dog Pocohontas was the best dog in the world and my new dog Sacagawea is the greatest dog in the world 

Thank You so much PHS.  We are now walking between 3 and 5 miles a day.  That’s more than the doctor’s though I would be able to do.  Go figure, one dog can do more than 10 doctors. 

Thanks Again PHS!
Sacagawea and Bill

Lambchop (aka: Maxwell)

Little Things Mean A Lot
*Just watching Lambchop (formerly known as Maxwell) catch up on all the sights and sounds he’s missed is an unbelievable treat.
After being at the shelter for about 5 years everything is amazing to him—stairs, tall buildings, the “el”, squirrels, pigeons, and of course, water. Lambchop now resides on a boat with us and his older brother -- also named Maxwell.

*Update* — we just moved back to Manhattan right across the street from a park --he loves it as well and is learning to run free, socialize in the Dog Run (he’s very shy and hides behind me lot) plus meet and greet others while walking. Next mountain to scale — grooming!

Good thing we adopted him before someone else, was there ever anyone else?br>
Thanks PHS,
Gwen, Biff and older brother Maxwell

Taz

On st1:date Month="2" Day="16" Year="2008" w:st="on">February 16, 2008 our long-time dog passed away from cancer.  At first, we were going to wait before getting another dog but 2 weeks later we came to the PHS to “just see” what was available.  TAZ had been “dumped” at the shelter 3 weeks before we saw him. 

We met TAZ and even though he was EXTREMELY shy and afraid, we were smitten with him.  We took him for a walk, but he kept trying to hide or run back to the shelter.  We went back later in the day when it was less active to see him again.  He was still timid, and all the other activity seemed to unnerve him.  We went back again the next day, and took him for another walk – where it was quiet. After an hour or so he finally allowed us to touch him and pet him.  The decision was made…we wanted him.  A week later he was home with us.  Since then there has been a remarkable change in him.  He is now very affectionate, and LOVES to cuddle!!! 

 He has boundless energy, and LOVES his squeaky toys.  He is learning to walk well on a leash.  We work with him daily on his training, and he is making great strides.  He has several dog friends where we live, and LOVES his visits to the dog park.

Taz’s story:  I was a frightened puppy at the PHS.  The only people I was “comfortable with” were the folks at the shelter.  Then one day a family came in.  They took a look at me, but since I was so terrified, they had no interest in me.  But then 2 guys came in.  I was brought out to them & I was terrified.  But they seemed to take an interest in me.  They spoke softly to me, and gave me treats.  But I was still timid.  They came back several times in two days, and I got used to them, and let them pet me.  A week later, they returned.  I was hoping they were going to take me home.  They put me in a car, and we went for a ride.  When we got to their house, I snooped around & made myself comfortable.  Since I’ve moved in with Daddy Dan & Daddy Rusty I have a warm home, a soft bed, lots of toys (my Aunt Donna gave me a squeaky duck toy; it’s my favorite toy) and several doggie pals to play with.  We go to the Dog Park regularly where I get to chase a ball, and run with even more doggy pals, and play with my new Frisbee. 

Celine

Celine is extremely lovable. She loves to cuddle up to you. When i come home from work, she greets me at the door with hugs and kisses. She already has a favorite chair that she likes to sleep in, and occasionally will climb into bed with the kids. She doesn't realize how strong she is though. We are working at stopping her from pulling when she walks.  She is just excited to be outside. When she is in the backyard, she flies around like she has been shot out of a cannon. Sometimes she runs too fast and can't stop and will actually slide across the yard. It looks like a beginner ice skater falling on purpose or using the wall to stop. She gets along very well with our lab. It took a couple of weeks, but now they are best friends. When I am eating dinner, they each sit on one side of me and place their heads in my lap. She is also a very good watch dog. When she hears strange sounds or sees something outside that doesn't look right, she will bark. In addition to her dog food and cookies, she likes to eat lettuce, celery, bananas and green beans.

Spot

Spot was a senior dog who was at the shelter for many years. He was very shy and I believe that is the reason he was passed over for adoption.

Some of the wonderful volunteers at the shelter worked with Spot to make him more sociable. I learned about him when I saw a flyer with his picture and his story. I went to the shelter to meet him and for many weeksI would go on weekends to walk him and bring him the treats that he loved. It was soon apparent that Spot was indeed a wonderful dog so my husband and I decided to bring him home under the foster care program. He has been with us under foster care for 3 1/2 years. He is still shy but he is not afraid of people the way he was in the beginning. Obviously, Spot had never been in a car before so it took a few weeks for him to get used to being in a car and now every time my husband and I are going out he gets excited because he feels he is coming for a ride with us. He really loves car rides!

After reading these success stories, I hope that more people will take the time to get to know some of the quieter dogs at the shelter and give them a chance for a home of their own. They wouldn't regret it!

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Dwaine and Wilma

 

Dwaine(and Eddy)

Dwaine came into my life when I took in both Dwaine and Eddy in May 2006. They belonged to the Big Furry Dog class of mixed breeds, each around 90 lbs and gentle. Beautiful animals. Though technically foster care placements because of their advanced ages, there was never a moment I didn’t consider them fully adopted members of my family. Sadly, last December Eddy died from cancer. It was heartbreaking. But I was grateful I was able to make the last 7 months of his life an indulged, comfortable, pleasure-filled, experience. He, in turn, gave me 7 months of non-stop joy, laughs and comfort. Happily, Dwaine is still with me making me laugh and bringing me joy through his open, happy embrace of life. He has the spirit of a puppy. He relishes his walks, car rides and definitely his food. Dwaine even seems to sleep with profound pleasure. I continue the indulgence, coddling and play but I’m the one who’s gotten spoiled. Dwaine greets me with his Happy Dance, stays by my side, invites hugs and wag his tails fervently when he sees me – I can /only /be happy when I’m with him. Several times I’ve taken Dwaine to events sponsored by the Putnam Humane Society. People flock to him and invariably ask “Is this one available for adoption?” (It happened with Eddy, too.) It seems so peculiar because Dwaine and Eddy were at the Shelter for many years waiting for a home. Maybe people who go to Shelter are so careful looking for possible problems an abandoned dog might have, they fail to see the positive qualities. Being a regular dog walker at the Shelter, I get the opportunity to know the dogs and the many wonderful personalities and generous hearts behind the chain link fence.

Wilma

Wilma, a sweet, brown, 6 year-old Shar Pei, joined my life in April 2007. Like Dwaine and Eddy, she is technically a foster care placement, but I consider her a permanent, full-fledged member of my family. Wilma had come to the Shelter several months earlier, and it was soon discovered she had lymphoma. Putnam Humane was prepared to get her chemotherapy but had been warned the treatments would be far less effective if Wilma remained living in the stress of the Shelter environment. Being a dog walker, I had come to know Wilma and learned of her situation. She is a charmer and I found it hard to ignore the compelling personality behind her big brown “baby seal” eyes. Not to mention, she has no idea she is sick. But I had to think hard about taking her home with me. In the end, once I was assured Dwaine liked her, I decided giving Wilma a chance was worth the possible pain of losing her to her illness. As soon as I got her home, I knew I’d made the right decision. Wilma settled right in and is the perfect little lady – with spunk. It’s more like she adopted Dwaine and me. She adores Dwaine and follows him around like a pesky little sister, she pesters me for hugs and showers me with kisses. And she’s never without a big furry squeaky toy in her mouth (the little ones just won’t do.) When she’s excited, she bounces up and down, wags her tail and loudly squeaks her enthusiasm with whatever toy is in her mouth. It’s a tremendously fun way to start each day. Wilma is as cute as can be, loving, and, like Dwaine, makes me laugh and brings me great joy. I don’t think about what might happen, life has taught me to savor happiness when I find it.

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Hilda

HILDA’S STORY
Marilyn Jean Young
November 2007

January 1, 2006. A bitter cold and frosty New Year’s Day. I came to the shelter for my usual walk with Hilda. I’d been visiting with her for a year and a half. She was a gentle walker, somewhat sad, and seemingly shy. But, after a few months she would cry when she saw me enter the gate and after several more months finally allowed me to gently stroke her when she sat down during our walk (which she did often). Our walks were long and our visits longer. I rented and couldn’t have a pet so we contented ourselves with weekly get-togethers. But this day was different.

Hilda had come to the shelter with her sister, Merri, close to four years earlier. Shortly after arrival Hilda needed an operation. While she was at the vet, Merri was adopted. Hilda lived alone for the remaining years.

The day was getting colder and it started to rain and sleet. We walked back to her pen. She had on a winter coat and settled down into her quilted bed. Only her head and front paws were visible. And then she did something she had never done. She crossed her paws and put her head down on them. She looked up at me with soulful eyes. “Now?”

A few days later she was in my car coming home. I had recently moved and my landlord said “Why don’t you get a dog?” And so, the miracle began.

The invisible thread from her heart to mine connected. And, as the days and months progressed she slowly shed her armor. With her comfort zone increasing she began to reveal depths I could never have imagined. Under her protective covering was a jewel.

From her gentle morning cuddling that greets the day to her full body wag welcome home at night, she has settled in. Her sensitivity and understanding seem to be intuitive. And, her patience astounds me. Her human-like gestures, both endearing and comical, are mine to savor.

At times her exploration of her new world was an adventure for us both. Buried treats, snatched dinners, and her seriousness with squirrel patrol now make me laugh. But the glee she showed while racing around the yard on a cold winter morning brought tears to my eyes. She ran so fast that her coat flew off! The joy of freedom could never have been better expressed than that.

Hilda melted my heart that icy January 1 and she has been melting my heart ever since. Beyond the joy and companionship she gives, she’s emerged as my teacher and guide. Watching her overcome her fears and anxieties has helped me overcome mine. Filling a hole I didn’t know existed, she mirrors my soul and nudges me on.

At this time of Thanksgiving the gratitude I feel at having her in my life goes beyond words. I am blessed that she waited for me and sorry it took so long. Thank you Hilda! We are a perfect match.

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Ginnie

We adopted Ginnie, a beautiful Pit Bull, in July 2006. She is a special needs dog. I love her a lot. She is my best friend. When she laughs and smiles it lights up any room. She plays and loves taking walks. But mostly she loves our alone time. She loves giving kisses and hugs. Even on her down days I could never see my life without her. My dad loves taking her on walks and talks to her also…lol. She sleeps by my side almost every night. When I leave, she always waits for me at the door or looks out the window for me until I return. She is so amazing and because of her I have met amazing people. Ginnie is my angel girl and the light of her mommy’s eyes!!

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 Louie (Houdini)

Louie was transported up to The Putnam Humane Society in February 2006. Best Friends Animal Shelter contacted us and asked if we could take in some of the abandoned animals left from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Louie (aka Houdini was one of the fortunate). We contacted his new forever home to see how he was doing…

“It was one year ago this month that I adopted Houdini, now known as Louie. We adopted him after he came up with other animals from various shelters after hurricane Katrina. Although he reminds us daily how he got his original name "Houdini", my family and I couldn't have picked a better dog to join the family. Louie is an extremely playful and loving pet who likes to play in the snow, go for car rides, have play-dates with his friends and just hang out with his family. Thank you Putnam Humane Society.”

Tina Lopez

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Count

Thank you all at the Putnam Humane for saving Dioji (aka Count)! Since adopting him, not a day goes by without him making us laugh! He is such a goofball. He has even made his sister Niko, a usually very serious 10 year old Madame Malamute, like a puppy again! He takes long hikes and runs through Ct. state parks off leash with us and is a very friendly boy to everyone he meets. Besides playing fetch, tug of war and tag at home, his favorite place to play is the beach! He can't seem to get enough of chasing the waves and gulls. Thanks again for making it possible for us to find the perfect match for our family.

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Myles

Myles was an answer to my prayers. My husband didn't want another dog after our Ginger passed away. She was a handful, to put it mildly, so I wanted an easier dog this time around. My husband was walking Myles a lot, along with a few other pit bulls. They are a favorite of ours. Myles was considered un-adoptable. With my husband putting in so much time with him, he turned out to be the best behaved dog that he walked.

Myles fits perfectly into our life, and is spoiled beyond measure. He is so well-behaved, and adores my husband! He takes up most of the couch while we watch TV, and loves sleeping with us. We take him everywhere, even a nursing home to visit a sick friend. Our grandsons love him, and he showers them with kisses. We socialize him a lot, so he gets along with most dogs, and cats, and practically everyone he meets. He's an ambassador for his breed. Thank you Putnam Humane Society!

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