Frankie

Our Frankie...When we first visited PHS and met Frankie, we were astonished that Frankie had been at PHS for as long as he had been. We asked over and over why he hadn't been adopted. And now that Frankie has been a member of our family for almost a year, almost every day we still ask ourselves why he hadn't been adopted.

Frankie is a sweet, wonderful and loveable dog. It took him a few weeks to settle in and to realize that our home was now his home. But now it's like he's always been part of our family. When any of us have been out and return home, we are greeted by a playful, tail-wagging and smiling dog who seems so happy to have us home again. Frankie loves playing ball in the yard, but his most favorite activity is to go for a long walk in the park.

And Frankie believes that any open door in any vehicle is a means of getting to the park. It's pretty funny to see him jump into the trunk of the car when I am unloading groceries. And even the mailman has had the experience of Frankie climbing onboard! It also turns out that Frankie is a good pet therapy dog. A friend's daughter has several disabilities. She loves dogs, especially Frankie. And Frankie just seems to know exactly how to
interact with her.

The day we brought Frankie home with us, it was amazing to see how many ofthe PHS team came by to see Frankie off. He was clearly well loved by the PHS staff and volunteers and everyone was so happy that Frankie finally found a home. We are so thankful to all of you for taking such good care of him for all those years and we want you to know that we adore Frankie and we do everything we can to make sure he is happy and well cared for. Frankie really is the perfect dog for us and we just hope we are the perfect family for Frankie.

– Martha, Nigel and Jack Swift

Eli

We adopted Eli in late December 2009 and he has been a tremendous blessing. His two favorite things are being outside and snuggling. He loves hiking, climbing rocks, and trampling through water. Eli loves to play and is always ready for his favorite game; tug. He is very affectionate and constantly wants to be touched. The day is not complete until Eli showers us with our daily lickings.

He is very patient not to bother us while I am cooking at the stove or when we are eating. But, the minute we have finished our last bite he is up and right beside us. We are very lucky to have Eli. We hope he is as happy with us as we are with him.

Thanks,
– William and Diana Ahrens

Shadow

14 years ago and for reasons I still can not explain, I turned my van into your shelter just to "look around" and came out of there with the best friend I ever had. His name was Shadow....a 6 month old yellow lab. Today and for the last 4 days, I carry a very heavy heart. This past Sunday I had to put my buddy Shadow to sleep. I miss him so, so much and now I am totally lost without him. The picture I am sending you was taken about 3 months ago and it is now my computer wallpaper. The leash & collar you see on him I now carry alone on my morning walks by myself. I'm just so sad.

I can only hope that Shadow is now in dog heaven with my first best friend, Buster. He was a black lab whom I also miss very much. I know that I simply can not get another dog right now, but I would like to volunteer my time at PHS if that's alright with you. I would also prefer to spend time with the older dogs. They need love the most.

Rest In Peace Shadow and Play Pain Free. Daddy loves you and will never forget you.

– CleaningMan1117

Mya

This is Mya, she was only at your shelter for a day before we were able to adopt her from you (it really must have been fate!) We came into first meet her the day she arrived from her trip from a shelter in Georgia. We found out more about her from the facility that transported her to PHS (Leftover Pets Inc). She was a stray and she was supposed to go to a shelter in Albany NY but somehow the driver of the truck left her off at PHS (again it must be fate!) At 10 months of age she was the oldest of the puppies who made that trip to your shelter but she was exactly what we were looking for. She instantly bonded with the two of us as she sat on our laps when we filled out the application for her. Taking her home the next afternoon we had no reservations but kept an open mind and wanted to give her time to adjust. It only took her a few days to blossom and fit right into our home. Now she has all the toys and treats she wants and she is bonding extremely well with the whole family and our other dog.

We hope all the other puppies who made the trip with her were adopted to good homes and we wish all the other puppies making the trip up North success in their future.

We wanted to send some pictures to show off her personality. Again thank you for all your hard work and dedication to these loving animals!

Sincerely,

– Lauren Stier & Chris Lucia

Rina

I came to the Shelter in December of 2008 with the hope of adopting a dog. As I walked around, I noticed that most of the dogs were jumping up and down and barking. However, one dog was sitting quietly in her igloo. She looked sad and lonely. I decided that this would be my adopted dog. I did wonder, though, what I was getting myself into. I had never adopted a dog from a shelter before. I became especially anxious when I was told that Reenie had to be sedated during her vet visit, as she had tried to bite the doctor's head during a previous visit. Hmmmm. Was this really the dog for me? Yes, she was! We instantly bonded and Reenie became Rina. Today she relishes her long walks, loves rolling in the grass and becomes very excited when she meets the neighbors. Rina has a sweet and loving nature, is wonderful company and I cannot imagine life without her. They say dogs are man's best friend and that is exactly what she has become. Adoption offers good news for the pets adopted and good times for the humans who rescue them.

– Ruth Merrill

Monica

My husband and I adopted an Australian Cattle Dog named Monica from PHS in early fall of 2002, and we can't imagine life without her. She is intelligent, loyal, obedient, and has a great sense of humor. We can take her anywhere, but she also takes the responsibility of guarding our home very seriously when she is there alone. She was
housebroken when we adopted her, which made us feel so lucky! She is also a terrific companion for any outdoor activity, because she stays with us even when she's off-leash.

Monica is slowing down a little now that she's nine or so, so we're taking care to keep her as healthy as we can into her senior years. Hopefully it'll be years still before we need to return to PHS for our next dog--we can't imagine a better pet than Monica.

– Lauren Connelly

Ginnie

I adopted Ginnie from PHS July 5, 2006. She got hemangiosarcoma (cancer) Feb.16th, 2008. She was given 0-3 months to live. She passed away May 15, 2010. She was an amazing girl. She was the best girl you could ever want. she taught me more then I think I taught her. She was always a happy girl. She was always smiling and wanted to be near me and waiting for me by the door. The day she took her last breath was the saddest day of my life. My heart cries for her. I am soo sad without her. Please Ginnie Finally RIP baby girl. You were always wanted pumpkin! Your Mommy misses u so much. (Everybody who ever met u misses u also.)

- Angela

Duncan

Duncan (formerly Milky) is the newest member of our household. He was adopted from PHS in the fall of 2009. Duncan, pictured with his buddy Daisy (calico cat), is a special needs kitty. He was born with severely deformed paws. None of his toes or pads on any of his feet are normal. He doesn't seem to know, or mind! He runs, jumps and plays, despite his disability. Well, he doesn't actually run, as much as he hops like a bunny (a wonderful adaptation to his messed up feet). Duncan came from a special litter of kittens, with Meredith as his mom. Meredith and all of her kittens were successfully placed in other homes. Duncan is an amazing cat. He has an endearing quality about him.....he is gentle, and quiet, and yet can be very playful and mischievous. Because of his paws, he sits in unusual positions, often crossing the two front paws, as his front paws do not lay flat. It took a few weeks for Daisy, our calico cat, to warm up to Duncan. And then she became his best friend. They sleep and play together. Sometimes, when he wants to play, and she is sleeping, Duncan will lick her head till she wakes up to play. Our tortie cat Delilah; on the other hand, tolerates Duncan when he torments her into play. The 80 lb greyhound that resides here? Dawson is a gentle soul, who tiptoes over Duncan whenever he gets underfoot. Every once in a while, Dawson will share his dog bed with Duncan, being careful not to lay on him! These two animals are affectionately referred to as "Big D" (the greyhound) and "Little D" (Duncan of course). We are grateful that PHS took such good care of Duncan, and advocated for the right home for him, despite his disability. We cannot imagine life without him. For any of you considering a new pet addition to your household.....consider a special needs or senior animal. They need homes too, and make the most incredible pets!

LeeAnne, Chris, Brielle and Delaney Jones

Pennington

Hi Amor and Staff at PHS,

As promised, attached are three photos of Pennington in his new home. He's such a good guy and we are really happy to have him as a member of our family. The first three days were strange and a little stressful for him but he has acclimated nicely. He loves to roam around in our house and explore all the nooks and crannies and, of course, laying in the sunshine by the patio door or sitting on the windowsill and looking out are two of his favorite pastimes.

By regular post we are sending you a donation in appreciation for all the good work you do for the animals and your community.
Best regards and many thanks,

Lydia & Bob Lord

Pat & Jan

Meet Pat and Jan, who are now officially adopted members of the Dollshouse! These two kittens have it made in sun and shade. They act like they own the house, prancing on windowsills and taking over the sunny spots on the couch. They're in good health and are constantly playing with toys and wrestling one another.

It's a big difference from when they first came home as foster-kittens. Around New Year 2010, Pat and Jan were a little sick and very skittish and in need of a good home. Both kittens came home on antibiotics for respiratory infections. Their background as semi-feral kittens, caught near a cat colony that uses caves a shelter, was obvious in their initial behavior. Any little sound was enough to send them running for a dark den. At first, they spent the majority of their time hiding: their original haunts were under the couch, at the back of their own private broom closet, and squeezing together at the back of the upstairs balcony, where the roofline meets the floor.

With the constant handling required as a part of administering the antibiotics and keeping their faces clean, the kittens gradually became accustomed to human contact. Each day, they required less and less "persuasion" to come to get their medications and seemed more and more to enjoy the moments of cuddling after receiving their medication. In no time, the two semi-feral kittens became curious and fun-loving housepets!

Pat and Jan are best friends. They cannot bear being apart, even for a few moments. If one cat is separated from another, he cries a little and his brother comes running. When they take trips to the vet, their kennels always have to face each other so they can see one another. Any human so unfortunate as to close a door behind one cat and not the other soon learns that it's best (and quietest) to let one cat in or the other cat out. They are truly bonded!

- Amanda W. Doll

Nikki

When I first got Nikki from the shelter, she was a scared, demoralized little dog who cowered in a corner, kept her tail tucked between her legs & never made a sound! Gradually, with love & patience, she morphed into this wonderful 30 pound ball of energy whose tail is straight out & wags constantly. She carries herself erect & is no longer afraid of loud noises or sudden movements around her. As her confidence returned, she no longer remained silent, but challenges with barking & growling any one who nears "her house", walks on "her street", or dares to approach "her car". In other words, she acts like a normal dog who loves & wants to protect her owner! How good is that? Although we have a ways to go, her transformation has been exciting & I consider myself privileged to have experienced it.

- Bob

Ethan

Hi All,

We wanted to give you guys an update on Ethan since we know how special he was to everyone while he was with you. He's doing great up in Boston with us and definitely felt at home right away. We were a little worried about his leg the first couple of days but after a few weeks and a consultation with the vet he started walking on all fours and hasn't had a problem since. He's great on the leash and loves meeting all of our neighbors on the sidewalk. They love him too, he gets complimented ALL the time and is definitely the most popular and loved dog in our building. We've been taking Ethan to the dog park once or twice a week and he's become very good around other dogs. He started off only being comfortable around the smaller ones, but now he gets along with the bigger dogs too. He's also made some puppy friends walking around the track in the park across the street. His two best buds so far are a chihuahua and a puggle, and we think he might have a crush on another rescued Pit Bull who lives down the street.

Ethan loves being a couch potato, but most of the time we can get him to go for a run in the neighborhood with Pat. However, his favorite game is running back and forth on the bleachers of the track with me and leaping over all the open spaces. We'll go back and forth countless times before he gets tired, and he attracts a fan club every time we do this. He just loves to jump and show off. He doesn't like to wake up early to go out, and by early we mean before 11am! We have to coax him out of bed and usually he'll just roll over for a belly rub before even thinking about getting up, it's absolutely adorable. He loves to snuggle and sleep under the blankets with his head on the pillow or on your shoulders, and he has the cutest snore. He makes the funniest grumbling sounds when he rolls around in the bed and lounges on the couch. Surprisingly, Ethan loves to get dressed up. Whenever I pull out one of his sweaters he runs up to me wagging his tail and nuzzles his head into it!

We honestly can't remember what life was like before Ethan, and we feel so blessed to have him in our lives. We want to thank everyone at the Humane Society for giving us the opportunity to fall in love with him and let him be part of our family. He is an absolutely amazing dog and we love him so much. He is so smart, so loving, and we just can't believe how lucky we were to find him. We are so appreciative to everyone who took care of Ethan before we adopted him, and hopefully we'll get a chance to bring him in to visit with everyone soon! We hope you enjoy the pictures!

Love,
Katie and Patrick

Shazaam

We are so happy with Shazaam. He has a very sweet disposition and is great with the kids. He loves to take long walks with me and play outside with the kids. He is truly a member of our family now. Shazaam is a real people dog and loves everybody. People often stop me and ask what type of dog he is and where I got such a beautiful dog. I tell them that I don't know what type of dog he is, because he was a stray, and they are surprised to learn that he came from the Humane Society. I can't thank you enough for your work and for entrusting Shazaam to us. We definitely smile more every day since he arrived!

My boyfriend Bill and I adopted Nike February of 2009. Nike was a hurricane Katrina rescue, and is a FIV positive. When we saw him, we knew he belonged to us, and nothing can be further from the truth. Nike has become such a huge part of our family and I cant begin to explain how loved he his. Spoiled spoiled spoiled! My boyfriend was so jealous of the connection Nike and I share and wanted a cat he could snuggle with at night as well. awww...I am lucky to have a companion that shares the same love for animals as I do. So, in February of 2010, only a year later after adopting Nike, we adopted of course another FIV positive. His name is Garfield, which we have changed to Timbs. When we brought Timbs home, him and Nike became instant friends. We couldnt believe how immediate their love was for one another. Not a single hiss or growl, nothing. Infact, Nike and Timbs sleep with each other and are inseparable. Unfortunately, that meant no cuddling for my boyfrend :( But at least Nike has a friend to love and play with when we cant be home with them. When we came in to adopt Garfield now known as Timbs, we had noticed a cat that was also FIV positive. What a beautiful, over weight cat just like our others! He looked so vulnerable and helpless and we just thought to ourselves "We are doomed' ... Not more than a month later, we knew we wanted to go back yet again and adopt "Buddy" who is now Uggs. Now having him for only a week, he is no longer timid. He follows us all around the house, and is a complete and total love bug. It worked out perfect because sure enough, my boyfriend now has the best cuddler known to man! I never thought all three cats would sleep with us, but you bet they do. Nike in my arms, Uggs in Bills arms, and Timbs at the foot of the bed. We couldn't be happier with our decisions in adopting these wonderful male cats that are sick and in need of our care and love! We want to Thank all those that helped us with making our dreams come true. We love them like they are our children, and will have a forever life filled with love and care. For those looking to adopt, don't look past the older cats that are sick, because they are just as loving and playful as the kittens. Everyone wants the kittens, make a difference and go for the older ones! Thank you again for our amazing cats!

Thank You Again,
Carly, Bill, Nike, Timbs, and Uggs

Carmella

My wife and I adopted a great cat named Carmella at the Putnam Humane Society on Sunday January 24th. The staff there was extremely helpful and accommodating. You can tell they really care about the welfare of the animals in their charge.

Carmella (aka MillieCat), is a Domestic Short Hair Tabby. This is the sweetest little cat I have ever met. She is a clown, and will dive into any closet or cabinet that is opened. She will thrust her furry little head onto you to be petted, at every opportunity. MillieCat will follow you endlessly wherever you go in the house. Millie talks to us all the time, too....good natured meows and little "purrrrrrrts". This cat loves affection and is tolerant of any kind of rubbing, petting, scratching and caressing. She has the prettiest markings as well, like some kind of exotic or lynx or bobcat, with spots mixed in with the stripes on her back. I think the more comfortable she gets, it will just get better. We play with her all the time and she never seems to tire of it.

Adopting an animal from the shelter is a great idea that we would recommend to anyone. Your first vet's visit is included in the nominal fee, and the staff at the shelter is always there for you, should you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Moorehead
Jeannine Hannum

Bubba

This is Bubba. Bubba was a dog who lived at the Putnam Humane Society for many years. When I fostered Bubba back in June of 2006. he lived a great carefree life here with my other dogs. Bubba never barked, but he never made a mess in the house either. Bubba would push the gate down when he needed to go outside. He was a smart and loving dog and we miss him.

Simba saves the day! (A birthday wish come true)

On our first day of a long needed vacation, our pet sitter called us in a panic because she could not find our fourteen year old cat Barney. We were having work done on the house and apparently Barney ran out of our house after a workman was making a lot of noise and had left the front door open. We were all heartsick. On the fourth night of Barney being missing, our pet sitter Marissa came home and let the dogs out as she normally would do.

We have a Lab mix, Beagle and Cattle dog. All shelter alumni. After a while the dogs return except the lab, Simba. She calls for him and he doesn’t come. Simba is always obedient, unlike our beagle;) Feeling some concern, she went to the back of our house and there she found Simba standing next to Barney!!! Barney was found. He was a little scared but Marissa was able to coax him into a carry case. Had Simba obeyed, Barney would have definitely spent another night terrified outside.

Simba Saves The Day!

I had blown out my birthday candles about an hour before. My only wish was that Barney come home safe and sound. What a lucky person I am. Not only for getting my beloved Barney back, but for all of the love and happiness I receive from all of the dogs and cats I have given a second chance at a happy life by sharing my home with them. I have truly been rescued!

Misty

Although she is blind, Misty has enlightened our lives with her sweet and gentle disposition. We are so fortunate to have her in our lives!

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 knew 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)

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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

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Taz

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. 

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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 weeks I 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!

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 Yea'r 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.

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!!

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 ones). 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.

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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