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Just wanted everyone to know "We love our Misty (now Mischa)!
She has adapted quickly to her new home and enjoys chasing laser beams, watching birds, and of course, napping. Special thanks to the woman who introduced us to Misty when we visited the shelter.
-Ashley and Nestor
 Our family grew by one in October of 2009. When I saw saw Charlie in the shelter I just knew his home was with us. He was timid when we first brought him home, still unsure of what other changes would be happening in his life. Charlie was quiet and didn't seem to know how to play. He never jumped, chewed on a toy, or ran around the yard. We weren't sure he could even bark. Halloween came a week and a half after he joined our family. I placed a phone call to my husband while I was walking the children around trick-or-treating. While talking to my husband I heard Charlie barking at the visitors. Most people would be upset by the noise, but I was thrilled to hear him guarding his new home.
Since then, Charlie has enjoyed a wonderful Christmas (Santa brought him some new toys as he is a very good boy), a new fence with lots of room to run safely, and even a trip to the beach. He loved the beach, conversing with many dogs and enjoying many a relaxing afternoon on the balcony talking to other dogs as they walked by. He has neighborhood friends including a buddy named Dakota, a golden retriever, and a pretty black lab named Lilly. He loves to run around the yard with them both. When we brought Charlie home he had lyme disease, a tape worm and a hot spot on his side. His demeanor was clearly the result of him not feeling well. After a simple treatment from his vet, he recovered fully and is now a happy and playful friend.
Most of all, Charlie has a family that loves him. When we first saw him he looked scared and depressed. Now he has a big smile across his snoot most of the time and receives lots of scratches, snuggles, and the occasional prime rib chewy. We get lots of kisses. Mom, who was the hold out on getting a dog, is clearly wrapped around his paw.
Enjoy the pictures. When compared to the picture from the shelter, he now looks like a different dog. He is relaxed, confident, and overall, loved immensely.
Thank you for helping us find our fluffy family member.
The Schell Family
I've been meaning to send in a thank you to your shelter for the past few years, but am finally getting to do it now. My husband and I just wanted to thank you for giving us such a wonderful addition to our family and truly making our lives so much better because she is in it. The she I am referring to is Bailey (formerly called Mackenzie prior to adoption). We adopted her in June of 2007 from your shelter and are so lucky we did. We initially went in looking for a puppy, but something told me to take a look at the cute German Shephard mix who patiently waited and watched as I played with one of the puppies out back. Once done seeing the puppy, I asked if we could take a look at Bailey (Mackenzie) - and your staff enthusiastically told me I had made a good choice and she was loved by everyone at the shelter for her kisses and sweet temperament. I immediately fell in love with her. She has made our life so much better and given such meaning and purpose to both of us. She is the sweetest, most loyal dog I've ever had the pleasure to know and I can't imagine our lives without her. Thank you so much - we can't thank you enough!
- Tracy and Ryan C.
I recently adopted a kitten, Ephraim, whose name is now Rudy. I just wanted to touch base and let you know that we have had our first vet visit which included a lovely lesson on nail clipping and tooth brushing. We are absolutely in love with him and he has made himself at home! He spends his days hiding and scaring the dog and napping by the window. -Shawn
I adopted a brown tabby named Grissom from you guys last September. I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful addition he's been. He's by far the sweetest cat I've ever owned...there's not a mean bone in his body. He's supersweet & very affectionate. I love him very much.. He shares a home with another rescue named Mimi who I got from Four Paws in Virginia. I'm attaching a photo of Griz for you guys..
Thanks for giving me such a loving kitty!
-Stephanie
Happy Anniversary Sandy!!
On December 9th, we received this wonderful message from a couple who eloquently describe their love for their dog, and how they came to adopt her. We are sure this will resonate with many of you and we'd like to share it. We saved it to post this month, because January 5th marks Sandy's 10 year adoption anniversary as part of this loving family...
My name is Robert T. It was ten years ago today that someone dropped off a Chow mix at Howard County Animal Control. She was given the name of "Sampson". Sampson had just had a litter of puppies and for whatever reason, she found herself homeless.
It was around this time that my wife and I were ready to get a dog. We had gotten married only eight months earlier, and we thought having a dog would be a wonderful addition to our family. With that thought in mind, we were prepared to adopt a stray dog that I had found in our local shelter in VA. However, on the day that I was scheduled to pick up the dog, somebody else had adopted him.
We still wanted a dog, so I started surfing the Internet and found Animal Advocates web site. I wanted to adopt a dog from a shelter but did not want to go to the shelter because I knew it would be heartbreaking. I found a dog that I liked and left a message with Animal Advocates. Very shortly, a kind woman named Ann left me a message that this dog had been adopted. So, I called and left a message for her that I was interested in two other dogs. It turned out both of these dogs had new homes as well. Ann and I laughed that finally we had spoken to each other rather than leave phone messages.
Ann told me that all of the dogs I was interested in had found homes, but she was still working on finding a home for one dog. She said it was a Chow mix. This dog was Sampson. At first, I confess, I felt some trepidation because I had heard that Chows can be a difficult breed and my wife had never had a dog before. Ann told me she was a sweet dog.. I wanted to meet her in a couple of weeks, but Ann told me Sampson would not have that long in the shelter.
We decided we'd give Sampson a shot, and drove up to meet her. My wife was nervous about meeting Sampson because she had never had a dog before.
They took us to a room where we interacted with Sampson. It was love at first sight.. She immediately warmed up to my wife (she seemed to sense that she had to win my wife over). Then, they let us interact with her outside. We enjoyed watching her run around the yard. Her description on the Internet had used the words, "Playful and active". Boy, they were right!! We knew this was the dog for us. She had so much love in her eyes. She seemed like she just wanted somebody to love.
Five days later, I picked up Sampson from the Vet. I'll always remember when the vet technician called out, "Bring up the Chow". All of a sudden, I heard this pattering of feet, as well as Sandy crying. She must have felt confused over everything that had happened to her. She immediately went to me and jumped up on me. as if running to me for safety. Her tail was wagging.
On the drive back to Virginia, I experienced one of the most remarkable things in my life. Sandy seemed to know that she was now out of danger. She leaned up from the back seat and started licking my neck. That day, January 5, 2000, was the beginning of Sandy's life in our home. But, it was this day, ten years ago, that she was officially surrendered to the shelter. I can only imagine the hurt and betrayal she must have felt because she is a very loving and trusting dog. She truly can't believe that anybody would want to hurt her.
Sandy has now been with us almost ten years. There are no words in any language to describe the joy she has given us. We have no children, but Sandy is as much a part of our family as any child could be. I can't imagine our lives without her. What is remarkable is the volunteers at Howard County knew she was a good dog and was worth saving. The fact is they didn't know how much of a good dog she was-she is better than Lassie (okay, she is not as obedient as Lassie, but you will not find a more loving dog).
It would have been so tragic if Sandy had been put to sleep. These past ten years have been wonderful for her-but especially for us. I can't tell you how wonderful I feel when she greets me when I come home, with her tail wagging non-stop and her adoring eyes coming to greet me. Our lives are all the richer because she is in our lives. My wife and I were talking about Sandy's "close" call in the shelter yesterday and how grateful we are that she is part of our lives. We also laughed as we saw her spread out sound asleep on the master bed!
I've also come to respect the important work that good volunteers at animal shelters do. Without people like Ann and the others that were instrumental in looking out for Sandy, she would not be alive today. Sandy was very lucky that she was in Howard County Animal Control because she had people looking out for her. She was available for adoption for three weeks before we adopted her. I am well aware that the vast majority of shelters in this area would not have given her that long to find a home.
Now, that we have Sandy, I see the dogs that are in shelters and they deserve a chance, no matter what they look like or what breed they are.
I also wanted to thank all of you for saving Sandy's life. If it wasn't for you, we would not have been given these ten absolutely beautiful years with Sandy.
Thank You!!
Sincerely,
Robert
Loving 'Penny the Pitbull' and Joey snuggling up.
Attached is a picture of Riley (formerally Daisy). I adopted her 1 year ago this month from Animal Advocates and she is the sweetest, most loving dog imaginable. She is happy, loves to play and run, learns so fast (I can put two treats on her paws and she will not take them until I tell her to!), and has been just wonderful. When I go out, she knows the routine and will go in her crate without any prompting. I couldn't be luckier. She's just a dream.
~Arlette B.
 I just to say how happy my wife and myself are with our dog Domi. We adopted him in March 2006, from a litter of 7. Each one was named after a candy bar...ours was Twix. We decided to change his name from Twix to Domi (after a hockey player). I wanted to let you know what a great, clean facility you have. We also took him to the on-site obedience class which helped out quite a bit with his training. 3 years later we love him even more; he has such character, and he is sure to show it. We have decided to extend our family and add a new brother or sister for Domi, we hope we are as lucky as we were when we picked him from your shelter.
 I just wanted to say thank you for allowing me to adopt the best cat ever! Gert, who was given the name at the shelter, was a stray that was brought into the HCAC shelter with her brother. At the time, she had been there longer than any of the other cats and had an eye infection. She was very cute, and I asked one of the volunteers, "Does she play?" because I really wanted a playful kitten. She responded, "No. Her brother was very outgoing, but she is shy. He was adopted almost right away. Now, she mostly sits at the back of her cage." Saddened, I moved on to another cage down the line, but I soon heard a little "jingle, jingle, jingle." I looked back to see Gert on her back batting a cat toy around and having a grand time. After that, I knew she was meant for me. She is the sweetest cat, and LOVES to cuddle. She always comes when she is called and follows me everywhere. She has also been a good big sister to my other rescue, Nella. Thank you for posting the HCAC animals!
Thanks again! ~Jennifer
I had one cat at home, India, who I felt was going to need a playmate when I started grad school in January 2007. So in April of 2006, I began my search for a buddy. India was a spoiled princess, and I was unsure how she would accept a new cat into the family. I really wanted an adult cat, but I was worried that India would not do well with any challenges to her status as queen of the castle. After almost two months of searching, I finally brought 10 week old Zuzu (she was Eva at the shelter) home from the Howard County shelter on Memorial Day weekend. She had a cold, but was clearly excited to begin exploring anything and everything in my apartment. I even "lost" her for several minutes on the first day after she made her way out of the guest room, down the hall, across my bedroom, and into the closet in the 30 seconds it took me to refill her water bowl. It took several months of work and endless patience, but by fall of 2006, they were tolerating each other, if not liking each other, enough to cuddle and sit together without it turning into a vicious wrestling match. Three years later, both my girls are happy and healthy, and I can't imagine my life without my shelter cat. She is quite an athlete, and loves nothing more than sitting in an open (screened) window, listening to the birds chirping and watching the squirrels tease her.
The attached picture was taken sometime around Thanksgiving in 2006. Zuzu is the tabby sticking her tongue out while laying across India on their bird-watching chairs.
Thanks for everything,
Jessica
I have a little adopted pet story I really needed to share. I'm sending it to you since I adopted her from your shelter :) Seven years ago I adopted a little beagle puppy from a shelter in Ohio. He has been my whole world and I have loved him with all of my heart. I thought long and hard about adopting another dog because I know it is a big responsibility.
We looked for two months before we met "Bashful" at the Howard County Animal Control Adoption Facility. She was only 8 weeks old and the cutest little mutt ever. I wanted to rescue an older dog, but my husband really wanted her. In the end, we adopted "Bashful" in October 2008 and brought her home where she became "Kelpie." Kelpie was as wild and crazy as any puppy has ever been and she started growing very quickly. In about a month, questions came up about whether or not we should have gotten her - she was just such a handful.
But, she is not an object you can just return...she has a soul and a heart. She loves and she plays. For personal reasons, my husband and I have since separated, and at that point, friends and family then said to me, "Maybe you should find Kelpie a new home...she has a lot of energy and that is a lot for you to take on alone." It may sound selfish, but I knew I could never live with myself if I did that. I found the BEST day camp to take Copper - the beagle - and Kelpie to each day while I am at work and we also do obedience training as a family.
Let me tell you something...Kelpie has helped make my beagle whole...he no longer has the separation anxiety he used to. She looks up to him even though he is half her size and they sleep on top of each other. But the real reason I am writing is to say...I didn't rescue her...she saved me. I would have never made it through my divorce without her love...her unconditional lover. Her kisses and smiles. Her happiness and cuddles.
You gave me her...you helped her find me. However it happened...planned or not...thank you...thank you...thank you.
Sincerely,
A. B.
 I don't know how many success stories you hear, but I wanted to make sure you heard ours. We adopted Heidi, (she was known in the shelter as Jesse) in February 2004, a few months after our family dog of 17 1/2 years died. She had big shoes to fill, but she has filled them magnificently.
In 2006 my husband and I moved to Rome, Italy to work at the American Embassy. Of course, Heidi came along. We live in a beautiful apartment here in Rome, about 2 blocks from the Villa Borghese, which is like the Central Park of Rome. She runs through the park every day, and her life is good.I have attached a picture of her drinking from a fountain in the Villa Borghese and on the Spanish steps! What a life!
We are so happy to have had the opportunity to adopt her, she has enriched our lives in so many ways.
Thanks again, Carolyn, Charles and Heidi
The boys are very happy in their new home, and we adore them. They are the kind of dogs who give so much love and affection to all of us and everyone who enters the house. I can't imagine loving dogs more than I love them! We are living in a house with muddy pawprints everywhere, but it's a good place to be and we're all happy. ~ T.
About a month ago, we found a stray cat - actually, he found us - at our front door. We fed him for a few days, then took him to the howard county animal shelter to see whether his owner was looking for him or whether he had a chip. After a few days, tom-tom, as he was named at the shelter, was cleared for adoption, and we got him! We know that some of the staff had become very attached to him, so we thought we'd send along a couple of pictures of tom-tom (we've renamed him Henry) in our home. i think it's safe to say that all of us, including Henry, are very happy....thanks for all you do!
Liz v. and Elisabeth h.
Ashy joined our family in November 2008...she loves to run around in our basement and sit in our living room in the mornings and gaze out the bay windows with Midnight she has a 14 yr old German Shepard sister, Smokey, and a 15yr old black long haired domesticated cat, Midnight. She is a great addition to our family. Please consider Adopting a Pet! Save a Life!
It has now been approximately one year since we adopted Saki (formerly "Chi Chi" adopted 12/26/07). My husband and I can't remember life with out her! She and our pug dog Homer are becoming the best of friends :) They love to go to the dog park together, take long walks, and also be lazy in bed!
Saki has become such a loving part of our family, and her personality has truly come out. She continues to be a happy and healthy girl! We have attached the picture that we used for our holiday cards this year. Enjoy!
I hope all is well with you and everyone at your facility. Happy 2009!
Best wishes,
Sarah & Chi Y.
 Our family first visited your shelter early this past August where we met Lady (now Lucy). We had been thinking about adopting a cat for a while and went to your website where we saw lots of animals that needed a home. Lucy had been in the shelter since February, the longest of all the cats. We were able to visit Lucy the next day and we spent some time talking to one of the volunteers. She was like a matchmaker and we knew right away that Lady was a perfect fit for us. We filled out the paperwork and in a day or two Lucy came home with us. She was a little shy at first but after a few days she was at ease. It's now almost January and Lucy is making progress every week. She isn't afraid of strangers and she comes running when she hears the front door open. She loves being brushed and playing with her toys. Her favorite thing to do is lay in bed and look out the window at the birds and squirrels. We just wanted to write to keep you updated and to say thank you to the staff and the volunteers for taking care of our Lucy. Appached is a recent picture of Lucy lounging on the bed.
Thank you and Happy New Year,
Cathy V.M.
Edna ( was Elektra) is the most loving,gentle and happy dog one could ever meet. We were hesitant about adopting a pit bull at first but I am so glad we opened our home to this little pooch. She is great with kids and wonderful with our other dog. It really is a perfect match. We were lucky to get her. If anyone is uncertain about adopting a pit, please share our story! We cant believe the unfair reputation this breed gets. We are so happy we didn't buy into the negative hype and miss out on our girl. We tell everyone we meet to give pits a chance!! Thanks for keeping her safe until we could bring her home.
Sincerely,
Nathan and Jackie B.
I adopted Daisy (#2607) a black lab mix on 8/8/08.... I changed her name to Riley
which totally suits her and she has been wonderful in her new home. She had one
accident the first day she came home, but has learned the routine quickly and now
only goes outside. She learns so fast it's amazing.
She is happy, social, dog and people friendly, loves the dog park and
really loves the dog beach at Quiet Waters park. The water dog in her really
comes out when she's there. I couldn't have asked for a better dog and I
absolutely adore her.
Also, thanks for not holding against me the fact that i did not have a fenced
yard. Riley has not suffered one bit as she gets 3 vigorous walks a day and goes
to the Dog/Water park 4-5 times a week. Would a fenced yard be nice? Of course.
But she doesn't miss it because of all the exercise she gets and the attention I
give her.
Arlette B.
 We adopted Obie in May of 07 and changed his name to Roosevelte. We wanted to thank you for a wonderful companion. He is a great cat, very talkative and funny. He is also extremely active, and his acrobatic skills are amusing to watch. He has a big attitude and wants what he wants when he wants it! Thank you again. I never thought another cat could enter my heart after loosing my persian of 17 years, Prince. Roosevelte is truly a member of our family and we look forward to enjoying him for many years to come!
Thank you!
Jessica & John
I just wanted to write to say "thank you" for allowing us to adopt Cyrus from you last week. He turns 1 today and I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you that we absolutely love him and he seems very happy here. His obedience training is coming along very nicely … he's a very smart dog and learns new things very quickly. We've been working with him every day after his exercise and he had his first formal training class at Petco last Saturday where he was a "model" student. ~Howard
 We wanted to share some pictures with you. At the shelter he was known as 1854 (Tito) we have named him Ovie, and he is just the best dog ever. He is so great with the kids, they adore him. He loves to go for walks, he loves treats and is always by my side. He is completely house trained and doesn't even bark, he is the most well behaved dog. Thank you so much for helping us to adopt him!! The vet says he is very healthy. And thinks he may be a bordie collie mix.....I don't know, we just think hes adorable!
Thanks so much, The Zovko family
 We adopted Zeus a few months after I started volunteering with Animal Advocates of Howard County after moving from Coronado California. I think the year was 2000, maybe. Ann warned me he was a cutie and I had a yellow lab so don’t fall for this cute dog. Well he stole my heart the moment I saw him and talked my husband into bringing the kids out to see and walk with him (knowing that was all it would really take because he’s the best husband a gal could ask for and loves dogs just as much as I).
Well, that was all it took. The Harmer Family had a new addition to our family. Two years later we moved back to Coronado, where Zeus quickly captured the heart of everyone in the community.
My friend and fellow animal advocate Dina, who volunteers endless hours for the sake of homeless pets put together a Surf Dog Calendar from the photos her husband and others took during a fundraiser that is a huge success and getting national attention. It’s a Surf Dog Contest and fashion show, a day full of fun watching the dogs surf in the California sun while Beach Boy music plays. The proceeds from the Calendar went to various animal charities and one way of helping our four legged friends was by donating animal oxygen masks to the local fire stations. The fire fighters were so appreciative of the donation and are sure they will be put to good use if the need should arise. Living in southern California wild fires are a real threat to all including animals and these masks will certainly be put to good use. Since Zeus was a contestant and looks so dapper in his jams Dina asked if he would be part of the photo shoot when presenting the oxygen masks to the fire fighters. We were honored to be a part of it.
The Harmer family will always be grateful for the kindness of people like Ann and the other volunteers with Animal Advocates, who helped Zeus. Without their efforts to save as many animals as possible he would have never come to us. A big yellow dog named Zeus who brings us joy and laughter each day has touched our lives. So if anyone is thinking that you cannot find a great dog at a shelter look at Zeus, he is one handsome boy! He now enjoys his days playing with his sister Grace and enjoying the Pacific Ocean and jumping in the waves. He is our Moon Doggie, surfs up let’s go!!!!! This year will be the 3rd year for the Surf Dog Contest that is being held on June 28,2008. Wish Zeus luck!
Thank you once again Ann for your friendship and kindness.
Love,
The Harmer Family,
Barb, Chris, Colleen, Devyn, Zeus, Grace and Buddy
Spunky waited a long time to find his forever home. He was at the shelter for five months, until one day, the right family came along and they knew they were meant for each other. We have heard from his new mom that he is enjoying life and is a great addition to their family. Just goes to show you that sometimes it can take awhile for a homeless animal to get adopted, but in the end, there is a home out there for each and every one of them.
 My name is Sarah and my husband and I adopted "Chi Chi" this past December. I wanted to let you know that everything is going GREAT! We have changed her name to "Saki."
Read this creative newsletter for the Success Story of Clue! Click Here .
I just wanted to let everyone know that Andy, renamed Freddie, has settled into his new home and is happy and healthy. There are three other cats in the household and he, and they, are getting along fine. He thanks you all for taking good care of him while he was at the shelter, but he is so happy that he doesn't have to be in a cage anymore. When I first brought him home he purred nonstop for two days and ran around his room, stayed up all day playing - no kitty naps for this guy! Now that he's settled in he does take his naps. He is a real joy, and his whole family says 'thank you'. -Enid
 Hi. I just wanted to give you an update for the handlers on a cat I adopted there about 2 weeks ago. Her number was 2271 and her name was Kelly. Now Cleo, she is getting along great here and especially with my other cat, Ozzy. They never fought and within a week they were hanging out near each other with no hissing at all! Now, they lick and play with each other every morning and evening! She really enjoys watching animal planet!
Thanks,
-Michelle
Camden is a wonderful dog! He is quickly learing commands and is almost housebroken. He has socialized with several other dogs and is very funny. I am extremely glad to have adopted Camden. He is a great companion!
Sincerely, Cara J.
Attached is a picture of our boy, Kyan, now almost 3 years old! He's become very comfortable and adept at bossing around his humans. We wouldn't have it any other way.
Teresa
Thank you for The Best Beagle Ever
It is has almost been a year now since I met Giles at your shelter and took him home with me. I knew he was great when I met him but he is absolutely phenomenal. He is so smart, well behaved, friendly, with such a spark for life. When I reminisce over the past year and how much my friend means to me, I wanted to extend a great big thank you to you. Thank you for allowing me to meet my best friend and helping others out there find happiness too.
Warm regards,
Debbi and Giles S.
Life is so hectic. We are glad to have Jade as part of our lives as she is our calm and happiness. We could never have asked for a more incredible dog.
Warmly, Elaine
I thought that you might enjoy some pictures of "Rosie White Socks," now, "Miso Rosie" in her forever home. She has been here for just over a month and is thriving. She was very skittish for her first couple of days but has become a member of the family very quickly. We are so proud! She was such a brave kitty! She is the perfect sister for our little black cat, Oop. They play amazing games of chase that make it sound like ponies are trotting through the apartment! They are better and better friends everyday. I can't thank you all enough for caring for her all that time that she was in the shelter.
All the best, Tracy
My husband and I adopted two wonderful kittens (Dana and Mia- now named Tabasco and Sable) from the Howard County Animal Control last August. I would like to give my time and energy in sincere thanks to Animal Advocates for saving my "furkids". I have attached a Christmastime photo of Tabasco (brown tabby) and Sable (black kitty), with our newest family member, Sammy (gold manx).
Thanks again. - Ayana
I adopted Roxie (Penny) from you a little over than 6 years ago. She is a Pitt mix. I wasn't sure at first but since the day I brought her home, I was sold. She is my best friend and a true companion. All my other friends with pets are jealous because she is so smart and sweet. I moved to Florida recently and became a volunteer at my local shelter to try to give back a piece of what I have. Words will never be enough to express how I feel about her but I just wanted to say thank you.
Stephanie L.
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