Success Stories
We're always excited to receive updates and photos from adopters and HSCC alums. These notes, cards, letters, and images help to remind us of the positive impacts our work makes on the lives of people and pets and reassures us that the often difficult, emotional, and intense work has tremendous rewards. Here are just a few "true tails" of our past residents - a snippet or tow of life after finding a new forever home.
Big Bear
Last July Tabitha and I adopted Bear. He was a very anxious dog who hide behind his loud bark. I am finding it hard to put into words the joy we feel from taking a chance on Bear, and Bear taking a chance on us. For me never having my own dog, just a family dog I wasn't real sure what we had gotten ourselves into. The first few months we a little rough for everyone, we needed to learn Bears routine and he need to learn ours. Coming up on our 1 year anniversary with Bear we are finding ourselves amazed each day at the joy this guy has brought into our lives. I most often work real long hours at the hospital, so when Tabitha and Bear come back to pick me up after a long day of work it melts my heart to have him there waiting with his slobbery kisses. I would like to thank everyone at the humane society for giving us a great opportunity with such an amazing dog.
Newt's Story
Newt isn't just a little dog, he is one of my best friends. I love him to death, at night he curls up under the covers along side me and sleeps there all night. We have already made so many good memories and there are more to come. I guess you could say he is my "shadow" and he melts my heart every time he looks up at me with his big brown eyes. I hope the other two Yorkies he came with also found a loving home.
~ Jennifer
Sugar Plum is #1
When I was a young girl, I remember wanting a pet kitty so badly. Finally, for my 5th birthday, my mother went to the Chittenden Humane Society and returned with my best friend. We were doing a Christmas play at the time in school, and my part was the Sugar Plum fairy. I happily held my kitten for the first time, looked at her beautiful face, and thought, "Sugar Plum".
I never thought I could be so deeply attached to another living thing, but I am to Sugar, she's every bit important to me as any other member of my family. I am now 17. Sugar is 13 - and healthy as a horse I might add! She's a very unique girl - her favorite food is cantaloupe! Seriously, the cat goes crazy for the stuff! Sugar has brought so much into not just my life, but my family's as well. We love her so much, thank you!!
~Amanda, Colchester Vermont
Jack's "Tail"
I adopted Jack (now Jack-Jack or Mr. Man as he is affectionately called) on June 13, 2008. He had lived at the HSCC for almost one full year. When I first met him he was 10 years old and very overweight (he weighed 20lbs then and he hasn't lost any yet!). He was a shy kind of guy and didn't warm up to me right away, although he did come to my then 10-year old son. After 3 days of coming back to visit, we decided to adopt him out of all of the wonderful cats. He joined our family which includes one other kitty, Bella. Jack is super laid back and has settled in nicely. He is very loving and his favorite spot is curled up with me on the couch (photo attached). He and Bella have a complex relationship comprised of an (un)-even mix of love and antagonizing each other; it can be very entertaining to watch them "play". He is not the most active cat but he is "purrrfectly" content to snuggle. After 5 months, I think Jack now realizes he is here forever. He is a wonderful addition to our family. While he doesn't like new people very much, he plies us with kisses after our guests leave. We have to be careful or he sneaks any people-food left around including popcorn! He's quirky and funny, loveable and sensitive, easy going and on a diet! He loves having his chin scratched most of all.
Benny and Phoebe
Since we had never been owned by 2 cats at once, this past year was quite an experience for both parties. Benny and Phoebe have distinct
personalities which are still evolving and they quickly showed us how they wished to play, eat, sleep and rule the house. Benny's favorite games: chase the mousie; "what's under the rug"; and "trap door spider" where Benny hides in a large box (from the new microwave we purchased) and attacks a feather wand as it is wiggled near the side of the box, retreating back into the box to wait for the next wiggle.
Phoebe's favorite games: "what's under the rug"; chase me chase me; sitting in the top tier of the 3-shelf carpeted cat perch and attacking a feather wand as it is wiggled up and down. We go out for walks, weather permitting - both cats still on harness and leash. Actually they walk us, but everyone is happy to get out in the fresh air. Benny is quite vocal when he wants to go out, while Phoebe sniffs at the door and stretches tall in an attempt to reach the door knob. At night, Phoebe sleeps ontop of one of us, while Benny stretches out at the foot of the bed right were our feet would usually go. On any given night, one of us is wedged in by cats!
All in all, we wouldn't change a thing. Benny and Phoebe are a joy. We're so glad they are part of our lives and we hope they feel the same way. Happy birthday!
~Ellen and Barclay Morris
Eleven wonder years with Ellie...
We adopted Ellie in 1994 when she was an adorable one year old puppy. My family and I grew to love her for 11 wonderful years until we decided to put her to sleep because of cancer. We are so lucky to have had so much time to spend with our beautiful lab/corgi mix! She will always be in our hearts as the puppy who loved the car and the occasional snack! Thank you so much for giving us such a delightful puppy to spend our time with.
~ Mary Ellen, Dave, Anna and Sarah