Happy Tails

Heartwarming adoption stories: Because we have been helping animals for almost 30 years, we have had a lot of happy endings. We invite anyone who adopts from us to send their story or comments by writing or e-mailing us just as these folks have done.

* Penny (adopted July 2008) by the Behr Family

Penny is living the good life now. She had been in a foster home since October 2007 and now has everything a doggie could ask for. This is what her family said after adopting her:
We are really grateful to the SBCHA for looking after Penny for all those months. Penny was just waiting for us to decide we were ready for a doggie.
Penny came home with us on Friday, July 18. She has throughly adopted Avery as her "person," sleeping under the covers with Avery, following her around and sitting in her lap whenever possible.

She is still getting used to the her new home. She seems to love the fenced back yard...when I check on her outside I see her running around and wagging her tail. She will only come in if Avery calls her and is standing by the door. She has completely ignored the cats so far.

*Nellie (left, adopted July 2008) by Kimberly Baker

You can just see how happy Nellie is pictured here with her new family Kim and D.J. Baker. Kim had only moved to the area three weeks prior to adopting Nellie and says she is just the perfect addition. Nellie is very outgoing and has a winning personality, her brother D.J. is more reserved and gentle, so the combination has made the perfect family. Everyone is very happy. Kim will be continuing her pet sitting business (doggiejunction.com) and feels that Nellie will enjoy that as well - getting to meet and make new friends.

*Charlie Russell (adopted October 2007) owned by Valerie and Ricky McConnell

My name is Charlie Russell McConnell. I am 5 1/2 months old. I think that I am a mix breed of maybe a Miniature Pincher and Chihuahua. I have already proven to be a gentle little fellow to my new brother Jessie Lee. He is like me; he was rescued by a couple with the heart to give a good home and lots of love and attention. I was found at the Bedford County Humane Association where I was loved and cared for.

My new family, I have over heard say that I was just what Jessie Lee needed. We have really hit it off. He shares with me his toys and he lets me run and play with him everywhere he goes. He has even let me share his favorite past time, watching the squirrels and cats in the neighborhood. We share a big fenced in back yard where we really have freedom to really have a lot of fun. I highly recommend this adoption thing. There are plenty like me still at the Humane Association that are looking for a good home. With my new home, red
collar, glass bowl, soft blanket and a bunch of love, I think this relationship will last a long time.

JoAnn DeNeille says she found the “perfect dog” through SBCHA. Molly, a Blue Heeler mix was born in May 2005, but it wasn’t until she was 13 months old that JoAnn fell in love with her. “I saw that face and knew she was the one. I didn’t look at any of the others,” she said.

Still having a lot of puppy left in her, Molly went on a chewing frenzy. She chewed the wooden Adirondack chairs and the rug on the screened in porch at the DeNeille home; and that was the first day. “She chewed everything,” said JoAnn, “But she finally got out of it and I’m so glad
got her. I just love her so much.”

* Sandy (adopted August 2007) and Julie (adopted September 2007) owned by Tim and Amanda Trott

Amanda Trott said she and her husband Tim never imagined having 3 big dogs, but in looking for a companion for their 2 ½ year old St. Bernard named Maverick, they decided to look at the SBCHA shelter. They first fell in love with a Border Collie named Julie, but she was about to go to a new home. They then decided to adopt Sandy, a Golden Retriever mix. About a month later, the couple got a phone call letting them know that Julie was back at the shelter. Her other home didn’t work out. After talking it over, they decided Julie would make a good playmate for Sandy, who was much too active for Maverick and seemed bored a lot. It was a perfect match.

“They complement each other really well,” said Amanda. “They’re wonderful.”

Their favorite pastime is playing ball with the Trott kids, Tiffani, 10; Keeton, 8; Branson. Julie also loves to jump in the small fish pond in the back yard. The canines seem to be a bit partial to Amanda though. When she was sick recently, the canines stayed by her side continuously and wouldn’t leave the bedroom. In fact, Tim had to make them go out to the bathroom.

“They have to go where I go,” Amanda said. “They’re big buddies. They spend about two hours outside playing. It tires them out and then they’re ready to sleep for a while.”

Kim is a cat lover at heart. Her cat Buddy is 2 years old and a couple of months ago she and her husband, Chris adopted Peaches from SBCHA. “She is so, so sweet. I just love her,” said Kim. Although her husband was not a cat lover at first, now he crawls around on the floor playing with the two cats. He has really taken to Peaches.

“He was not sure about getting another cat at first,” said Kim. “Now, he just loves Peaches.”

“They get along really well,” said Kim. “Peaches has really, really been a welcome addition.”

* Bingo (adopted October 2007) and Bitsy (adopted several years ago) owned by Danny and Peggy Belyeu

Bitsy Belyeu here. I am writing on behalf of Bingo. He has been here for five days now and has many stories he wishes to share with you. But before I start my transcription of Bingo's story (he can't write), I would like to once again thank you for your dedication and love of us homeless puppies. I will never be able to express how wonderful a life you have given me, Bingo and countless other "kids" in need of adoption. You are truly an angel!

Bingo says: Hey Everybody, Life here at puppy boot camp sure is great, but boy is there lots to learn before I canobtain my PFC stripes (puppy first class). I have two beds now.One upstairs with Mommy and Daddy for night time sleeping and one downstairs for daytime napsand timeoutswhen I do something Bitsy, Blizzard, or Boomer disapproves of and tells on me. I have a new collar, two leashes, and this really cool bone shaped dinner table. There are literally hundreds of toys to play with and all of the rawhide bones in the whole world (they are used as money here). For example: If Bitsy is at the top of the stairs, she will not let me come up unless I bring a rawhide bone to pay the toll.

My Daddy seems to like me a whole bunch, and Mommy is a saint. Yesterday Daddy took me to "that place" as we kids call it,(the veterinarian). Boy was that an adventure!! They poked me, did things I can't write about here, and gave me medicine for an itch in my ear. I wasn't sure how much everyone at home li

ked me until daddy brought me home from "that place".

Bitsy, Boomer, and Blizzard all greeted me at the door - they sniffed me, licked me, snuggled me, welcomed me home, and sat around me asking me to tell them what happened at "that place". As I began to tell them about the rear-end thing, all three of them said, "Been there, done that...isn't it degrading", I then told them about getting on the scales and weighing in at 27 lbs. Blizzard said she poops bigger than that...but that's okay because she watches over me with the caring only a real K9-mommy can give.

Well, I have passed the first real test of puppy boot camp and am proud to say that I am now allowed to be a member of the pack...still a recruit, but they all accept me now. Daddy lets me off of the leash when we go to the "big yard"but I must follow Boomer at all times. I go potty outside in the "little yard" but have to ask someone to open the door as I still haven't mastered the puppy door. I still have to convince Mommy and Daddy that I know my name is Bingo. I still have to drop whatever I am doing and immediately come when called. I have to learn to put my toys back in the toy box when I am finished with them. And I still have about 1,000 other things to learn before I am awarded my PFC stripes. But,everyone here tells me that I am the best recruit to ever come along. And judging by how smart all of the other kids are, that's a real compliment. I have to get back to my studies now, but know you are in my thoughts and prayers always.

Love,
Bingo

Bitsy here again: Well, there you have it as only Bingo could put it. He's doing great and I kinda think he's special (but don't tell anyone or else orthey might think I have become soft and mushy or something --- I have a toughimage to maintain, you know). Thanks again for everything and as Bingo put it: you are always in my thoughts and puppy prayers.

Daryoush and Michelle Salehi never envisioned themselves as agility junkies, but kind of fell into the sport after adopting a Jack Russell/Beagle mix named Bella from SBCHA almost a year ago. The couple decided they wanted a playmate for their 3-year-old Rat Terrier, Gizmo.They searched on petfinder for a small to medium breed and saw Bella’s picture. They were going on a trip that coming weekend to Fall Creek Falls and decided to make a detour to Shelbyville to see her before heading back to their hometown of Huntsville, Ala.

“She was an instant hit,” said Daryoush. “She’s very obedient and very willing to please.”

Already about a year old, they decided to enroll Bella in an obedience class with the Huntsville Obedience Club. One day trainers brought out the agility equipment for the puppy class. He decided to let Bella play on it.

Witnesses to her natural ability at the sport, encouraged the Salehi’s to start Bella in agility.

“She’s been a lot of fun,” said Daryoush. “Bella has been our agility queen.”

That was a year ago. Bella is now two. The duo are currently at the novice level and have competed in various agility trials. While Daryoush and Bella are competing Michelle and Gizmo are often in the stands cheering them on. Bella’s biggest asset is her speed. Her biggest obstacle is the crowd noise and distractions during busy trials.
“In class she does great, she is the best,” said Daryoush. “Right now she’s flying through everything."
At the Nadac (North American Dog Agility Council) Trial held in Huntsville recently the duo was very pleased when receiving

1st place in Tunnelers, 3rd place in Jumpers, and 3rd place in Weavers. "Qualifying in both Tunnelers and Jumpers. This is their first placement. On day two of the trial Bella qualified in Tunnelers and got 1st place in Tunnelers and 4th place in Jumpers.
Even though these wins are exciting Daryoush and Michelle are just happy having a family outing with their gals, Bella, Gizmo and Baby ( a 10-year-old Min Pin adopted in March 2007).

* Riley adopted by Jessica Ford March 2008
Hey guys!
Just wanted to let you all know how "Little Brown Bear" (whose adopted name is Riley) is doing!

It poured the entire way home the day I picked him up, and he was so nervous and quiet in the car. When we got home he just laid quietly at my feet or in my lap and took in his new surroundings. Over the next couple of days he ventured increasingly further from my side, and of course now he has complete run over the entire place. After that first scary experience, I was afraid he'd hate riding in the car, but in fact he's always ready to jump in when I run to the store or take a ride out to my parent's place in the country (he especially loves that trip because he gets to run free at Grandma and Grandpa's!). He's pretty much house broken already, with only the occasional accident during the first week or so. He's very good at coming and scratching at my arm or leg if he wants to go outside. He was initially terrified of the stairs and refused to climb up or down them to go out, but he has conquered his fears and now bounds up and down the stairs like a champ. Unfortunately, he learned to climb over the baby gate I was using to keep him in the kitchen when I'm at work (so he doesn't chew the furniture) in less than a week, so now he has to go in a crate while I'm at work 2-3 nights a week. Luckily, the crate is huge and he doesn't seem to mind it, as he sleeps, plays, and runs in and out of it even when I'm home! Riley loves the park just down the road from where we live. When we walk the walking path there everyone stops us to comment how cute he is. He really is adorable! The other night we went through the drive-thru at Taco Bell, it was late and we were the only ones in line. We ended up being there about ten extra minutes and literally had three employees hanging out the drive-thru window to pet him (don't worry, they all assured me that they'd be washing their hands before going back to work!). He sure knows how to get attention! Anyway, I'm happy to say that Riley has settled in here in his new home beautifully. He is very loved and seems to be really happy! Thank you all so much for watching over him and loving him for me until I could bring him home!
Jessica
PS--I'm attaching a few pictures of Riley here at home. The green frog with cameos in several of the photos is Riley's best friend (and favorite toy) Jean-Bob.

* Sweetie adopted by Suzanne Bussell April 2008
I just wanted you to know that Sweetie is very, very happy & adjusting well. She learned quickly how nice it is to sleep on a king size bed with the tv going & the window open. It was a very long day for her Saturday. I'm not sure if she's ever seen ahorse before because she sure is afraid of them. (I would be afraid of a 1,000 pound DOG too.) My mother took right to her too & she Moma. She's met Abby the cat & wants nothing to do with her. We've started walking at 5:30 to 6:00 in the morning which is a routine I've been off of for 2 years. I'm thinking we both need the exercise. I've had her in a big crate a few times & she barks once & that's it so I'm glad that's working well, too. Hard to believe that you can fall so in love with a dog in a few days, but she's swept me off my feet. Not to say she doesn't have some issues to work through. That's ok, we'll work through them.
Thank you again for all you do - but mostly for Sweetie.

A second update: Sweetie (forgot to tell you, now it's Sissy-I've known too many Sweeties), went w/me to my sis' 250 acre farm yesteday, met her 2 dogs, walked way down to the creek, came back to their 2-3 acre pond & when I turned her loose, she ran hard to the water & dove in, swimming in a circle, came back out & ran & ran & ran. She was on cloud nine. Then, she, sis & her 2 dogs & I got into the boat & rowed around the pond. We had a blast. Another good day. Bye for now.

* JC & Stubby Adopted by Patti Cantrell 2007
Thought you might enjoy a picture of JC and Stubby. They're really living it up!! Stubby hid for about three Sundays when Wayne came to visit. He finally bribed him out of hiding one Sunday with "Temptations" kitty treats and has had a little black buddy ever since. Stubby meets him at the door now!!
JC is thoroughly fascinated with water. I can barely turn on a faucet and he will sit there and look at it, run his paw under it, try to lick it, turn his head sideways and look at it - he's just simply amazed! He has to sit on the edge of the tub every morning when I take a shower, and bat the shower curtain.
I don't know who's enjoying who more - me or them!! - - - Patti