Success Story: Lacey

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The lengths we will go to for love! Lacey’s adopter followed her all the way from Hayward Animal Services, where she had been taken as a stray. He was head over heels for the sweet tabby kitten, and was determined to make sure she found her way home with him. It was love at first sight when David saw Lacey at the shelter. She was still on her stray hold period, and wasn’t available for adoption. Yet when he returned just a few days later, she was gone! Fortunately David had taken a video of Lacey during his first visit, so shelter staff was easily able to identify her as the adorable tabby that had been transferred to Valley Humane Society. David immediately contacted us to express his interest in adopting Lacy. He had to wait once again, while Lacey went through our standard medical intake process, but VHS kept in contact with David throughout. Says the grateful David: “I’m very happy with Lacey. I think she’s happy in her new home, and knows she’s wanted, adored, and very much loved. Thank you Valley Humane!” Sounds like little Lacey was definitely worth the wait!

Have you recently adopted a cat or dog from Valley Humane? Let us know how things are going! Send your cutest, clearest photos and all those adorable details about life with your new best friend to adoptions@valleyhumane.orgBe sure to include your first and last name and your pet’s VHS name (if known).

Success Story: Tatum

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Once upon a time, an adorable, freckle-faced mite of a pup came to Valley Humane Society with her many littermates. Named Tatum, the little Lab-mix stole the hearts of the Terwilliger family and went home to be treated like the princess she’d always dreamed of becoming. Tatum fit right into the family, and her human sisters love taking her for walks, playing, and cuddling.

Now called Lacey, the pampered pooch spends time with everyone equally, running with Mom, supervising Dad’s yard work, and snuggling with the girls at bedtime. Says Mom, “Thank you so much, Valley Humane, for all you do to rescue these sweet animals. She is such a wonderful addition, and we can’t imagine life without her.” How’s that for a fairy tale ending?

Have you recently adopted a cat or dog from Valley Humane? Let us know how things are going! Send your cutest, clearest photos and all those adorable details about life with your new best friend to adoptions@valleyhumane.orgBe sure to include your first and last name and your pet’s VHS name (if known).

Success Story: Mojito

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Falling in love is definitely one of the challenges of volunteering at Valley Humane Society. Most folks find their hearts expand enough to make room for every dog and cat, and they love them all and let them go; some people enforce hard and fast “rules” that allow them to share their affection without getting attached. Despite our resistance, sometimes an animal like Mojito comes along…one who knows exactly which heartstring to pull.

Lilli looked forward to seeing Mojito every weekend during her shift in Kitty City. She and her family already had two other VHS adoptees, Costello and Teddy, and weren’t looking for a third cat. Then came the tug. Lilli says Mojito, an easygoing young cat, would often put up his paws as if to say “pick me up.” “When I would pick him up, it was like he would hug me, and I just fell in love with him,” said Lilli. She adopted Mojito during our Black Cat Friday Weekend adoption event, which runs every year right after Thanksgiving. Now called Milo, the sweet boy quickly adjusted to his new home.  He loves playing with his kitty siblings and wants to be just like them. Sometimes you just can’t help falling in love!

Have you recently adopted a cat or dog from Valley Humane? Let us know how things are going! Send your cutest, clearest photos and all those adorable details about life with your new best friend to adoptions@valleyhumane.orgBe sure to include your first and last name and your pet’s VHS name (if known).

Success Story: Connor

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Lisa came to Valley Humane Society looking to fill the hole in her heart left by the loss of her dog, Ellie. As soon as she walked in the door, Lisa met four-month-old Connor, an adorable blond terrier mix. The puppy was hanging out behind the reception counter having some social time with the admin team. Lisa played with Connor and naturally fell in love. But having set her heart on adopting a young adult dog and not a puppy, in the end she left without him. Says Lisa, “I kept thinking about him all night and the next day. I called, but [VHS] was closed. Finally I left a message saying if Connor hadn’t been adopted, please keep him for me.”

Since that day, the active pup has been a huge part of Lisa’s life. Connor spends his days with three kitty siblings, including his favorite pal, Duke. The two eat, sleep, and play together. He loves going to the dog park to socialize with other dogs and people, and is sometimes so excited that he stands on his back paws like a meerkat! Now called Cody, this little pup was clearly the perfect fit for Lisa’s heart!

Have you recently adopted a cat or dog from Valley Humane? Let us know how things are going! Send your cutest, clearest photos and all those adorable details about life with your new best friend to adoptions@valleyhumane.orgBe sure to include your first and last name and your pet’s VHS name (if known).

Success Story: Luke Skywalker

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The force was strong the day the Faber family visited Valley Humane Society looking for a kitten. Having pre-shopped available kittens on our website, the couple just wanted to determine the accuracy of the behavior profiles they’d read. Not only did they find our personality descriptions as accurate as a well-aimed blast from a Jedi X-wing Starfighter, the Fabers actually found Luke Skywalker.

From day one, the curious gray tuxedo was a perfect fit for this family of Star Wars fans. He energetically jumped a makeshift barrier to explore their house at light speed. The Fabers bought him a galaxy of his favorite playthings, and he quickly learned to scale his cat condo instead of trying to climb the curtains. The couple credits Valley Humane Society with easing them into first-time pet parenthood: “From getting time to really meet the kittens, to all the information we were sent home with, the wonderful folks at the center really helped us. If you are considering adding a furry friend to your home, this is definitely the place to start!” Indeed, the Fabers had such a positive experience, they’re thinking of adding a Leia to their adorable Luke!

Have you recently adopted a cat or dog from Valley Humane? Let us know how things are going! Send your cutest, clearest photos and all those adorable details about life with your new best friend to adoptions@valleyhumane.orgBe sure to include your first and last name and your pet’s VHS name (if known).

Success Story: Moose

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When the Franklin family visited Valley Humane Society looking for a new canine companion, they envisioned a small dog. To say Moose didn’t quite fit the criteria is a bit of an understatement. Even at six months the Shepherd-mix puppy was clearly oversized. Yet they knew he was coming home with them. Love at first sight, they called it…proving once and for all that love is, in fact, blind. At 8 months of age, Moose weighed in at 60 pounds and was still growing, as was the family’s love for the big pup. Moose loves his thrice-daily walks, is excelling at Manners 101, enjoys chasing balls (or squirrels!) in the backyard, and always chooses appropriate chew toys. “Moose is a wonderful and fun dog, and we are so happy to have him as part of the family,” writes mom Lori. They must have known that good things come in big packages, too!

Have you recently adopted a cat or dog from Valley Humane? Let us know how things are going! Send your cutest, clearest photos and all those adorable details about life with your new best friend to adoptions@valleyhumane.orgBe sure to include your first and last name and your pet’s VHS name (if known).

Success Story: Tabitha

Tabitha squareLast spring, Tabitha was at Valley Humane Society wishing for her forever family. Then Karen walked into our adoption center, and in the blink of an eye, Tabitha found her wish granted! The two have conjured up a great life together. Tabitha has learned to go on car rides in her crate and has a toy box she can empty at will. Karen tells us Tabitha is a good guard kitty, keeping watch on everything. They are enjoying each other’s companionship immensely, keeping each other warm at night (even if Karen can’t move her legs), and are happy together. Renamed Pearl because of her “cute little pearly paws,” it seems as though this magical tortie and her mom were destined to be together!

Have you recently adopted a cat or dog from Valley Humane? Let us know how things are going! Send your cutest, clearest photos and all those adorable details about life with your new best friend to adoptions@valleyhumane.orgBe sure to include your first and last name and your pet’s VHS name (if known).

Success Story: Zane

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The stars must have aligned the day the Rolison family chose Sky for their new canine companion. The spunky black Lab mix immediately fit in with the active family, and became “best buds” with her new doggie sister, Luna. The two girls have their human companions beaming with pride and joy! When they aren’t keeping each other in line, they enjoy wrestling, chasing each other and taking hikes and playing with their guardians. They also love their squeaky bone, but, says Mom Kathleen, “These two just need each other to have a good time.”

Have you recently adopted a cat or dog from Valley Humane? Let us know how things are going! Send your cutest, clearest photos and all those adorable details about life with your new best friend to adoptions@valleyhumane.orgBe sure to include your first and last name and your pet’s VHS name (if known).

Success Story: Apollo

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It seems the third time really is opportune, when you’re a charming diety like Apollo! Adopted from Valley Humane Society as a kitten, sunny Apollo and his shadowy counterpart, Padfoot, were surrendered when their family was forced to move after just four years together. Good-natured and gentle, the flame point Siamese mix was a bright spot in Kitty City for more than four months when our Black Cat Friday Weekend adoption event brought his new guardian through the door. Nancy had been forced to give up her own beloved cat a number of years previously due to an extended hospitalization. She saw Apollo’s picture in the paper, and something reminded her of “Chyn.” In a recent letter, Nancy thanked Valley Humane for “reuniting” her with a virtual reincarnation of the cat she had to give up. “This precious cat is wonderful and full of curiosity!” she writes. “He claims ownership to the largest part of the bed and the best chair in the house.” Nancy keeps Apollo on his toes with regular games of hide-and-seek, placing treats around the house under cushions and pillows. “He finds them all,” writes Nancy. She sent her blessings to us for helping them to connect. As for Apollo? He’s in his third incarnation, and life is just golden.

Have you recently adopted a cat or dog from Valley Humane? Let us know how things are going! Send your cutest, clearest photos and all those adorable details about life with your new best friend to adoptions@valleyhumane.orgBe sure to include your first and last name and your pet’s VHS name (if known).

Success Story: Tinkerbelle

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Tinkerbelle was flighty as fairy when she landed at Valley Humane Society. The two-year-old terrier mix was nervous and slight, wary even of entering the home of the foster family who would help care for her. She had to be coaxed…when she finally went inside, Tinkerbelle found the family’s dog bed and collapsed, sleeping for two days straight. Finally she was safe!

By the third day Tinkerbelle had finally relaxed and no longer wanted to be alone. She joined the nightly pileup in the human’s bed which included her foster, the family dog, and several cats. Tinkerbelle loved to walk and gained confidence every day, though she remained slow to warm up to new people and situations.

Tinkerbelle adoption 012_squareJust a few weeks later, Tinkerbelle’s photo enchanted Susanne, who was looking to adopt a companion for her other rescue dog. Susanne and Cooper, a large poodle mix, flew down to Valley Humane Society to meet her. The two dogs hit it off perfectly, and set about playing and wrestling as soon as the leashes were off.

Now named Pixie, Tinkerbelle is adjusting wonderfully to her new home. She and Cooper are getting along beautifully, and though she is still skittish, she comes when called, takes her treats, and wags her pleasure at belly rubs. Through the magic of patience, this little sprite turned out to be a great addition to the family!

Have you recently adopted a cat or dog from Valley Humane? Let us know how things are going! Send your cutest, clearest photos and all those adorable details about life with your new best friend to adoptions@valleyhumane.orgBe sure to include your first and last name and your pet’s VHS name (if known).