Success Stories -

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SICSA Happy Endings!

I adopted Meredith about 1.5 to 2 yrs ago from you guys…I was warned that she had attitude, as the staff kept asking me, "are you sure you want to adopt this one?" She had a little rep among the staff for "slicin' (claws) and dicin' (teeth)" the peasants (caretakers) there to serve her. The young lady had to put on gloves to put her in the carrier, so I could take her home. I was told she did not do well with other cats.

Well…the "evil Merry Mayhem" has turned into the most awesome sweet pea! I have 3 cats…all rescues, including Merry. At first she was appalled! A true DIVA and heir to the throne…such as herself, should be cast among such 'rabble' as we…but true to her inborn nobility, she rose above and has become my angel lap cat. My other two angels like to be near me, though only Merry claims the lap as her own and uses it routinely.

Merry joins me every morning nesting comfortably on my lap as I drink my coffee and get peaceful before work by watching my fresh water live planted 'sorority tank' of betta splendens females (siamese fighting fish). She cracks me up! She waits 'til I sit down and then stares at me, with that look …you know…the one that says, " WE (the royal we) are NOT amused …darest thou make us wait!" You see…merry is royalty…a legend in her own mind, so to speak. She just needed someone who understood and was a willing slave with great respect for her majesty, the diva. ;)

She is a most beautiful, long haired mackerel tabby (black and cream), with slightly almond shaped pale green-yellow eyes, ringed with black eyeliner. She has the most beautiful coat and the fullest fluffiest tail! ...sorry, the pic doesn't show that gorgeous tail too well. I think, she may have some Persian in her as she has a flatter face is built kind of low to the ground and tank solid…not fat, solid and fluffy. She tolerates the rabble peasant cats and on occasion I have seen and heard some catty arguments…though no swords were drawn and all co-exist with tolerance on the 'peasants' side and royal 'forbearance' on the diva side. I just wanted you guys to know…she is a most awesome cat and I love her dearly and worship her as due her station. Thanx… muchly!

Deborah J Hamilton

My Fiance (Tom) and I adopted Chance (formally known as Joseph) from SICSA back in February of 2008. Chance was one of the puppies from the Catahoula breed that was surrendered from his owner. Chance is from the same litter as Calvin, Freckles, and Sophie (who was deaf, but a very sweet dog). Although the rest of the litter was sent to a rescue shelter that specifies with the Catahoula breed, we were able to adopt Chance before the litter was sent away. Hearing stories about the other litter mates about how some were returned due to either their activity level, behavioral issues, or even that the owner did not have time for them, I must have been one of the fortunate ones.

At eight months old, Chance turned out to be a wonderful dog. Although a little hyper, he keeps us going and that is what we were looking for. He is extremely affectionate, gets along great with other animals and loves people, once he gets to know you. He is protective of females and of my other dog, but not to where he attacks. I have actually never had a problem with Chance being aggressive towards people. He was a part of the puppy training class that was held by SICSA (which I highly recommend) and learned a lot from the class and from the other dogs. He is a fantastic dog and I would not trade him for any other. The catahoula breed is quick to learn which Chance did follow.

Samantha Donovan

Luke has been with us for a few weeks now, but you would't know it by seeing him around the house. He made him self right at home the second he walked in the door. He sleeps in the bed with me and is so well behaved at all times. The only problem we have found is he is scared to death of men and baby gates, but we are hoping to get him over that. Everyone just loves him, and we are so happy we decided to adopt him.

We found out he loves to play in the water, in the bath tub, in the kiddie pool and with the hose.. He has so much fun out side, although he would rather be at my feet watching TV with me than play a lot, which is perfect for me, because I am not that active during the evening. We recently took him to the dog park, he loved it. He runs and plays the whole time, although when a un-neutered female dog comes in the park all bets are off, other than that he does great with being off the leash and never runs from me.

In a few weeks Luke will be attending doggy day care at club k-9 (we got a free 5 day trial we won at the sisca walk) and we are hoping he does well in daycare so he can attend.He is a joy to have, and I am glad we found each other and that we can give him a forever home.

-Jessica Johnson

I just wanted to thank you for suggesting that my husband and I take a closer look at Shadow. She's been living with us for almost two months and she and our three cats are adjusting well. She is the perfect dog for our family ... especially for self-proclaimed cat people! We've been taking her on several walks and jogs during the week and we're looking forward to taking her to Sugarcreek Reserve for a longer hike. Thanks again and we'll be sure to keep you all updated on her progress!

Sincerely,
Jenny Fry

Last autumn (2007) my daughter and I visited SICSA looking for a possible addition to our family. While crouched down to see a cat in the corner of the kitty playroom, I was taken by surprise when an adorable British Tortoiseshell kitty hopped into my lap and started rubbing all over me! She was purring so loudly, I immediately fell in love. I told my daughter we were going to see if we could take her home. The next day, we returned with Dad and Azula (our biggest fuzzy child, a 4 year old Siberian husky) to see if the affection was true. Everyone seemed to get along, so we adopted Trixie. She started out alone in my daughter’s room, but within two days was investigating the rest of the house and meeting her other new brothers and sisters (2 male cats, 2 little dogs). Everyone got along so well! The cats play together and Trixie gets into all kinds of mischief (hence, the Trouble suffix) on her own. A quick note that Trixie LOVES little toy mice… so much so that she opens the closet door, climbs up the shelves and gets one out of the pack! Then she proceeds to bat it under the refrigerator and then sit there until someone gets it out with a ruler!

But the most outstanding result was the bond forged between Azula and Trixie. I assume it is because Azula came with us when we first brought home Trixie, so she thought the cat was for her. Anyway, they are quite tight buddies, sleeping together at the end of my bed most nights.

I am very blessed to have such a full, loving house! And as I type this, Trixie is sitting in my lap “helping” me by rubbing on my hands…

Cheryl Kay

Honda came to SICSA as a stray. I was told he was first in a home where he was left outside by himself, and finally broke free. Someone else took him to their home, but found they didn’t have the room he needed, so they brought him back to SICSA. Then I came along with the intention to foster a dog. I have never had a dog, nor cared for a dog, so the plan was to bring Honda home to foster him during the week, then take him back on the weekend in hopes of getting adopted. I had been told that he had been at SICSAfor over a year, and no one seemed to want to adopt an “older” dog. My parents are in their 80’s, so fostering an older dog was going to be perfect. I’m no young chicken either, so a slower dog is just what I needed also. After receiving his love and gratitude that first night, I knew I would never be able to take him back so that someone else could adopt him. I adopted him at the estimated age of 7. We sometimes play ball to warm up, and then we go for a mile walk every morning. He looks at me with those big Honda eyes and I just melt, so needless to say, HE gets just about anything he wants. My dad’s needs used to come first, but now he knows that Honda has taken that spot. Only another dog lover can understand what joy Honda has brought into my life. It’s truly a love affair for both of us. As you can see, Honda is very comfy stretched out on the couch, possibly ready for a nap. “Ahhh…life here is good at my forever home!” Adopting a dog from SICSA was the best thing I have ever done!

Carlena Burns

We adopted Chewey, a Lhasa Apso, a couple years ago from SICSA.  My wife had never owned a dog before, and had always been a "cat person."  We came to SICSA just to look at a few dogs, but weren't sure we would bring a dog into our home.  My wife was sure we only wanted a female.  When we came in, we looked at all the dogs you had at the time, and they were all barking and going crazy.  Except for one.  That was Chewey, he was sitting quietly in his crate.

After meeting him and playing with him for a couple hours, we knew we couldn't go home without him.  It has been 3 years since we adopted him.  We both love him like crazy.  Our 3 cats would disagree with that, however.  When we first brought him home, he didn't bark, and he didn't play.  We have a very large fenced yard, and  he would not go out without one of us being with him.  We even took him for walks around the block, and usually ended up having to carry him home.

Since then he has developed a "personality" all his own.  He plays when he wants to and he plays seriously.  He now loves to go on walks and we can't seem to take him on as many as he wants.  He loves to ride in the car.

We want to thank SICSA for alllowing us to bring Chewey into our home.


Thank you very much,

Greg and Carrie Smith

Wisteria

My husband and I just adopted Wisteria on January 19, 2008. She is  such a dainty little girl! I call her Teary for short. I had just lost  my sweet cat, Lollypop, of 12 years on New Year's Day and was so sad.   Wisteria has been the most wonderful friend to cheer us up! She is a  complete delight. She is very talkative and I feel as though I know  exactly what she is saying.  She is very affectionate and playful. We are both so glad she came into our lives. She has settled right in to her new home within the first week we've had her.  She loves to play with all her new toys and loves watching the squirrels play each day outside in our backyard as we put birdseed out for them. She is so unusually colored. My daughter says that they sprayed her with tortoise coloring, but she had her sweater on that day!

I want to thank SICSA, for keeping her so happy and healthy until I could come and find her and bring her home. SICSA volunteers are wonderful people whose selfless work and kindness make the lives of pets and their adoptive parents happy and make the world a better place. Thank you!

Norma and David Humphreys
Dayton, OH

Dewey - Formerly known as Reggie

Hi, I just wanted to share our success story and gratitude.

We met Dewey on August 26th 2007 and SICSA was getting ready to close in 15 minutes. I fell in love with him as soon as they brought him out to meet us. I was so excited and wanted to take him home right at that moment but
realized we had no cage or toys for him so it would be better to go get that stuff and pick him up the next day. I couldn't sleep that night, I was so scared that someone would accidentally give him to someone else. I was there right when the doors opened and was anxious to get my boy.

He has been the best!! When I brought him home we bonded instantly. He is a very shy boy, even going on walks was hard the first few times. Once he gained trust in me, things got easier and he has turned around and is a lot more confident. We are still working on his shyness but he is doing great! He has two kitties that he lives with. Itty Bitty is very old so she doesn't
like to play with him but Michael Scofield, who is just 2, and Dewey play chase all the time. He has a huge backyard to run and play and we try to go on runs when I get home from work. We can trust him off the leash so we take him to open fields when we can so he can just soar. We couldn't be happier with him, what a great dog. I just wish I could get another from SICSA, what you guys do is amazing. Thank you!

Kiernan Fitzgerald

Scruffy - Adopted in 2000

I was on Petfinder.com and was looking at SISCA’s dogs for adoption (I am always interested in why people surrender their dogs) and I stumbled upon your website and noticed you had a “Success Stories” link.  I thought you might want to hear the story of my Scruffy.  I was a 19 year old volunteer in early 2000 after seeing a news reel about a puppymill that had been shut down and the 30+ dogs sent to your organization.  I brought in a bag of dog food to donate and the rest they say is history.  I volunteered for about four months before I joined the military and had to head off to basic training. Scruffy was a schnauzer mix that was found as a stray. He was a young nervous dog that never liked to walk on a leash. It was a severe case of puppy love for me.  He is honestly the cutest dog in the world.  I adopted Scruffy on February 21, 2000.  We are now coming up on our 8 year anniversary and Scruffy now has a human dad and two doggy brothers (he was even in our wedding).  

I can’t tell you how much that dog has changed my life.  What you all do at SISCA is wonderful and I just wanted to show that your efforts not only save lives, they change them.  

Andrea Williams

I adopted Bubba, an 8 year old beagle in September. Having a 10 year old dog Suzie and Rhett, a special needs dog from SICSA I adopted in 2005, I was ready to open my heart and home to another dog. Bubba is a hoot! He has been quite a challenge to keep contained in the yard. I know why this boy was a stray! I am happy to say his escapes are dwindling thanks to reinforcements in my fence AND an invisible fence but he is well worth the effort. I think sometimes he needs a job, like maybe a taxi driver or maybe brain surgeon :) I have made quite a few new friends through Bubba recently.

Even with all the extra work, Bubba is a gem and we are thankful he is part of our family.

Linda Wallace

Luna (formerly Opal from the cat room) -

Gracie made herself at home the moment she walked in, and has been enthusiastically welcomed. She and Bailey are never more than a few feet away from one another. She is now completely relaxed in the house. She also walks well and with confidence outside – until someone gets too close, of course, but even that is better than in the beginning. With time and patience, I know she will do just fine. I have learned that she is much happier meeting new people from the comfort of her couch than outside, so I’ve occasionally brought a neighbor in as well as my daughter and son-in-law to say hello and give her her favorite belly rubs. I’ve lost my place on the couch, but I could not be happier with the way these two fit together. There is extra joy in the Gregg household these days.

Shadow (Formerly known as Dojo)

Sig the Cat

Hello, my name is Trisha Bachelder. My fiancee Kyle and I adopted a cat named Boba Fett from you about two months ago. I just wanted to update you I was told you guys like this. So his new name is Sig, he is getting very big. He is still very rambuncious and talks alot. He has a stuff ducked that he loves very much. He gets along very well with other animals and babies, I have taken him to my mom's house which has both, and he does great. He is so energetic and loving I couldn't have asked for a better cat for us.

Hunter (formerly Snoot)

Charlie and Stanley - Happy Kitties

Chauncey - formerly known as Princess

Addy- Makes Us a Family Again

Paul, Libba, Stacy and Addy- The Markowski Family, Kettering

Nisse - Now Living in Denmark

Sebastian - Basset Hound

Tyson - Jack Russell Terrier

Now living in Hollywood, CA!

Steven, Tyson, and I are all doing great. We just moved into a new apartment in West Hollywood. Tyson likes it so much better because there are other dogs in the building and we have twice as much room as our old apartment.

The picture attached was taken from our balcony. Those are the Hollywood Hills in the background. It's a great location.

I think Tyson has finally accepted us fully. He seems to be 100% comfortable with us now and we are always seeing new behavior patterns with him. I'm so in love with him. :o) He was a little nervous in the picture because he didn't know what we were up to. I think the tripod sort of freaked him out.

Steven, Joey & Tyson

Pictured is Renee and her new family!  The family are repeat SICSA adopters and just knew Renee was the dog for them.  Good things come to those who wait.  Renee is proof of that.

Homer - Orange Kitty Extraordinaire!

I just wanted to let you know that Homer has turned out to be a great fit for my family. The kids love his snuggliness. And he and Gilbert, our other new kitten, are now great pals. They chase each other around, sleep together and groom each other all the time. My daughter Claire, who has helped with feeding duties, says she thinks the funniest thing about Homer is that he scratches on the food bag when his bowl is empty. My daughter Kate says she thinks it's funny when Homer sits at the screen door and meows at her when she is playing in the yard. -- Scott

She has been a wonderful addition to our family. She is a loyal companion to our male border collie, Bandit. And She is loves to "mother" our two smaller dogs.

When we first saw her, we were unsure because she was so wild. Her Foster Mom, Amy, brought her for a home visit and it was a done deal. Bandit fell in love and pouted for two days after she left. She has brought great joy to our lives.

Thank you for all your hard work.

Dave Wittmann

Harley & Charley - 2 former SICSA guys adopted to separate homes that get together from time to time. This picture was taken when Harley's family babysat Charley while his family was on vacation.

We adopted Carroll exactly a year ago today. His name somehow evolved into "Bud". He was described as a senior citizen and a loner. Quiet and shy and preferring to be by himself. What a difference a year makes. He's very talkative with a variety of "words". He sleeps as close to me as I will let him. And he has never met a stranger. He loves everyone. And we absolutely adore him. And he is spoiled rotten. He and his "Daddy" are playing a rousing round of fetch the mousy even as I type. Adopt an older pet and improve your life!! (as well as theirs)!

Erin Mayfield

Bailey Wainscott (formerly known at SICSA as Clifton the beagle!)

Bailey update- 2007-

Bailey(Clifton) no longer needs to be in his cage at night. He sleeps next to his best pal Shaggy in his own bed. He and Shag love to play in the back yard and they love a good game of fetch in the basement. He loves to ride in the car never misses an opportunity to go.

Adopting him has improved Shaggy's quality of life, he loves having another dog around.

      Thanks again, Sam and Barb Wainscott

Wilbur Tamborski - Terrier mix

Hi! I just wanted to give you the update on Wilbur's first couple of days here. He and Georgie are just two wrestlemaniacs and play with each other all day long. They each have their signature moves. Wilbur likes to go for the furry tail and try to drag Georgie (he does it with my ponytail to) and Georgie whips his butt around and knocks Wilbur over- it is hilarious. Wilbur is just so floppy compared to Georgie. When we went out for potty I about died when I saw Wilbur pee 5 times in a half an hour, but he already understands what the potty pad is for and I am sure he will be using it consistently in no time. Last night both the boys slept on the bed and slept through the whole night - I am sure they were completely exhausted from all the playing. When we woke up in the morning, Wilbur's shoulders had slipped out of his shirt so it looked like he had a skirt on and it was the most adorable thing I had ever seen. I have included some pictures of the boys for you to check out. Thanks again for such a beautiful
little addition to my family!

Sincerely,

Whitney Tamborski

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