I adopted a Wheaten Terrier from this shelter way back in 2001. When she died in November of 2006 I was pretty sure I would not get another dog. On a visit in March of 2007 just to drop off a bag of treats, I wandered through the kennel and there in cage 6 was the adorable little mix who is now sleeping on the couch next to me. After just a few minutes in the greeting room I knew she was my new dog. And I am glad I did not delay because as I was signing the papers to adopt her the next 2 people in line behind me wanted her too. Now almost 3 years later she has become an incredible dog, and the Jack Russell shows though in so many ways. The way she focuses on chasing the vermin away in particular, but she is an incredibly smart dog. She learned a lot in a short time. Thanks go out to Larry and everyone up there at the shelter. Twiggy the Wheaten Terrier and Scruff the Jack Russell mix are the best 2 dogs I ever had, and I will pay you back after I am gone, as the shelter is the beneficiary of my life insurance and the sole benefactor of my will. After you gave me so much, that will be my way of giving back.
I finally met the man of my dreams! We met a few months ago while I was volunteering at the shelter, what a gentleman! Manny had been at the shelter for quite a while, he was such a pleasant dog, I just couldn’t figure out why he was still there. A few months ago I would have said that I was not a dog person, go figure. We adopted him and life hasn’t been the same since. He actually thinks he is a lap dog, I haven’t had the heart to break it to him…what a snuggly, loveable companion. He loves taking long walks in the park, sitting together watching TV, taking drives in the car and just being with his people. I think he’s loving it and he looks like he doesn’t have a care in the world….
Make plans now to attend this year’s Pet Photos with Santa at the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter: Friday evenings, Dec. 4 and 11, from 6 pm to 9 pm, and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 12, from noon to 4 pm. Proceeds benefit the shelter’s Best Friends’ Medical Relief Fund to care for sick and injured shelter dogs. For a $20 donation, you’ll receive two digital photos in festive Christmas card photo frames; for $25 you’ll receive the two photos plus have all of the shots taken emailed to you. You’ll leave with a treasured memory of your furry friend and be helping Cuyahoga County’s stray and abandoned dogs at the same time. Hope to see you there!
Click here to view the Santa Photos flyer. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file.
Things happen when you least expect them to. That is exactly what happened with Grady. I came across his picture on the Cuyahoga County Animal shelter website. To be honest I can’t remember why I was even looking, getting another dog hadn’t been on my mind after having to put my Siberian Husky down about a year before. Things changed though when I saw Grady. I’m not sure why or what changed, I think it was just meant to be.
Grady was listed as a senior dog who needed a loving home. I knew we could provide that and more for him. I called the shelter to inquire about him and they gave me the number to his foster mom. They also wanted to make sure I knew he was considered to be a senior dog. This didn’t matter one bit. I had a lot of contact with his foster mom Barb, who was absolutely wonderful, accommodating, and very helpful and we finally set up a time to personally meet Grady. I knew that it was meant to be for him to come home with me.
After a little while Grady came home with us. He was a bit shy at first but quickly realized this was his home and he wasn’t going anywhere. For being considered a “senior” dog and just recently having surgery on his leg, he is very playful and energetic. He loves his toys and to run around our backyard and chase squirrels. We have had Grady for about 9 months, and from the first day we brought him home until now, when we pet him he will put his front paw on our hand or arm and look at us directly in the eyes and I swear he is saying “thank you so much for giving me a chance, I am forever grateful.”
I want to say that at some point during the process of finding Grady and adoption, I became passionate about the adoption of shelter dogs, especially SENIOR. It breaks my heart to think that they are looked over when in reality they are wonderful. I know puppies are adorable, I’m a sucker for them too, but adult/senior dogs are just as great and you skip the terrible puppy stages of chewing, destruction, potty training, etc. Please, if you are considering getting a dog please consider adopting and don’t forget to look over a dog just because they are considered “older”. It was without question the best decision and I am thankful everyday for my companionship with Grady. I know he is too.
