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Adoptions are exciting. Each dog and cat that passes through ARF’s door is lovingly prepared to find their forever home. When someone adopts one of those animals, it makes everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside. But after we tweet the adoption and post their photograph on the website, what then?
Fortunately, the stories don’t end there – they are just beginning! If you’ve ever wondered what happens once a dog or cat goes home, you’ll enjoy these tales of ARF alumni starting their new lives, adjusting to new routines, new names, and sometimes new siblings. As for the families, while discovering the personality quirks and preferences of a new pet can be comical or poignant, one thing is certain: it’s always special.
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Toaster
Before Toaster was adopted, his new pet parent, Vicki D. didn’t realize how empty her apartment was. “Now that he’s here, he’s a delight! I’m very happy.” Toaster must be pretty glad too: he never leaves Vicki’s side! He goes to doggie daycare five days a week, and gets plenty of exercise; Vicki takes him on long walks since they live in a third floor apartment.
Toaster has learned commands for “sit,” “stay,” “down.” Vicki reports he’s very easy to bathe and groom, and notes that he seems to really enjoy being pampered. Now called Charlie, the black and white wire-haired terrier mix “is so much fun and very easy,” says Vicki. “He settled into a routine very quickly and we bonded instantly. Keep doing what you’re doing at ARF! Everyone is focused on the animals and caring for them while they await adoption. I was very impressed every step of the process.” |
 Simon
When Simon and his mama cat, Sasha, came to ARF, Sasha tested positive for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), but little Simon was too young for his test to be conclusive. He couldn’t stay with Sasha if he didn’t have FIV…but he couldn’t be around other cats in case he did. And nobody could be sure until he was six months old! So off to foster care he went, until his test came back positive.
Simon’s foster mom took good care of him, but without siblings, he missed out on important kitty lessons, like how to play nicely and not bite too hard. Between that, and having to be an indoor cat due to his FIV status, Simon wondered if anyone would adopt him! Fortunately, there’s someone for every kitty…
Lorena R. came along and fell in love with the spunky orange tabby, who now answers to the name of Chester. Despite a rocky ride home and a potty accident on the bed, Lorena’s heart went out to the sweet boy who was clearly just scared in his unfamiliar new surroundings, and the two are getting along like gangbusters. “Since then, he’s done his darnedest to make amends, like curling up to sleep with me on the sofa and making me laugh with his toy-war antics.” Though she still has to figure out how to reset Simon’s 5 a.m. singing birdie alarm clock, Lorena says he’s settling in wonderfully. “Thank you, ARF employees and volunteers for all your efforts to give him a better life,” she says. “I would never have been able to shower him with love and attention today if you hadn’t done the same for him first!”
Simon Says: “My mama cat Sasha is still waiting to find her forever home. Please post her profile on your Facebook page or tweet it to your friends, so she can find a very special friend like I did!”
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De La Salle
De La Salle (now Sam) was one of 81 lucky dogs and cats adopted from ARF during the Maddie’s® Matchmaker Adoptathon on June 12 & 13, 2010. A sensitive fellow, De La Salle was carefully monitored during his first day home: his new family wanted to make sure the little black and white terrier with the warm brown eyes could withstand the “vigorous attentions” of their five-year-old son. “They’ve been getting along like a house on fire!” says Mom. After the pair played all day, both child and pup crawled into bed together. “It was as though [De La Salle] had always been there.”
The family’s older dog, Ash, required a little more adjustment to the new addition, since he’s not used to having a protégé looking to him for leadership. He wrestles gently with De La Salle, who has learned when to hide under the bed and pop out to nip at his heels. “We're delighted to have him in our family!” says the Brady family. De La Salle is undoubtedly delighted to be there. |
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Provolone
The Steinmetz-Wong family couldn’t be any happier with their new family member! Provolone (now Buddy) is the perfect playful partner for his human siblings. He plays hard with the kids, but is very gentle at the same time. “I’ve never had a cat like him,” says Mrs. Steinmetz-Wong. “We are so in love with him, and very glad we came to ARF.” The family is even thinking about adopting another cat! |
Hamilton
“Hamilton is the perfect addition,” reports the Chalk family. “The love and training [ARF] has shown him made his transition into our home much easier than we could have dreamed.” Both eager to please and an extremely fast learner, Hamilton is learning to “stay” when the family opens a door to enter or exit the house. He has “more toys than he could know what to do with,” and rarely stops wagging his tail. Once challenged by off-leash interaction with other animals, Hamilton has nonchalantly encountered both other dogs and neighborhood cats, much to the Chalk’s delight. “We are so lucky to have a new member of the family!” |
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Septimus Heap
Adopted in February, Septimus Heap is doing great in his new home. “I’m amazed at how intelligent he is,” his adopter Jason says. He and Septimus Heap (now named Kane) are working together on commands, and the pit bull terrier mix is picking things up very fast. He’s also learned where his sleeping area is, and he heads for it whenever he gets tired. “Thank you so much for giving me a healthy and happy friend,” Jason says. “I’ve told everyone how great my experience with ARF has been, and I look forward to adding another ARF pet to my family!” |
A Message from Tule
Hello my ARF friends! Sorry for the delay in writing. I’ve been busy getting used to my new home with Karin and Larry. You may remember, I am a very shy girl. I spend most of my time on the bed hiding in the pillows. My next favorite spot is on the couch. I changed my name to Juliette, to match my petite, delicate beauty and to honor the late Romeo, who lived here before me. Then there’s Emiliana. She and I are still trying to become friends. She’s a silver tip two-year-old female with LOTS of energy. Last night I tolerated her lying next to me on the couch - she was flopping her tail on me! But she purrs really loud. I love salmon, and occasionally get a few scraps from dinner. I am healthy and well. Thank you all for taking good care of me until I found my new home. |
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Inchworm
One of the things that attracted Steve and Cindy to Inchworm was the sweet, friendly personality with which she approached other dogs and people. It was important, because when they adopted her, she would have to live with a new brother: Brian, a Bichon Frise. Of course the two get along great together! Now Chloe, the little Chihuahua is dearly loved, and the family is thrilled to have found her. |
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Liono
Jillian and Chris adopted young Liono from ARF, and recently wrote to tell us how much they enjoy him. The orange kitten, now called Toby, was a little shy when he first got home, but now they report he’s the boss of the house! Jillian writes, “He has the funniest meow, and he loves to talk! He’s also a purr machine, and such a lover. We just wanted to say thank you!” |
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