Happy Tails: Adoption Stories

Read about some some of our furry success stories; animals who have found loving homes thanks to N.O.A.H.!
We love to hear from adopters, if you have a story or pictures of a pet you adopted from N.O.A.H., email them to adopt@thenoahcenter.org

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Savanah
From her adopter's Son, Scott:

"Just a few pictures to show my mothers adoption of Savanah, the adorable orange young female cat that mom adopted about a week ago."
"Savanah sleeps with mom every night and spends a lot of her day on momís lap as wellÖ For an 84 year old woman who just a few months ago lost her last cat (of seven) and then left her home to move into assisted living this has really brighten up momís life. She swore that she would not get another cat after she left her home to move into assisted living but I knew after taking her to lunch at the Olive Garden in Mount Vernon that if I mentioned that NOAH was on the way home and didnít she want to see where Bessie and Andy (Andy Barker now) came from she couldnít say no. And I knew that if you had an orange cat in house that mom wasnít walking out without it!"

Mickey and Minnie

"My daughter and I originally went looking for one kitty but instead were blessed with two. They were called a "bonded pair" and needed to be adopted together. I was nervous about getting two kitties at the same time because I was not sure if that would be too much for us to take on. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. They never get lonely and always take care of each other. I cant put into words how much we love them and we are so grateful that they are in our lives."

Sebastian
A blind cat adopted by Julia in November.

"Sebastian is so very affectionate and sweet natured. He loves to give kisses and hugs. It was nice meeting you and to see such a nice and well managed animal shelter. Thanks for all of the loving care all of you give to our animal friends."

Lucy

As the newest member of the Allen family, 2-year-old Lucy is doing her part for the family flooring business. She can be seen smiling- yes, smiling- on the cover of the Hometown Values coupon magazine, as she poses happily with her new family. It was Lucy's affectionate nature that convinced the Allens to adopt another dog. After their 10-year-old Rottweiller passed away, the family wasn't sure about getting another dog. But they came to N.O.A.H. because they felt like something was missing in their home.

Lucy, meanwhile, had her own journey. After being picked up and taken to the Everett Animal Shelter as a stray, she was selected to come to N.O.A.H. The 2-year-old with the unusual mix of Boston Terrier and Siberian Husky was adopted, but then returned after two months because she had some terrier tendencies, such as digging and being a bit of an escape artist. The Allens, however, saw a sweet gentle dog in need of guidance and comfort, which convinced them they were ready to open their home and their hearts to another dog. "We love her so much, thank you for allowing us to adopt," says Mrs. Allen.

Scrapper
From his adopter, Marcella:

"Thought I'd pass this on to you. You'll enjoy this, knowing that he is happy as a lark with his new best pal. Took about a day to get the two to savor each others company, due to Zeebs. But at the end I think they'll be inseparable. Thanks again for all you've done."

Emma the cat
As dictated to her new mom Shirley.

"My new mom keeps telling me how lucky she is to have found me for her new little (OK, big) girl because I am just what she was looking for and that she is very grateful indeed. So I just wanted to let you know I am doing very well with my new mom and how much I appreciated that you were there to take care care of me while I waited for her to show up."

Cisco

Look in on Cisco the boxer mix in his new home and you'll see a rambunctious teen-ager going camping, running with four-wheelers and sometimes every once in a while catching a ride on a four-wheeler with his new mom. It's hard to see the dog who came in to N.O.A.H. in June with a reputation for hole digging, fence jumping and not getting along with cats.

Cisco's story is a testament to the benefits of lots of socialization, exercise and patience, especially for a breed like his. While he was with us, we gave him lots of walks and love. Then his new family kept up the good work. "We adore him," his new mom wrote in an e-mail thanking us. "Yes, he struggled with discipline for a while, but with mommy's help he's doing great. Just wanted to let you know that all the work you do and the time you spend and share with all these animals is very much appreciated. Without you we probably never would have gotten to find Cisco."

Moose and Squirrel
The cats, from their new family (Amber and David, 1-year-old Katie and fellow four-footed family member Kona).

"Moose is getting along well with Katie, our 1-year old. They cuddle almost every day. Moose, bless her, is such a sweet, even-tempered and calm cat. Squirrel is a very affectionate and active fellow. When he's not demanding to be loved, he zooms around the house playing silly kitty games or is sleeping under the futon or crib."

Rex

Rex the Labrador wears a thoughtful expression, the kind of look that can come with having survived the challenges that life brings. First his former owners surrendered him when they moved. On top of that, he had bad knees that required expensive surgery. Along came someone who was willing to provide the home and care that Rex required. They paid for his surgery and were rewarded with Rex the wonder dog. One of the great things about working at N.O.A.H. is all the happy endings new owners report back. In Rex's case, the new family wanted us to know they are head over heels in love with Rex, who they describe as snuggly, friendly and perfect in every way. You gotta love a happy ending, and at N.O.A.H., we have the privilege to hear LOTS of them.

Draco
From his new mom Eunice. Draco was adopted in August, 2008:

"He is such a delight and has already filled a huge dog void in me with his warm tongue and cold nose. He's exactly the perfect dog for us."

Mark and Bailey

"When I can, I will send you money," Mark Demers wrote in a letter to us. "God Bless NOAH." Mark's words are heartfelt because for him dogs have been more than companions. His dogs have been his lifeline. When he was financially strapped, homeless and living in his car, Mark stayed positive because he knew he had to provide for his beloved dog Scrappy. Years later, Scrappy and Scrappy's pup Scooby kept him company at work every day. So it was months after the deaths of Scrappy and then Scooby before Mark was ready to look for another dog. In October he came to N.O.A.H. Although we weren't able to match Mark with one of our dogs, we did refer him to our partner, the Everett Animal Shelter.

Now Mark enjoys the company of his new family member, a smiling dog named Bailey. Mark made good on his promise, too, generously becoming a N.O.A.H. member. On his check he wrote, "for Dedication to Animals." At the N.O.A.H. Center we are dedicated to animals because, like Mark, we know how much they rely on us. And after all, they give us so much in return; loyalty, entertainment, companionship and plenty of love! Thanks Mark, for reminding us once again of that.

What's in a name?

A whole lot because it helps us remember the unique characteristics of the hundreds of animals adopted. The right name can also mean an animal gets adopted. Just like you do at home, we name most of the dogs and cats based on their appearance, habits or quirks. A baby name book is even used when animals are transferred from shelters to N.O.A.H. ìIf we feel like a petís name isnít working, weíll change it to make them more adoptable, explained Laura Thie, N.O.A.H. adoptions manager.

Take "Shredder," for example, a handsome tuxedo cat who was so named because he liked to hang out in shredded paper. Shredder came to N.O.A.H. in September 2007. Because of concerns that people would think Shredder was so named because he liked to shred furniture, his name was changed to George Hamilton, more befitting his dashing personality. Soon after his name change he was adopted, leaving for his new home in May 2008.

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