San Antonio Humane Society 2014 Success Story Book
The San Antonio Humane Society Our mission is to protect and improve the lives of dogs and cats by providing shelter, care, adoption, rescue, spay and neuter programs, and community education. Every year, the SAHS shelters, medically treats, and rehabilitates approximately 5,000 animals that have been injured, abused, owner surrendered, or found as strays until ready for adoption. Through our Volunteer, Foster Care, and Humane Education Programs such as Camp Humane, we educate the public on the importance of responsible pet ownership, micro-chipping and spaying/neutering. In the near future, we plan to expand our facility with a shelter medicine hospital for spay/neuter and treatment wards.
Josie
When I met Josie at the San Antonio Humane Society, she was two months old and weighed only 2 pounds, while her brothers were four times her size. Although old enough for adoption, she needed to go into foster care to figure out why she was of such tiny stature. She wasn t my foster pup for long before it was determined that she had a liver shunt, which kept her liver from properly detoxifying her blood, which kept her body from receiving the nutrients she needed to grow. In addition to her shunt, her abdomen was full of unexplainable free-floating fluid. Because she was so small and far from the picture of good health, it was assumed she didn t have much longer to live. Knowing this, I gladly kept her in my home, prepared to give her the best life she could have, no matter how short or long it might be. I worried about her constantly, though. She seemed to decline-- stumbling after eating, not getting any bigger, constantly pale gums, seemed to always run a fever. But I loved her and knew this little girl wasn t going anywhere without a fight. Her diet changed from processed kibble to boiled chicken and vegetables, I gave her vitamins and minerals to help detoxify her blood, she ate tiny meals seven times a day, and we prayed. I prayed, my family prayed, my friends prayed. Everyone that met Josie could see something special in her and wanted her to win the fight. After a lot of worrying and tears and prayers, something changed. Her body started growing and her fluid-filled stomach started shrinking. She began gaining a pound a week. She was bigger every time I looked at her! At her final ultrasound, there was absolutely no trace of a liver shunt. Liver shunts are not typically resolved on their own, but her liver and all her other organs were perfectly healthy, and her blood work was perfectly normal. She was cleared! She was finally a normal puppy! Of course, she s never been normal to me. She will always be my miracle, and I am thankful for her life every single day. Today she is 7 months old and weighs 23 pounds. I never planned on adopting a puppy, but Josie stole my heart and has been an inspiration every single day. If a two pound puppy can beat all the odds, then so can we. - Madalyn Sullivan
I (Kerry) began volunteering at the San Antonio Humane Society because I have been an animal lover since early childhood. I was raised with German Shepherds and spent a lot of time with cats and dogs on my grandparents farm. When I first started volunteering a few years ago, I focused more on walking dogs but once I entered the Cat Pavilion I was hooked. It is so rewarding when a cat that is scared, quivering, and trying to hide, warms up to me, relaxes, and lets me cuddle him/her----and even starts purring. A few months after I started volunteering at the SAHS, my husband (Luther) expressed an interest in volunteering and he has been a dedicated dog walker ever since. -Ellen Kerry & Luther Lay
Fresno & Lucy Hello! I just wanted to share my adoption success story. I adopted Fresno (tuxedo) and Lucy (tabby, then named Terri) from the San Antonio Humane Society. I adopted Fresno ( Frez is what we call him) June 2013, and Lucy in February of this year. They immediately fell in love when I brought Lucy home this past year, and they are inseparable! -Cheryl
Foster
I began my journey as a volunteer with the San Antonio Humane Society in 2007. I started in the Puppy Room as a cage cleaner and helped clean pet beds, towels and blankets in the laundry room. A few months later, I joined the photography team which helped expand my camera knowledge and allowed me to post dog photos I took on the SAHS Adoption page. The following year I decided to try my skills as a foster and joined the SAHS Foster Program. Fostering for the past six years has been a joyful and rewarding experience, one that will always be close to my heart. Every kitten and puppy that I have brought home has shown me unconditional love and appreciation. I truly believe the animals know and understand when they have been rescued and are in loving hands. I remember every animal that I have fostered and each holds a special place in my heart. Although some were harder to let go than others, I always understood the reason for fostering. It s not to adopt every foster you fall in love with, but to prepare them for their forever home. I will always remember my first foster puppy, Shadow. He was found in a trash can covered in mange, an easily treatable skin condition. Teeny Tiny Tim [pictured left] was also a clinic favorite. This little guy was the smallest puppy I have ever fostered and was difficult to let go. He was with me for several weeks also due to a skin condition. I will always remember that little stinker. I still manage to keep in contact with Shadow and his forever family and a few other pets I have fostered and often see photos of them on Facebook. It s moments like these that make me realize why I do what I do. Regardless of whether I m fostering a large breed dog like Shadow or a small breed dog like Teeny Tiny Tim, they all bring with them rewarding and unforgettable memories. Fostering kittens has also been just as rewarding. I ve cared for kittens that were emaciated and just needed to gain weight, some that were just too young to adopt and needed a warm place to stay for a few weeks, and other cases where kittens needed time to heal from infections and needed someone to administer their medications. This whole journey has been an extremely emotional and rewarding experience. I have no regrets, only love for all the animals I have cared for. I will always be grateful that the SAHS gave me a chance to take part in their programs and am proud to call the wonderful staff there my friends. -Cindy Vargas
Rudy We would like to say Thank You and give an update on Rudy who was known to you as William. We adopted him on November 3, 2011 and have enjoyed every day since with him. He is the light of not only our lives but of anyone he meets. He is really good with children and both puppies and other dogs. The verdict is still out on his true feelings on cats. He loves playing catch and going for his walks. Early on I remember taking him for his walk in our neighborhood and having kids yelling from their upstairs windows Hi Rudy as well as others we encountered acknowledging him. Many times we had the neighbors children come ring the doorbell to see if he could come out and play which was always sweet to hear. We love events that will allow pets. We have been taking him to birthday parties, Siclovia and most recently the ADA Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes. He has brought so much joy into our lives and we will do whatever to ensure his life is a good one. My only hope is that his brothers and sisters found good homes as well. Thank you for the love you all give these dogs before they are placed with their forever families. -Ray & Monica
Educate Hi, my name is Maisie Ransom and I am 9 years old. I am writing to tell you about my experience at the San Antonio Humane Society [Camp Humane]. My sister and I have attended [Camp Humane] for the past two summers. This year my sister was 12 so she got to do the Service Camp Humane. This summer camp helped me learn how to take care of animals and how important they are to our ecosystem. Without animals we would over-populate on plants and we would not have many good clothes. Our world chain would be off balance. I now know that animals need to be well taken care of so they can be healthy. Different kinds of animals need different kinds of care. Some might need more food and water than others and some need more exercise. I always enjoy my time at Camp Humane because it helps me learn more about animals and is full of fun-learning activities. The presentations are great too! I especially liked the agility dogs and the reptile specialist with many snakes, lizards, and small alligators. I am always learning something new at camp and I can t wait until next summer! -Maisie Ransom
Milo I always heard people say that when you adopt an animal, they choose you. I had never experienced that until I adopted my sweet fur baby Milo (a.k.a Shock) in September 2014. At that time I was having a really tough time with my other cat, Theodore. He was acting very aggressive and biting and scratching me all the time. It came to a point where I had to consider that maybe I wasn t the right owner for him. Personally, I couldn t stand the thought of surrendering the little kitty I had owned since he was a baby so I was willing to try anything to improve our relationship. Thankfully, I visited the Kitty Cottage at the SAHS and there was Milo. He was stretching his paws as far as he could outside of his kennel and I just had to hold him. I really had no intention of adopting another cat, but once I held him he hugged me around the neck and wouldn t let go. That was it, he had me hooked (quite literally). I knew he was going to join the family. In the back of my mind, I hoped that maybe Milo would be able to help Theodore adjust his attitude. Surprisingly, ever since the day I introduced my two kitties they have been best bros. They play, groom each other, watch birds outside the window and cuddle together. Milo didn t need any time to adjust to his new surroundings, it was clear from day 1 that he was right at home. Theodore is now friendly, playful and approachable and Milo is such a happy-go-lucky, silly little guy. Thanks SAHS for bringing my special little buddy into my life! He brings Theodore and I so much happiness. -Sarah Stockman
Donate I am grateful to be able to volunteer at the San Antonio Humane Society, and also to donate. I strongly believe in the mission of the SAHS and I enjoy giving in response to the periodic mail-outs. (Love those address labels!) Since I began volunteering in 2012, I ve also been participating in the Guardian Angel program. It s a super program that allows you to sponsor a particular rescued dog or cat, paying either a portion or all of the adoption fee. In choosing a dog to be Guardian Angel for, I like to pick one who seems to be having a little more trouble getting adopted. Working with him or her as a volunteer, I ve gotten to know the animal, and I m convinced some human would get a swell companion if they just took a chance. But for whatever reason, the dog has not yet gotten any takers. By becoming their Guardian Angel, I m glad to know that I m making it a little easier for the potential adopter who will be taking this fine dog home. I like to always have at least one Guardian Angel dog, sometimes two. If one gets adopted, I celebrate (then feel a little sadness with my joy, for I will miss the dog), and then select a new Guardian Angel dog. This is a very rewarding experience, since it makes me feel like I ve been part of helping to get a dog adopted! -Bill Merrill
Aroo My girlfriend and I adopted an older beagle (Aroo) from the Humane Society in January 14. We think she was 10 at the time we adopted her. She has become the light of our life. When we adopted her she weighed 22 pounds. She s up to a healthy 28 now. Month by month her energy has come roaring back. She s so playful. Most days she just wants to sit at your feet. We re in New York now, where she s enjoying the Fall. So, spread the word: PLEASE ADOPT SENIOR DOGS! All they want to do is love. Thank you so much! -Adam
Thank You Thank you to all of our donors, supporters, volunteers, fosters, and staff for touching the lives of our SAHS pets! To read more success stories, please visit SAhumane.org/success and if you have adopted a pet from the SAHS, please send your success story to website@sahumane.org. SAN ANTONIO HUMANE SOCIETY CONNECTING FRIENDS FOR LIFE
OUR MISSION To protect and improve the lives of dogs and cats by providing Shelter Care Adoption Rescue Spay & Neuter Programs Community Education San Antonio Humane Society, Connecting Friends for Life 4804 Fredericksburg Rd. San Antonio, TX 78229 210.226.7461 SAhumane.org