Success stories

The following success stories have been written by staff and local citizens describing their experiences with their shelter-adopted or rescued pets. If you have a success story about your shelter pet you'd like to share we'd love to hear it. Please contact the Animal Care Center at 764-1137.

Smiley the dog

On January 4, 2002 someone brought in a pregnant stray dog. We think she was an "owner surrender"-- we just found her in the kennel one morning with no paperwork. Unlike most animals, this dog couldn't be adopted due to her advanced pregnancy. We decided to let her have her pups here at the Eastside Shelter. She quickly became an employee favorite, and we named her Smiley because she smiles and wags her tail when she is happy.

On the 17th she had four puppies, all boys. She was a terrific mom, but raising a litter in the shelter is difficult. The constant attention from the public and the risk of infectious diseases makes it hard on both the mom and the pups. Unfortunately, the pups were exposed to kennel cough and seemed to be developing symptoms. One of our employees took the puppies home to foster.

In February the pups were returned to be put up for adoption. We put them in the kennel with Smiley and she was happy to see them. Smiley and the whole litter were adopted and Smiley is now one of our "spokesdogs" for AACC.

Mandy 6/2007

from Amy Wainwright, via Steve Stucker, KOB TV

Dear Steve, I wanted to let you know that our family adopted the 9 year old chocolate lab that you featured on your friday show. We named her Maggie and we could not be happier with her. Our dog passed away about 1.5 years ago and we wanted another dog in our family. We knew that we wanted an adult dog because, with a baby and a preschooler, we did not have time for a puppy. Maggie, dare I say, is perfect! She is affectionate, without being a pest. She does so well with our kids. She comes the very first time we call her. She doesn't bark. Doesn't get on the furniture. Doesn't jump. Doesn't chew on anything. Walks so gently on the leash that my 3 year old walks her. Gets along with other dogs. Takes dog biscuits gently enough that our 10 month old can give it to her. As my 3 year old says, "I'm so happy to have Maggie in our family". Thanks for featuring her! Amy, Ross, Gracie, Dinah, and Maggie

Mandy and J.J. 6/2007

from Amie Ortiz

I grew up in a family that always had a dog, so when I moved into my first apartment in 1995 I really missed canine companionship. I only managed to hold out for a week or two, and in June of 1995 I adopted Mandy. I originally intended to adopt an adult dog, but when I saw this tiny shepherd mix puppy all alone and terrified I couldn't resist her. Twelve years later she's still my faithful companion. Mandy has been with me through all the ups and downs over the years. She truly is the greatest dog you could ever ask for, sweet with other animals, patient with kids, and always sporting a big dog smile. She took to obedience training like a duck to water. I'd have to say she's practically perfect in every way. Three years ago I found a stray mop, which turned out to be a miniature poodle under all the mats. I wasn't able to find his owner, so J.J. stayed and became Mandy's best friend. I'm so grateful for all the work you do to find loving homes for animals and new best friends for people. I'm thrilled to see how the shelter just keeps changing for the better. Keep up the good work!

Virginia 4/2007

From Phil & Tiffany Shapiro

While stationed in Albuquerque, NM we decided to adopt a dog from the Eastside Shelter. Her name is Virginia, and we've had her since November 2005. She's all we could have asked for as a campanion and best friend. She moves often, since we're a military family but she adapts to every situation wonderfully. We moved to Del Rio, TX for pilot training and we decided Virginia needed a companion of her own. When we adopted a puppy from the pound, Virginia took on a motherly role instantly. They are now best friends and sisters.

Virginia likes to go for runs, chase birds and squirrels, and sleeping till noon on the weekends. She's also, I think, the first dog in history to ever climb a tree after an animal. She's got a loving, wonderful personality and seems to have a wonderful intuition of how you are feeling. She loves cats, kids, other people and is getting used to being around dogs.

We're so grateful to have Virginia in our lives, and love her very much.

Tess 1/2007

From John and Alexandra

My name is John. I adopted a wonderful dog named Tess from the Eastside Shelter on Lomas Blvd. in October, 1996. She was a Chow/Huskie mix; tan colored with black highlights and brown eyes. She was very beautiful and had a wonderful personality. She was incredibly gentle, yet playful and always game for an adventure. She climbed mountains like a mountain goat and her agility always amazed me. She loved to do anything outdoors, but swim; she would jump out of the water after only a couple of strokes in a pond or lake... She always loved to chase squirrels, to the point of becoming an obsession! She also was always interested in children and loved to be around young kids. She spent half of her life with indoor cats, and was always so generous in how she shared her home with other creatures.

Tess and I moved from Albuquerque to Boston in 1998, and met the woman who would become my wife, Alex, soon after. In fact, Tess is the reason behind Alex and I meeting. Alex and I were set up by an old friend of hers who I met at a dog park in Boston. I literally would never have met my wife if it were not for Tess! The three of us had a wonderful life in Boston and then moved to Vermont in 2003. We spent much of our free time together hiking in the woods, gardening or hanging out with the cats inside. It was a very happy life together.

Tess was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer, in November, 2006. She lived for about five weeks after the diagnosis, and died on December 19, 2006. It has been so painful to be without her and we miss her every minute. She was such a wonderful creature who gave us so much.

We are so grateful to have had the privilege of spending many years with Tess. Thank you.

Yukos 12/2006

Little Yukos got out of the gate and ended up at the Eastside Animal Care Center. His parents, Joann and Chuck Wallace, were frantic to find him. They had all been visiting from Russia for the holidays and couldn’t believe he was missing. Luckily their daughter and son-in-law checked the AACC website under lost animals and saw his picture. Joann and Chuck went down to the Eastside AACC to reclaim Yukos. They even had all his paperwork in RUSSIAN and got their little neutered teacup Yorkie back in their arms. A wonderful reunion for this family that was visiting Albuquerque. Joann and Chuck were extremely grateful to the staff of the AACC for reuniting them with their beloved Yukos.

Daisy 12/2006

On Tuesday December 5th. I was watching the council meeting on the government access channel. Ms. Mayer brought out a golden lab as the "showcased" pet from Animal Control. This nine year old golden lab was owner surrendered because she was no longer needed for breeding. While I see the animals showcased at other meetings, this one struck a nerve. Not in a position to adopt now (old ornery cat at home), I told my family and coworkers about this dog. On Wednesday, my son-in-law went to the Animal Control to see this dog and ultimately adopted her. On Friday, he was able to take her home. My daughter and son-in-law have been looking for the perfect dog for them and their three children. Now named Daisy, she has moved into a good home with a rescued cat, 2 year old Joshua, 5 year old Ashley and 7 year old Michelle. Not having been around dogs, the children were at first apprehensive about a dog, but after a couple of days, they are becoming fast friends. Daisy is gently, smart, gets along with other pets, and obviously loves children. Please pass along our thanks to Ms. Mayer for showing us these animals and passing tougher laws to protect these domestic animals.

Bettie 9/2006

From the Lockhorn Family:

We adopted Bettie, a two-year-old pointer mix, in early August. We came to the shelter looking for an adult dog or maybe a puppy, we weren't sure -- we had done both in the past and liked a lot of things about an adult dog, like no housebreaking, no chewed up shoes, but were concerned about maybe getting behavior problems. Bettie radiated a gentle kindness and we felt pretty confident when we took her home. Bettie has worked out better than we thought she would. She is the sweetest dog, and has fit in with the family perfectly. She patiently lets our younger daughter lead her around, she is a perfect lady with the cats, fun to walk and run with, and a good sport at the dog park. We enjoyed the experience of adopting a dog from the NE shelter and are glad it's there. I'm attaching a picture of our older daughter with Bettie. Thanks for a great dog!

Samson 7/2006
	My name is Samson, and I am a one year old German Shepard mix. I look really scary because I am so big, and I spent 24 days in the AACC waiting for the people who abandoned me. I was so scared there, I lost a lot of weight and I kept sheding all my fur. But one day a little girl came up to me and stuck her finger up her nose. Her name is Freya, and she is so small! I pushed against my gate to get to her, but I couldn't. Then a week and a half later Freya and her Mommy came and picked me up! I was so exicted that I almost knocked the volunteer over! Now I live in a nice house where I have a backyard to play in, a best friend named Tiger (he's a little shitzu), and all kinds of food, Freya evens sneaks me some her food even if she gets in trouble for it. Freya and her Mommy and Daddy make sure I get bathed and brushed, and my coat looks so much better! I really love my new family and they love me! I make sure that I play gentle with Freya, and give Mommy and Daddy lots of kisses. I know now that I am safe and loved. Daddy always says he wishes he could have ten of me! I just wanted to thank all the volunteers and staff at the AACC for helping me find my forever home and family.

Dolphin & Pepsi 7/2006

From Nicole:

In June of 2005, we had to surrender our Italian Greyhound to the pound. Unfortunately, he had various issues, as well as temperament problems that we had tried to fix with medication and training. After the fourth bite, we knew that we had done all we could.

That day I cried so hard. I cried a lot after that, too, especially since my husband works the night shift. I had lost my buddy for nightly walks, as well as my mini-couch warmer. Even though it is recommended against, I went out to find another companion. My husband did not want another dog, so I set off to the shelter to find a cat.

A lot of people were there, but I thought I might have found one. He was very rambunctious and loveable... almost too much so. As I was debating, I walked along the cat cages when I heard a little meow. Laying comfortably in a bed, was a little black and white kitten. I couldn't pass him up, so I had the volunteer pull him out. He was perfection in a cat body (aren't they all?).

I knew immediately he was the one. Even the night I brought him home, he picked right up where my dog had left off. The first night, he went up to tell my children good night - hopping right up on the beds, tail in the air, as if he'd been there from the start.

Though he could be a tinge more loving, he has been one of the best cats I've ever had in my life. It was hard for me, not having my dog, but Dolphin filled in and then some. He even runs around with my children, playing with them. I believe that somewhere in his past life, he was a dog.

The story doesn't end there, though. Even with Dolphin being as wonderful as he was, I still missed the companionship that only a dog can give. At first, my husband didn't want another dog - so worried he was that it would turn out our Iggy. We talked more about it and he agreed at last to look.

It was getting nearer to my birthday and I decided to look at the pictures online from the pound. The first one I see is a dog that is 1 year old. Unlike all the other dogs who look scared or worried, she is laying on the ground, her front paws out, with what looks like a dog smile on her face.

As we walk into the kennel area through the office, there is only one dog in the outdoor portion, looking at us as we walk in. It's the very one from the internet... and the one everyone there knew as Delila.

In the kennel, the other dogs are going nuts, barking, whimpering, whining... Pepsi (as we renamed her) is the only one that isn't asleep or afraid that is NOT barking, or whining, or whimpering... just sitting there calmly watching us. So I bend down and she scooches as close as she can to the fence wire, and just looks over at me. I always feel silly when I tell people this story, but there was an emotion that passed between us. If I had to put it into words, it would be: "Please, I don't belong here... don't leave me here."

I know when we're supposed to have a certain animal because I can visualize them at home. Not just sitting there, but being part of our family. I knew she was the dog for us. My husband commented, "oh she's so big and hairy!" But she licked everyone's hands - even the kids - without a nip or any amount of over-excitement. I wanted her that day.

We couldn't quite agree, so we went to the office and asked about putting a hold on her, and that's when they told me she was sick. "This animal has seizures." I actually went home crying. Still, I could just see her with us. The next day the pound was closed, so my husband and I talked and talked and talked. If she needed treatment, we'd treat her. We would spend up to a certain amount a month for meds if she needed them... she was too special to pass up.

I went back on Valentine's Day. Everyone there said they didn't believe the owners... that she had been there a week and had no seizures. They have cameras up in the kennels, and they saw no seizures. I got her and took her to the vet. The vet said, "Hmmm... I've seen a lot of dogs that have seizures... she doesn't look to be one of them. Maybe it's a reverse sneeze." Once home for a day, I get to see it. Something that, if you really try hard, could look like a seizure. She stiffens up and sounds like she's coughing... I called her name, she stopped and looked at me. She's been here since Valentine's Day... the last time she had anything like that was her second day here.

She is so gentle, so good, and LOVES people. Everyone in the neighborhood loves her when they see her on the walks (which makes it hard sometimes to teach! good dog manners when everyone wants to baby talk her and hug her and such... lol). She's great with the kids, she's great with Dolphin... exactly what I knew she'd be. Not to mention she adores being hugged. "Dog-hugs" we call them.

So, from the shelter, we gained two FABULOUS family members and we couldn't be more happy. They fit beautifully with us in every way, our kids love them, and so do I and my husband. For those of you that may remember Delila, she's with people that love her to bits. She's one of the best dogs I've ever had, and I'm so pleased to have her in our family.

Mack & Ziggy 6/2006

Barbara and Tom wrote to Sharon, an AACC Animal Handler, with the following update on their adopted shelter cats:

I'm not sure if you remember us or not, but we adopted the orange "tabby", Mack, from the Eastside shelter back in August. You helped us pick out the cat and gave us expert advice regarding female vs. male cats and introducing the new cat to the "resident cat", Ziggy, whom we also adopted from the shelter. Well, I can't tell you what a success story this is!!! We absolutely love the new cat (he is the one on the left) and the picture tells the whole story about how the cats get along. They act like (loving) brothers. Thank you so much for all of your help!!!!

Mr. B 6/2006

Hi, My name is Mr. B. I was rescued by AACC officers in December of 2005. They found me in an apartment when my former owners got evicted and left me behind with a broken leg. Some good doctors operated on my leg and put a pin in my femur to fix it, then I spent the next few months recuperating at AACC. I was lucky enough to be noticed by a married couple who volunteer at AACC. Since I'm pretty hard to resist they adopted me in February of 2006. My new loving family has given me a big backyard in which to run and play, and best of all, a sibling, Tessa, who is a very lovely Pit Bull, and my new best friend.

My new family says that I am a cuddle bug. I make grunting noises when they pet me to let them know how much I enjoy it. I am very playful and inquisitive, just like a little boy should be. Thank you to the AACC for giving me a chance at a good, new life. I know that now I am one very loved little boy.

Oscar the Weiner (Dachshund) 4/2006

(Lovingly submitted by Joy Dunn)
Oscar, little Oscar! His 1.5 year old existence had been anything but pleasant with lots of warm fuzzies. This little 8 lb. Dachshund was rescued by the Albuquerque Animal Care Center from an extremely abusive environment. When Oscar came to be a part of the Dunn household, he had been under the tender care of the Vet Staff at the Care Center for approximately a month. He was a pitiful sight indeed!! Oscar had been inflicted by some kind of chemical agents that left him badly burned all over his body. He was traumatized by many severe belt beatings that he had received. However, Oscar’s fate was about to change. His guardian angels were watching over him because Don Dunn (a volunteer at the Animal Care Center) saw Oscar and it was instantly “love at first sight”.

Oscar has adjusted well to the new home he shares with his newly acquired “sisters”. He is happy, playful, inquisitive, and provides lots of enjoyment for our family and friends. One can’t help but wonder what would have become of Oscar if it had not been for the great service of the Albuquerque Animal Care Center and the volunteers that help and share their love with all the residence of the Center.

Jade, the Dizzy Dobie 4/2006

Jade was rescued from a sad situation where she lived with her owner, another Doberman and 37 cats. When her owner died, AACC retrieved all of the animals and began the task of nursing the sick ones and finding homes for the healthy animals. Jade didn't seem quite right since she would hold her head at an angle. She was diagnosed with Vestibular Disease, a condition that results in vertigo-like symptoms. Jade became a favorite of the AACC Vet staff who recognized what a special girl the Jade is. Jade ended up being rescued by Doberman Rescue of NM from AACC, who then found her a wonderful home with a Dobie fan named Sherrie. Sherrie reports that Jade is doing remarkably well. She is developing social skills, some basic obedience and is learning how to be a dog. She loves all animals and is starting to gain some trust in people. The staff at AACC would like to thank Doberman Rescue of NM and Jade's new mom, Sherrie, for giving this girl a happy ending.

Callee the Cat 03/2006

I used to be a sad, scared cat known as A888616 wondering what would become of me...
But then a kind lady named Bernice adopted me. Now my name is Callee and I'm happy and loved.	Here I am enjoying my first Christmas in my new home. Look at all my new toys!	I found some yarn and had LOTS of fun!	Here I'm resting after a busy day playing.

Tuki Update 12/2005 Attached is a picture of the little blind dachshund (Tuki) Holly picked out at the shelter a little over a month ago. He is doing very well, eats like a horse and our other animals love him. He is spoiled rotten :)))....thanks again for letting us have him. He is a little blessing in our house. We are very happy he didn't die in the desert. -- Dick F. Richard F. from Albuquerque, 11/2005 I want to thank you and your staff for the great work you do at the shelters. I speak from personal experience. About two weeks ago, my wife Holly brought some cats to the Eastside shelter as we have too many right now. The folks at the shelter were very professional and it was obvious they love the animals that are brought in. I understand most of the cats have been adopted out now, but that is not why I am writing. Holly met a little old dachshund that someone abandoned in the desert and when found, was brought to the shelter. We couldn't adopt him at that time, but we did a few days later. Again, your staff was wonderful and their love of animals is apparent. I wrote the following piece the day we adopted him and I want to share it with you and you can with your staff if you like. I will never understand the human race. We are the most callous species on the earth. Someone took a blind, old and crippled little dog and abandoned him in the desert. What possesses someone to do that? More importantly, what does the little old dog think? I imagine the dog thinks, “I should die,” as he walks, lonely and abandoned in the hostile desert. He weeps at every strange obstacle in his path and at every strange sound. But he doesn't’t give up. He keeps thinking, “My master will come. That is why I don’t want to die.” The dog has been walking for days. No one gives him a bath now, and no one takes him into their home, so he weeps. No one feeds him or gives him water and he weeps some more. No one pets him or loves him, and he still weeps and he still waits for his master to come. Eventually the little old dog is found by a child. He is hungry, emaciated and crying. The child’s parents take the dog to an animal shelter where he will surely be put to sleep, alone, unloved and never knowing why he was abandoned in the desert. All is not lost. Holly, who has the purest of souls, spots this little old dog at the shelter and brings him home. Never again will this little, old, blind dog lack for love or attention. As I am writing this he is sleeping peacefully on his new bed, surrounded by food and water and, more importantly, the love of Holly, who will watch over him forever. He has been welcomed by the other little people in our household and he is happy now, and he is not weeping anymore. Little Stuart, A.K.A. Tuki, is doing great. He "runs" around, eats well and sleeps with Holly. We take him with us when we go to PetSmart and a few other places. He may be blind, but he is certainly aware of his surroundings. Again, Holly, Little Stuart and I want to thank you and your staff for their professionalism and their love of animals. The animal shelter has come a long way in recent years. Keep up the good work.

Crystal M. from Albuquerque 11/2005

Three years ago we adopted an 8 week old red cattle dog puppy from the west side facility. I was looking for a dog that would be competitive in the sport of agility. Wow, was my karma good on that day. Maggie, as we named her, has grown up to be a fabulous dog and an outstanding agility dog. At 3 1/2 years old, she just won the Australian Cattle Dog Nationals agility competition for the second year in a row. Please share our story with your staff and thank them for helping great pets find homes.