adoption
Our guide to animal adoption; learn why, where, and how to prepare to adopt a cat, kitten, dog or puppy from an animal shelter or rescue group.
The Dog of My Dreams
It started with a dream. My husband and I had just lost our 9-year-old black lab, and I was still in the "I never want another dog again" phase. We had adopted Mindy from our local shelter when she was 2 years old; we got her the day we got back from our honeymoon. We treated her like our child. When she was 4 years old, she was diagnosed with diabetes. I had to schedule the next 5 years of my life around her twice-a-day insulin shots. My parents' home became a doggy daycare whenever my husband and I had to go anywhere. Throughout it all, Mindy remained the sweetest creature I had ever known. When she died, I felt like part of me went with her, and I swore I wouldn't put myself through that again.
By Jenn Baxter5 years ago in Petlife
Batman: Finding Solace
It was all I needed. A new pup, just barely 6 weeks old, holding a loving gaze and victoriously wagging his tiny tail. I sipped my coffee from my plain black mug and felt the cool dew on the grass between my toes. This was the last morning I was going to do this alone.
By Amanda High5 years ago in Petlife
Lo Mein
About a year and a half ago, I adopted my dog, Winston. He is a spicy little guy. I already had one dog, Cookie, and I wanted her to have a friend, especially when I was gone. She was a puppy at that time, so I wanted another dog around her age so they’d get along alright. I went to a local animal shelter, where I found Winston. His name was Bugs at the time. I soon came to learn why: he liked to eat bugs.
By Hallie Calvin5 years ago in Petlife
Miss Maggie
Miss Maggie The love affair began with my best silk blouse being ruined. I had come to the shelter after work. As I passed a cage, a paw shot out from between the bars and snagged my sleeve. Carefully, the sharp claws were removed, but the damage was already done.
By Ramona Scarborough5 years ago in Petlife
THE 3 MUS-KITTIES
My wife and I have always enjoyed the company of animals, even before we were together; but I have never believed that pets should be bought, as there are so many animals out there who were domesticated and then forced to fend for themselves. Therefore, when we decided to take on pets they were more thrust upon us to get them out of their situation, rather than us seeking them out.
By Travis Berketa5 years ago in Petlife
A perfect pair
Every parent believes they have the best child and I have never been the exception to that rule. My son's name is Everett. Our dog's one year "Gotcha Day" was yesterday, April 11th. I have never been more grateful for an animal in my life. I knew from the very first day when they chose each other that they would have an extraordinary relationship.
By brooke vecchi5 years ago in Petlife
Gypsy and The Shadow
We all have a wildness within that lurks in our shadow self. As humans our nature is to want to belong, a sense of community, however we also have a wild side. Our primal selves. That part of ourselves gets tamed somewhat as we grow. Perhaps that is why it is so exciting to befriend a wild animal.
By jacki fleet5 years ago in Petlife
A Four Legged Find at the Discount Store
Everyone loves a bargain when they are shopping. I have been frequenting the local discount store just minutes from my home for years now. This large two level store conveniently located in downtown Albany, N.Y. offers quite an array of items from cleaning & household products, cosmetics, jewelry & hair care, a modest clothing section, accessories to odds n ends; even furniture & carpeting on the second floor. It is a practical one stop shop with just about everything you will ever need under one roof; a definite bang for your bank type of deal. I always find what I need along with neat surprises as the store is always updating with new items.
By Marilyn Glover5 years ago in Petlife
August
She was a hot mess, an orphan who had suffered at the hands of those who were supposed to care for her. Mental, physical and sexual abuse had become a regular part of her life. Her new family brought her out of that world and gave her a home. She became their youngest daughter. Even in the comfort and safety of her new home, the past tormented her. Daily. Her family began to seek a professional to comfort and calm their little hot mess.
By Dale Austin 5 years ago in Petlife
