Happy Tails 1

Our work is not only about rescuing animals from destruction, we also strive to bring about a transformation in the lives of these dear creatures. We dedicate ourselves to helping them reach their highest potential of health and happiness. The greatest reward for our effort at the SPCA is seeing our animals heading off to new permanent homes where we know they will receive the love they crave and deserve.

Here are some of our recent happy "tails"...

Barney

SPCA Volunteer Cathy Cottrell writes: "Many SPCA volunteers know Barney, the three-legged dog, from the kennel office. When Barney came to us, after losing a leg to a car accident, he was scared and unsure of himself. After staying with our family as a foster for a few weeks, it was decided that he would benefit from the

social aspects of being the “office dog”. I would drop him off in the mornings, before work, and he would stay the whole day. He became well-known – the greeter of everyone who walked into the office. This went on for 3 months, as he waited for his forever home… He is an amazing and special dog, who gave the most incredible dog-hugs ever! Then came the week when there were three adoption applications that came in for him! He went home with his new mom, Becky, on March 2nd. Here are some email messages about how Barney is doing in his new home:

Barney is doing really well. He likes ours walk/runs. This morning it was so cold we didn’t go and I could tell he was disappointed. I can also tell he misses you all. I went home for lunch yesterday and tried to leave him out while I fixed some lunch, but he didn’t want any part of it by himself. He seems to like my cat. When I hold her, he licks her to death but she is still afraid of him. I put a baby gate up so she has a room to herself and she has ventured out a couple times when Barney is napping.

Then later… Barney is a great dog! He has completely taken over my couch, and I have started to shop around for a bigger couch so we can both sit on it.

And later still… Barney is doing well. He had a great weekend. We went for a two mile walk/run through the Celery Flats on Sunday. He is settling in more. I have purchased a new couch, so I don’t have to stay on the floor anymore. Actually, he shares, but he doesn’t like if I bring the electric blanket up with me - he gets too warm. I bought a bigger, and also reclining, couch so we can share more effectively.

We think that if a person buys a new couch for their dog, it’s gotta be love!!! Hurray for Barney! He’s found his forever home! Happy Tails, Barney. Happy Tails."

Marbles

“Just a note on Marbles. This is her getting out of bed in the morning, and as you see she has her side all claimed. She likes to sleep in, too. I thought you might Marbles

like to hear a bit on her life now. She loves the farm and loves to run in the back. She has filled out a bit and she is now home. I can't tell you how much I love her. She is a good girl, loves to play. She has a doll that goes with her just like a kid and, of course, she is a kid. I can't believe all the things she will eat with me. This dog loves fruit to nuts and every thing in between. I have yet to find something she won't eat, so we share a plate of something every night. I will send you a note and a picture now and again to keep you up on a very happy dog. I hope you find good homes for all of your dogs in need. Thank you again. Sincerely, Paul L.”

Felton

“Radar, as he is now called, is very precious. He now eats by himself, chases the squirrels with the other two, and has been kissing us Felton

all. We were in the pet store tonight, and several employees remembered him. He even went halfway to meet for his goodie. We went to the vet yesterday, and he has a clean bill of health. He sat on the table and never lowered his ears when she came in to check him. They also gave you a great comment about his records being so organized. Radar can sit on the couch and watch the traffic and the kids go to school. He barked for the first time. Gizmo and Radar played outside for the first time last night for about an hour. I think Gizmo has met his match running. We have left him out of the cage with the other boys while I have left and he has done fine. You have done a great job with this little guy, and we appreciate it. – Ev”

Ryder

“Thanks to all the dedicated volunteers at the SPCA of Southwest Michigan! We adopted Ryder on Saturday. He’s a real blessing for us and our 3 children! We love his mellow nature and beautiful little face. He filled a void that was created Ryder

after the death of our beloved dog Blue whom we’d had for 12.5 years. We don’t believe it is just coincidence that Ryder is approximately 2 years old and that Blue passed away approximately 2 years ago. He’s already been on walks (he prances on his leash), he’s traveled with us in our van, he’s taken naps on our laps and is sleeping by our bed on his blanket. We renamed him ‘Beamer’ because he’s a real ‘beam of light’ for us (and it’s also the nickname of my husband’s favorite brand of vehicle – BMW). The kids are very excited to bring Beamer in for his first visit to the pet store so we can buy him a winter coat (he shivers outside even though he loves to play in the snow). Please keep up the great work you do! The Downard Family – Dave, Karen, Katie, Ali & Max”