Happily Ever After

Happily Ever After

		Elvis – June 2008
We wanted to let you know how Elvis is doing. We have renamed him Maxwell, Max for short. He is quite an active dog. He loves to go outside and play. He also likes lounging in the pool. He's not a very good swimmer but he likes to lay on a raft. He is now 65 pounds. He also has gained muscle which he had little of when we adopted him. We want to thank you for rescuing him and helping to make him a member of our family! I have attached a picture Max enjoying his new life. Thank You Dave & Maria Rapp

Apollo — June 2008

I just want to thank everyone at the shelter for our few visits and final adoption of Cardinal (now known as Apollo). We totally love this little guy (or not so little) as does our cat Zeus. I got worried when I got him home and found he had worms. After talking with my son, we think that he is actually a fostered kitten (one of 5 in a litter that was dropped in a barn) a few years back. This became more of a reality when we got home. I put down the cage, so that I could prepare to let him explore one room at a time, and keeping our cat separate so they could get to hear and smell each other. Little to our knowledge, our cat went over and Apollo put out his paw, and my cat laid down outside his cage and they were trying to play! So we let him out. They laid there for a minute, and Zeus started to bat a ball. He laid down and Apollo batted it, then they started chasing it together and have been best friends since! They eat, sleep and play together. We are so happy and couldn't have asked for a better fit! I have never had any cats get along so quickly. The only thing we can think of is Apollo must remember Zeus as a "surrogate parent"? (And vice versa) We totally are in love and he is the perfect addition to our household. My son even has put things near the windows so that he can get down easily, since he insists on getting up there to watch Kitty TV (the 2 of them in the window is hysterical, they are usually in unison with their motions) We don't want him to re injure his leg, but cant keep him from getting up there. Im just glad with 2 kings in the house they still allow US to stay there!

Thank you!
Becki and Tyler

		Fuzzy Mittens – May 2008
		Hi! This is "Fuzzy Mittens". I was at the shelter for 3- 4 months till Nov 10th when the Wheatleys adopted me. I have a new home which I love and a new name which I answer to. I'm Bella now. I have lots of toys and get a lot of attention. I play , play, play. I am indoors only and am perfect in the house.

		Elmo — May 2008
		I just wanted to let you know how our new addition is doing. After putting down our beloved Beauregard, we got him from WAHS in 1994 we needed another dog in the house. So back to WAHS and there we found a dog but someone else was interested. When I called the next day he was taken but the women I talked with told about a 6-month old Schanuzer named Paton. So off we went to WAHS and Paton now ELMO became a part of our family. He has taken a little work, he was surrendered at 6 months, and was born in a puppy mill, but now he is just a lot of fun.. the day we got him ... and now.

		Judy — May 2008
		My fiancé and I adopted little Judy (then, an unnamed puppy found as a stray) at the end of Summer '06. We came to the shelter in hopes of finding an older dog to welcome into our home, but after a short visit with Judy, it was clear that she had chosen us to be her new family. Now a fully grown dachshund and terrier mix, Judy loves running through the yard, playing with her many toys, barking at birds and squirrels, and giving her "Daddy" tons of kisses. Judy is a very happy, cuddly dog, and the perfect new member of our family. Thank you! Sarah Charlier and Jeff Vermeire

		Tabitha — May 2008
		Hello wonderful people! Just an update on Tabitha. We had adopted her March 15th, I had gotten fer for my birthday. We had lost our beloved Abby on February 4th and there was a hole in my heart that only another cat could fill. We went to the shelter after I had gone on line and saw the picture of Tabitha. She looked very much like Abby and I was in love! I guess Tabby had a reputation of having a bit of an attitude at times. She rarely shows that side of her. I have never seen a cat that loves to play and play and play. She is so amusing and we love her so. She follows me everywhere, and she sleeps at the foot of our bed. She wasn't too cuddly when we first got her, now she will get up on our laps and lie down. Once I was resting on the couch and she got on my chest, laid down and tucked her little head under my chin. Needless to say, we had little nap! Thank you so much for the opportunity so have her in our lives. Judy Kraeer

		Jugsy (formerly Reggie) — May 2008
		Hello to all considering visiting the shelter to adopt a dog. Back on St Patrick’s Day weekend, my mom adopted me. At the time I was called “Reggie” at the shelter but my mom and big brother re-named me Jugsy (long story) Here I am in the backyard of their house, with one of the bazillion toys that they bought for me since then, surrounded by the fenced in yard that they ALSO bought for me J (Hey, I am a really cute dog, with a lot of charm…I get whatever I want here, but it’s all due to the Humane Society taking me in first. I am a Rottweiler-Husky mix. I learned to sit, and stay down within 1 day of being in my new home. Shelter dogs are often very intelligent mixed breeds, and I am one of them. I am happy and very spoiled here, and it’s taken a few weeks, but I am acclimated with all of my mom’s cats as well. I can say that Morelli Fence is a good company to call if you need to fence someone like me in quickly… (My mom did, and they were very responsive and reasonably priced). I am one spoiled and happy dog…….Thanks Wash Co. Humane Society! : ) From, Jugsy ( formerly Reggie )

		Lilly – May 2008
		hi. i adopted lilly (formerly "illy") in January 2008 and wanted to forward to you a couple absolutely beautiful pics of her & thank you again for helping me find & adopt her - she's such a love. love, hari & lilly

		Murray – April 2008
		We recently adopted Murray, a huge 17 lb. domestic shorthair, from your shelter. Murray is nothing short of puuurrrfect! He instantly made himself at home when we adopted him, and he has been such a gentleman! He has the best litterbox manners I have ever seen, but more importantly, he is one of the most affectionate, friendly, and funny cats I've ever met. He follows me around the house (when he's not napping) like a little dog, gives kisses, and snuggles with us whenever he sees the opportunity to do so. What's more, he and my dog, Sammi, are quite the couple! Sammi loves cats, and when our Buddy Kat passed away a few weeks ago, she seemed as sad as I did. Now, with Murray at home, she plays like a puppy again, teases him, and they even lay together and kiss each other. Thank you so much to WAHS for providing Murray with a safe place to stay until I met him. Murray is now happily in his forever home! Thanks again, Lauren, Helen, and Sammi Spagna

		Pepper – April 2008
		Congratulations for being #1 in the zootoo contest. We are all hoping and praying that you will get the $1 million makeover. I used the zootoo website and urged my friends to do the same so I feel that I did my small, but important part. We adopted a dog last November 2006 from you, named Pepper, a 6 year old lab/greyhound mix, so we know first hand the care and dedication you have in giving these precious animals a second chance. It's always a heartbreaking experience when your trying to adopt an animal because you want to take them all home and make sure they have a forever home, but since we can't do that, we are all assured that the remaining ones will be well taken care of by you until their day comes. While Pepper is a handful and I do threaten to send her back (after the $1 million makeover of course), I'm just kidding and we do truly love her and she loves us, although sometimes we think she just loves us for the treats and walks. It is an honor to say that my dog came from your shelter and if Pepper could speak, she would thank you and everyone else at the shelter who took care of her while she was there. In case you forgot exactly who she was, here is a picture of her. GOOD LUCK ON THE CONTEST FROM PEPPER AND HER FAMILY. Bev Totedo

		Pearl - March 2008
		We just wanted to drop you a line to let you know how much we love the new addition to our family, Pearl a/k/a Chloe. We adopted her about 2 months ago and she has adapted and taken over our house. She talks to us unlike any other cat I have ever seen. She knows exactly which cabinet her treats are in and she will lay and open and close the door until you give her one. She leads a very spoiled life now with much to do and much to watch out of our huge window in the front of our house. She will lay in the sun on her padded perch and nap for hours. Again, thank you so much. Mike and Kelly Miller

		Sox aka Zeus – March 2008
		Well just wanted to send everyone a lil note to say Hi from my new home and to say that im lovin' my new kids and my new brother Ike, my new mom, dad and my new gram even the lil 4 legged fur ball things that meow and even hiss at me every now and then when i chase them.....its pretty funny sometimes...as long as i don't get them cornered....hahaha.....my new house is big the yard is big, the woods are even bigger when we go out running with the kids and dad on the quad, the kids are fun to chase in the snow, catchin' snow balls are awesome you all should try it sometime.....lol and wow the snack cupboard is never empty.....mom takes me and my brother Ike to Petco every weekend for new bones and a new toy the girls out there always break out the snack bowl for us while mom gets out the lil black book to write in to pay for our dog food its a great trip......i get to take the kids to school every day too...its a great trip cause i always get the left over breakfast stuff they don't finish before they get on the bus.....woohoo yum yum.....mom got me this new pillow too man is it huge and fluffy......my youngest kid has one too he sleeps with but its smaller then mine.....my family is huge which means lots of yummy treats......i have 7 kids, mom, dad, gram, my brother and those 4 legged fur ball things that meow and hiss at me and my brother that we aren't sure about yet whether we like, dislike, what to do with, we do like to chase them, lick them and slobber them when we can and eat what they get in they're food dishes but that's when they seem to hiss the most just haven't seem to get the food and get out before they see us.......lol oh well just wanted to let you all there that life is goin' great here at my new permanent home.....u all take care and thanks for care and love while i was there...and Greg .... Dylan, Lisa, Ethan, Evan, Abygaile, Willis, Jessie, and Gram, Brother Ike, and Kittiens- Bootsie & Nevaeh

		Gabriel – March 2008
Just wanted to say thanks for Gabriel. I was scared to bring her home at first because my husband was not so keen on the idea of a adult cat. It was Dec. 8th that was her first night. She immediately sucked up to my husband slept curled up next to him all night. That was all it took, Gabby followed him everywhere and when he left for work at 4:30 AM she cried....... so I was the one complaining and he loved the fact that she missed him. She has since started sleeping next to me, but she is my husband sweetheart, all because of the first night. So anyone that is worried about getting an older cat, should not be, they are so happy to have a family to love them they give you so much in return...... When I think about if your shelter was not a NO Kill I would never have been blessed with Gabby, she was there since August. Thanks again for the wonderful work that all of you do to bring pets and families together may god bless you. PS: I am spreading the word to everyone to go to Zootoo. good luck Jackie Shriver, Carmichaels, PA 15320

Time For Goodbye 1-3-08 – “Mia” (Aka Micki)

It’s hard to believe it has been almost one year since we first saw her beautiful face. Betty Jo and I were visiting Jean and Gus when Jean mentioned that the shelter had just taken in a Husky mix that was in bad shape. Knowing that I am a Husky lover, we stopped for a visit. When I looked into her eyes and she rested her head in my lap, it was love at first sight. We returned two weeks later to bring her home. She adjusted quickly to our home and our lives. Since we have no children, she became our little girl.

We would like to think that the 10 months she spent with us were the best of her life. She traveled over 4000 miles with us to visit my family in Kentucky 3 times. Of course, they all fell in love with her, too.

She did not like to leave “Daddy’s” side. She followed me while I cut the grass, on my daily walks and even on fire calls (I am a volunteer fireman) when possible. She spent Tuesday nights at the fire hall being everyone’s girl! If she could not go along, she would lie by the door and wait for me.

My biggest surprise was my wife, Betty Jo who did not really want a dog to begin with. They quickly bonded. Betty Jo became “Mommy” and Mia became the “Princess”. It was Betty Jo’s love and cooking that helped to turn Mia's health around so quickly. Mia fought off a slight stroke in May ’07, but had another stroke on New Year’s Eve. Her tired old body couldn’t take anymore. The decision to end her life was painful, but not a difficult decision. We would never have kept her alive knowing she was in pain. We decided on Thursday, January 3rd to let her go in peace.

When I first brought her home and gave her a bath, I found scars on her back. I assume they were from having been beaten. It was then that I thought of the entire volunteer staff at the shelter. All of you saved this girl from being mistreated, starved and cold. During this bath, I looked into Mia’s eyes and promised her that as long as I was alive she would never be mistreated, cold or hungry again. I kept that promise. I know sometimes your work at the shelter can be thankless, but not this time. Betty Jo and I cannot thank you enough for the 10 months of joy our “Little Girl” brought us. Hopefully when some of the pain passes, we can find another little girl to fill her bed and our hearts.

All the Best
John and Betty Jo Webb
Greensburg, PA

		Almond and Bandaid - January 2008
		Born 1/4/07… adopted on March 1, 2007 from your location. I love them - thanks Sue Haney

		Duke - January 2008
		We adopted a very thin Maverick on April 6, 2007 (Good Friday). His name has been changed to Duke and it fits him perfectly. The first time we had him to the vet in April, he weighed 75 pounds and since then, has filled out his chest and body and must weigh 100 pounds by now. Actually, I just re-measured his food so he doesn’t put on too much weight over the winter! He’s doing very well and has been very healthy. He loves to eat and he gets along great with our 2 other dogs and the 2 cats too J When we first brought him home, he growled at our youngest, most active dog, Cody, who is about 2 years old (also from the humane society but in north side!). But since then, those two love to play together and disappear to the basement all the time to play! When I first met Duke and his brother, I chose him because I felt a bond with him and now I realize that he chose me too. He follows me everywhere and waits at the door for me when I’m not home. I would love to hear how his brother, Zodiac is doing. I know he was adopted as well and am hoping he found his forever home just like Duke did. Please let me know that you got this and could see the pictures too, thanks! Kim

		Magic - January 2008
		I just wanted to send an update on my beautiful black cat that I adopted in June. Her name was Elizabeth, but we changed it to Magic. She comes when we call her so I assume she likes it. She was 5 years old and 16 pounds when I got her, but as you can see in the pictures she has grown a little...lol...She is now a healthy 19.6 pounds. She is a total baby. Loves to be held and cuddled and she TALKS. She coos and meows when you talk to her. Im so glad I decided on an older cat. She is really a great addition to our family. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication!! Sherry Hohn Canonsburg

Lily – January 2008

i just wanted to send you a quick update - i adopted "illy" (now "lilly") yesterday at the shelter - she is currently sound asleep right next to me, and i just wanted to provide you with a couple of her newest pics & say thank you again for taking such great care of her & helping me find & adopt her!! she's perfect! i haven't set up her check-up appt. yet, as it's sunday, but i'm hoping to find a local vet i like early this week. after a quick trip to petco en route home from WAHS yesterday (EVERYONE in petco adored her!), lilly now has a full arsenal of her own dog belongins and is fitting in perfectly here. she was an angel in the store, and she chose a squeaky green frog to keep with her in here crate at night. we found a great 30 inch crate, which seems to fit her perfectly, and a fluffy crate pad (she has also "adopted" a blanket of mine, to snuggle with at night). she has her own pink tennis ball & LOVES the squeaky fluffy ball that came from the shelter with her. she's eating (& loving) Iams minichunks & treats, and has become completely comfortable going up and down the steps to the apt.

she was TERRIFIED to come into the bathroom - don't know why! so this morning, i had to carry her in there slowly and she got her first bath at home. she was nervous but wonderfully behaved and she's silky & smells like oatmeal now! later on today, we're going to try brushing those teeth! i am doing my best to crate her at night for a couple of weeks, until she is well established in the house, although i'd much rather snuggle up with her to sleep! she is taking to her crate well as well - this morning, we both slept until 8 and she pottied within a minute of heading outside. she's amazing!!

i will be out of town next weekend (lilly's first trip home to see the family - she should love it as my mother has 2 acres of fenced yard!) - but i will try to stop by asap to return the leash & chain & collar you loaned me with which to get her home.

THANK YOU so very much for everything!! i've attached some pics & will keep you posted on lilly girl!

sincerely,
hari r. ender

Oliver – January 2008

Greetings from Kathryn L. Monette, Jim Owens, Tigger & Oliver K. Bo Jangles.

We're just sending you a little something to help out the cats & dogs at your shelter. Oliver was adopted from your shelter on December 9, 2006. He has turned out to be one of the nicest cats I have ever adopted. He was a Christmas present to me and a companion for my Tigger. Tigger lost his older brother Ted E. the previous year right after Thanksgiving. Ted E. was 17-1/2 years old when he passed away. Both Tigger & Oliver are best friends and provide us with many hours of antics and joy.

Keep up the good work and thanks to all the staff & volunteers who work so hard to help take care of the animals.

Merry Christmas to all the cats, dogs and staff.