Submitted by Megan Dunn

I adopted 2 rats, Vivian and Jasmine, fall 2008. They are very friendly and love to run down people's shirts! They also enjoy running around the house in a plastic ball. Sadly, I had to put them in separate cages cause Vivian was bullying Jasmine, but they're both still happy and enjoy running around together outside their cages. I'm so glad I adopted them!









Submitted by Darla Coon

I had been looking to add another "kid" to the family, preferably a dog. For several months I had searched but hadn't found the perfect one. During a conversation at an Adopt-A-Thon event I had volunteered for, Suffolk Animal Control caretaker, Angela, found out that I had been searching and also that I had a weak spot for the unique and unusually marked animals. Instantly she told me about the feral kittens that she was fostering, and their unusual markings, one which she herself had already adopted. I instantly was interested and had asked her to send me a photo. A week or two had passed and still no photo. So, the kittens were put aside in my thoughts as I continued to search for a dog.

Then, in August 2008, unbeknownst to me, Angela had brought her feral foster kittens to the Adopt-A-Thon at the Hydrant in Suffolk, which I had volunteered for. Angela, knowing that I was going to be there, eagerly waited inside for me with one of her kittens in her hands. As soon as I walked in the door, she instantly handed the kitten to me. I fell in love, but then again, who wouldn't? She knew I wouldn't be able to resist once I held them - and she was right. So at the end of my shift, I went home, got my cat carrier, and returned to the event, and adopt one of the kittens. Needless to say, I not only adopted one of Angela's feral foster kittens, but also adopted another kitten that was up for adoption at the event. In a very short time, Cyana & Harley had adjusted well to their new home, their slightly older sibling sister cats (Flicker & Ember) and even to their big Rottie brother, Rocky, who to this day will still on occasion play with them. Both are truly a joy to have and are wonderful additions to the family. I also have to thank Angela for knowing my weaknesses and knowing the perfect way to pull my heart strings...it worked.

There is nothing more rewarding than adopting a homeless animal from a shelter, knowing you have saved their life, who in return for your act of kindness, will give you their unconditional love. I urge anyone who is thinking about adding a pet to their family, to seek a shelter pet.



Submitted by Paulette Scarbrough

We adopted the most wonderful cat from the SAC in May. We named her Millie. My husband and I had lost a cat to cancer and were devastated. Although I wasn't expecting to adopt another cat so soon, my husband went to the shelter and saw a pitiful gray cat cowering in her cage. His heart went out to her and even though her former owners gave her a bad report card, we took a chance and brought her home after a vet check. She was very healthy but refused to eat or drink. The woman at the shelter said she hadn't eaten much since they got her in. I believe she had given up the will to live. I force fed her and in a few days she was eating and drinking on her own. Now, she eats anything and is just the best cat a person could want. We love her so much!!!









Submitted by Barbara McNeil

Lena was adopted from SAC April '08. She was featured as the Pet of the Week in Sunday's Suffolk Sun. She's most likely part Jack Russell and Italian Greyhound or Whippet. She is quite active and now is learning to swim and just recently became familiar with kayaking in New Jersey. She has fantastic athletic ability therefore can balance quite well on a sea kayak. She was a big hit in New Jersey on the lagoon because of these talents. Her personality is exceptional and is well liked by all our other (4) dogs....all rescues.

Abbe was adopted from SAC June '00, not sure on her background....maybe mixed collie & goldie. SAC held a yard sale which was part of an adoption day....not only did I return home with a Big Dog T-shirt but a wonderful dog named Abbe. She is most popular with the human sect, bubbly, sweet personality and great temperament. Loves kitties also. All of our friends want to take her home with them. Encourage all to visit their local shelter and give dogs like Lena & Abbe a second chance.



Submitted by Mark & Colleen Grob

Bailey and Brandy are doing great! Both dogs were 6 pounds at their last vet visit about 2 weeks ago. They go back the 2nd week of February for another check up....right now they feel a lot bigger than 6 pounds! They are filling out very nicely. Potty training is going well...very few accidents..I just have to be sure to put them out after naps They both love their crate...they sleep together still and we lug the crate up and down stairs every day...they sleep at night in my room. They love to run and play...We will send another update soon.









Submitted by Vicki Ellis

We adopted our cat Boris from the PetSmart at Chesapeake Square, shortly after the last of our previous cats had died at age 20.

You couldn't ask for a better cat than Boris. He is a very big boy and he has many claws as a result of having extra toes, but he is a gentle sweetheart who loves belly rubs and lap time. A year after we adopted Boris, we adopted a homeless kitten, Iggy. Boris "mothered" Iggy while he was growing up, gently grooming him and looking out for him.

Coming home to the unconditional love of pets makes any bad day better. There is also nothing like knowing that by adopting a homeless animal at a place like PetSmart, you have saved the life of an animal who will give you so much in return for your kindness. It's a win-win situation!



Submitted by Heather Noell

We first learned of Buttercup from Cindy Confer, a very devoted Suffolk Humane Society volunteer who was trying to locate a loving home for her. After a few email exchanges, we went in to adopt Buttercup. When we first met, she was quite timid and scared. All of that changed once we got her home with her new brother and sisters. She has really blossomed into a loving, trusting, and well-adjusted little toy poodle. Buttercup now enjoys long play sessions with her sisters, Punkin Belle and Peaches, and her brother Pepper. Our little Buttercup is a wonderful addition to our family, and we are all so happy we discovered each other. We adopted Buttercup from Suffolk Animal Control, and we strongly encourage anybody looking for a wonderful new furry addition to their family to adopt from there, as well.



Submitted by Denis Confer

Emma was the first small dog we adopted which of course was the one that broke my heart when she left us. She was my traveling companion and every Saturday she would assist me with my run around chores. She would sit at the garage door every night and would wait for me to walk through the door. When I would travel she just couldn't understand why I didn't come home. She never barked yet you know when she was happy or sad by her facial expression.

Cindy just knew when she brought her home from the shelter it would be a perfect match and that she was.





Submitted by Michele De Vinney Schmoll

As my husband and I walked through the Suffolk Animal Shelter we had hopes of finding a new dog that would blend in with our diverse family and farm. We had recently lost my Shepherd/Chow rescue after 9 years and then a week later our Bulldog passed from Cancer after 10 years. I was devastated. My friend worked with animal control and recommended that I go to look at a Shepherd mix they had there. So we headed that way one afternoon. I longed to replace the ache I had in my heart but wasn't sure if I was ready. Glad we went!
Goliath our Pound Pup that is a Lab and Red Bone Hound mix: As his soft milk chocolate eyes met mine I knew he was destined to come home with us. He gently licked my fingers with a pleading look as if asking for help. I looked at my husband and it was over. He too had been taken in by those soft Hershey colored eyes. A few days later we rushed back up when he was available and adopted him before anyone else could. A week layer he came home with us after he was neutered and received all his shots and we introduced him into our home. After about 24 hours I noticed that our new pup, Goliath, was not eating and drinking and losing weight so I took him to the vet, who put him on antibiotics. Goliath seemed close to death but had a strong will to live. After the vet diagnosis and antibiotics, I syringed fluids into him for days, medicated him twice daily, fed him moist dog food he licked off my fingers and gave him a cool and soft place to lie while he rested. After about two days he seemed to start feeling better and we were elated.

Goliath is about 3-4 months old now not sure and has been with us about 1 1/2 months. We brought Goliath home with us on July 25, 2008 and he was about 20 pounds and it is now September 9, 2008 and he is 48 pounds. He passed his last vet check with flying colors.

Goliath has been the most wonderful, clown-like pup, playful, talkative, willing, avid learner and best yet- house trained from day one. Pretty good for a pup found abandoned wondering on a road by animal control. I think that he knows we saved him and in return he is saving us right back with all the love and energy he gives to us daily. We love him dearly and wouldn't trade him for anything. He has filled the void that was desperately left in my heart by the passing of our other two canine best friends. Is it possible that our other dogs sent us to find Goliath and they are like angels looking out for him? Some days I wonder about that and am just glad to have a new canine best friend to be with us and hug.



Submitted by Carol Cunningham

On March 22, 2008 I met a wonderful guy at an adoption event who would become an important part of our lives. At this particular event we had 3 adult dogs and 5 puppies adopted but Jersey was patiently waiting for me. He was by no means the most flashy, pretty, happy guy, but we bonded right away. He has been with us ever since. To this day, I'm not sure why his previous family gave him up.

While I was worried about adding another male dog to "our pack", it has worked out well. Of course, we have had our trials and rough spots, but overall he has been a blessing. As you can see from the pictures, he is definitely a part of our family. I would strongly encourage anyone who is looking for a new best friend or family member, to check out the animals at Animal Control, they all deserve a second chance.




Submitted by Megan Dunn

We currently adopted 2 guinea pigs from SAC. We named them Maxine(black/brown) and Erma(brown/white). I had heard there were guinea pigs at SAC from the website and e-mails. While I was volunteering at SAC one day I checked them out and my mom adopted them.

They were a bit timid at first but after a few days here they've warmed right up and love to be held and petted. They're quite friendly now and seem happy with their new home. They love to make noises when they hear a food bag rattle. I am very glad we adopted them. : )








Submitted by Barb Ament

Last week, as I was browsing through the Petfinder.com (SAC), I came across a beautiful Snowshoe Siamese cat. She was only 9 mos. old and had already had a litter of kittens, which I'm happy to report, were all adopted. I must add that I am a sucker for blue eyes!
I had the intention of going to see her on Tues. after Labor Day and fostering her. However, while Emailing some Yahoo friends, found out the process was lengthy and that a lot of cats/kittens were coming down with an Upper Respiratory Infection. I did meet her on Tues. and it was love at first sight.

Right then and there, I adopted her. She got her shots that day as the Vet was in and was to be spayed on Fri. When I went to pick her up on Fri., the Vet could not spay her as she had a fever and was horribly congested. He had also put her on an Antibiotic. I knew I had to isolate her from my other 2 "girls" putting off their meeting each other as this is very contagious.

We had a very rough night on Fri. to Sat. and I found myself sleeping with her in her "bedroom". This only strengthened our bond. When she coughed, wheezed, sneezed, and sputtered, I was there to comfort her. When her eyes watered, I cleansed them. By Sat. night, we were turning the corner and she spent a quiet night. I have also put a humidifier in her room and we run that at night.

It certainly hasn't been an easy start but then anything worthwhile is not. She is a beautiful, sweet, gentle soul and in spite of the initial fear of losing my happy home by bringing another animal home, we are working through her illness. She still has to be spayed in a week or so, but we will breeze through that as well. There is nothing like the look she will give me--total trust and love, grateful to have a forever home.

I tell this to perspective future adopters--- to be prepared for other than a smooth ride with your new pet. But, the bond deepens and the love is returned in kind from your new pet be it a cat, kitten, or dog.

I understand that the reason she was surrendered to the SAC was that she had kittens! I don't know or understand this nor do I stand in judgment--I'm just so glad that she is now mine!



Submitted by Dwayne Davis

I first had seen Rose back in April at the Suffolk Animal Control. The officers had brought Rose in Just a few weeks. I had been looking for a chocolate lab or Chesapeake Bay retriever. I looked on several web sites for either type of dog. Chessie Rescue of Virginia had a few Chessie for adoption but they were not ready for a home. I had left my name with the Suffolk Animal Control for any of the dogs. When Rose first got her shots, she was diagnosed with heart worms. I was a little reluctant to adopt Rose. My son was working on his Eagle Project for the Suffolk Humane Society. This is where I met Kay Hurley. We got to talking about the type of dog I was looking for. Kay had talked about Rose. Kay had taken Rose to a couple adoption shows. She said Rose was a sweet girl. So I decided to adopt Rose. I was little nervous about the heartworms. South Hampton Vet Clinic gave Rose the heartworm treatment. Rose weighed 49 pounds. The vet said most dogs lose weight but on Rose's last visit for the treatment Rose had gained 10 pounds. Rose now weighs about 65 pounds and full of life. I am glad to have Rose for a life time companion.



Submitted by Jan Nielsen

My two teenaged boys and I visited the animal shelter after losing our 11 year old lab mutt. Roxie caught our attention with her sad eyes and the way she followed us with those eyes as we walked up and down the aisle. We hesitated on choosing her because she was two years old, energetic and not house broken. But, she had such a beautiful and sad face we just had to see if we could fit her in our family.

After a short time with us she has definitely become one of the family. She is house broken and understands many commands and can now do tricks. She loves our family and gets along with our cat and older lab. She really seems to appreciate all that she has and no longer has a sad face. As a matter of fact, she looks pretty satisfied. I am so happy to be able to give her a home and she repays us with love everyday.



Submitted by Shelley Caples

I didn't plan to get a dog the day I went to the Suffolk Animal Bureau. I went there to become a member. But I decided to look at the dogs.
I had it in the back of my mind to get a companion for my pit bull. There he was, he had a calm disposition with the brightest eyes. I took him out to the community room.

He stood at the door shaking, I coasted him to me. He crawled on his belly and put his head in my lap. He was shaking. Then he looked at me with those intelligent eyes. He was a yr old. I said right then, I want him! I took him home that day. He was a stray, no known name so I named him Shiloh as he was shy and laid low. As you can see my pitbull and him love to play tug of war, he loves to run on the tread mill with me and lounge on the couch after!

I also adopted a yr later Larry, 7 yrs old. He is a wonderful addition to my family. He was already house trained!! A beautiful dog, sweet dog. Shiloh is the shepherd mix, tan, Larry is the lab mix, brown and white. The SAC has a lot of wonderful animals waiting like mine, for a loving home.



Submitted by The Fye Family

The story begins when one day we decided to go to Petsmart in the Churchland area to get some treats for our babies and we went to the place were they keep adoptable kitties/cats.
Then it happened we met through the window a beautiful little girl named Xena, a tuxedo style of a cat with a pink mouth and beautiful yellow eyes. We decided to meet her, it was a little difficult because I was still on crutches from knee surgery but I went back with my husband to the area where Xena was and then it happened they opened the cage brought Xena out and Ben held her. The handler/Suffolk humane Society volunteer stated she was such a shy cat that they were so surprised how she did not mind and almost enjoyed Ben holding her. This was the point we looked at each other and said it is time to bring her home and have her be part of our family with already 3 cats at home one more will be wonderful.

After an application process and a day waiting period we were able to bring Xena home. It was about 2 weeks before Christmas and this was the best gift for us as well as Xena, a loving home. It has been almost a year now and since we got Xena we have adopted 2 more kitties and now have six and never a dull moment. Xena is still shy however has come out of her shell a bit and loves to chase the other kitties around the house as well as chase the laser light through the house with the other cats. She is truly a joy to have and is absolutely gorgeous cat, thanks to the Suffolk humane Society for helping Ben and I to have one more daughter in our family.



Submitted by Liana Berman

I have four dogs and often wonder "what was I thinking?" knowing I wouldn't trade a single one of the them. Three of them, an Akita, a German Shepherd and an Akita/Shepherd mix, weigh about 100lbs. each. The fourth, a Chihuahua/yorkie mix or in designer dog terms a "Yorkie-huahua", weighs a fearless 3lbs. I never intended on adopting another dog let alone three when I started volunteering at SAC because I already had a dog. Sable, my Akita, is the "best dog in the world" with the sweetest disposition and very accepting personality. I went every week with my sister to take pictures to post on the SHS website. Every week my heart broke for the dogs and cats who didn't understand why they were there and not at home with their owners. Every week I resisted bringing one home until two German Shepherds came in. They were 7yr old brothers whose owners couldn't care for them anymore. My husband has a soft spot for shepherds so I showed him their picture and told him their story. He was worried about adopting both of them but didn't want to separate them. By the next week Trooper was alone. His brother was adopted and he was clearly depressed at being abandoned by everything he knew and loved. We were worried about any issues an older dog brings but we adopted him anyway. We went through an adjustment period and he slowly came out of his depression. We've had him a year now and he has become the "best dog in the world." He gets along great with the grand-kids and his housemates.

Sushi, the Akita/Shepherd mix, and "Boo", the Yorkie-huahua, were both adopted as puppies. I couldn't resist Sushi's photo on the SHS website. I stared at her beautiful face and looked into her big brown puppy-dog eyes and fell more in love with her. I had to adopt her especially since she is a mix of my two favorite dogs. So she is a 10mo. old automatic "best dog in the world."

"Boo", our last puppy adopted, has absolutely no clue how small she is. She's 5mos. old and cuter than anything. Her mom was taken from an illegal kennel and fostered through SAC until she could have her litter. "Boo" is the playmate and best buddy of Sushi. They wrestle and play all day long. Watching the big dogs play with this tiny dog is more entertaining than T.V. She jumps around and over her friends, plays tug-of-war with them and wins. For this spunky 3lb. dog to hold her own with 3-100lbs. of dogs makes her a mighty "best dog in the world."

If you are looking for a great companion and unconditional love then I encourage everyone to go to a shelter, adopt, volunteer or do whatever you can because each animal there is the "best dog/cat in the world" if you give them the chance.


Submitted by Lauren Wicks

Most people who go to a pet shelter, I assume, are planning on coming home with a new pet or at least looking for a new addition to the house. I was not in the majority. I went to the Suffolk Animal Shelter to write an article about an All Night Adopt-A-Thon. Before going to the shelter, I certainly kicked the idea around of getting some sort of pet. I had just purchased a house and at times, I found my house feeling pretty empty. Not to mention, in my neighborhood I would watch people walk their dogs or sit on their porch with their cats and feel just a little bit envious. But, it wasn't until I was in the shelter and saw this black and white, 9-month-old pit bull puppy that I knew I was ready to get one. While I was walking up and down the aisles checking out all the dogs looking for homes, all the assorted dogs were jumping up and down, barking and basically going crazy for any attention. All the dogs, except one. As I walked by, Gatsby (who I named after one of my favorite books) was sitting down, relaxed and wonderfully tempered. I walked up to his cage and spoke to him, but it wasn't until I got down on his level that he came to the front of the pen to get petted. I thought this dog had the perfect personality for my home. Before I could write any article, I was writing my name to the adoption papers. Since he's been home, I've had have a blast with him. He really has been a great addition to my home as well as my life. It's fun to have someone to come home to and hang out with, and who really wants nothing from me but to play…and an occasional treat.


Submitted by Tim & Marlene Maloney

We took our dog Raka (also a rescue) to the Suffolk Animal Shelter looking to find him a playmate. The people there were kind enough to let us walk through the kennel to look at the various dogs. Raka wasted no time, but immediately went to TAZ’s cage. It was love at first sight. TAZ greeted us in a loving, somewhat excited, way that has now become familiar. It was an instant bond between all of us. We do not know much about TAZ’s history except he was a stray, all alone, on the streets. Upon arrival at home he made himself at home. We could feel his relief, his joy at being free. He is eager to please and is happy go lucky, but with manners. It has been almost exactly a year since we rescued him and every day he demonstrates his gratitude through his expressions and actions. He loves to run, sleep on his back, and oh, can he lick. If we had to describe what we wanted it would have been TAZ. At times he has a far away look in his eyes as if he remembers the days before he came to us. It does not last long and then he will look at you and produce a huge smile and ask you to stroke him. TAZ is irresistible. I hope he feels lucky, cause we sure are lucky to have such a great addition to the family!



Submitted by Becky Duman

I met Marmaduke (previously known as Razor) at one of the adoptathons. Being an outside dog all his 2 1/2 years, with little to no training, he was a bit "wild", to put it mildly . We already had 2 dogs we had to keep separated, so I really didn't think a third would be a good idea. Still, he left a spot in my heart, I saw a lot of potential in this otherwise fun loving dog! Trey and I visited "Razor" several times at SAC and asked about him often. I could not get him out of my mind, always hoping he'd find a good home. After some time, and not being adopted, I was afraid Razor would not get the home he deserved. The decision was made, we'd foster Marmaduke! Hoping with a bit of training, he'd become more adoptable. When the fostering didn't go as quickly as hoped for, it was clear he should become a part of our family. Although he stays outside, he has a "condo" he sleeps in (and sleeps under - it's on stilts) and a large fenced in yard. He gets lots of attention and has befreinded our two cats. He has calmed down a lot with the attention and daily training. He loves to walk on his leash around the neighborhood. I'm so glad he's with us! Everyday he'll sit in his lawn chair beside me and look at me with that big silly grin as to say, "thank you for bringing me HOME!!"



Submitted by Raymond Cross

After being Pet of the Week, Dallas was adopted while at an adopt-a-thon at the Hydrant. Dallas must have had some training prior to his arrival at Suffolk Animal Control because he follows the commands that he is given. He won't even leave the deck unless he is told to! We brought him home and haven't had any problems with him or any accidents in the house - he's just a great dog!

He has his own big bed to sleep on that's almost big enough for a human. Dallas has even become the avid traveler and went on a road trip to New York. He did beautifully and loved the ride. Not only does Dallas loves going for rides in the car and road trips, he loves to cruise through the neighborhood in our golf cart!