Success Stories

Below are some examples of animals who found their "fur-ever" homes through Suncoast Humane Society.  We just love it when people send in their stories and pictures of pets they adopted from us, happy in their new homes and getting settled in with their new families.  If you would like to be featured on this page or in our newsletter, please send your Suncoast Success Story with photo to adoptions@humane.org, or mail to 6781 San Casa Drive, Englewood, FL 34224.  Better yet, why not stop by in person?  You and your pets - especially SHS Alumni - are always welcome at the Animal Care Center!

Trouble, aka Butterscotch
March 2010

"Russ and I came in March to adopt a cat.  I fell in love with Butterscotch (now named “Trouble”), a pretty little 4-year-old orange tabby.  I think he’s more like 18 months…he just feels too kittenish to be 4!  At any rate, he is wonderful…such a lover! Anyway…just wanted you to know he’s doing just great.  He and Milo (my 9-year-old orange tabby) are best buds!

-Phyllis S.

PS  I’ll forward a picture or two as soon as I get the chance."

Stormy, Adopted April 3, 2010

Stormy's new mom and dad write: "We both really love her! She's been the best addition to our family!"

Jackson, AKA"Jacks", "Action Jackson" April 7, 2010

Ruth A. writes: "He's adjusting like he's been a part of the family forever! Jacks is a pure joy! Yes, sometimes he snores, but he never steals the covers!"

Molly March 30, 2010

Molly is adjusting wonderfully to her new home with Barbara W., and reportedly hasn't stopped purring! Says Barbara, "I am so blessed to have her. She is loving, smart and loves her new home. Thank you!"

Sasha April 1st, 2010

Our gorgeous 3-legged wonder finally found her forever family, Crystal,  Ron and Betty! We are so thrilled for you Sasha! Have a beautiful life, you deserve it.

Athena March 16, 2010

Congratulations to Bob and Fran Gonyer and their new addition, Athena.
We wish them well on the start of this new adventure!

Chester- Adopted March 2010

Chester arrived safely in Nantucket on Saturday, March 20, 2010. With a new dad that owns a coffee shop, and a new mom who is a chiropractor, sounds like Chester will be living the life of Riley!

Chester's new mom writes:

All went well. We arrived in Nantucket. He went nuts running up and down the beach. He's great with other dogs. He found hios voice, and doesn't like to be left alone. Our cats have not forgiven us yet.

 

Junior and Huey- Adopted February of 2009

Junior and Huey's new dad's words say it all:

"I went to the Suncoast Humane Society hoping to find a terrier to live with me and my toy Fox Terrier, Megan, who had lost her constant companion of nine years, a miniature Fox Terrier who passed away in January. As I passed the small dog cages, all the dogs were hopping up and down, barking, except for two beautiful male Chihuahuas brothers. They were lying quietly side by side in their beds, just looking.

If dogs can love, Huey and Junior love each other and they love Megan. It is amazing how much respect they have for one another. But, they don't mess with Megan, who is much smaller. If they are eating a meal and she wants it, she gets it. Both males back off from this female!"

Louie - Adoption Date October 24, 2009

Louie was adopted from us on November 6th and is the delight of his new family.  Here's the note we received from Louie:

"I'm Louie, a 1 year old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, and I was adopted by my new mom and dad on Saturday, October 24th.  They are great people and easy to train. I rode around Florida in their motor home visiting my new relatives.  We were in Punta Gorda, Marathon, Lake Placid and Daytona Beach.  We got to Connecticut on November 2nd.  I went to my new doctor on November 4th and got a complete exam, my rabies vaccination, another shot and other stuff.  The doc said I am in good shape and I have to return next week for some kinda booster shot.  I really appreciate all the great care I got at Suncoast Humane Society and am glad you found me a loving Mom & Dad.  Thanks again. Love, Louie"  Louie's owners are also delighted to have Louie as part of their family.  He has been a great addition to their lives.  Another happy ending!

 

Evie - Adoption Date September 9, 2009

We just received a great note from Evie.  Evie was brought in as a stray with her sister Elsie and brother Ernie.  They were found wandering around in their own little dog pack.  Three poodles alone against the world.  Well, we got them clipped and groomed and they were ready for new homes.  Evie and Ernie got adopted right away but Elsie had a surprise for us!  She was pregnant and gave birth to 3 beautiful pups.  Mom and pups are in foster right now but will be available for adoption soon.  Here's what Evie had to say about her new home "Hi Friends, It's great here, but at times I still miss the open road!  Even get a hankering for some garbage can food or for some Chinese or Mexican.  Seems to always taste better when you dine out!!  I'm under a lot of stress here.  I just can't decide which toys to play with, bed or lap to lie on!!  Oh well, lifes a beach!  Thanks for your help.  Oh, I've also got a new name to go with my new home - I'm Precious!!"

 

Kesha - Adoption Date June 16, 2009

We just heard from Kesha.  She was a member of our "old timers" club having been here over a year!  She was finally adopted by Lisa Pring and her family in June.  Kesha wrote: "I just wanted to tell you about my new home.  It's GREAT!!  I was a victim of our current economic situation.  I am a foreclosure cat.  My first family lost their home and could not take me with them.  They brought me to Suncoast Humane Society where I was a resident for over a year.  I really love my friends there, but it is so nice to have a warm bed every night and the freedom to roam the house and warm in the sun on the lanai.  There's a bunch of free hugs here too!  Everyone really loves to pet me and rub my chin and ears.  I have a new friend who's a Rat Terrier, Dizzy the McCaw and four new cat friends! Thank you, Suncoast for all your love, hope and help.  You have blessed me with a second chance and a home with love and friends."

 

Boots - Adoption Date February, 2006

This story came in from Laurie Smith who adopted Boots from us in February 2006.  She wanted us to know how great Boots is doing.  Laurie states "Boots (the big one) was the first foster I had.  She was 1 of 8 babies along with their mother Stormy.  Since the very beginning we were drawn to Boots.  We would call her and she would run over and give us a kiss.  When it was time to bring all the kittens back to the shelter we were very upset.  It was a Saturday adn we all cried after the drop off.  Five days later we went back and if Boots was still there she was coming home with us!!  Well, yes, she was there and yes, we took her home.  Now she is taking care of all the Foster's that come into our house and shows them lots of love.  They all call her Big Mama!! It's gotten a little easier to foster and then let them go.  Well, until Rayme."  Read about Rayme below....

 

Rayme - Adopted March 2008

Laurie Smith also fostered Rayme and just couldn't let him go!  Here is Rayme's story: "Rayme came into our home with four others but he stood out from the beginning.  He was a tiger but was a different color than most.  I was NOT looking for another cat!  I found out that he has a lot of Abyssinian in him.  We read about the breed and that wsa him to a tee!  He acts more like a dog than a cat, and he loves attention.  At the time my father was sick and in Hospice and he picked out the name for us (his name was Ray).  Now we feel like we have my Dad around all the time, and Rayme has quite a bit of my Dad's traits.  Being a foster parent is really great and anybody out there reading this who loves animals and loves helping them would get great rewards from fostering. It does get easier as time goes on to let them go.  They all find great homes no matter how long it takes.  So go to the shelter and find out more about the Foster Care Program."  

 

Zoe - Adoption Date June 18, 2009

This email just came in regarding Zoe's adoption on 6/18/09.  "Zoe is doing so great!  She is putting on weight and looking so much better.  She drools a bit.  She is playful and frisky .. she drools a bit .. she has made friends with all our dogs and cats .. she drools a bit ... she loves the dog park .. she is easy to train .. she eats like a horse and drools a bit .. and most of all .. she is great with our almost 3 year old son .. Connor can throw her the ball and play catch with her .. play tug of war .. climb on her and she is 100% tolerant .. she loves it ..  She is a perfect fit here and we couldn't be happier!"  Another successful adoption!

 

Dodger - Adoption Date April 20, 2009

We just received an update on Dodger's adoption. Dodger's new owners had lost their other lab of 8-1/2 years in January 2009.  That dog was a shelter dog and they decided that their next dog would be one as well.  They went on our website and found two dogs that they wanted to meet.  Tehy came in to visit and went outside to meet Dodger.  He came out running about 100 miles an hour and immediately started playing fetch with them.  Well, they were in love and Dodger found a new home!  Dodger is still in the "training stage" but is very bright and energetic.  He has filled their home with love and lots of laughter.  They love him very much.  He even has his own toy box. Here is how they ended their letter, "Shelter animals are the best.  They remain forever grateful for giving them a home!  He is our fifth shelter animal and we look forward to going RVing with him.  He goes to the doggy park and doggy beach and though he is 70#'s he considers himself a lap dog!!!  We are forever grateful to Suncoast Humane Society!".  And we are grateful for the warm and loving home they have provided for our Dodger.

 

Elmer - Adoption Date March 2, 2009

Elmer's new family sent us this update recently.  "Elmer is SO happy to be here.  His first night was awesome.  He did wonderful.  We played outside with him for awhile.  Elmer is really laid back.  He stays inside with me while the kids are at school.  He lays in the living room while I'm on the computer.  Every once in awhile he'll get up and come over to me and wag his tail and put his head under my arm so that I'll pet him. It is so cute.  He fits right in with us here.  I feel that he is really happy here too.  Elmer is a WONDERFUL dog and we all LOVE him very much!!  Thank you all so much for your help in connecting us with Elmer.".

 

Jersey & Jeter - Adoption Date February 14, 2008

We received this follow up letter from Jersey and Jeter's adopters.  "Jersey is such a sweet girl.  She's a cuddler and loves to come up to your and snuggle.  She's the silent troublemaker of the pair, very funny to watch.  She's a big player and loves her toys.  Jeter is a ball of energy.  He's always patrolling the house making sure everything is OK.  He loves to be pet, especially scratches behind the ears and under the chin.  They both are adjusting GREAT! We were very impressed by your facility and the friendliness of your staff, the cleanliness of the cat area and the healthiness of all the cats.  Thank you all!!".

 

Dazzle - Adoption Date December 8, 2008

This came in from Suzanne Gregoris about her recent adoption of Dazzle: "I had been browsing online at cats and kittens as I wanted to get a companion for my current kitten.  I came across Dazzle on Suncoast Humane Society's website and was instantly in love.  Withmy work schedule it was almost impossible for me to make it there before adoption hours stopped. I was very surprised when I came home and my husband had surprised me with Dazzle!  She is an amazingly sweet cat, but a little shy.  The first night she hid all night, which was the total opposite of my other cat, who is king of the castle!  After a few days she came out by herself and settled herself on a chair.  This is the start of us gaining her trust, which I know may take some time.  She is improving with each day.  Not only is Dazzle, newly renamed Katie, wonderful, all of the staff that we have dealt with have been wonderful.  It is amazing what they do for animals.  Thank you to all of you for all the work you do!!".

 

Max - Adoption Date December 1, 2008

We received this from Max's New owners: "Max is a total hunk of furry cat love!  He walked into the house and into our hearts, we are just besotted with him!  He is such a sweet boy and we are ever so grateful tohave him with us.  He gets along with our other pets just fine. If they are cranky he just ignores them and he plays with them if they want to.  Here's a picture of Max relaxing in his new bed in front of a window that over looks a preserve - lots of birds!!"

 

Shilo - Adoption Date October 16, 2008

We got a wonderful letter from Kathleen and Gary Werderitch about their new companion Zoe (formerly Shilo) which they adopted from us in October. They came to the facility to give us a donation after reading the newspaper article about the 10 dogs rescued from Hurricane Ike that we had available for adoption.  When they arrived, they decided to just "take a quick look at the dogs".  Well, within minutes, a little 10 pound wirehaired terrier puppy stole their hearts!  Kathleen said the most amazing thing is how her retired Chicago vice copy husband is now putty in this little dog's paws.  He even goes out of his way to go to places that are "dog friendly".  Their little companion only spent one night in her crate because Gary decided that she would bemuch happier sleeping in our their bed.  And lo and behold she is!!  They've enrolled Zoe in an obedience class and she's having a great time with all the other dogs.  Tehy ended their letter with the following: "Who would have thought that 10 pounds of sheer energy could fill our home with life and our hearts with so much love".

 

Jack - Adoption Date September 8, 2008

This note came from Linda & Lance Hewitson.  "Jack is the most lovable dog we have ever met or owned.  He seems to be very happy and adjusted to us the first night.  My husband and I feel very blessed to have found such a wonderful animal.  Thank you ever so much." 

 

 

 

Petey - Adoption Date August 18, 2008

We received this email from Justin and Brittany Wasmus regarding her adoption of Petey in August: "We adopted Petey in August and from the start he has ruled the roost!  He spends his days laying on the couch, playing outside and doing tricks (of course for treats!).  He is a cuddler and wants nothing more than to go for a ride in his daddy's truck.  He adapted to his new home immediately.  We wanted to let you guys know he has been the best and he is enjoying his new home."

 

Lady - Adoption Date August 11, 2008

This is the word on Lady's adoption, who was renamed Daisy by her new owners: "We love our little girl.  At first, we had trouble housebreaking her, but after a few tests at the vet we found out she had an infection.  After that cleared up she was fine.  She gets along great with the other dogs.  Our Great DAne ahs adopted her.  She thinks he is her mommy!".