Last week was Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week, and we worked with individuals, adoption groups, bloggers and the media to raise awareness about the pets who too often have the hardest time getting adopted -- all to help these extra-special pets find homes.
It worked!
Thanks to everyone who helped us spread the word, many of the pets who were nominated by their shelters or rescue groups for our Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week Gallery got adopted. Here are a few of our favorite adoption stories from the week.
"Mabelline came to us in March of 2010," Terri from Arizona Pug Adoption and Rescue Network in Mesa, AZ, writes about the 8-year-old Pug who needs daily eye drops. "She is a friendly, outgoing Pug, but does not like large dogs. She went to many adoption events and, of course, everyone who wanted to adopt her turned out to have large dogs! Finally, a woman who adopted a white Pug from us over a year ago saw Mabelline online and emailed that she wanted to adopt her!"
Mabelline is now enjoying life in her new home. She and her new Pug sister Pinkee "had a few spats at first over treats, but seem to have worked everything out," Terri says. In fact, Mabelline's new mom reports that she's caught the two snuggling in the same bed.
It worked!
Thanks to everyone who helped us spread the word, many of the pets who were nominated by their shelters or rescue groups for our Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week Gallery got adopted. Here are a few of our favorite adoption stories from the week.
Mabelline was adopted from Arizona Pug
Adoption and Rescue Network.
Mabelline, an older Pug who needs daily medication and dislikes big
dogs
"Mabelline came to us in March of 2010," Terri from Arizona Pug Adoption and Rescue Network in Mesa, AZ, writes about the 8-year-old Pug who needs daily eye drops. "She is a friendly, outgoing Pug, but does not like large dogs. She went to many adoption events and, of course, everyone who wanted to adopt her turned out to have large dogs! Finally, a woman who adopted a white Pug from us over a year ago saw Mabelline online and emailed that she wanted to adopt her!"
Mabelline is now enjoying life in her new home. She and her new Pug sister Pinkee "had a few spats at first over treats, but seem to have worked everything out," Terri says. In fact, Mabelline's new mom reports that she's caught the two snuggling in the same bed.
Sprite was adopted from NWI Chinchilla Rescue.
Sprite, a visually-impaired chinchilla"I thought the Less-Adoptable-Pet Week was great," writes Ashley from NWI Chinchilla Rescue in Munster, IN. "What better way to draw attention to pets that are having a hard time finding new homes?"
The rescue group decided to include Sprite, a special-needs chinchilla, in Petfinder's gallery. "Sprite was considered a less-adoptable chinchilla because of two things -- she has cataracts and she chews her fur when she is stressed out," Ashley says.
But now, "she has been adopted and is happily residing with her new family," Ashley reports. "A wonderful couple was able to look past her physical limitations to see the friendly, sweet, laid-back chinchilla underneath. I have received updates already from the family -- they say she is doing great and they are so glad that they adopted her. I thank Less-Adoptable-Pet Week for the help with this adoption."
Harley came from Noes Ark Dog and Cat Rescue.
Harley, a big, black dog"I was losing hope that Harley would ever find a new home," writes Diana from Noes Ark Dog and Cat Rescue in Dothan, AL. "About that time I received the Petfinder email about the Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet promotion and it sounded like something that might work for Harley." Diana added Harley to our gallery.
"Almost immediately, I received an email from a wonderful family -- as well as several great-sounding candidates -- expressing serious interest in adopting Harley," Diana says. After an initial screening, the rescue group took Harley for a home visit with the first family and "it was a match made in heaven," Diana says. "Within minutes he was having a bath and relaxing on his new porch overlooking two acres of wonderful yard."
Becker was with Milwaukee Animal Rescue
Center.
Becker, a diabetic cat who needs injections"Becker transferred from an animal-control facility in our county earlier this year," writes Amy from Milwaukee Animal Rescue Center. "He had a horrible injury to his ear that required immediate attention. While in foster care recovering, it was observed that he drank obsessively and urinated in large quantities -- we had him tested and he was diagnosed with diabetes. He remained in foster care until placement so that he could be closely monitored and properly medicated on schedule. He thrived."
"We kept his Petfinder profile updated and he caught the attention of someone in the community looking for that 'just right' cat," says Amy. "As soon as they met, it was instant love! He is doing really well in his placement and has a sister who is also on the same prescription food so he is able to have a companion!"
Rex came from Partners Among Cats and Canines.
Rex the Pit Bull, a victim of breed-prejudice"Rex was our featured 'less-adoptable' pet and he found a forever home," writes Becky from Partners Among Cats and Canines in Franklin, VA. "Rex was less adoptable because he is a bully breed (American Staffordshire Terrier/American Bulldog mix). He is now in his forever home enjoying head-rubbing and fetch in the backyard!"
Frances was with Little Bits Rescue and Adoption.
Frances, a shy dog with IBS"Frances was born into a hoarding situation where a woman had over 100 dogs in a house trailer," says Michal from Little Bits Rescue and Adoption in Birmingham, AL. "She more than likely never had any human interaction there."
Frances was terrified of everything. She fought the leash and cowered when approached. She also chewed a lot and was diagnosed with stress-induced irritable bowel syndrome, which meant she had to be on special food and, sometimes, medication. Months went by without inquiries. Then Frances was adopted, but returned. Things looked bleak.
Then, when Frances was featured in our gallery, another couple applied for her. "They had recently lost a little Papillion that had been a puppy-mill baby, so they knew all about fear and still wanted to adopt her," Michal says. "I let the folks take her home for the night as a trial and we agreed that I would come the next morning to either finalize the adoption or bring her home. By 9 p.m. that night the lady emailed me saying, 'Don't be planning to come to take my dog away -- she is HOME.' Never doubt that there are miracles in rescue."
Elliot was adopted from Erie County SPCA.
Elliot, a shy goat"We had a lot of goats and we'd had nobody interested in them," says Patti from Erie County SPCA in Tonawanda, NY. "And Elliot was a little shy, which makes it harder when potential adopters come in." So the SPCA decided to feature Elliot in the Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week gallery.
"Elliot the goat was adopted with his new friend Odie to a family who had adopted a pair of goats -- one shy, one friendly --before," Patti says. "They are a lovely family who live up in Niagara County. Now they have two shy goats and two friendly goats!"
Gwen was adopted from Collar of Hope.
Gwen, a deaf and vision-impaired cancer survivor"I am beyond thrilled to notify you that Gwen has been adopted into a wonderful home of her own," writes Teresa from Collar of Hope in Bremerton, WA.
"Gwen is deaf and vision-impaired. She lived for four years in a backyard with pressure sores and without ever seeing a veterinarian. She was intact and had mammary cancer in one mammary that we had removed. Once all her medical needs were met and she received soft, cushioned bedding and a good diet, she flourished. She is loving, playful and of course goofy as a Great Dane should be."
Gwen now has a brand new home with two other dogs to keep her company -- an older Pomeranian and a 4-year-old Boston Terrier who both just love her. We can't wait to see the new family portrait!
Tell us: Do you have a "less-adoptable" Happy Tail?
More about Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week:
Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week Adoptable Pet Gallery
Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week: Learn More
Blog:
Which pets are the last to find homes?
You said it: 12 reasons your 'less-adoptable' pets rule
Make any pet more adoptable with a great photo!
