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Past CHS Alumni Stories - March, 2007
Featuring Alumni Sheena and Bosco, Tyler, Lavender, Pansy and Lilly, Tazzy, Lucky and Obi |
"Sheena and Bosco" (March/2007) 
(Letter from Sheena's and Bosco's new owner) Dear Coastal Humane Society Staff, I thought you would like to know that Bosco and Sheena are doing great! I am so glad that I adopted these two as they are both great dogs and sweethearts! Right after they left the facility on Sunday, we stopped by Brooks Feed so I could pick up some more chew bones and related dog items. When I returned to the car when I'd left the dogs relaxing in the back of the wagon on their new fleece beds. Upon returning to the car, I panicked as I could only see Bosco sitting there wagging this tail. Despite being leased to the car to prevent escape artist maneuvers, Sheena was nowhere to be seen! Not in the back, not in the front seat as anticipated...!! Then I saw her leash leading from the back, across the driver's seat and...there she was curled up on the floor under the steering wheel. Poor thing! It took a few moments, gentle coaxing and lots of wiggling for her to climb out from under there, but, she thought that walking about in the snow with a peanut butter biscuit definitely sounded like more fun and was quickly doing so. Then, a quick drive down to Popham Beach where they weren't quite sure what to make of the ocean, waves, wide open expanse of beach, lots of funky smelly things on the ground! Neither were keen to venture more than a couple of toes into the water...Bosco sniffed in the direction of the waves with a "Yup, big-g puddle" kind of look while Sheena kept looking from the water to me with an incredulous look of, "Just what the heck is that!? I'm not going near there! It's moving!!" I discovered that, though Bosco comes across as the more active one, his pudgy body gave him a slower, walking workout while Sheena just loves to run on her leash! Think I may have to take her on separate high exercise workouts in addition to their walks to order to let her enjoy the pleasure of running (pseudo) free. Yesterday afternoon they went on a walk from home and were introduced to one of the town docks, low tide smells, etc. Sheena found a lobster carapace which she proudly yet delicately carried in her mouth for about 3/4 mile, after which she let her new owner carry it for her while she investigated other things along the way. Each time I take them out for a walk, they're getting better on leashes together. It'll be a long way coming, but, they're both smart (albeit Sheena more so than Bosco I think) and will get that wait, heel, come, stuff down eventually. They just need time and patience 'cause they sure do try hard to please! I don't know whether it is less/different stress, the antibiotics and/or the vitamins, but, Sheena has only had 1 minor "urine dribble" incident and, like Bosco, is extremely good doing her business outdoors! I suspect that, maybe once she comes off the medicine, the "problem" may clear up. If not, that's why vinyl floors and rugs are great for dogs! As far as the cats go, Bosco and Sheena are very-y slowly being introduced to Shorty, Venus and Rusty. They've seen each other, checked out each other's stuff, etc. Bosco seems unimpressed by the cats other than that they seem to smell very interesting. Sheena appears to want to get closer to them, but, more out of curiosity and not in an aggressive way. The two dogs were upstanding yesterday morning when, nasty Shorty stood ground in front of them and blocked their way to the front door. She arched up and hissed at them,; Bosco and Sheena simply stood there, looking from me to the cat, with looks of, " Uh, could you remove that thing? We're not going near her!" Smart dogs.... As I tried to gently push Shorty away with one leg while keeping distance between the dogs with the other, Shorty decided she wanted to let them know who is boss of the house and lunged at Sheena before clearing the way. I was so proud of Sheena because, though the cat didn't make contact with her, she simply turned her head away from the cat while remaining quietly standing in her place next to Bosco. No big deal, no real incident.... and two really good dogs wisely giving way to a old, cranky cat. Bosco and Sheena like having their beds closer together than apart and, last night as I lay down between them discussing world politics for awhile, Bosco quietly chewed on a dental bone while Sheena cuddled up next to me, putting her front pawns and head on my legs . She loves being hugged, having her ears rubbed and belly rubbed, and may become a true love muffin someday.... Bosco? He adores big bear hugs, having his head and face rubbed, staring into your face at eye level, and licking your face profusely. Thank you so much for taking such good care of them while they were in your care. It shows and they are happier, heathier dogs for it, who know that humans do love them and joyfully give that love back twofold! "Tyler" (March/2007) "While nothing could take away the loss of an old friend, there is nothing like new love to fill that void in your heart." (A quote from Tyler's new family) We received this beautiful alumni update from Tyler's family - Tyler was known as "Greigg" at CHS. Tyler's family adopted him after their own beloved Byron passed away from illness. It is moving to see how one little "all alone" Tyler, waiting months to be adopted, has become part of a big loving family and is now Tyler AND Ronni AND Mary AND Emily AND Hannah AND Jenny AND Cassandra AND Abby! 
(Letter from Tyler's Family) When our male cat, Byron, died on September 28, 2005, our household went into a deep period of mourning. Although he had been sick and in declining health for six months, our three dogs and two female cats felt the loss in a profound way. His lifemate, Cassandra, had been his nurse, along with our Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix, Hannah, and they retreated into deep depressions. Three days later, we visited Coastal Humane and adopted an adorable long-haired tuxedo kitten to help ease our collective pain. He was originally called Greigg but by that evening we had changed his name to Tyler and gave him Byron as a middle name. Tyler adjusted to our family immediately. At five and a half months old, he had spent most of his life in a crate and as a result was completely obsessed with the endless toys that he found here. That first night, he played and played until he fell sleep from sheer exhaustion. Within a few days, he had charmed his way into the hearts of our other two cats, Abby and Cassandra. He helped them get past the pain of their loss and reminded them how much fun it can be to chase each other through the house. Hannah immediately became attached to this sweet boy and held him in her paws to clean him several times a day. He, in turn, would hold her face and kiss her all over. One of our Ridgeback mixes, Emily, became his wrestling buddy. We found out on that first day that he enjoys coming up to us and touching his little lips to ours to plant loving kisses. Tyler grew quickly and his puff-ball cuteness evolved into silky long-haired elegance. At almost two years old, he has truly surpassed all of our expectations. While nothing could take away the loss of an old friend, there is nothing like new love to fill that void in your heart. Thank you so much for all that you do and for providing us with the wonderful boy who has brought so much joy to our lives. With gratitude, Ronni, Mary, Emily, Hannah, Jenny, Cassandra, Abby and Tyler "Lavender" (March/2007) 
"Lavender likes to jump up as high as she can in the corner of her kennel to see over and down the aisle at the other dogs or people - this attempt by her to see what's going on is often mistaken as being too excited. It is actually just part of her intelligent, outgoing personality, as she is very well behaved and knows many commands." We were thrilled to receive this update from Lavender about her new life. This email and gentle photos just yell to you how much she is loved, how much she is understood and how often the ones that have to wait the longest have the happiest, happiest endings. Thanks Joe and Kris for realizing that when Lavender was jumping high into the corner of her cage every day to see down the aisle, she was perhaps looking to see if it was maybe HER new family coming down the aisle this time, to take HER home! 
(Lavender's Letter) Hi, this is Lavender! I just wanted to check in and let you know how much fun I'm having with my new family. I get to go out all the time to run around and play in the snow with my new Daddy. Sometimes i can be a'lil bit mischevious, though. While I miss all of you at CHS I wanted to let you know that I absolutely love my new parents. They like to buy me toys, which I like to destroy within a couple of days. A lot of my time is spent lounging on the couch which has earned me the nickname "couch potato". 
I sent some photos so you can see just how much of a couch potato I really am. My Daddy tells me all the time that he found the perfect little puppy in me and it's all thanks to you guys at CHS. I've turned into one big Daddy's girl and like to accompany him wherever he goes... whether he wants me to or not. But no matter how rowdy I get sometimes, I still get tons of hugs and kisses from him. Didn't tak! e him long to find that pitbulls really are big lap puppies! So it would seem that my long wait at the shelter was worth it becasue I have finally found the perfect, loving family I have always wanted....and like it or not, they're stuck with me!! Thank you so much for all your kindness and love at the shelter and for finding me such a wonderful home!! I will definitely keep sending you updates!!! with loving licks and slobbers, Lavender "Pansy and Lilly" (March/2007) 
Pansy and Lilly (shown at CHS on the left) came to CHS as strays in January of 2007; they were approximately 12 and 8 years old. Both of these sweet ladies needed help and in their adoption description we wrote: "A medical check revealed these females have "pannus" an eye condition that will cause loss of vision. Most of Lilly's cornea has been affected. Both girls are on medication that must be administered three times a day indefinitely. We have bathed them and trimmed their nails and they are now ready to go to a home where they will be cared for with the love and attention they deserve." We just received this wonderful letter and photos from the kind, giving family that welcomed these two ladies into their home. Just read these letters and look at the pictures of a very happy Pansy and Lilly, together with each other and a new little best friend, and see if it doesn't just make you smile! (Letter #1) Hi this is Nona's daughter Jackie I am emailing you to let you know that Pansy and Lilly are doing wonderfull... Here is some pics of them with my neice catherine i dont think i re-coppied them LOL Thank you so much for letting these wonderfull pets into my mothers life she really needed it. Jackie (Letter #2) Hi this is Jackie again I didnt exactly say anything in the email i sent before so here goes......... We brought Pansy and Lilly home on the 17th of Feb. When we brought them into the house they acted as if they had been here for years.... Lilly has a niche in the corner of the couch that she made know that is her spot. Pansy sleeps in the recliner and when she does get up its like little kids fighting for their seat once one gets up they are very well with all the kids.. especially Catherine and Cameron! Catherine(6) was with us for the week of vacation and made it clear that Lilly was "her" dog and Lilly made it clear she likes Catherine when she was sleeping(at 1130pm) Lilly woke her up to play by licking her face and pawing at her LOL. Cameron has made it clear that Pansy is his he will make sure she has a blanket and pillow when she is sleeping...It is amazing to see how well these dogs get along with the children at an older age....... We left one day decided to leave them home alone came home and there was a potato in the bed....We thought it was Pansy we then decided process of elimination and took Pansy for a ride came home to another potato in the bed lol it was Lilly ...shes not as old as you think she is haha....Lilly has a liking for lettuce,tomatos wich is very funny to see her eat..... Pansy decides that if your at the computer (liek she did just now that i was typing) and wants attention she will put her head under your arm and make you pet her untill she is satisfied.. if you are on the couch she will lay down next to you with head on your lap then lay o n her back to have her belly rubbed......... I must once again Thank the staff at CHS for letting my mother have these dogs we are so happy to have them in our home Thank You Nona,Jackie,Sherry, Catherine and Cameron 
"Tazzy" (March/2007) 
(Letter) Our Alumni was adopted from CHS in October 1999 when she was 4 months old. She is a pit bull, which means she was unjustly born into a formidable reputation. If that wasn't bad enough, she was named "Cess Pit" by her first family and then dumped off at a tender age when that family decided they didn't have the time she needed. Reserved at first, she showed clear signs of past traumatic experience and would often cower at loud noises. In the seven plus years that she has been with us, Tazzy (as she was later renamed) has personally helped to change the way people despise her breed by demonstrating the loyalty, discipline, love and family unity that these dogs are all so capable of when given the right chance. All who visit our home are amazed to learn that the jovial little attention seeker - sitting in their lap and licking their face -, is really a pit bull. We have three other dogs; she is wonderful with all of them. She loves to chase after balls, wrestle, play doggy tag or just curl up on the bed next to one of us. But by far her greatest joy in the world is being with the kids. We love Tazzy, Tazzy loves us - and are glad she joined our family. "Lucky (formerly "Mickey") (March/2007) 
"Lucky" was a senior who came to CHS is December of 2006 - you might remember him as "Mickey". To the left is a photo of Lucky shortly after he arrived and below is his CHS adoption description. As you can see from the letter and photos we received from his new family, Lucky went from an unwanted stray in trouble, to a cherished angel in his own little piece of heaven. Look at Mickey (excuse me, LUCKY!), now... (Mickey, aka Lucky, at CHS) "Mickey is a Collie Shepherd Mix. He is a neutered male, approximately 10 years old. This older yet vital boy was a stray so we have very little information on him. He came to us very matted so we had to shave him down, but with tender care he will regain his beautiful form. We are treating this quiet sweetie for Lyme disease. Because of his arthritis, it is painful for him to be as active as he would like to be; we recommend he be adopted into a home with no children." (Letter) 
"Obi" (March/2007) 
(Letter) Hello, I wanted to write some time ago, but kept forgetting. Obi came to me as a christmas gift and is LOVING his new home. He is about 6 months old now and full of energy! He is certainly a cuddler and is growing really fast. I just wanted you to know how happy I am to have him in my home and how happy he is :)! I am attaching some pictures. Obi will be coming to visit for his rabies shot around August. He sends his love ;) |
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