Success Stories

Casey

I’m not sure readers will remember me, but I use to write an advice column for The Hugapet, Casey’s Corner. That’s right, I’m Casey and I’m still waggin’ my tail.

I was adopted back in 1995 at six weeks old. I had the best care at GMHS and just dazzled all of the Shelter workers. Luckily, I went on a pet therapy visit to a nursing home with volunteers and one of them just fell in love with me (must have been my blonde eyelashes!!!). That crazy lady couldn’t resist me and to this day, at age 15, I’m still enjoying life with my family to the fullest. We moved to Naples, Florida about five years ago. I love it down here but I still consider myself a "Virginia" dog (way too many foo-foos downs here, if you know what I mean!!!). I’ve seen more crazy doggie hairdos down here than on Animal Planet (my favorite TV show, next to American Idol).

Recently while searching out various web sites in my spare time, I came across some photos of the NEW Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society. Well, let me tell you, it took my breath away and if I had been wearing socks, they would have been knocked off too!! What a fabulous, fantastic place - - a real dream come true. I know that none of this would have been possible without the help of some very great people. I think there should be a very special "BOW-WOW award given to all of the Building Committee, especially Ralph Jackson, Cam Williams and Peggy Bowditch. I’ve even heard that some of the volunteers that were there some 15 years ago, are still pitching in stronger than ever - - Cheryl Walker, Jean Crowder, Tonya Higgins, Sara Delo, Joyce Richter (I know there are others, but please, give me a break - I’m 15+ years old and my memory isn’t as good as it once was). All of these wonderful people deserve a big round of "ALL PAWS."

You have all done some truly magnificent work. If it weren’t for the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society, I would never have had the chance for the great life that I have enjoyed. I am so enthusiastic about the possibility of giving all those other "Virginia" Dogs the same chance that I had (oh yeh, cats too!!!)
 

Cookie

Two years ago in October, we had to put our Golden/Spaniel, Sammy, to sleep. She was 14 years old and very sick. We thought we were finished with animals. Our children were grown and gone and so were the pets. That Thanksgiving, as is our family custom, we exchanged names. We include all adults and children in the exchange. This way we only buy one major present. Then, some time between Christmas and New Years we have a big dinner and exchange our presents. Well, early that December at our daughter's birthday celebration, our oldest son, 39 years old, told me that he picked my name and he had my present. He presents me with the cutest 1 year old beagle, Sprite. Our son got her from the Colonial Heights Shelter. What could I do? I fell in love with her. Sprite, now Maddie, and I took a dog obedience class and an agility class. She loved it.

Then, a year later my husband and I were on our way to Newport News and stopped in at the old shelter to deliver shredded paper. While I was inside the trailer he stayed in the car and saw this black Lab/ Hound mix staring at him from behind the fence. All the other dogs were barking and the Lab was just staring at my husband. When I got back in the car he said, "Carol, I gotta have that dog." So we talked it over and then fostered the dog, Pookie, for a week, to see if the beagle and the lab would get along. Sure enough, they loved each other. So, we adopted Pookie, now Cookie. After she got over the eating shoes stage she has turned out to be a terrific dog. Cookie and I also took a dog obedience class and are now in another agility class. She loves going on long walks, loves playing fetch and LOVES agility class.

Carol McCormack
Friday morning Front Desk volunteer
 

Gus

Over 4 years ago I adopted Gus from the humane society. He was an Australian Cattle dog mix and was about twelve weeks old. I remember looking on Petfinder and seeing his picture and falling in love! He was there with three of his brothers and sisters. The next week I went in to the shelter to see if he was still available, and as luck would have it he was. All of the puppies were so adorable; it was really hard to choose. I picked him because he was the one who snuck out of the kennel as the door was closing. I picked him up that afternoon. I was so excited! He was an energetic puppy and never liked to be left alone. We have taken Obedience classes and also trained in Agility. He has actually begun competing in agility. Last fall, he competed in his first weekend of UKC agility trials. He earned his AG I title and earned two legs for his AG II title. Out of 8 runs that weekend, he won first place twice and second place four times. He even got a perfect score! A very good showing for his first time. Also, two out of the four trials that weekend he won the award for the highest scoring mixed breed in the entire trial! . We are getting ready to start AKC trials this spring and hope to get a lot more titles to brag about!!!! I can't say enough good things about this dog. I will always be so thankful to the Humane Society for bringing him into my life! Thank you for all you do for the animals.

Jessica Rhodes