Heartland Humane Society: Happy Tails

Happy Tails

Note from an adopted dog

I rescued a human today. Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them. As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one. I rescued a human today.

Beethoven - now called "Lucky" is doing very well! He has learned his new name and is adjusting to the farm life very well!
He is such a sweetie! He has such a huge gentle personality - he loves to play fetch and just overall loves all the new attention he is getting. He loves to be combed and loves his belly rubbed! He is so gentle and so playful and always eager to please! He's definitely getting his first taste of treats - ice cream, peanut butter and jelly toast, etc.....and is putting on some weight! His tail is always wagging which means he loves his new home! He's been such a great dog to have - and as much as he needed us, we needed him too! March was very hard on my husband and I with losing both St. Bernard's - "Lucky" has been good therapy for us! I am so glad "Lucky" found us! He is one happy fella!

	Just wanted to let you know that Alli is a keeper! Over the last two weeks Willow and her have worked it out. They are spending their days playing out in the yard together just as happy as can be, and snuggling up to one another on their bed at night. Yea! Despite the rough 1st week of her trying to find her place in the group, she has quickly fit into our pack almost as if I'd raised her from a puppy. So cool! She really loves her all her squeaker toys, and has gotten pretty good at fetch. When I have to work, or do odd jobs around the house she helps by shadowing me. I also found she likes to run along side my bike, so we've been working out together on the nicer days. Here are some photos of Alli’s first visit to the Atlantic ocean in North Carolina. She’s doing well....her and Willow are almost inseparable now. She’s getting pretty good at walking on a leash and learning her basic obedience commands quite quickly. We’ve been enjoying her sweet nature and can’t believe what a perfect match she’s been for our family. Thanks so much to you all for helping me find the dream dog I was looking for. :-)

	Here is Cooper in his new home, having some play time with his new buddy, Tank. He is having a great time in his new home and all are doing well.

	Ace is doing great. The kids love him and he is a very sweet kitty! We are amazed at how tolerant he is with being carried around...constantly!

	Here are some pictures of Katy in her new home. She is loved and has settled in nicely. She is a very special dog and we are just crazy about her. The initial transition was difficult with the cat on Katy's end but they are fast becoming friends. This has turned out much better than we even could have hoped. Take care and enjoy the pics! Thanks, Linda

	I want to thank you all for your help in getting Josie.... . she is perfect..... we (my granddaughters and I ) spent the night petting her, brushing her and playing with her... When I put my granddaughters in bed.. she laid in the same room with them most of the time.. she came out occasionally to get petted by me.... but if she heard them cough or move .. she ran to them.... I am sooooooooooooooo happy..... I cant tell you how much... Thanks again.....

	We are so happy with Ebony, she is a truly full of life young puppy. Day by day my children are getting involved with her, and is amazing to discover how each of them interact with her. We went to Colorado for summer vacation, and Ebony came with us. It was a full experience for the whole family, where all of us had a chance to know how to share a vacation time with our pet. We had a great time and a collection of anecdotes from Ebony

	Abby and I are having a great time - she goes in the kayak with me, swims off the dock several times a day, follows along with me on a leash as I bike the trails, and loves to ride along in my old pickup truck. She is a popular figure at the local coffee shop. The little 3 year old neighbor girl always pets her as we walk by her house and every time she asks me "Why is she so soft?" She has lots of names now - like Abba daba do and Abba gazelle (cause she runs so gracefully fast) but usually we just call her "happy" because she is happy everyday and makes everyone around her happy too. Thank you again for saving her - she is a great friend to me!!! I have attached a few of our favorite shot of the many faces of The Abby - your friends Dorothy and Abby

	Here is Pepper soaking up all the attention and loving every minute of his new family.

I'm not good at writing, but really want to say thank you for finding Mike & Fiona for me. I did not know how much I needed the strength and structure of a family (pack) until we spent time together. They say I am very bright and I now know so much more! The garden is huge and I have an inside/outside kennel and go with Mike & Fiona every day - I love the car and we all travel well together. My new sister, Penny, is always good fun, even when she bosses me around! I still have my toy you gave me before we left Yankton and apart from missing tail and ear, it is holding up well. It was a great comfort to me when I first got here. Thank you for caring about me and finding me a great home. I will look forward to showing it to you when you come and visit. Lots of Love, Blake (alias Trooper)

"Lacy is doing great. I am still working on her heel skills. She was spayed about a month ago and it never slowed her down one bit. She and Darby are inseparable. Thank you so much for her, she is a gift."

I wanted to let you know that Nicka (now named Harley) has transitioned wonderfully into our family. he now enjoys chasing turkeys, cows and kids. He is a wonderful, playful dog. We love him so much and could not imagine life without him. Most days he gets to run free on the farm, having the fun most dogs only get to dream about. He nips at the kid's ankles when he wants them to play and loves to have fights in the snow with them. He has found his forever home, thank you.

Dora has learned so much from when she was a puppy. She loves to play fetch and likes lots of exercise. She loves water so we usually give her a little swimming pool full of water in the summer months so she can take a dip to cool off when ever she wants to. She loves to bury her toys and then dig them back up to retrieve them. We enjoy having her as our pet and just seeing the new things she learns everyday and how much fun it has been watching her grow.