In a recent conversation with Shelter Manager Cheryl Benca we started talking about the stories from our cat adopters. She asked me to look at a photo and said, what do you see? My answer was simple it was a photo of a cat. But then she told me what I was actually looking at a miracle, a new world that most shelter cats never see, the outside world. Adopters tell her constantly that they are not surprised when their new forever friends enjoy cuddling up on the sofa or playing with toys, but they are shocked to watch as their new charges sit in a window and just spend hour after hour taking in the world. Cheryl says when she realized what was happening it shook her to the core. “It was like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when her house blew away in the tornado landing in Oz. She left a black and white reality and suddenly life turned into color.” She says the animals become transfixed. “It is so simple.” They see a tree, a bird, blue sky for the first time.
So, remember the next time you think about adopting a cat from a shelter remember when you take them home you may just be opening their eyes to a window on the world.
GOOD BETTER BEST!!!!
We want to share a story with you and let you know the best news of all. But first read on.
There was a dog named Prince who was at risk for euthanasia. “The same owner abandoned him twice in Abilene Texas. The first time, Prince was found by animal control. He was left behind in a hotel room. The original owner came to the shelter to reclaim Prince, but was found again later, abandoned in an apartment building. “212 days he’s been in our care this last time,” Foster Care coordinator Staci Shults said.
Shults explained that an animal staying in the shelter this long is extremely rare. Most dogs are put on the euthanasia list after 30 days of being in the shelter and Prince was put on the list three different times, but each time, he found his way off the list.
One Florida man, Brennan Bosworth, saved Prince’s life while stationed at Dyess Air Force Base. “So, I went in and asked them, if you got any that are at risk or need any additional help, and they were like ‘Prince is the perfect fit for you,’” Bosworth recalled. He fostered Prince for about five weeks and in that time, fell in love with his personality. However, Bosworth knew with the traveling that he does for work, he would not be able to adopt.
“I had a week-long trip that I was going to in D.C. last week,” shared Bosworth. He was able to relocate Prince into his step-mother’s Abandoned Pet Rescue in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “He is honestly one of the most lovable dogs I have ever met,” Bosworth expressed.
After five people volunteered to drive a different leg of the trip, Prince made it to APR where his life was no longer at risk.
A nice couple from Key Largo, FL named Jonathan & Melissa heard Prince’s story including all he had been through in his young life. Jonathan is in the U.S. Army so knowing Prince was rescued by another military service member created a deeper connection to Prince. Prince fit right in to Jonathan and Melissa’s family, and he instantly loved their two daughters and other dog so they welcomed him home! Recently, Brennan got to visit Prince in his new home and see him living his best life with his wonderful family. Prince looked happy and handsome in his new collar adorned with an American flag.
OUR NEXT CHALLENGE
Last month we started our TOP 10 CHALLENGE… The challenge is to find a forever home during 2023 for the 5 dogs and the 5 cats who have lived at APR the longest. This month we introduce you again to SAMPSON…
Hi, I am Sampson. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am the longest dog resident at Abandoned Pet Rescue. Four years is way too long for an 9-year-old, majestic German Shepherd like me to be in a shelter. When I first arrived, I became protective of my kennel and since, it takes me time to trust human friends, but over the years, I have made great friends with a handful of staff members and volunteers who love walking me, training me and playing with me. I need an experienced adopter who understands how loyal and protective I can be plus someone who is comfortable with my size as I’m 100lbs (that’s a lot of charm!). I’m looking for a soulmate in the South Florida area who will be committed to getting to know me at the shelter for a while before I am able to go home. My friends at the shelter will show you how great I walk on a leash (I am even muzzle trained) and how quickly I learn new tricks like speak, paw, sit. I enjoy car rides and just recently I discovered the joys of a Starbuck’s Puppuccino. I dream of a quiet, calm home of my own with a fenced yard and lots of squeaky toys (those are my favorite!). I need a home without cats and kids, but I do enjoy the companionship of some other dogs with a proper introduction. If you are interested in learning more about me, please fill out an adoption application at abandonedpetrescue.org and please tell your friends about me so I can finally find the right home.
