ASPCA: New York City: ASPCA Adoption Center Success Stories

MAMA’S BOY

When Leah Minium visited the ASPCA Adoption Center with her roommate, Danielle, she was worried that they wouldn’t be able to agree on the perfect pooch. As they walked along “Bark Avenue,” home to the most amazing adoptable dogs in the city, Danielle reassured Leah that everything would work out fine.

“Just as she said that, we turned a corner and came face to face with Bentley, and we both instantly fell in love,” Leah remembers. “Then we were worried that he wouldn’t like us as much as we liked him!”

“Bentley had a pretty dramatic story,” says Allison Cardona, ASPCA Director, Volunteer Program & Special Projects. “He was brought in by the Humane Law Enforcement department with his siblings, one of whom was dead. The remaining pups were starved.” While Bentley was with us at the ASPCA, he attended obedience class on a very regular basis and became a volunteer favorite.

After learning of Bentley’s past, Leah knew she would have to be patient while he got used to his new life. “Bentley adjusted so quickly, though,” Leah marvels. “And even by the time we were halfway home, he seemed like he knew his luck was beginning to change.”

Now, Bentley passes his time playing with his tire and his rope toy, and going on play dates with his favorite canine neighbor, a pit bull mix. At the end of an exhausting day, it’s time for snuggling with Leah. “People stop us all the time to tell us how cute he is,” she says, “and we're so grateful to have ended up with such a sweet little mama's boy.”

PEANUT BUTTERS UP HIS NEW MOM!
dog Angela Ancona walked into the ASPCA Adoption Center with her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter, looking for love. Almost immediately, she spotted Peanut, who was sound asleep. As Angela made her approach, Peanut lifted his ears—expertly reeling in his new family. “My son said to me, ‘Ma, this is our new dog!’” remembers Angela.

Our shelter staff showed Angela photos of what poor Peanut had been through. The ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement department had seized the pooch from his previous owners because he had a skin condition and was not given medical care—the little guy was almost bald when he first came to our shelter! “I knew he needed a better life,” she says. By that time, she’d already decided to bring Peanut home.

So what’s this lil’ ol’ rescue dog up to now? “Peanut has the run of the house,” Angela chuckles. He sleeps on her bed, and he loves to go on walks and run around on the patio. But Angela stresses that she is the one to be thankful, not Peanut. “This is my pleasure,” she beams.

THIS BUD'S FOR YOU!
When Caresse Duford first encountered Bud at the ASPCA Adoption Center, she knew in an instant he was the kitty for her. “He took to my sister and me right away, rubbing up against us and purring,” recalls Caresse. “You could tell he really needed some attention and someone to play with!”

Bud came to the ASPCA from New York City Animal Care & Control. “NYCACC is an open-admission shelter, and other shelters and rescue groups help to reduce their numbers by taking animals and adopting them out,” explains the ASPCA’s Allison Cardona, Director, Volunteer Program & Special Projects.

Caresse describes Bud’s homecoming as quite the trip. “He was not happy to be in the cat carrier, so he decided to do something about it—he chewed his way right out! Luckily we drove instead of taking the train. As soon as he got out and could sit on our laps, he chilled out, started purring and remained quite content!”

These days, Caresse and Bud are the happiest of housemates. Caresse tells us, “He has claimed my room as ‘his’ room and that is okay with me. Bud has a great personality and I love every inch of him!”