True Pet Adoption Stories

There’s no better feeling than knowing a shelter pet is safe and happy with a loving adopted family. In this chapter, I’m proud to bring you the stories of some of those animals and how they found their FURever homes. Their tales (and adorable photos!) will melt your heart and make you smile.

NAME: WARWICK

OWNER: CHRISTINE

BREED: GOLDEN RETRIEVER

AGE: 2

ADOPTED FROM: PAWS RESCUE QATAR

DISLIKES: STAYING HOME ALONE

LIKES: CHICKEN, CHEESE, WALKS

What was your dog’s life like before being rescued?

Warwick was dumped on a goat farm in Qatar as a baby. People from his rescue found him there and took him in. He was covered in ticks and fleas. He had tick fever and had been surviving on goat milk. He was fostered in Qatar until he was nine months old and then was brought to New York City.

What happened when you saw or met your dog for the first time?

Warwick was so friendly and outgoing from the start! He was sweet and trusting, which was amazing, given all he went through to get here. We knew at once he was a very special dog.

How did you know this was the dog for you?

His eyes were so kind and gentle.

How would you describe your dog’s personality?

Funny, loving, smart, goofy, sensitive.

How has your life changed since adopting your dog?

Warwick is a member of our family, and our lives revolve around him in many ways. We realized quickly he was too special to keep to ourselves and had him certified as a therapy dog. We visit a hospital once a week and are involved with a school program where we serve atrisk schoolchildren in New York. This has allowed us to give back to the community and make a difference in so many lives.

How has your dog’s life changed since being adopted?

Warwick has become more confident. He knows he is in his forever home and is so much calmer as a result.

How has Sir Darius’s work impacted or inspired you?

We were inspired by Sir Darius’s work and just had to purchase a bow tie for Warwick to support the cause! So many shelter dogs deserve a good home, and we are grateful he’s helping to make that happen.

An adorable dog getting ready for transport at Houston PetSet.

SHELTER NAME: HOUSTON PETSET LOCATION: HOUSTON, TEXAS

YEAR FOUNDED: 2004

MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to end the homelessness and suffering of companion animals and elevate their status in society.

Patriotic Pups

In January of 2021, the nation celebrated the inauguration of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Pet lovers across the United States also celebrated the “indoguration” of Major Biden, the first-ever rescue pup to become First Dog, having been adopted from the Delaware Humane Association several years prior. The virtual event was attended by close to 10,000 people and raised more than $200,000 to help shelter pets like Major find loving FURever homes.

The highlight of the event was the announcement of the patriotic pup who would serve as Secretary of Rescue Dogs. I had the honor of choosing the winner and creating custom bow ties for all five finalists. I also created an exclusive bow tie to be purchased by PAWrents of pups who attended, with the proceeds benefiting the Delaware Humane Association.

Chosen from among more than 750 applicants, the finalists included Dash, a dog who contributes to science by participating in a canine cognition lab; Billy, a therapy dog who comforts families and hospital patients in Philadelphia; Jonathan, a dog who survived living with his siblings alone in the woods and whose owner sells artwork to raise money for shelters; and Nora, a dog rescued from Iraq who works with veterans with PTSD.

The pup I ultimately selected as Secretary of Rescue Dogs? Harper, who visits nursing homes as a therapy dog and helps kids improve their reading skills with the Paws 2 Read program. Dogs like Harper help make America

PAWsome!

What happened when you saw or met your dog for the first time?

It was immediate love.

How would you describe your dog’s personality?

Kooky is just a very happy girl. She loves people, she loves to play with her toys, and, most importantly, she loves to cuddle with me. Amazing temperament, super smart, and so pretty.

How has your life changed since adopting your dog?

All my fur-babies are special, and Kooky is no different. She has brought me so much joy and laughter.

NAME: KOOKY

OWNER: ADA

BREED: CHIHUAHUA

AGE: 2

ADOPTED FROM: HEAVENLY ANGELS ANIMAL RESCUE

DISLIKES: SUDDEN NOISES

LIKES: SOFT TOYS

How has your dog’s life changed since being adopted?

When Kooky came home, she was a little shy and reserved, but with lots of love and patience, she flourished into the happiest dog. She adjusted to our life and is now queen of the house.

How has Sir Darius’s work impacted or inspired you?

I’m the co-chair and creative director of the New York Pet Fashion Show, where Sir Darius has made bow ties and unique outfits for rescue pets to model onstage. To see a young person care for others, especially animals, is definitely an inspiration. His passion for helping animals in need through such special talent and creativity is amazing.