Animal Rescue Stories

Read heartfelt stories of rescue, and share your rescued animal stories with others.

Safe & Sound

Safe & Sound

I almost hit this girl running across a busy two lane. She had no tags, no owner, and no fear! Bones rode home with me, and I went straight to the internet/local shelters to see if anyone would claim her.

Well, no one came for her. It's just as well, because the minute my husband and I saw how sweet those big brown eyes were, it was over for us. She's been home for a year and a half now, and I can't remember what life was like without her antics. She makes me laugh every day with her sassy talking, and snuggles close when I'm not feeling well. She's a champion rock-climber, avid bird-chaser, and loves to go camping! We were there when she needed someone, and she constantly repays us with her loyalty, love, and puppy kisses. Bones has found her home with us, and we've done the same with her, forever.

Danielle & Marcus Grimm
Los Angeles, CA
Just a Black Ball of Fur in the Snow

Just a Black Ball of Fur in the Snow

Cold, below zero, February, and this little black ball of fur kept appearing at my door. But, if I attempted to open the door it would disappear. I did all I could to keep this little one warm, with food and warm milk available so just maybe I could keep him alive. I was fearful that he would freeze to death. My husband was even concerned enough to go with me to look for him. We followed his tracks in the snow and searched every nook and crany. Under the wood pile, behind this and that. Finally, there he was, but out of reach. Just about the time I was sure we had him....off he went like a jack rabbit being chased by a fox. "We'll just have to keep trying.. If he only knew what lays beyond those glass doors.., Warmth and a whole lot of love." It took several weeks, but we finally got that poor little abandoned kitten to trust us and make it inside. 2 days later, we managed to win over his confidence enough that I could bath him and brush out all the mangled and knoted hair around his neck. His poor little stub of a tail had some frost bite but the Vet gave him a clean bill of health.
It's been two years now and he trusts me and won't leave my side. He knows I need someone to keep me company and is extra cautious of my health. Knowing I have trouble going up stairs, he waits for me and won't go more than 3 ahead of me. I am so blessed to have him and he couldn't have picked a better place to call his home! From the movie CARS...we have named him "MATER", because of his big green eyes!

Dora
Sunbury, PA
Babe

Babe

Babe's original family had to give her up because they had lost their home. She is a beautiful, nine year old Border-collie mix. She was in the SPCA for six weeks and everyone loved her. Her age was her problem. She came home with us in August, 2008, and is our darling. She loves people, some dogs, and especially, chasing squirrels. We play ball, every morning; and go on, at least, two walks a day. Her favorite destination is "Miss Dottie's" for a playdate with her dog, Midnight. It is hard to believe Babe is almost ten. She has the energy of a puppy. Retired people should consider rescuing an older dog. Babe has all the pep without the problems.

Jim and Anne Marie
Baltimore, MD
Lili's Story

Lili's Story

At nearly 16 years old, this kitty has gone through so much with us. We took her in when she was just a baby, and I was only 6 years old. She has been my best friend ever since, and has recently overcome two mammary tumors and a uterine infection. She is doing better now, but is still recovering from all this painful surgery. We just hope she'll stay with us for many years to come.

Soraia Costa
Vale da Amoreira, Portugal
Tessa aka Tiny Tee

Tessa aka Tiny Tee

I adopted Tessa from a woman in my area I found through PetFinder.com. Tessa has FIV or Feline AIDS. You would never know it, to know her. She is just like a kitten. She plays with everything! I know she will not be with us forever but we are relishing the time she is with us.

Kristen Bossert
Deptford, NJ
Little Dog with Big Love

Little Dog with Big Love

I had just returned a rescued shepherd mix after realizing she just was not the right dog for me and I was feeling very sad. I had grown up with German Shepherd Dogs and had recently lost our shepherd/lab mix. I thought the only dog for me would be a big one. My distant friend happened to call that day and seemed surprised to hear that I had been looking for a dog. She asked if I would be interested in an Italian Greyhound that her sister no longer wanted. She explained because her sister traveled he was boarded quite often and then misbehaved when she would bring him home.
I have had Binky 2 years now and even though he is a toy dog he has TONS of love to share! He adores giving kisses and snuggling up under the covers at night. He follows me around when I am home and hops into my lap as soon as I sit down. Who knew that such a little guy would bring such joy to our household? Now I am convinced that small dogs can be just as perfect a pet as large ones!

Leslie Withoelter
Saint Charles, MO
Hurley

Hurley

Hurley had Feline Leukemia when we adopted him from a friend who fosters pregnant cats. For the short time we had him he was the most fun-loving vivacious cat you would ever know. You would never know he was even sick, until the day he became sick. We miss him, but our lives are better because of him.

Kristen Bossert
Deptford, NJ
The Cutest Dog I Ever Saw

The Cutest Dog I Ever Saw

I lost my last dog, Jacob to cancer in Sept. 2007. I tried doggie sitting keep me occupied, but it just wasn't the same. I really missed having a dog, so I started searching the Animal Shelters for a hypoallergenic Bichon or a Shitzu. Even though I loved my previous dog, his fur had been an issue with my asthma. I never dreamed I could find a Bichon or a Shitzu at a shelter, but low and behold, a friend told me about a shelter she always gets her dogs at and there he was...a cute little Bichon. I went in that same day and couldn't believe he had been there for 6 weeks. He was matted and yellowed, but still had the cutest little face I've ever seen. He has an underbite, which makes him even more adorable. When I picked him up, he immediately put his little head in the crick of my neck, like he was hugging me and I knew I couldn't leave without him. Brio has since been cleaned up and made his home on my lap most evenings. He's the sweetest, cutest, cuddliest little dog I've ever had. He still loves to give me hugs too.

He really loves people and knows when they're hurting. I have a friend that possibly has cancer and he always snuggles up to her to make her feel special.

Janie
Arvada, CO
Mickey Dee

Mickey Dee

Mickey Dee was half his current weight. and had horrible mange when I found him at a McDonald's parking lot. 11 years later he is the happiest, healthy well-behaved dog I know. All our friends and neighbors love him. We take him everywhere with us. We think he is the best FIND ever!

Kristen Bossert
Deptford, NJ
Sugar

Sugar

I had recently lost my schnauzer, Molly, after 13 unforgettable years. My husband and I went to the humane society after seeing a photo on their website of a sad, lonely little white dog. We went to see her and she stood up on me with her front paws, asking me to love her and take her home. That was 4 years ago and now she is always smiling.

Rita Salenius
Roswell, GA