Happy Endings

These are but a few stories that make all of our efforts worthwhile, and give us the strength and inspiration to carry on our work for those creatures who cannot speak for themselves. Do you have a happy ending story that you'd like to share? Please email us your story with the subject line "Happy Ending." Be sure to include a photograph or video link of your pet posing with his/her new adoptive family! 

Sugar
Sugar is very happy in her new home. She has calmed down somewhat, she's stopped mouthing, and she no longer runs in circles. See what a good home can do! This lovely lady has put on a few pounds, and they look great on her! Her owner, Bob, of New Jersey, says that Sugar is a good dog! Good luck to our sweet girl Sugar and her kind new owner!
5/05

She took the flight and the move very well and loves being spoiled by my parents. It's hard to believe but she has actually grown to care a great deal about my boyfriend's loving labrador Chester. Abby didn't like sharing the attention at first, but the two have grown to appreciate each other's company in many ways :) Abby makes a mess when she eats and Chester cleans up after her!

She enjoys her window seat in our apartment and keeps track of all the neighborhoods dogs walking by. I, of course could not imagine living without my loyal, super smart, loving companion with the quirky personality. We've been together for almost 6 years through thick and thin."


Warm regards,
Charlotte A.
Denmark, Copenhagen
4/05

Tina a.k.a. Fionna
On 3/6/05 we adopted Tina from your agency. Her name now is Fionna. She has learned HUGS KISSES and how to do stairs. She was at the Vet and had a excellent check up. She loves her comforter and in addition she has a 6 month old baby brother (who came to us 1 wk. after her) (Finneghan) to tend with and they love each other. They run and play every day. Getting up at 5-6 every morning isn't as bad as I thought ha ha ha....

Fionna is believed to be an English Coonhound -maybe a mix with something according to research. She has adapted very very well here with us and we are so glad we had the chance to give her the true home she deserves.

We got them a BIG Bunny for Easter as you can see in the second picture.

Thank you so much for TINA aka Fionna. Please let all know she is doing just fine!

Barbara and Al M.
4/05

****************

UPDATE 12/05

Hi and Merry Christmas Everyone

Update on Fionna, she is fine we adopted her from you March 6 2005. She is big -67 lbs now, was 43 lbs at adoption......strong and Healthy and enjoying her FIRST CHRISTMAS with us and her brother Finneghan. christmas day they will get their gifts. I have enclosed a picture of the portrait I had done by a lovely woman in the UK. Hubby had it matted and framed for me as a Christmas gift.

Again just wanted to Wish all of YOU ....A Very Merry, Happy, Healthy Holiday Season. God Bless you all in the work that you do for the animals, you are Appreciated.

Allie a.k.a. Lucky
"Hi Pam and Everyone at JAC,

We apologize for the delay in getting this to you. We adopted "Allie" from JAC in November 2003. We kept her name as Allie but added a middle name, Lucky. We chose the name Lucky because we are so grateful and fortunate to have her in our lives, as well as her luck at having been rescued by you, and brought into our family.

The name "Lucky" turned out to be quite appropriate. 2 weeks after we adopted Allie, we found out we were pregnant with twins. Jake and Remi were born on 7/14/2004. Allie has been a great big sister since day one. She loves her babies more than anything- always kissing them, entertaining them by chasing her tail or playing with her toys and protecting them when she hears unusual noises.

Allie has settled into her life very nicely. When she first came to live with us in NYC, she was a little rattled by all the loud and strange city noises. But she learned to adapt pretty quickly, and feels very secure in her home. While she started out sweet but a bit shy, she has really come out of her shell, and is quite the extrovert. She loves people and other dogs, and rare is the person who meets her now that doesn't instantly fall in love with her.

She has a very active social life here in the Big Apple. We live two blocks from a dog park where she is very popular and has her own crew of friends. We recently celebrated her 1 year birthday with us at the dog run with all her friends, as well as her brother and sister.

We can't thank you enough for bringing this wonderful dog into our lives. Literally, not a single day goes by without us remarking to each other how fortunate we are to have found her. She changed our lives the very minute she entered it."

Debra, Ken, Jake, Remi & Allie
N.Y.C.
3/05

Baby Bear
"Dear friends,

I am thrilled to announce the arrival of my new dog, Oso Bear Meyer! He is seven years old and was adopted from a family in Short Hills, with the very kind assistance of Jersey Animal Coalition (JAC)...I have been in contact with a very nice woman from JAC since January 14. We exchanged several messages back and forth and all my questions about Bear were answered satisfactorily and I decided to meet him as soon as his owners came back from an extended business trip/vacation in India. I met Bear on Saturday and was instantly in love! I had two pages of questions prepared to ask the couple who had to give him up due to an elderly parent having to move in with them. The husband was heart-broken to have to give him up.

Bear came home with me on Saturday and is settling nicely into his new home. We have had nice walks several times a day and I don't know who is more worn out, me or Bear! After our last walk last night from 10 to 10:30, he went right to bed in his giant LL Bean dog bed (kindly given to me by his former owner) and slept all the way through to 7 this morning! We went for two walks this morning before I left for work.

Bear is calm, friendly, lovable, gentle, well-behaved and well-mannered. I look forward to taking care of him and sharing my life with him for as long as possible! I think we'll be a great team!

-------------UPDATE-------------

...Just a quick note to let you know that Bear is doing great! He's such a wonderful dog. His temperament is so good. He's as calm as a dog could possibly be and as loving a dog as I have ever known. He really is a kisser. His manners, too, are the best I've ever come across in a dog. He must really have taken to his obedience training too. He does the heal command like a champ! I may enroll us in the Canine Good Citizen training series at Petco. If he does well with that, I might try to register him as a therapy dog. I've dreamed of doing that for years and was hoping to choose a dog with the right temperament, but when I saw that Bear was already seven, I figured I'd put off that dream until the next dog. You never know, he might really enjoy having a job!

He gets incredibly excited when I ask him if he wants to go for a walk and he's quickly making friends and fans in his new community.

He does seem a little depressed when I am getting ready for work and clearly does not like to be alone. His only bad behavior is that he just cannot stay out of the garbage! I've finally given up and have been locking the garbage can in a bathroom when I leave so he cannot get to it!"

Tracey
N.J.
3/05

Wishbone a.k.a. Diesel
"Hi,
We just wanted to let you know that Diesel is doing fine for the first day here. We gave him a bath which brought out his real beauty and after getting to know "Sugar", our Pit mix, he relaxed on the couch while we watched the super bowl. He is a great dog and we want you to know that he is very happy and comfortable in his new home. I will update you in a few days and will get a picture to you with Diesel and Sugar together. We thank you and I'm quite sure that Diesel thanks you too...

...Diesel slept till 5am in his crate next to us till I had to get up for a nature call, so I let him out too and then he slept with us in bed till 7. He follows me wherever I go and I love it. I can't believe what a great dog he is. I'll be in touch soon."

Mick and Mary R. and family
N.J.
2/05

Letters from JAC's archives
Here are some hand-written letters from JAC's archives. Thanks to all the thoughtful adopters who take time out of their busy schedules to stay in touch!

Crystal
"Hello Pam and Cathy,
Just wanted to thank you again for the puppy (Crystal) and wish you both the happiest of Holidays."

John, Mara, Amanda, John Luke B.
1/05

Miles
"Hi Ruth:
Wanted to give you an update on Miles' first day with us. He laid in the backseat for the whole trip to Yardley sucking on the comforter we put down on the back seat. We fed him twice yesterday (12:30 and 6:30) and he eats as if there is no tomorrow. Walked him last night and he was fine, leaving his mark all over the neighborhood. Plan to walk him in the a.m. and p.m. and do his training in the a.m. after his walk. Marianna worked with him today and obeys all his commands wonderfully. We will pick up a 30-foot leash and take him to a nearby softball field that is enclosed by fences and gates on Saturday and see how he does. He's still getting adjusted to sounds - train whistle nearby, garage door opening, flags flapping in the wind, etc. He didn't sleep at all yesterday - which surprised me - until we went to bed around 11 p.m. We let him have the run of the downstairs and he was fine. Took away the baby gate to the upstairs and after he checked out all the bedrooms, he came down. He still doesn't know all the rooms in the house and often goes looking for a family member if he does see him or her. After he locates us, he goes back to his spot on the couch Guess he's keeping tabs on the entire pack.

We put the dog crate in our bedroom with a comforter. He walked in and out, checking it out, but decided to sleep on the bed with us. He moved around a couple times during the night, but slept through the night. A neighbor of ours stopped by late yesterday afternoon to drop off a package. Miles sniffed her and then laid down on command while the neighbor sat in a chair and talked with us for 10-15 minutes. Did the same thing with him when we ate dinner - down and stay - and fed him immediately after we ate. We did have to take the comforter away from him for a time when he began chewing it, but later on we brought it back out because he likes to wrap himself in it and he didn't chew it. My daughter bought him a large animal bone that he has been working on endlessly. Plan to pick up a large Kong ball for him to play with and to put peanut butter and/or apple slices to keep him occupied.

My wife had to go out for about an hour each two times today and Miles went into the crate without hesitation, so that was a relief (and something we couldn't get our old dog to do). Miles likes to keep his nose close to the counter, so we have to tell him no when he does. He also has a tendency to back his butt onto the couch or on our lap and keep his front legs on the ground. Don't know if that's a dominance thing or he just wants to get rubbed, but plan to ask Harry that when he comes Sunday. I'll send directions to you later this week to give to Harry. I'll update you on Miles at that time, as well and take some digital photos and send them along. It was nice to meet you yesterday. Thanks for everything you've done to bring Miles to us."

Mike K.
Yardley, NJ. 1/05

Dakota
"My husband and I are so thrilled to have little Dakota in our lives. Thanks to a wonderful foster mom, we are now able to call her ours. Dakota is playful and loves to go running on the beach. She is so smart and ready for puppy kindergarten soon. Our cat, Milo, and her have become long lost buddies and it's the cutest thing to watch. She also loves other dogs and mostly loves to cuddle with people. Thank you to your wonderful team and have a great New Year! "

The Dudleys

Freddy
"We adopted Freddy (formerly Rascal) in July of 2004. Being seniors, we didn't have a dog with Freddy's energy in mind. But at the July adoption day, he stole our hearts. We had our first dog for 17 years, and after his passing, we never thought we'd be able to own another dog. But after 5 years, we changed out minds and adopted Freddy.

We moved from New Jersey to St. Louis 9 years ago, so the day we picked Freddy up at JAC, we put him in the back seat of our car, and drove him 1,000 miles to his new home. He behaved perfectly the entire trip.

Despite his young age (1 year in October 2004) and our old age, it is a wonderful match. He surely loves to play, but he also knows when it's time to settle down and take a nap or watch TV (literally, he watches TV!!).

He loves his walks and rides in the car. He also enjoys the dog park where he plays with all the other dogs, and playing with our grandchildren and other neighborhood kids.

He is the perfect addition to the family, and we are thankful to JAC for bringing us together. Thanks, JAC."

Priscilla, Bill, Jessica, Timmy, and Billy

Kel
"Just wanted to say hello and let you all know that Kel has settled in just fine! We decided that after 8 years of being called one name, we would keep her name as Kel (the kids call her "Kelly-Belly").

She is a wonderful addition to our family. We love having her around, our kids just love her and it's obvious she loves them! Our 2 cats are now getting along fine with her. Kel has helped in many ways to mend our feelings of loss from our last dog. Thank you again for saving such a sweet girl. I've sent a few pictures..."

The Belej Family
Chatham, NJ.

Milo
"Today is our three month anniversary - Milo came home to me three months ago, scared, skinny, depressed, anxious, confused, and in need of attention, love and care.

We spent the summer getting to know each other, with me trying valiantly to show him, in deed and devotion, that this was his home, and he needn't worry that he was going to be abandoned again. And I know that he desperately wanted to please me; that's all dogs live for. It took some time for me to understand that his making a mess in the house wasn't "spiteful" or deliberate. I just needed to understand why he was doing it and how to train him that it's not OK. A firm "no" is a million times better than a swat, or a spell down in the basement by himself, or a can shaken at him. Dogs don't understand that.

After some frustration, but always infused with love and a desire to figure it out, we've come to today, Sept. 19. Milo has shown a personality filled with playful fun, humor, and complete and absolute sweetness. He is the Mayor of Millburn, as his many admirers call him. So many people stop me on my walks with him that I am always left wondering how I became so blessed to get him, and how he could have been passed up at 7 or 8 Adoption Days. I don't think about that often; I do think, every day that I wake up and his ears are plastered back behind his cute head and his tail is moving from side to side like a metronome, so happy to see me awake, knowing that he's going to get a long walk outside with fresh air, and come home to biscuits, that he and I are on the same side of lucky.

My thanks to you - and here is Milo, finally at his home."

Debbie
Millburn, NJ

Howie
"Sorry this took so long! Our happy ending has taken a while to compose. Our "Howie" became very sick shortly after we got him home. But now he is fit as a fiddle and a fine young lad to boot. 

He has been easy to train and is so amusing - he loves his walks and rides in the car, but most of all, he loves to kiss the kitty - just before he chases him all over the house! Howie is somewhat timid with strangers, but we are working on that. 

This picture is from our first days at home, but he is close to 65 lbs. now!

I would love to be in touch with any of his littermates "parents" if they are interested. (I see Beau has recently been re-adopted) to compare notes.

Thanks for letting Howie share our lives."

Sue, Andrew, Erin, Emily and Abby G.

Cleo
"Cleo is a lovely and smart cat. When driving home, she was trying to get out of the cardboard box to look at the road, and once inside, immediately started to explore her surroundings. She also is a clean cat, as she started using her litterbox right away. 

All my roomates are happy to welcome a new friend, and Cleo has explored each room in turn and made herself comfortable at home. Life in a cage has not affected her, as she often looks for affection, and follows me all around the house.

Cleo is now learning new tricks, such as opening the sliding doors of my room by herself. It took her a little while to become friends with my girlfriend, but Cleo now likes her, especially since it is my girlfriend who feeds her when she is here.

Cleo likes to spend her days looking by the window, and sleeping on the warm CD player. It is such a pleasure to come back home in the evening and be greeted at the door by this little kitty."

Antoine
South Orange, N.J.

Beau
"Beau is doing great. He got his stitches out today. He did not like having the collar/cone on him (from being neutered). He is a happy friendly puppy and is making fast friends with all the neighbors- 2-legged & 4-legged. He has gone to Doggy Day Camp during the week & is having a blast running around with all the other dogs all day. We are starting obedience training the week after next. He is so smart I'm sure he'll catch on quick. He is very treat/food motivated. I am so glad he got to come home with me. Thanks again for your help!"

Juliann

Dakota
"Just to let you know "Dakota" is adorable and thriving and very loved. Other dog Kentucky has been superb! Thanks so much and we will run into you at a volunteering day soon! 

Here is a photo of Dakota with her new owner Margaux. Everyone loves Dakota, even our other dog Kentucky, who can be a little feisty with other dogs."

Thanks!
Melissa and Margs

Rocky
"In approximately September, 1990, we brought Rocky home from an adopt-a-pet day which you held in Maplewood. He was about six weeks old at the time. He was an absolutely fantastic pet and a wonderful companion, whom I had to let go last month just passed his 13th birthday, when it was discovered he had liver cancer. I really do not know how much you keep track of the dogs that you placed in homes, but I wanted to thank you for the chance to grow old with my little buddy. I am enclosing a copy of a picture of him, should you keep a file of same.

With my wife now gone (having passed four years ago, also from cancer) I would like to wait until Spring before I attempt to train another puppy. I would like your help in finding one, as we always, without a doubt, preferred "mutts" to pedigrees. They just always seem to be nicer dogs. I would appreciate hearing from you as to the possibility of you helping me find another "best friend."

Enclosed, please find my yearly donation and my wishes for a happy and healthy Holiday Season."

* * * *

"I just wanted to thank you for your kind words in your March 4 letter to me concerning the passing of my dog, Rocky. I had to search high and low for a picture of Rocky that included people (had a million of him alone) and finally came across the one attached of my late wife Cindy, Rocky and I. Hopefully it meets with your needs.

You certainly have my permission to include Rocky's story in your "Happy Endings". He was a good friend up until the end and deserves to be "immortalized". Please do me a favor and "e" me when something is posted as my sons are anxious to check out your site.

On a happier note, I got another puppy from the JAC two weeks ago (Rachel) who is a total sweetheart and has already "brightened up our lives".

Anyway, thanks in advance for your hard work and I look forward to seeing your end product."

Bob Z.
New Jersey

Ben
"We adopted Ben this Border Collie Mix on Nov 2, 2003. He is a wonderful dog. He is so smart and so loving. Thank you so much for rescuing him. 

He has fit right into his new home. He herds the three cats as if they were sheep. He thinks his "Big brother" My oldest son Arthur (16) is another puppy to romp on the floor with. He has started protecting his yard and his house, from the garbage man, the mail man and any other strangers. 

I've hired a trainer to help train him correctly. She raises border collies for agility and sheep herding, and she said that he is a great dog. We love him to pieces!!
He is a real find! Thank you again!!"

Debbie and the boys, the cats and Ben

Thor
"Lewis and I wanted you to know how very happy we are to welcome Thor into our home. He has been so happy and playful. I expected Thor to show a little stress on his first day, but it was uneventful. He has yet to show any changes in personality. He is smiling and loves to sleep with us every night. We tried to encourage Thor to sleep in his bed, but he doesn't want to, so there's three in our bed every night. Glad we have a King size bed!

As you can see we took Thor to the groomer the very next day. He is so adorable with his Puppy-cut. Thor is now an official member of our family. Honestly, Cathy, anytime that you would like to see Thor, just let Lewis and I know and we will make every effort to get him to you for a visit.

Thanks for bring Thor into our lives. He makes Lewis, Sienna and me very happy!"

Marcelle F.

Floyd
"I adopted this little boy from JAC on October 4, 2002. Floyd has his moments, but is the most affectionate and fun companion I could have hoped for. My brother Mike kept trying to steal him, and finally adopted one of his own. And my mom--who warned me that she hates chihuahuas and if I adopted one we would be unwelcome at her house--has found a new best friend. Here they are in their favorite play area in her kitchen." 

Danielle G.

Murray
JAC volunteer Mary rescued Murray from behind a restaurant, where he had been surviving by rummaging through garbage cans for food. He was emaciated, suffering from an injured leg, and experiencing seizures. Mary took him to an emergency clinic, where his injuries were treated, and then brought him to JAC.

Murray's new owner writes: 
"We loved Murray from day one. A real laid-back boy who only wants to be loved. Evan (pictured right) came along, and Murray accepted him with open paws. 

As soon as Murray walks into a room, Evan smiles and laughs. Murray lets Evan climb all over him, pull his fur, and squeeze his eyeballs, no joke. It's as if Murray understands this is a precious infant and -- to make him happy -- sit back and enjoy the attention, even if it means minus some fur that gets pulled out by little strong fingers."

Maria

Mya, T.J., and Lefty
"Here is the picture of me, Kate and the 'kids,' from left to right, Mya, T.J. (male), and Lefty (female). They are all JAC cats. T.J. and Lefty are brother and sister. They are spoiled rotten, but don't take advantage of it too often. 

They are only the beginning of our animal family, but they are such a wonderful bunch. Each has their own personality. T.J. is the king of the house, and the welcoming committee. He takes it upon himself to be the first to welcome any visitors and make himself at home on their lap. Lefty is quiet and confident. We call her "The Queen". She does as she pleases and lets you know when she wants some affection. Mya, on the other hand, ALWAYS wants affection. Being younger than the other two, she is very active and often harrasses T.J. until he gives in and plays with her. She is always ready for action. She is adorable, AND SHE KNOWS IT!! She is like the girl who uses her looks to get whatever she wants.

As you can probably tell, we love all three very much, and we could not ask for a better start to a family!! Thanks to J.A.C.!!!" 

Billy E. and Kate S.
Woodbridge, NJ.

Lucky
"All is well with Lucky. She is almost seven months old now and has been a wonderful addition to our family. Attached are some photos. She is a dream! 

Have all of her "siblings" remained in their new homes? Are there any that live nearby? 

Thanks for your help!"

Pat
New Jersey