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! 

Jasmin
"Attached are a few photos with us in her new home. When we met Jasmin with Kathy on September 4th she came to us but was shy. On September 5th we adopted her. She wasn't crate trained, was beginning to let you know when whe needed to go out. 

Now, she is crate trained, housebroken and lots of fun. She has her routine and loves her chew bones, toys, and her home. 

We are so happy with her and love her so much, we couldn't imagine her not with us. Thank you and enjoy the photos."

Marcy and Scott G.

Baby a.k.a. Ari Baby
Baby, now renamed "Ari Baby," lived with JAC for over two years, and he became one of our dearest, most-loved dogs. Despite long periods of confinement, previous owner abuse (his ears had been butchered), and chronic allergic rashes, he displayed the resilience, forgiveness, and patience of a Saint as he waited for his happy ending.

His new owner writes:
"I enclose some photos of the little gentleman. Sorry it took so long - I'm not much of a shutterbug. Ari Baby is doing well indeed. He's soft + shiny + full of happiness.

What a well-behaved doll-baby! He loves his walks, his toys, and time spent lounging on the sofa in the evenings watching Law + Order. He loves having his belly petted + having his cute little face kissed.

It took some months but his G.I. issues have straightened out. He still has some anxiety but I keep his environment as peaceful + quiet as possible. Long walks + good food has helped. The allergies/skin flares up now + then but is under control.

Thank you for doing your rescue work and for making it possible for me to have this most joyful presence in my life + home. I cannot imagine living without him!"

Sue V.
Wayne, PA.

See a montage of Ari Baby's happy ending!

Chunk a.k.a. Chunk-a-lunk
"We're writing to give you an update on Chunk, the beautiful border collie-mish-mash of a pup we were so lucky to adopt almost two months ago. We could not be happier with our Chunk-a-lunk. He is an angel of a puppy. 

He has adjusted quite well to New York City living, and has a bunch of doggy friends at the dog run at the Museum of Natural History, whom he plays with every day. The owner of his labradoodle friend, Mel, told us that she thought Chunk was the best natured dog in the run! Must have something to do with you JAC folk. 

Of course, his stay with the JAC made him a jersey-pup at heart, and he loves visiting his grandparents in Millburn where he exhausts himself chasing squirrels, chipmunks, and deer. Chunk has brought so much joy into our lives, it's hard to remember life without him.

Attached are some pics, one portrait on his seat on the couch, one of his favorite sleeping position (legs against the wall), and one with Xena, his cousin, who was adopted via petfinder.org at the same time. We can't thank you enough."

Kate and Alex
New York, NY

Isadora a.k.a. Izzy
This beauty was abandoned at a vet's front door. We noticed that she liked to twirl on her hind legs, so we named her after Isadora Duncan. Now with a new adoring owner, "Izzy" has traded in her dancing shoes for a cuddly lap.

Her owner writes: 
"I have attached a picture of 'Izzy,' the 62 lb. lap dog, helping me take a study break. She is doing great, but is looking forward to the cooler weather."

Dave E.
New Jersey

Clifford a.k.a. Red
Clifford was an extra-large adult dog who joined JAC while struggling with health and personality issues. His adoption to an adoring owner truly exemplifies the notion that "there's a top for every pot."

Clifford's new name is "Red," and he lives on a farm in a rural area. His owner writes:
"The boy has settled in. He's living with four cats, happy, enjoys dog parties, and is mostly now ignoring strangers. We did good, and thank you and all of the folks there for their faith in him."

See a montage of Clifford's adoption!

Annie
Annie was adopted last year by a lovely woman who lives at a nearby retirement community. But because Annie's owner recently became hospitalized, Marilyn, an acquaintance of hers at the community offered to adopt this shy but heartwarming feline. JAC volunteers recently helped move Annie to Marilyn's apartment.

Once Annie was settled in, getting acquainted with the logistics of Marilyn's apartment (including the new location of her litterbox!), Marilyn told us:
"I feel somewhat relieved that we've gotten her into the house and that you people are here, and I'm grateful for it. And I'm sure she's going to be fine...Hello, Annie!" 

And thus began Annie's and Marilyn's new chapter together.

Precious
"I've attached 2 photos above. One to show you how Precious has already found the bay window that she can sprawl out on, or watch all the birds, squirrels and chipmunks in the back yard. (We've already moved the plant from the window just in case, because we know that house plants can be dangerous for pets). The other photo shows you how my mom has already gotten Precious up on her lap for a combing. 

I don't have a picture of it yet but Precious has even gotten up on the sofa in my Dad's lap, and made him very happy allowing him to pat her. Both my parents think she's beautiful, and I know they will all bring joy to each other. Hope you like the photos and I'll keep you posted from time to time with additional photos. Thank you again."

Christine L.

Pearl
"We just thought we would let you know that our beloved Pearl passed away during the night. I don't know if you remember her, you guys knew her as 'Angel' 12-1/2 years ago. We just wanted to thank you for investing so much time in Pearl to make her adoptable so long ago. She was one of, if not the best dog we ever had. 

She loved people, kids and was always super friendly, giving kisses all over to anyone who petted her. For one year about 10 years ago, she was even a pet therapy dog. Once a week, I would take her to a nursing home where she made alot of people smile. 

She had a rough beginning before you guys took her in and she had a wonderful life with us. She went on lots of vacations, always went for rides in the car, got lots of love and attention and tons of treats. We loved her very much and will miss her terribly. The only good thing out of this is that another dog from a shelter will get a good home with us, I think Pearl could appreciate that." 

Judy and Bob G.
Rensselaerville, N.Y.

Frosty

It's never easy for an animal to adjust to life in a cage, and it must be doubly hard when that life is forced upon him or her once again after an extended adoption period. As rescuers, we're overwhelmed with bittersweetness when one of our animals is returned. But as difficult as it is for us, we can only imagine how the animal must be sorting through the loss of his pack, familiar surroundings, and routine.

Frosty is a pitbull that was adopted by a rock musician who returned him a year later because of his busy schedule. This exhuberant and strikingly beautiful Amstaff mix had difficulty adjusting to being confined once again, and he often bloodied himself scaling the runs and thrashing his tail against the sides of his kennel.

Today Frosty lives with his new owner, Chad, a builder who has other dogs and a large property for them to play on. Faithful as only an Amstaff can be, he bears the new name Mr. McGoo, and he sits by Chad in his truck each day as they travel from job to job. The rockstar life way behind him, today McGoo is living his own glamorous life in the fast lane!

September, 2004 Update
McGoo is shown here wearing Armondo Barkmani. He's decked for his role as the ring bearer at Chad's wedding, but he typically prefers more casual attire.

Spirit
Our thanks to wildlife rehabilitator and friend of JAC, Judith, who has taken another baby Sparrow under her wing. Spirit fell from his nest and was nearly swept down a storm drain before being rescued by a JAC volunteer.

Judith will now hand feed Spirit for the the next two weeks--around the clock--until he (or she) is ready to be released back into the wilds of Livingston, NJ. and beyond. JAC is lucky to know this dedicated animal lover!

Matches
"Hello Family and Friends. On Monday morning when I checked my E-mail at my office computer at Essex County College, I found a letter that was forwarded from a dear friend, Claudette. Claudette knew of the recent loss of my beloved Chance and Frisky, and how lonely Liberty was. Claudette had received a letter from a woman who was looking for a home for her late mother's dog. The letter told of a dog named 'Matches' who since late December had been living alone, and whose only contact with a person was when he was fed. 

As I read the letter, tears fell from my eyes. I knew too well how the dog felt from seeing Liberty so sad, not understanding either why her companions were no longer around. After reading the letter I immediately contacted Wincey and told her of my loss and my dog's loneliness. I asked her could Liberty and I please meet "Matches" and see if he could join our family. 

That afternoon at 4:30,Wincey, her son and "Matches" came to my home. We watched Liberty and Matches begin to get to know each other. Both dogs took to each other right away, and Matches and I began to bond. Wincey, her son and I were so overjoyed and so thankful to God that he brought us together. I also was told how Matches was at the pet adoption site here in Maplewood on Sunday afternoon. I had planned on going but didn't because I was a little tired when I got home from church. 

I want to thank you all for your letters and keeping Liberty and I in your prayers when you learned of the passing of Chance and Frisky. For the last 3 weeks I prayed that God would send me another companion when the time was right. Not only did he answer my prayers, he also answered Wincey's prayers for Matches. My friend Ron met Matches on Tuesday night and he too was thrilled! It was great watching Ron, Liberty and Matches running in the yard as he had done with Frisky, Chance and Liberty."

With deepest appreciation,
Liberty and Ricky
New Jersey

Zeus
"Happy New Year to you and the staff, and any animals waiting for a new home. I thought I would send you a couple of pictures of Zeus, since it was his birthday yesterday and he is celebrating a full year here with us in Seneca Castle. 

He has been simply wonderful. Everyone he meets comments on what a nice dog he is, and he has even changed some people's opinions about pitbulls and their stereotyped ferocity and viciousness. He has travelled with me to 14 different states so far and left his mark on every single one. 

Once again, thank you and the staff for rescuing and caring for the homeless and abandoned pits. I wish I could adopt more of the sheltered pits but until I finish school my hands are tied. When I finish though, look out, I'll be looking for a couple more. Take care."

Joe M.
Rochester, NY

Spud
Three cheers to the wonderful folks at South Orange Animal Hospital, who were instrumental in Spud's happy ending. Although this puppy had been abandoned at the Hospital with a broken leg, his joyful spirit remained undiminished. Soon everyone who met him became determined to give him a new and better life.

Because the hospital staff couldn't treat Spud or place him without legal ownership, they prepared the necessary paperwork and visited the owners on several occasions for their signatures. Then, once Spud got back on all four of his feet, the staff posted signs and worked with JAC's Catherine Delett to prepare Spud's page. Efforts paid off, because Spud soon found his new family, Emily and Connor (see picture). These days Spud is very mischevious and happy at his new home. He likes to run between the shower curtain and liner when someone's showering, and eventually he jumps in! He's really a clown, and his new owners love him.

Spud's happy ending video was adapted for use as a television Public Service Announcement. Click on the links below to watch the commercial, which is currently airing on SOMAcom Television in South Orange, Maplewood, and surrounding New Jersey townships, and on WWAC TV in Atlantic City. (Requires Quicktime Player. If the video doesn't play, please install the latest player. If this doesn't solve the problem, please contact us and tell us what type of system you are running so that we can help you to correct the problem).

	High-Quality Video   (Best for a fast internet connection, File size = 7.5 MG)
	Low-Quality Video   (Best for a slow internet connection, File size = 1.2 MG)
Video Credits Camera/Producer: Maureen Schultz Avid Editor/Producer: Steven Mark Weintraub  Music: Mike Freedman  Writers: Anna Fand, Ruth Perlmutter, Maureen Schultz, Steven Mark Weintraub  Post Production Facilities: Beverly Films Thanks to the staff of South Orange Animal Hospital, South Orange, NJ.

Emily
"This note is LONG overdue. Four years ago I was working with someone who did volunteer work at Jersey Animal Coalition. She knew I was a dog lover because I mentioned it many times -- even though I had not had a dog in many years. She encouraged me to come to an adoption day that was coming up within a few weeks. I agreed to go 'just to look.' Well, you know the rest. I found 'Emily.' They told me they found her walking the streets of NYC without a collar. She was a 6-month old Chocolate Lab-Pointer mix.

I was unsure, at first, if I could handle the responsibility. Being single and working all day may not be fair to the dog. The people at Jersey Animal Coalition said I could 'foster' Emily for 30-days. If it did not work out - I could return her. Well, 30 days turned into 60 - and 60 turned into 90.......you know the rest. Four years later she is sitting on the floor next to me as I type this letter -- chewing on her favorite rubber bone.

I have not mentioned the most important thing of all. When I adopted Emily, my mother had just tuned 80. Like many people her age, she was living alone, had her share of medical problems, was lonely and at times depressed. Even though I was the one who wanted this dog, in the back of my mind I thought 'this might help Mom.' Well, I was right. Every morning, on my way to catch the New York train, I drop Emily off at my mother's house. It has changed her life. This dog means more to her than anything. She just loves it. A few weeks ago she said something remarkable: 'Emily is an angel.' I asked what she meant. She said 'she is a gift from God.'"

Peter N.
Chatham, NJ

Leroy
In the November 3, 2002 issue of Sunday Star Ledger, Joan Lowell Smith published a letter she'd received from Thelma Riemer, the happy new owner of a JAC dog named Leroy. Leroy is a beautiful Bichon who has "done wonders" for Thelma, a senior citizen who lives in our area. Read her letter.

Mellow
One of our volunteers was walking along a street and saw what appeared to be a motionless pile of somethng grey and fluffy. As she approached it, she realized it was a cat- a big, beautiful pearl grey Persian! His fur was badly matted and he was very upset. It turned out that he had every reason to be so.

When she rushed him to us, with our vet, we discovered that he had only one eye and that the other was clouded over with a cataract. His ears were badly scarred from previous infections. He appeared to be a very old cat. As if this weren't enough, he was declawed! The person who had abandoned him in this sorry state called the Animal Control Officer and told him the cat was no longer wanted, and we could do anything we wanted with him. Of course, no name was left.

Once he was examined and received his shots, we realized he was totally blind. He would try desperately to "claw" his way out of the wrong side of his cage. He only stopped crying when we held and stroked him - only then did he seem content. We named him Mellow.

One day a call came in from a woman in Maryland. She had seen him on our webpage, was touched by his story and wanted to see him. It was a match made in Heaven. Mellow turned out to be only 7 or 8 years old. He had no trouble in locating and using his litter pan. He is now living in the lap of luxury (his new mistress's lap!), and even has a special little orthodpedic bed to use when he chooses.

The only sad part of this story is that until this time, he had to live a life of pain and neglect. But now that he is being showered with the love and care he never knew, he is making up for lost time! If ever there was a Happy Ending to Mellow's Sad Beginning, this was it!

Enjoy these Holiday Greetings from Mellow's Owner
"Hope your holidays were as great as mine. It's now a New Year and each one goes by faster and faster. Mel went to visit Santa this year and I'm sending you the pictures. I hope they don't take too long to download onto your computer. I'm sending 5 pictures, let me know if you have problems opening any of them. My favorite is Mel riding in the car. He's such a joy to have and has brought so much happiness. Say Hello to Ruth for me and wishes to you all for a great New Year."

Earlene 
Maryland

Scout
Scout was abandoned as a mere baby - only 5 months old - and had only days to live when our volunteers rescued him. He was just a bag of bones but his sweet and loving personality shone through. Although he was clearly traumatized by his sad life so far - he was terrified of cars and seemed to never have been inside a house - he somehow didn't lose his trusting nature.

Lucky Scout, his story ends happily! His serious face and cuddley nature captured the heart of his adoptors. His new family has given him more love than he could have ever hoped for, along with a soft bed, a "big brother", and a fenced in yard. Does life get any better?

Mack
Mack came to the JAC as a stray. He was a skinny, malnourished dog, probably due to a rough life on the streets, where he, most likely, had to fight for every meal. His coat was dull from too many nights spent in alley-ways, as well as from an obviously poor diet. This sad physical state for such a young dog was clearly unbefitting to both his German Shepherd Dog and Rottweiller ancestry and needed immediate redress.

But, this sad beginning has a happy ending! Since his fostering (and subsequent adoption) Mack has been fed a diet of green, leafy vegetables, organic chicken and beef, vitamin supplements (and the occasional hot dog. Shhhh, don't tell mommy!). His coat glistens, eyes shine and his frame is beginning to fill out with muscle mass.

Because his new brother's name is Max, Mack was renamed Murphy. Murphy loves his new home, enclosed back yard and, especially, his new brother, Max. Murphy and Max play together every day and then sleep for hours on end. Truly a happy ending for such a wonderful dog!

Fella
As nighttime approached and horns blared, an exhausted bedraggled dog limped slowly down the center of the highway. Dragging a heavy chain and padlock that were heavier than he was, the shepherd mix was clearly in pain.

A kindhearted man rescued the dazed animal and brought him to Jersey Animal Coalition. Volunteers there named him “Fella”, and used a special metal cutter to remove the chain from his bruised neck. Fella was hesitant to trust anyone, and offered no response to the attention heaped upon him.

After months of loving care, JAC volunteers were finally rewarded with a kiss and a wagging tail! Fella had finally realized that no harm would come to him ever again, and that he could love and be loved in return.

Fella didn’t know it, but luck was with him that long ago night on the highway. If his rescuer had brought him to almost any other place, he surely would have been euthanized, but Jersey Animal Coalition never gave up on him. Instead, he received all the time and understanding he needed in order to regain his spirit. Eventually, JAC helped Fella find an adopted family, and today he is a happy, healthy dog, who bears no resemblance to the sad, abandoned animal he once was.

Lucky
The minutes were ticking away before this beautiful silky young dog was to lose his life in a nearby pound. No one knows the circumstances under which he was left there. He was neutered and well behaved , with pale translucent eyes that spoke of many sorrows he had seen. A volunteer noticed him, and feeling he was special, took him home and called us. Of course we took him in and boarded him so he could be checked out, medically treated and then be adopted He was promptly named Lucky, because he certainly was!

Lucky seemed a lot older than the vet said he was, because he acted very tired and sluggish. One day a man came in and happened to see him. He said, That dog is a Border Collie! They are the smartest of all the purebreds, and if they don't work, they get very depressed!?

Well, we went to work and solved that problem very quickly! Lucky is now "Rocky", and has a real job with benefits too! He now chases the geese off the golf course at an upper scale golf club in Westchester County!

There's the famous question of "How many dogs does it take to change a light bulb?" The Border collie says, "Only one, and I will bring the wiring up to code while I'm at it." Maybe that dog was our Lucky!

Sandy
A little taffy colored terrier was found by the police tied to a tree. She was flea ridden, thin and terrified. The thundering sounds of heavy traffic and the passersby who ignored her plight left her trembling and cowering under that tree. She had lost much of her fur from all the fleas that were biting her, and her ears were painfully infected.

She was brought to us, and treatment was begun right away. Once she realized that no more harm would come to her, her delightful, affectionate and beguiling personality became evident. She was the most endearing little girl we'd seen in a long time!

The short times she was let out of her small cage at the vet's we could see that this sweet, bubbling, mischievous and entertaining terrier wanted to play, but did not know how! We also learned that she did not know how to go up and down stairs! Where on earth did this angel come from? Perhaps whoever threw her away did not have smiles or a sense of humor?

During this time a delightful couple came by looking for a pedigreed purebred terrier. Often purebreds come to us, but this time we had none. So we brought out Sandy who immediately decided that these people were for her, and proceeded to beguile them! The feeling was mutual - it was love at first sight!

Each day, Sandy surprises and fascinates her new family. They are both discovering each other, and if her family had not adopted a mixed breed they wouldn't be having all this fun! After all, a mixed breed is unique. Each is one of a kind. Her family wouldn't exchange Sandy for all the purebreds in the world!

This is truly a story of a Sad Beginning and a Happy Ending! Sandy has learned to play, and has enough toys to open up her own toy store! She goes down the stairs just fine but needs a little more practice going up. She has all the love and security her little heart ever desired - and no more fleas!

Lovey
The story of "Lovey" began very sadly. This small Shepherd Mix was found wandering the streets looking for food and shelter. She was a very pretty little girl, with one brown and one blue eye. But she had one thing more... a hole in her face!

Her eye was suspended above this hole, and from it tears flowed as if she were perpetually crying. No doctor could figure out the cause of this mysterious hole that wouldn't heal. "Lovey" literally had half a face. We were advised to "put her to sleep".

We couldn't do that without knowing what this hole was, and why it wouldn't heal. With money from our Beauty Fund for Special Medical Care, we took her to a far-away specialist who found, after many tests, that she had an especially vicious infection of the bones of the skull. She was operated on and her face was sewn up.

After many weeks of treatment and repeated visits she was pronounced "cured". Lovey now not only has a beautiful new face, but a beautiful new family with whom she is living the good life in Arizona! Now, isn't that a Happy Ending?