Moncton SPCA - Adoption Success Stories

Adoption Success Stories

Got a success story and want to tell everyone how much you love the pet you adopted from the Moncton SPCA? Please e-mail a photo and a short write-up. The Moncton SPCA reserves the right to edit copy submitted for length, style, grammar and content.

Zidane

We just wanted to share Zidane's wonderful story. When we first adopted Zidane in August 2009, he was just a young two-month-old kitten.

Initially known as Halo, we almost couldn't take him home that day. This was heartbreaking, since we instantly fell in love with the limp ball of fur when we held him for the first time. Eventually, we were able to take him home that day!

After some brief paperwork, the newly named Zidane joined us for the long car ride to Fredericton where he would meet his Fredericton-adopted brother, Link. Surprisingly, Zidane loved riding in the car and would simply look out the window, getting excited with each passing car. Upon arriving home, it only took Zidane a week to become the best of friends with Link.

Humphrey

We adopted our dog Humphrey four years ago from the Moncton SPCA. When we got him, he was pretty hard on the eyes -- really skinny and beat up, but some years later his wounds healed. He has gained maybe a little too much weight, but over all he is healthy and happy. He was once shy and timid, however now he enjoys the company of everyone who comes by (as long as they offer up belly rubs or treats). He also loves meeting the other neighbourhood dogs and playing (or as they may think pestering) his three feline siblings. Humphrey is pretty spoiled. He has two sofas that are exclusively his, a variety of treats and more toys than he can shake a paw at. Humphrey enjoys long walks, digging holes in the back yard and car rides. - Stephanie Briggs

Mindy

I was eight when my mother announced she and my father had a suprise in store for us. My younger brother was about five. We had no clue what this suprise actually was. He thought it was going to a park, and I thought it may have been going to a movie or something along those lines. But the minute we pulled in to the Moncton SPCA parking lot, I knew it was much better then both those things. Jeremy was much too young to read the sign, but i knew that we where gettiing a puppy. My father went in, returning moments later with a beautiful black, white, and brown terrier mix. I jumped up and grabbed her leash. He told us her name was mindy and that we where only taking her for a walk.

Ginger

We first started volunteering at the Moncton SPCA last summer and usually went every week or a couple of times a week and took different dogs on walks until we met Ginger. She was not taken frequently for walks like some of the other dogs, most likely due to her agressiveness behaviour toward cars, cats and dogs.

We loved spending time with Ginger. Behind her nervousness, she has a sweet character, a fast learner and a desire to please. The day after my landlord approved the adoption, we went to the Moncton SPCA, gave Ginger a bath and took her home.

Havanah

Since my boyfriend and I moved in together, we had thought about getting a dog. We didn't exactly plan out the type of dog or when we would get one. We were simply waiting for the right opportunity and for the right dog to come into our lives.

One night, I was scrolling through the Moncton SPCA website and came across a pitbull mix who was six months old. I remember staring at her picture all night and, although I had not shown her to my boyfriend yet, I knew that she would be coming home with us. Sure enough, the next day my boyfriend and I went to see her at the Moncton SPCA. She was everything we had been waiting for and absolutely perfect. We brought her home that day and on the way home we stopped to visit our family in order to show off our new addition. She was a spoiled princess right from the beginning. Her first night with us she was able to sleep with her new mom and dad in their bedroom. She was a little timid at first, as we assume that she had a rough past, but after unconditional love and attention she made herself right at home.

Grissom

My boyfriend and I moved in together for the first time after buying a house back in December 2003. He had always had cats as pets while I (although having various pets such as rabbits and a dove) never had. We wanted to bring one of the barn cats home but couldn't at the time so I started cruising the Times & Transcripts looking at the "Pet of the Day" section. In February 2004, the Pet of the Day featured was Buster, a two-year-old old brown and black short-haired tabby that was brought in as a stray.

Despite the black-and-white picture, something about him caught our attention. We called the next day and found that Buster was still available for adoption. We made our way to the Moncton SPCA on February 13 to be introduced to Buster. Typical of a cat, he only dignified getting up from his kitty bed to have a snack, and when we brought him to the play room to get better acquainted, he promptly holed himself up in the cat tower and refused to come out! Only after shaking a treat box did we manage to coax him from his hiding place. Not the best first impression, but he was such a beautiful cat that we decided to bring him home anyway, where (after a few days debate) he was christened as Grissom.

Quincy

In August 2005, we had just lost our first Rottie and we were devastated. About three months later, we were at the Moncton SPCA to donate some straw for their smaller critters and decided to take a walk through their outdoor kennels... just to see. There, we saw a 10-month-old Rottie named Tiny (now Quincy). I looked at him and he jumped up on the cage and started crying. I started to cry and knew this boy had to come home with us.

Today, I can't imagine life without our Quincy. He made himself right at home (as you can see from his photo). He also fit right in with our other Rottie, Piper, and fell right in to line under the watchful eye of our Yorkie, Brianna. All our big boys had the utmost

Jessie

We wanted to share our wonderful adoption experience with you and hope that you will share this story on your website so that others can see how great an experience adopting a friend from the Moncton SPCA can be.

My wife and I were on vacation the week we visited the Moncton SPCA. Having said a painful good-bye to our oldest dog, Mackenzie, just before Christmas, we were not looking to get another dog just yet. Cleo, our black, lab was coping well being the only hound in the house.

But my wife suggested we visit the Moncton SPCA and walk a dog or two, so after clearly expressing that this was a walking trip only, we headed over. We strolled by

Pepper

My daughter and I decided to get a dog from the Moncton SPCA in October 2009. We had looked at several dogs already when my daughter saw this beautiful Siberian husky named Pepper. I was not looking for a big dog that shedded, but my daughter wanted to see her anyway. She figured that she would take her out to play even if it was not the type of dog I wanted. When we met her, she was the greatest dog in the world. She was cuddly and not full of intense energy. We visited her for about a month before we brought her home with us. She took to the transition great and is a big member of our family. She is adored greatly and loves the couch/bed. She is very well known in the neighbourhood for being such a passive, beautifully striking dog. We could not imagine our lives without her. It was the best choice my daughter ever made. - Stephanie Gregory

Hoodie

I'd gone to the Moncton SPCA one day just to look around and fell completely in love with Hoodie, an 11-year-old yellow lab mix.

Hoodie has ended up being an amazing fit for our family. He enjoys going for our daily walks with us and really loves our other dog, a miniature schnauzer named Asia. We've only had Hoodie as part of our family for about two months, now, but it feels like he's been with us forever! Our entire family, i.e. aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, all fell in love with Hoodie from the first time they had laid eyes on him.

Hoodie and I take weekly trips to the local nursing homes. The residents just love him -- and I think he feels the same way about them! He makes their faces light up the moment they see him! He may be an older dog, but he's perfect! - Alyson Kitchen and Family.

Sasha and Oreo

Just a quick note to thank the Moncton SPCA for the two wonderful dogs my sister and I adopted. They are both great dogs. I adopted Sasha (the beige spaniel mix) in November 2008, while my sister adopted Oreo (formerly known as Winston at the shelter) in May 2009.

My sister and I live a couple of blocks away from each other and Sasha and Oreo have become best buddies. They go for walks together almost every day and both have adjusted very well to their homes with us. I still find it hard to believe that they were brought to the Moncton SPCA as strays and that no one came looking for them.

Spirit

We adopted Spirit (formerly Dexter at the shelter) on December 21, 2008. He's a very good cat and even comes with us for family walks. We just had triplets and he's very good with babies. He sleeps in the nursery and watches over them. Thank you for a wonderful cat! - Marie Josée and Daniel Mallet

Kaleb

I adopted Kaleb in April 2009. As soon as he got home, he fit right in and made himself comfortable. He has made lots of doggie friends, including my other dog Pepper. Kaleb is a happy boy who loves to nap on the couch or in the sunshine. When he isn't napping, he also enjoys his walks or playing in the park. Adopting Kaleb was one of the best choices I could have made! - Shauna Michelle Richards

Buttons

In June 2009, we came to own our first rabbit named Moushqui. He is a four-year-old mini rex. We never thought we would own one rabbit, let alone two, but after we got the first one I did research that said they live a happier longer life if they have a companion. So, after he was healed from being neutered, I went to the SPCA to look for a friend for him.

There I saw Buttons. She is a one-year-old Dutch rabbit and as soft as velvet. She was so cute and so social I was hoping they would get along. Well, no need to worry at all! They hit it right off and while we took our time introducing them, it was only a matter of days until they were sharing the rabbit condo. Moushqui lets her eat first, use his litter box (even though she had one of her own), and he cleans her all the time.

Katie Kat

After 18 years, our cat Cindy became sick and passed away. After saying that we wouldn't have another cat because we couldn't go through the grief again, the quiet and loneliness of a "catless" house changed our minds.

After looking at cats on the Moncton SPCA website, one lady caught our eye -- Count (now known as Katie Kat). On Friday, September 25, 2009, we decided to go and visit Katie. We still had some hesitation about what we were doing. When we arrived at Katie's kennel, she seemed reserved, but with a little coaxing, she came to the front and checked us out. She was a real beauty -- with her golden eyes and long white whiskers. A very nice and helpful volunteer (sorry we didn't get your name) let us hold her.

Neeko

In March 2002, we visited the Moncton SPCA to find a dog. Neeko won our hearts. He had been in the shelter since January that year. Since coming to live with us, he has been on numerous trips. We were told he didnt like cars... but that was then. Now, he goes everywhere! We spoil him rotten! He spends his days looking for squirrels in our yard. He gets lots of love from his six family members and his Poppy walks him most days. He shares his home with cats and keeps a watchful eye on them. He is the best dog ever! - The Hasselman Family

Sooty

Sooty became our most recent furry flatmate shortly after our first visit to the Moncton SPCA. We'd had already adopted three others from the Bathurst SPCA and decided that making it an even number with one of Moncton's natives was just the right way to complete our "fur"mily. We really had no size or shape or colour in mind when we went in -- it's more fun to be surprised -- but all we saw plastered on the walls were photos of Sooty, a hulking black cat, and his serene lady friend, Amber. Not wanting to be swayed immediately by the handsome bugger and the fact that he'd been there so

Keesha

In October 2006, I had just relocated to Moncton and decided that it was a good time to share my life (and home) with a pet. I went to the Moncton SPCA with a very specific pet in mind... I was hoping to adopt an orange-coloured cat. As I walked through the cat area, I noticed one in particular who was curled up in her cat hammock and seemed rather anti-social. She was a beautiful Siamese named Keesha. Although she was hesitant when we took her out of her cage, she quickly warmed up to me and we have been "best friends" ever since. Keesha is a very special lady with a distinctive and demanding personality, but we seem to get along very well. A big thanks to the Moncton SPCA! - Tina Smith

Beans and Zakura

I had gone to the Moncton SPCA to drop off towels and blankets that I no longer needed. I had no intention of adopting a pet, but that was before I saw Damien and Venus, two Siamese cats. I had grown up with Siamese cats and adored them. They were brother and sister and had been at the SPCA for a long time. They certainly caught my eye. Beans (then called Damien) was very affectionate and vocal. Zakura (then called Venus) was shy and hid in the cat house most of the time. After a couple of days, they arrived at the house. I was told that Venus may be shy and hide for several days. She didn't. They both took to their new home quickly and are fantastic company. I hope that more people start adopting, donating and volunteering at the Moncton SPCA. - Nancy Clark

Jake

When I visited the Moncton SPCA website to see the puppies online, I was amazed to see the dog I had always longed for -- a miniature American Eskimo named Sammy! Thinking it was too good to be true, I dashed to the SPCA to meet him. Energetic and curious, all he really wanted was some love and attention. Sammy, now known as “Jake”, has been the most incredible addition to our family. He is so friendly, doesn't bark and goes absolutely everywhere with us... even in the pool!! He is our best friend and brings us so much happiness. A big thank-you to the staff at the Moncton SPCA for all your hard work, love and devotion. You are incredibly special people. - Sam and Rob

Ralph

I remember walking into the Moncton SPCA not knowing what to expect -- just knowing that I wanted a companion to spend my time with, to love and care for. Then I saw Fuzzball, now named Ralph. Ralph was in rough shape. Shy at first, very unsure and nervous for the first weeks of his life with me, Ralph soon turned out to be the comedy act of the household. Loving and loyal, with more personality than I could have asked for, I definitley found a life-long friend in Ralph. - Holly Steeves

Max

This is just a quick little story to say that -- in 2001 -- my family went to the Moncton SPCA to adopt a dog. We found a family of five little mixed-breed husky/golden retrievers. We took the puppies up to the family room to play with them. My twins were eight years old at the time and my oldest was 11. We finally decided to adopt Max. He seemed to get along the best with us. We immediately feel in love with him. Max is eight years old now, and he is the smartest and best dog ever. He sill loves going for walks with the kids and loves playing, as well! We are all so fortunate to have found Max and rescued him. He's been an amazing part of our family and hopefully will be for a long time yet. - The Burrell Family (Darlene, Lee and girls)

Kalika

Just wanted to send you a few pictures of Kalika, adopted from the Moncton SPCA on July 3, 2009. Although she's only been with us for a short time, it feels like we've had her forever. When we first visited the SPCA to find a cat, she was asleep in her kennel and wouldn't even look up when we called her. We went back a second time and she came right over. We took her out to the cat room to see how she would respond to us, and she fell asleep in my arms. We took her home two days later. She has four other kitty siblings and two doggy siblings, and we can't imagine our lives without her. Thank you so much for all that you do. - Michelle and Robbie Burns

Wanda and Theo

When I moved in my first apartment in 2003, being away from the family and all, I thought I would adopt a kitty to keep me company. I was reading the Moncton Times & Transcript one morning and saw Wanda (black and white, pictured left). She looked so sad! I just had to go get her! It took her a week to get used to her new home. I got Theo (calico, pictured right) last summer. She had been hit by a car. Her jaw was broken and had to be wired shut. Her pelvis was also broken. I would like to thank whoever picked her up and decided to let her live! She is the most playful and lovable cat ever!! Thanks to all of you for taking such good care of her!!! Now Wanda and Theo are best friends! - Katie Landry

Miss Mallory Marigold

Just a note to let you all at the Moncton SPCA know that Miss (Mallory) Marigold (adopted in the spring of 2009) is ruling her new household -- and us in it -- like a queen... a charming, benevolent queen who's firmly in charge.

We're surprised at how playful she turned out to be at the age of three, chasing after her favourite fake mice (in five different colours) for 15 minutes at a time before picking a favourite spot to rest in the sunshine to have a nap; or playing statue in the window while watching what goes on in the street.

She's among the most social cats we've ever had and follows us from room to room, reclining on our lap when at the computer or reading, watching TV on the sofa with us, or watching the bedroom TV until it's time to go to sleep in the evening. She doesn't even object when we pick her up and deposit her behind the closed door in her own little room with pillow perch in

Penny

Normally, it takes a few months, at least, to be able to write a success story, but in Penny's case it was instant success.

We wanted another cat for our Tiggy (see success story below in his Halloween costume), so after many trips to the Moncton SPCA looking for what we thought would be a good match for our boy, we chose a female, Penny (she is the black cat in the photo).

Penny had been in foster care at Mount Allison's Animal House for a time. I just now had to look back to the adoption papers because I couldn't believe Penny only came to live with us on May 11, 2009 and it is now only June 8, 2009. It seems so much longer, because she settled in effortlessly and it seems she has always been a part of our family. We kept her in our bedroom for the first few days to make sure she didn't overexert herself after her surgery. During those days, however, I carried Tiggy into the bedroom and just let them look at each other every couple of hours or so. Penny didn't seem to mind one bit. She seemed to like to see another cat in the house and Tiggy was very fascinated with her. He is extremely easy-going and not at all territorial.

Sophie

Sophie came into our lives in the summer of 2005. We were in the process of purchasing a house in the country and decided that the pitter patter of little paws would make our new home complete.

We visited the Moncton SPCA and spent some time meeting all the wonderful dogs there. During our visit, a 3.5-year-old medium-sized shepherd mix caught my attention. One look into those soulful brown eyes and I was convinced she was our dog. We took her for a walk and played in the bark park. With a heavy heart, we put her back in her cage and filled out the adoption papers. We were only moving two weeks later and could not take a dog until then. We visited her twice more during those two weeks and hoped that she would still be available when we were ready. Thankfully, she was still there when we returned to pick her up. We took her home on moving day: July 28, 2005.

Felix

On March 17, 2008, we lost our cat Max to cancer. It was horrible. He had been my husband's cat. I'd only known him a year, but it was sudden. My cat Boots was lost. I had said that when these two were gone, we wouldn't get another cat but little did I know we'd lose one so soon.

Boots roamed room-to-room for two weeks. He thrived on attention as it was, but this was even worse. I couldn't stand it. I couldn't stand him being so lonesome -- every day roaming the apartment looking for his little buddy.

On March 31, 2008, my husband and I took a trip to the Moncton SPCA. We looked at a couple of cats. My husband saw Felix hunched wa-a-a-a-y in the back of his cage. He was not a happy boy. He'd been there for two months and hated it.

Jasper

When I met my boyfriend Joe, I had already had it in my heart that my life needed a dog. In January 2009, when Joe told me not to get too excited, but that he wanted to get a dog, I was ecstatic (to say the least). We decided to start searching the Moncton SPCA website (well more or less Joe because technically it was going to be his dog). He saw a couple that he was interested in, so on a Sunday morning in January 2009, we decided just to go see. When we got there we saw the puppies from the website, but we weren’t sure.

I decided to look at the other kennels. Then we stopped at Jasper’s cage (then "Tippy"), a shepherd/terrier mix. He was so quiet and seemed so sad. I bent down to touch him and he put his paw on my hand. My heart just melted. My friend who had previously adopted her dog from the SPCA always told me that I would know when I met the right dog. And I knew. I just had to convince Joe. We brought "Tippy" for a walk and played with him in the playroom for about a 1.5 hours. We just knew right then he was the one. While Joe was filling out the adoption request, Jasper just stood at our feet and cuddled to us.

Cindy

I met Cindy (then "Sable") while volunteering at the SPCA in November 2008, walking and playing with the dogs. I returned and spent time with her a few more times, not thinking at all that I was going to adopt an animal. We already had Jenny, who was in the late stages of her life and was not doing well. Spending time with Cindy and the other shelter dogs was my escape from the sometimes difficult times we face with a senior dog.

Jenny's story is below and her wonderful life came to an end on December 5, 2008. My husband and I are nearing retirement and had decided that when Jenny passed away, we would not get another dog. I guess I talked about Cindy a fair amount and how I was working with her on different "issues" and "challenges" because a short time after we said good-bye to Jenny, Dave wanted to go out to see Cindy. Our house was just too empty without a canine friend. Dave's first meeting with Cindy went pretty well, but she sure wanted to be on the other side of that door with her best friend April! After walking her and spending a bit of time alone with her, we decided we wanted to bring Cindy home and give her a chance at "the good life". We waited for the adoption process to be approved and, finally, Cindy came to her new home.

Maddy

I had begged my parents for a dog for a very long time. Finally, after a long talk, they gave in and we went to the Moncton SPCA in November 2001. There were a lot of dogs that we were interested in, but there was one terrier mix dog that we fell in love with. A seven-month-old terrier mix named Maddy was looking at us very excitedly. Her brown and blue eyes brightened our life immediately. We filled out an application and got to bring her home the very next day! Maddy is now seven years old and, as lazy as she is, is greatly loved and spoiled all through our home. We are very happy about our adoption from the Moncton SPCA and encourage everyone to adopt from this wonderful place! - Katie Dunnett

Tiggy

The last of my matching black and tan tabbies (brother and sister) died December 30, 2004, and my life was never the same again. No one, or nothing, could fill the empty void that I felt. All I had left were Bandit’s ashes, which were the greatest comfort to me and still are. But I just couldn’t stop grieving for him and his sister.

In April 2007, I had seen "Tigger" on the Moncton SPCA website and had written down a few names of cats to take a look at. That day, I took him up to the cat room to visit with him and I knew that day that I just loved him because he had so much personality. That Saturday, I brought my fiancé, who lives in Halifax, in to meet Tiggy. We took him up to the cat room to play with him and my fiancé really liked him, too. I didn’t want to rush into anything. I wanted to be sure, so I went home to think about it, but by the first of the week I went back to fill out the papers and the rest is history, as they say.

Sarah

What a wonderful experience we have had sicne we adopted Miss Sarah from the Moncton SPCA on November 2, 2008. My new husband and I had been married three whole weeks when we decided to go "visit" the Moncton SPCA on a Saturday afternoon. Although we already had Keyla, a corgi/lab mix, who is six years old, and Monty the cat, who is 10, we had been saying for awhile that we wanted a "sibling" for Keyla.

When we arrived, my goodness but there was quite a cacophony of 60+ dogs looking for our attention. All barking, and jumping and so excited to see people. But, then there was this darling little girl just sitting politely looking at us from her kennel. Such a dignified older girl! Andre went straight to her and said, "That one!"

Winter

Winter was at the Moncton SPCA for almost 11 months and had been there the longest when I adopted her. She's been with us for seven months now and is doing really well.

I'm glad that I could bring her home. I see the appreciation in her eyes every time she sneaks onto the sofa.

Click here for a letter from Winter. Click here for some photos of Winter in her new home. - Penny Humby

Max

We adopted our first cat Chanel in January 2006 from a woman who had two litters in her house. When arriving there, we noticed that it wasn't a good place to have any animals, or even people, living there. So as we got out of our car, I told my boyfriend, “If there is a cat in there we are taking it, whatever it looks like.” So as we came in she gave us this cat and described it as “not so pretty, but will do.” So I took her right away and left as soon as possible. When I brought her to the vet, she obviously had fleas, so I got her fixed and flea-free.

The cat has since been the love of my life and spoiled like crazy. So I began thinking that she deserved a friend. So when one of my friends wanted to re-home her cat, I said, “Why not! This is my chance.” I thought my cat would love a friend since she loves her dog friends, but it was not so easy. The other cat, female and the same age, would not accept my cat and I was now scared for Chanel's life. Then the owner realized that she missed her cat badly and wanted her back.

Rose Mary

After an exhaustive search looking for the "right" companion for my wife and me, we found Rose Mary... or I should say, the staff at the Moncton SPCA found her for us.

We live in Halifax and had been searching our local shelters but hadn't come across any dogs that we knew was "the one". Our daughter had sent us a link to the Moncton SPCA website and we found a couple of dogs we were interested in seeing.

Before we took the drive to Moncton, we had called the Moncton SPCA to see if the dog we were interested in was still available. Unfortunately, he was pending adoption. However, they suggested that they had a dog named Rose Mary who sounded like a good fit for us based on our application.

Measha

We went to the Moncton SPCA 10 years ago looking for a kitten. After making several trips up and down the aisles between the cages looking at kittens and cats, we kept being drawn to one particular cage where a large white female cat with black patches sat on a shelf just staring at us quietly with her big golden eyes. After our fourth trip back to her cage, we gave in and forgot about a kitten. She was about four or five years old at the time and is now about 15 years old. We have been more than pleased with our adoption. Measha has been a perfect fit for our family. (We're sorry that we don't have a photo but hope you will be happy to hear another success story!) - Linda and Wallace Lemmon

Pisces

Pisces came to live with us back in August 2005. We had just recently lost our cat Starla due to a tumour and as much as I missed her, I wanted to open our home to a new cat who was in need of a loving home. So my sister and I went to the Moncton SPCA because I knew for sure that was where we were going to get our new family member from. I believe all animals deserve a second chance. I was looking for a cat specifically between the ages of six and nine years old because I know how hard it is for older cats to be adopted.

Sasha, Mason and Cash

One day in 2002, my boyfriend (now my husband) and I were visiting the Moncton SPCA to look at possibly adopting a cat. My Blue Point Siamese (Mason, previously adopted from the SPCA - pictured at right) had been put down at the age of 16 due to illness and I had said we would get another cat someday.

As we went from cat room to kitten room, something led us into another very quiet room that day, figuring since it was so quiet there must have been some kittens in there. We proceeded in. What we found was not a cat but this small black dog way in the back of her kennel alone in this room with only a name on the cage - Sasha. We visited for a minute and moved on to the cat room. Well, for whatever reason, we kept ending up back with Sasha. She was six months old and had just come into the SPCA and that was why she was in a kennel in a separate room by herself.

Corkee

Our family adopted Corkee from the Moncton SPCA in the spring of 1996. A Welsh Corgi mix, Corkee is a very important part of our family and very well loved. She was just a few months old, small and sickly the first time we saw her. She had been abandoned in a park. She was so sad and sickly that the SPCA requested we wait a whole week before we took her home. Once she arrived home, she just blossomed. She seemed to know instantly that we would love and protect her. In return, she gives us unconditional love and companionship. We love you, Corkee! - Diane Stirling

Daisy

Adopting a pet from the Moncton SPCA has been the most wonderful and rewarding experience for our family, especially for myself. I have been petrified of dogs all my life and never imagined having one. My daughter, on the other hand, has always loved dogs and has wanted one for a long time. She finally talked me into visiting the Moncton SPCA on July 8, 2008. I'll never forget that day because I remember how scared I was. We went to view the dogs who, of course, were barking and quite excited. I almost turned and ran - I was so scared! But then, I spotted her: this little white dog just sat there looking like it had just lost its best friend. I walked up to the cage and immediately she started giving me kisses. That was it! I was in love! For some strange reason, I wasn't the least bit afraid of this dog. I asked one of the volunteers if we could take her out to play. We stayed and played for most of the afternoon. I didn't want to leave and not take her home with me. We filled out the adoption papers

Annabelle

Hello everybody! My name is Annabelle! I was adopted by my Mom and Dad in February 2008. Since I moved into my new home, I've been spoiled rotten with love, attention and care. I'm not one to talk an awful lot, but would like to emphasize that cats like us, or any other critters, need a caring home to go to so we can live a long and healthy life. Instead of buying a new pet at a store, please come visit my friends at the Moncton SPCA. We'll love you for it!!! - Carmen Poirier and Marc Thibodeau

Annie

Annie: After Hi there! My name's Annie. My Mommy and Daddy adopted me from the Moncton SPCA on June 19, 2008, after I was brought in as a stray from Bouctouche. By the time I was brought to the SPCA, my long fur was very matted and quite uncomfortable for me. Thankfully, they were kind enough to rid me of all my matted fur and shaved me down in stages. In my adoption picture, I was quite funny-looking with my matted furry head and shaved body. I'm growing my fur back now and am starting to feel like myself again. Mom brushes me everyday, which I don't like a whole lot, but I tolerate it because I know she is only doing it to keep me from matting up again.

Jenny

Hi! My name is Jenny and I came to live with my new family in 2002. Today I am over 13 years old and I have to say these past six years have been the best of my life!

At first I was a bit scared because everything was new. I was even allowed to sleep in the house, right in the bedroom with my new masters! It was great! Then I discovered that I could pretty much go and do what I wanted, as long as my owners didn't mind. I was a bit older, so I wasn't tempted to run away or do anything crazy like chase cars. I was afraid of a lot of things, but my new owners encouraged me to be strong and brave. And though I still try to hide when it thunders, other things don't seem to be so bad anymore because of all the love I have in my life.

Finigan

After discussing it with my boyfriend, we decided it was time to adopt a furry friend, so we went to the SPCA to take a look at the cats. We filled out an application for a tabby cat but later found out that he was adopted. I was heartbroken but realized that there were still so many cats there without homes, so we went back to the SPCA to take a look. After seeing Finigan, I just knew he was the one. He was purring like crazy and rubbing up against the cage wanting us to pet him. Not many of the other cats seemed to show much interest in us that day. Immediately, I went to tell one of the staff members that he was the one I wanted to bring home. We were able to bring Finigan home with us that same day since we had already filled out an application. We have had him

Charlotte

We adopted our princess on September 28, 2007, from the Moncton SPCA. I was bugging my boyfriend for a cat for the longest time and he finally gave in around our second anniversary and agreed to get me a cat for the occasion. There was no doubt in my mind that I was going to adopt from the SPCA. I visited the shelter a couple of days before to check out the cats and knew what I was looking for. I wanted a black cat with short hair and green eyes. I knew it was fate when the first cat I saw matched that description. I fell in love immediately with my Charlotte (formerly "Jingles"). I took her in my arms and I knew that she was the one for me! I love her feisty personality and her big green eyes. We brought her to our house the next day and she immediately made herself at home. She loves to look out the window and relax on our bed during the day and wake us up at night if we forget the close our bedroom door. She is spoiled rotten and treated just like a real person,

Misty

We adopted our "little girl" from the Moncton SPCA in December 2005. Misty (was "Cashew") was brought to the shelter at 6.5 years old. She was somewhat troubled by her short stay at the shelter, but what a wonderful addition to our family she turned out to be! Not only is she incredibly intelligent but very loving and so well behaved. And it's just too cute when Misty lets you know when it's meal time or a needed "bathroom" break. She loves all the critters she meets (we have a 21.7-lb cat, too) and takes great joy in running with the big dogs (it's quite funny to watch her

Tigger

When my boyfriend and I decided to move into our own place, there was only one thing missing: a cat. So, we drove to the Moncton SPCA and went to pick up a feline friend. Once we got there, we met up with a little kitten named Bree and brought her in the playroom to interact with her. We played a bit with her and we thought she would be the perfect kitten for us! Once we had finished getting approved for adoption, we went to go pick her up and she had already been adopted by another family. We then decided to look again and remembered seeing a kitty named Tigger on the website a few days before, so we went to see him.

Scooter

In 2001, we went to the SPCA to find a kitten to be a companion for our other cat, Sam, as we had just lost a cat to a rare heart condition. We went looking at all the potential kitties and there was Scooter, peeking out at us from behind his litter box. It almost seemed like he was playing with us through the cage. We adopted him. Now, seven years later, he is doing great and enjoying the good life. We had been told that he and his mother (and siblings) had been abandoned in a parking lot the week before we adopted him. Scooter is probably the most intelligent cat we've ever seen. He is the leader of the pack (he lives with a dog and three other cats) and gets away with everything. Adopting Scooter was one of the best choices we've ever made and we enjoy him immensely. Thanks, SPCA! - Tim and Tawnia Lewis

Lucky

My girlfriend and I adopted an orange tabby cat named Tigger. Stacy had been looking for a cuddly cat to bring home so that our other cat would have someone to play with. Well, Tigger wrapped right up with her during our two one-hour visits while waiting for the adoption, and so we took him home. We named him Lucky because that’s how we feel about getting such an amazing cat. He's the most gentle and affectionate cat we've ever seen. And since the first day he came home, he has gotten along so very well with our other cat Dizzy that we are just so happy. To this day, the two cats don’t do anything without each other, including getting into trouble! - Tim Feetham and Stacy Rogers

Bootsie

After seeing the Oprah episode on puppy mills, it was a huge eye-opener for me. Got me thinking about the SPCA and all the animals there who would love a new home. We own a house, so I figured we have the room for one more! My co-worker Rachel volunteers there on a regular basis, so I started asking her some questions about the cats there. (We already have a pug, and three cats, so we figured another cat would be easier to handle, since Frank is hyper enough already!) After talking to my husband and pretty much telling (!) him that we were going to adopt a cat, we went to the SPCA to become volunteers. (I told him I would just "look" and not make any decisions right away.) I visited the website every day for two weeks

Roxie

My partner and I had been looking for over a year now to add a new addition to our family. We have two cats from the Animal Rescue League in Saint John and thought it was time to get a dog. We searched all the pet stores but nothing seemed to grab our hearts until one night we decided to try the Moncton SPCA. Walking down all the aisles, our eyes started to fill with tears until we saw "her". There Roxie was, sitting in her cage looking at us with those sad, sad eyes. Our hearts started to race and as soon as we took Roxie out of the cage we knew, "This is it! We have finally found our little girl!" We filled out the paperwork for Roxie that

Jack

After having our border collies for over 18 years in total, our hearts were broken when we had to have Teddy put down in 2006, while Elly (adopted from the SPCA in 1994) passed away in September 2007. We decided to wait until the spring of this year (2008) before looking for our new furry family member! We submitted an application in February so that we would be ready if we found the right dog. In March, with the whole family in tow, we felt ready to take a look at the Moncton SPCA. Much to our delight, we found Captain Jack Sparrow, "Jack" for short, ready and waiting for us. It was love at first sight. We brought him home the next day and were just thrilled. Aside from a few puppy quirks, Jack has been a wonderful addition to our family. He is playful and gentle with the kids and a welcome walking companion for us. Thank you so much for helping our family to find the perfect addition. You provide a valuable service and our experience has always been a positive one. - The Phaneufs

Lucy

We adopted Lucy, formerly Vesta, back in 2003 from your shelter. I wanted a dog and decided I would rather give one of your dogs a second chance than pay the high price of pet shops.

We visited the shelter a few times and fell in love with another dog but ended up not being able to adopt her. I was very sad and decided to look around one more time and that is when my husband saw her. She was crying so bad for attention and so wanted to be acknowledged. We took her for a walk and had just the worst time as she was pulling so hard on the leach she almost choked herself. We decided to apply for her adoption anyway but had to wait another couple of days before getting her home as she needed to be spayed.

Mackenzie and Moose

My lovely (but very antisocial) long-hair calico Pixie passed away at the ripe old age of 14 back in 2002. She'd been my only pet since I was just eight years old, and I was aching for a new cat to fill the void! Unfortunately, my parents were dead-set against getting another pet and I was forced to wait five long years until I moved out with my boyfriend in 2007. We knew we wanted to adopt at least one cat, but I talked him into getting two!

I'd fallen in love with a beautiful long-hair calico named Lilly after spotting her on the SPCA website. The resemblance to Pixie was startling! I took it as a sign! But, to my chagrin, by the time we were able to find an apartment building that allowed cats, she was no longer listed on the website. I was heartbroken, but we went to explore the shelter anyway.

Murphy

Murphy, formerly known as Rascal at the Moncton SPCA, wishes to say, "Thanks a million for your help!" We adopted Murphy in January 2008 and he has charmed us. We are fascinated by the intelligence, the excellent disposition and the incredible antics of this little guy. We lost our two dogs due to old age in the fall of 2007 and had agreed to wait six months before adopting a new pet. Well... those were the longest four months of our lives. I'm so glad we didn't wait any longer. Murphy has us out walking every day, enjoys car rides, enjoys training - he's a good freestyler - has plenty of

Moka, Trixie and Cricket

This is the story of our three babies, all adopted from the Moncton SPCA.

In May 1996, Moka (at left) became the first addition to our household. Adopted at six months of age, he had a hard time using his back legs due to some unknown damage to his spine. However, he progressed very much in the first two weeks after adoption and gained so much strength that he was soon able to jump onto the bed. He may walk like an old cat, but even now at 12 years of age, does not show any signs of slowing down.

Trixie (at right) was adopted in September 2006. She is definitely our wild child. Anything she can get into, she will. This photo was taken just a few months after she arrived. She had by then gained quite a bit of weight, but she was very emaciated when we first saw her. What you cannot see is that her fur is amazingly soft. We adopted Trixie after losing our siamese, Puce, to colitis.

Our baby, Cricket (at left) arrived in July 2007. My husband named her one night after hearing the crickets singing outside and commenting on how it reminded him of her, since she also chirps all the time. Cricket was adopted after Su-Su lost her battle with cancer.

All three get along so well. We are very lucky to have them! - Charline Gaston

Dakota

I adoped Dakota, a Siberian Husky from the Moncton SPCA, on November 7, 2007! I was on my way home from my daily walk and decided to drop by the SPCA. I saw Dakota and just had to have her. I had to wait to be approved, which really sucked because I knew someone else could come along and take her at any time! I went to see her every day until I was approved after two days and took Dakota home. She is a beautiful dog. The road hasn't been easy, but she's worth it! Haha!! Dakota lives with me and my boyfriend in Moncton. She's one spoiled little girl! I dont know what made me stop that day at the SPCA, but I'm really glad that I did and that I found my little girl, Dakota!! She's loved very much!! - Karlie Brown

Billy

We adopted Billy quite by accident on New Year's Eve 2004. We live in Saint John and we were in Moncton doing some shopping when we decided to drop by the shelter. We weren't there five minutes when Billy, the shih tzu, came to the SPCA as the owners couldn't keep him anymore. He was scared and shivering but such a good little dog. He was six at the time and had such a good temperament. We adopted him on the spot. He is very independent but loves being around our family. He loves cuddling up on our laps or beside us and sleeps in my youngest's room every night. He has his own pillow and blanket and, yes, he is totally spoiled. He even

Fatty

I adopted Fat Cat (Fatty for short) from the SPCA in 1998. He has meant the world to me ever since. From that first time I saw him, when he reached his little paw out of his cage and touched my face, to today, as he sits on my computer desk as I type, he has been a most wonderful part of my family. He keeps me entertained with his antics and has personality plus.He is good company around the house and loves a snuggle and cuddle. He has his own pillows on my bed. Actually he owns the house and everything in it, but he has decided to let me stay here with him. He hates water and dogs equally, but other than that he is very easy going. He loves to spend some time

Greta

I adopted "Honey" - now Greta - from the SPCA about three weeks ago.

As an Oulton's Vet Technician student, I had the pleasure of meeting Greta, who was there to have some dental work done and to be spayed. When I walked in, the first thing I laid my eyes on that morning was Greta. I was assigned to assist in her surgery. She was emaciated, had mammary glands hanging to her knees (from being overbred) and had severe dermatitis from fleas, resulting in the loss of much of the hair on her hind end. But she still had that adorable little pug face and I knew instantly that she was mine. I'd been looking for a black female pug for about four years but wished to rescue rather than purchase, like I do with the majority of my animals.

Beatle and JJ

Here's the story of two adopted brothers: Beatle, a beautiful fluffy black cat, and JJ, a frisky sleek white cat. Beatle was adopted from the Moncton SPCA in September 2001. He was approximately seven months old when we adopted him and although his name didn’t roll off the tongue when we first saw him, we kept the name the SPCA gave him. Beatle was just an obvious choice — the minute we saw him we knew he was ours. He's a momma’s boy and loves to give cat massages at bedtime. From the beginning, he was a companion to our little dog Jessie. They got along very well for a

Luna

We'd been looking everywhere for the "right" dog to include in our household, one that wouldn't mind a cat and wouldn't hunt the two ferrets living in the bedroom. Even though I knew Siberian huskies had a notorious chase reflex, I'd always wanted one and had been searching for that specific breed at different shelters. We got ourselves pre-approved for adoption at the Moncton SPCA and then set to work waiting and hoping for the right dog to find us. We were called a few weeks later when a Siberian Husky named Zuma was approved to be adopted after clearing her temperament test. We'd already seen several perspective dogs but none seemed to fit this household. We went down to visit Zuma only about an hour before the shelter closed.

Rosie and Patty

We had lost our dog in an accident and had been a few years without a dog in the house when one day I decided enough was enough and I was going to find a new dog to share our lives with. I went to the Moncton SPCA to take a look, as I am a firm believer in helping these animals find a home. As soon as I saw Rosie it was love at first sight. All of the other dogs were jumping and barking and she let out a few big woofs and then settled right down, looking so sad to be in a pen. I took her for a walk and played with her in the outdoor pen. As well as being a sweetie, she already knew all of her commands and was very obediant. I was sad to turn her back in to go home and get my better half to come and see her also. It was a long week waiting to hear if we could have her. We adopted Rosie in June 2003 when she was 3 1/2 years old. She is a long-haired german shepherd which you don't see very often. A lot of people think she is part collie.

Cindy and Casey

Cindy This is Cindy. A red tabby, she was originally Tiki at the Moncton SPCA when I found her there in September 2003. She was a master of public relations when I walked by her cage. She rubbed up against it so hard trying to get my attention that I thought she’d wear the metal right down! I didn’t get her that day, but thought to myself that I’d pop by the next day and get her if she was still there. This was my first cat and I wanted to think about it after much pleading from my son for a pet.

Well, the next day, she was indeed there... and still rubbing up against the cage like a mad woman trying to get my attention. I decided right then and there that she was the one for me and brought her home. She’s been an excellent little cat. Very loving. Loves to get petted — and insists on getting petted even more when feels she isn't being given enough attention! And just the sight of the spray bottle sends her running. (She doesn’t need much discipline anyway.)

Jasper

Jasper What up? My name is Jasper and I am the cool cat of this house. I used to live at the SPCA. I don’t remember much before that because I was just a baby when I arrived there. While I was at the shelter, I noticed this lady volunteering her time and playing with the cats. You see, the cats that live at the SPCA spend their time in small cages and it gets very boring. I thought this lady was nice for playing with us and I wished I could go home with her. Well, one day the cool lady took me out of my cage. I thought we were going to go play. Boy, was I surprised when she put me in her car and took me home. That day was August 29, 2004; the best day of my life.

Nitro

In the fall of 2005, I signed up with a group at my company to visit the SPCA and help give the adoptables a great day of walking, playing fetch and a few treats. One of the dogs I walked that day was Nilo, a Siberian Husky. I knew Nilo was special and through his bio attached to his kennel I read that he had been there for quite some time, coming into the SPCA as a stray. I just couldn’t believe that someone wasn’t out desperately searching for this dog!

Kass

I adopted my girl Kass two years ago from the Moncton SPCA. She's a beautiful tan and black german shepherd. I started visiting her after seeing her on the website.

I continued to visit her during the next six weeks, a couple times a week bringing treats for her and her friends and discovered that she was in fact a wonderful dog. Not all those things that were written about her. She was just scared. I decided that she just needed a good home and someone to love her and care for her. I was willing to adopt her.

Jim the Rooster

Just wanted to send a picture of my rooster Jim, who was adopted from the SPCA. I think it is important for people to know that there are all kinds of animals who need their help! Jim was found roaming the streets, and when I first acquired him he was less than friendly. That was about four months ago, and now he has came along very well, and is enjoying himself on my 10-acre hobby farm. He has many friends such as the goats and his girlfriends, my free-range hens. - Amanda Steeves

Skippy

We adopted Skippy in 1991. He was one year old at the time. He has been the best pet we have ever had. He loves to go camping and go for drives in the car. He is now 17 years old and is still very active and a great family dog. We are so grateful to have adopted him so many years ago. - The Freeman Family