Check out our new "Happy Tails" Page!

Do you have a 'Happy Tail' to share with us?  We'd love to post it right here on our 'Happy Tails'
page!  Just email a photo and quick update to volunteernow@ntelos.net.  Tell us about life with your
new pet(s) whom you found at our shelter!  We'll post it here on this page, so keep checking back
with us!
I would like to share the adoption of my dog, Gauge.

puppy.  The SPCA figured him to be about 1 yr old and he was companion for
her.  When they met, my female lab, Mason, didn't know what to make of this
hyper, in-your-face puppy.  Mason was a polite, dainty, patient dog.  Gauge was
quite the opposite.  One month into the adoption, I was beginning to When I
adopted Gauge, he was an un-neutered, high energy lab wonder what I had
gotten myself into.  Mason patiently tolerated this new addition.  Gauge was
beside himself with the abundance of space to run on our family farm.  I thought
for sure, that with all the land he would eventually calm down due to the
availability of exercise.  Two months into the adoption they were coming around
and beginning to enjoy each other's company but I could still see that Mason
missed her single dog household.  Four months into the adoption- the two dogs
had become the best of friends and didn't go anywhere alone.  Gauge was
bringing a new light into our lives.  About 10 months after I adopted Gauge,
Mason passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 6.  It crushed me but this
happy go lucky adoption puppy from the Augusta  SPCA, stepped up to the plate
and became my crutch.  He wouldn't leave me alone and patiently stayed by my
side through my loss.  Now 4 years later, Gauge still stands by my side and has
become an upstanding member of our household.  He is now the patriarch of our
farm and rules supreme over the other dogs, horses, and cattle on the farm.  
Gauge has become a true pleasure in my life and I can not imagine life on the
farm without him.  I always recommend adoption when someone is thinking of
welcoming a pet into their lives.  It was one of the best decisions I have made.
                                                  
                                                                                  ~Whitney
Scroll down for more 'Happy Tails'!
Rivy (then named Brandy) came into the News Virginian office August 5 to be featured as an NBC29 pet-of-the-month. It so happens that date is also Katie's
birthday. Dogs often come into the office, where we both work, to be featured on TV, and Tony usually hears some sort of plea to adopt. But until Rivy, the pleas
were mostly just good fun.

When Katie made the same suggestion that day, Tony quickly and seriously said yes because Rivy was such a sweet Bullmastiff. Still, they had to clear some hurdles
with the landlord, but that took only about a day, and they got special permission to bring a dog home.

Rivy has lived up to the sweet preview from the day she starred on TV. She is extremely loyal, loves keeping her head just inches from Katie and Tony no matter if
they are standing, sitting or lounging around. She loves to wiggle when they come home and only barks when she wants even more petting. She likes to keep her
tongue out like a ham slice and drools so much that Katie and Tony now keep little towels all around the house.

Rivy goes for walks in the Ridgeview Park trails, sometimes steals the bed as her own, and is currently chewing the largest rawhide bone known to dogs.
RIVY
I adopted Donnie (Dillon) from you in 2003, and his "sister" Sable in 2004. They are both doing very
well; are best friends and sleep and play together. Sable is slowing down and showing her age, is
somewhere between 10-13 or so (I'm guessing 11), but still likes to go for walks and for car rides.
Donnie is in his prime, about 8 years old, and a real love bug, loves to cuddle. He has his spot on the
sofa, and if anyone else sits there, they'd best expect a 90 pound collie in their lap (picture attached
with grandson Liam). Both have wonderful, gentle temperaments and like cats and kids.
We greatly appreciate the care you provided to them; both were reportedly found as strays. Thank you
for all the work that you do -
Abbie Schaub (on behalf of Donnie and Sable) in Laurel, Maryland
Donnie
Here are the pictures of our Penny
(formerly known as "Susie") that I
promised to send.  She fits right in
with the family.  She is the sweetest
girl!  Everyone (including visitors to
our home) just love her.  And Penny
and Taffy are inseparable as you
can see in the photo. :)

I have taught Penny to sit, she is
crate trained and is almost
completely housebroken. She is on
the same schedule as Taffy and
seems to feel very comfortable and
secure knowing she has a routine.  
Thank you for introducing her to us
and giving Penny a home where
she is truly loved!
Penny proudly
displays some
of her recent
artwork!
You know him as Jo Jo.   We call him MoJo.  I can not believe
this dog was even in a shelter, but I sure am glad we found
him!  He is such a gentleman.  A perfect fit to our family.  He
loves the kids AND THE CAT!   He likes to be with us, he likes to
ride in the car, he so wants to run and play outside, but we still
have a frozen ground and his little paws are too tender to run
on the ice!  He had his vet check today, and I'm happy to report
he is perfectly healthy.  We are so blessed to have this little
guy in our family.  He is beside me right now snoring - he
snores so loud I sometimes think it's my husband!   We are all
just so happy to have him.  I will be sure to keep you updated!

Thank you,
Wendy Ward
Penny and her
new sister Taffy
snoozing...