Happy Tails: Stories of Adoption
David W. & Eddie
Four months ago, David W. found his perfect companion through a P.A.W.S. adoption. After spotting 9-month-old Cumin online, he completed an application and soon met the sweet kitten in person. It didn't take long to know he was the one. Renamed Eddie, the friendly and affectionate little boy quickly stole their hearts.
Since coming home, Eddie has grown more relaxed, comfortable, and even knows his new name. He's also become quite the "food monster"—if it's edible, Eddie wants it!
Now retired, David and his family spend lots of quality time with Eddie and their other cat. They say Eddie has become a huge part of their lives and can't imagine life without him.
David's advice for anyone considering adoption is simple: "They will love you forever, and you will do the same."
Hayley G. and Sadie
After months of thinking about getting a dog while away at college, Hayley found Sadie on the P.A.W.S. website while scrolling through rescue pages. Around the same time, she and her now-fiancé had talked about wanting a Rottweiler, and Sadie’s happy personality and big smile made her the perfect fit.
When Sadie first came home, she was a playful, energetic puppy who was also curious and cuddly. It was almost like she knew she had finally found her family when she was welcomed with a basket of toys and roommates ready with treats.
A year and a half later, Sadie is still full of personality. She loves being the center of attention, has a cowlick Hayley calls her “shark fin,” and is famous for her loud grumbles when playing with her papaw. Her funniest habit is being a total flopper — rolling around and kicking her feet like a fish out of water when she wants to play.
One of Hayley’s favorite memories is when she went into labor. While Sadie was staying with family, she delivered her baby at 2:30 a.m. The next morning, they noticed Sadie had been pacing, whining, and going into Hayley’s room at that exact time, almost as if she knew something special had happened.
Sadie has brought so much happiness to Hayley and her fiancé’s lives. Hayley says rescue dogs have a special kind of love to give, and even after difficult beginnings, dogs like Sadie can still shine with joy and love.
Carol B. and Michael
When Michael was found huddled in a dark parking lot, abandoned, frightened, and too scared to move as cars drove around him, a kind-hearted stranger rescued him and connected him with P.A.W.S. Soon after, Carol welcomed him into her home as a foster, knowing this sweet orange kitty could use some extra love.
It didn't take long for Michael's gentle personality to win everyone over. He patiently waited for Carol's resident cats to accept him, always showing impeccable manners. Before long, fostering turned into forever.
Now 18 months old, Michael has blossomed into the lovable, goofy orange cat everyone
adores. Whether he's racing through the house with his evening zoomies, leaping into the air for no apparent reason, or wrapping his paws around Carol for a hug and a kiss, he keeps the whole family smiling. His favorite place to be? Curled up touching his people—on them, beside them, or even under the covers.
"Michael has brought energy back into the lives of our other kitties and laughter into our lives," Carol says. Her advice to anyone considering adoption is simple: "Cats bring so much love and enjoyment into your life. Their needs are few—nourishment and a warm lap are all they ask."
Bailey S. and Ruthie Mae
Ruthie Mae came into Bailey's life in an unexpected way — through a dream. The night
before a P.A.W.S. adoption event at PetSmart, Bailey dreamed about a dog she had never seen before. Adopting a dog wasn't even in the plans, but after a friend mentioned the event, Bailey checked Facebook and saw the exact same dog from her dream.
The family quickly headed to the event and arrived just before it ended. Before long, Betty, as she was known at the time, became Ruthie Mae.
Over the next 10 months, Ruthie's unique personality began to shine. The family eventually discovered that their "Shepherd mix" was actually a Belgian Malinois, which explained her incredible intelligence, endless energy, and remarkable ability to jump fences.
Today, Ruthie is still mischievous, vocal, and full of personality, but she has also learned to trust her family and formed strong bonds with them. Bailey says Ruthie has taught her valuable lessons about herself and about love.
"Every single dog teaches you something new about yourself and something about what love is."
For Bailey, Ruthie Mae was much more than an adoption. She was the dog she didn't know she needed — until she dreamed about her.
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