Kirby - submitted by Wade, Karen, Jessica & Rachel

Sometimes you wait for a moment, wait for inspiration, wait for something to change your life. Sometimes you find it.

We searched for a companion for over 6 months wanting to be sure the pet we chose was one suited for our lifestyle and personalities. Many sweet eyes connected with ours in our search but knowing we couldn't provide a home that some may need due to their size we held off making a irresponsible decision. Then we met Pork Chop, now named Kirby, and he was nothing we had expected nor looked for in a dog, but perfect nonetheless!

I had to laugh because I always thought pugs were the funniest looking dogs around and could not understand the attraction some people had to them. Now I understand, it is their personalities that make them so cute and irresistible. We have fallen completely in love with him and he has truly become a part of our family.

I have to admit over the months I was tempted to contact a breeder or go to a pet store instead of getting a pet from a shelter again. Our excitement about getting a pet caused some frustration as we looked and couldn't find the right sized dog. But with 70,000 dogs and cats being born a day to every 10,000 people my love for the animals gave me the strength to do the right thing and be patient. We have a responsibility to those we love.

If you love animals and want a pet, I beg of you to be persistent in your search and care enough to help cut down on the breeding of unwanted puppies by not purchasing more of them. Find an animal needing a home at one of your local rescues and most of all, stay committed to the pet you adopted. The last dog we adopted from the Newport News SPCA lived to be 18 years old. Her name was Molley and her undying commitment and love changed my life. She inspired me, gave me the moments I was searching for and changed my life. Now we will live and experience our life from yet another perspective with Kirby. We again share a unspoken commitment and love with another beautiful creature. Our life is changing again. We are blessed.


Loving Ms. Daisy! - submitted by Cynthia Amirault

Dear Peninsula SPCA: We knew we wanted to rescue a dog from a shelter and had been checking the SPCA for just the right dog for us since we moved here the end of December. I went over on a Friday and fell in love with Ms. Daisy who was just brought in the day before. We agreed to discuss getting her and if she was still there Saturday morning, I could take her home.

I was in the line of cars when the door opened and she was still there! Ms. Daisy had a new home with us and I couldn't stop smiling.

Daisy has been wonderful! She loves to chew on her bones and other parts of the house. She was previously trained and it definitely shows. She knows all her basic commands which is fabulous. Daisy has made friends in the neighborhood too and even has a best friend. a teacup Yorkie! One kiss from Daisy and the Yorkie has been cleaned! Her temperament is fantastic and she is the gentlest dog. Daisy loves to greet everyone. Ms. Daisy is loves car rides and enjoys going to the pet store.

I feel Daisy picked us as much as we picked her. She is a bright spot in our lives and I can't remember not having her. I know it must have been hard to say goodbye to her, but she is being loved tremendously in her new home! Thanks, SPCA!



Toby - submitted by Sandy, James & Jessica Foley

Toby was found running in traffic and a caring individual stopped to assist and brought him to the shelter. He was not wearing a collar or microchip so there was no owner information available and after a full week, his previous owners did not come forward.

Toby was scared and withdrawn in the shelter environment and shelter staff felt it was best for him to spend some time in foster care before he was adopted. Toby spent about six weeks with us in foster care and during that time his true personality begin to shine through.

The personalized care and attention that a foster home environment provides is invaluable. Foster care allows the pet to relax, regain a sense of security and confidence. Today Toby is a happy, energetic pup living with a wonderful retired couple in Hampton and is a pampered pet. Being a foster for the shelter is truly a rewarding experience--one we would highly recommend!




Sassy - submitted by Annette Elseth

Dear Peninsula SPCA, When we bought our first home in Hampton in April 1989, we decided we wanted to get a second dog to keep our year old dog, Sammy, company. I went to the SPCA to look at the puppies. They had several to chose from that met my specifications of a female that would grow to medium size, but none that made that "connection" with me. As I was ready to leave, one of the volunteers came in from outside walking a puppy on a leash. When I squatted down, the puppy came right to me and snuggled my chest. I put my name on her cage and took her home a few days later. We named her Sassy. The vet said she was about 3 months old, a little malnourished and she obviously wasn't well socialized; but she was a loving pup and she thrived on our attention, and adored her big sister dog.

At the age of 17 years, 7 months, Sassy died yesterday, surrounded by her loving family. Though we had our share of life's ups and downs, moves, births, and deaths over the years, the good far outweighed the bad and we weathered it together. She was my playmate, my companion, my protector, my shadow, my comfort, and always my sweet puppy. I will always be grateful that Sassy came into my life and hope that she received as much in her life as she gave. When I am ready to have another dog in my life, I will remember the love I found at Peninsula SPCA and look for another "pound puppy" to start a new adventure. I know most of your rescue stories are from recent adoptions, but I thought you might like to know what a wonderful long life you made possible by operating your shelter. I will be forever grateful to you for giving that to me. Thank you. Sincerely, Annette Elseth