It was July 24th of this year and my 2 sons and I were out “shopping” for a small dog. I decided that we would check at the shelter. In the last pen that we looked in there was a solid black lab/chow mix, actually there were 2 of them, they both looked just like a previous dog that I had owned and loved dearly. One was named Doobie and one was named Max. I almost started to cry. You see the dog that I had previously was named Max.  I was convinced that it was fate that I was to take this dog home with me. I adopted him and he instantly became a part of the family. Months went by and one night my son brought me a newspaper article and said “Mama, Max is in the newspaper”.  The article was about Doobie, Max’s brother, who was in the pen with Max the day I adopted him. I showed it to my husband and we decided that Doobie was meant to be a part of our family also. I immediately e-mailed the foster parent of Doobie and adopted him the next day. Max was so excited, jumping all around and just looked so happy. It is like they have been our dogs for all their lives and they just play and have the best time together. They are wonderful dogs, so well behaved.  I do not know who brought them to the shelter, but I am so glad we found them. I can’t imagine Doobie and Max not being a part of our family.

Shelia Gregory

My daughter and I were at Petco several weekends ago to get some vitamins for our dogs. Well, HAWC was there finding homes for pets. That's when we found Blue and Blue found us!! He stole our hearts and we couldn't leave without him (even though we already had 2 dogs, a cat, and 2 fish). Well, needless to say, Blue has been an excellent addition to our family and we look forward to many happy years watching him grow! I just wanted to thank you all for all you do daily for all the needy animals in our community! It really does make a difference. Thank you, and Blue thanks you too!

Carissa Pike

Clara came to us through the Humane Association of Wilson County. We already had Bridgette. Bridgette is the one in front. She is a real joy to me and now with Clara my life feels complete. I am disabled and I have a hard time getting around. Bridgette is therophy trained. She is also the big sister to Clara. No they are not blood related but they are adopted sisters and that is great with us. Bridgette is teaching Clara to be a therophy dog as well. I have had Clara about 2 months. She is so sweet. I not only love my dogs they are a part of me. Like my children and I teach them to be social. I can take them anywhere at anytime and there behavior is great. For a wonderful loving careing fateful pet I will always look to the HAWC for my next dog.

Again thank you HAWC Clara is our joy and the baby sister to Bridgette.

Gerri Mathews

I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how one of your dogs is getting along now. We adopted Fred on Father’s Day from the Petco in Hermitage, and he’s doing great. He is such a GOOD BOY! We keep expecting him to have a bad habit, but after a week, he’s still extremely behaved and relaxed. He gets along very well with our cats (although they aren’t really crazy about him, they’ve gotten used to him!), and our other dog Jack is finally warming to him. Fred is very housetrained (no accidents despite one 9 hr day inside). We keep him inside during the day normally anyway, but he won’t have to go so long without a break outside usually. He likes to play catch, sits on command, and knows ‘shake’ too. We fell in love with him the first day we had him home.
 
Here is a photo for you to see. I know there was one worker from the shelter who seemed kind of attached to Fred (and he to her, as he kept following her around as they loaded the cages), and thought she might enjoy knowing he’s doing well, and see a few photos.

M. Cheek

We love our new addition to our family.  Ella's made herself right at home and just LOVES Herbie.  It won't be long before she towers over him (this monster is growing like a weed!)

Amy Jerome

Margarita, (the white dog) formally Patches has been a great addition to our family. Through lots of love and non-stop training we have finally been able to change her from an aggressive dog with lots of behavioral problems to a well behaved pooch and loving family member. Margarita and Pedro, the black and brown dog, are great friends and they love each other very much!

Rachel

I just wanted to give you an update on Oscar. When he came to our home at the end of August, he had some issues that would require on going care. As you can see from this picture his eyes have healed, and has full vision in both eyes. Also, his hair has fully grown back and he puts up with regular visits to the groomer. All he needed was a little TLC, which I am only too happy to provide as he gives so much love and affection back. Thank you for bringing him into my life!

Cherie Collom

Casper, a little white poodle, was adopted from the shelter in February. Casper was a Valentines gift for Evelyn Llana (age 79) from her daughters. Mrs. Llana was still grieving from the recent loss of her 13 - year companion, Sampson, a black Poodle. She was unsure if she was ready for another dog. Casper was a bit traumatized from having been in several homes before he was brought to the shelter.

He was timid and fearful of his new surroundings. Both were hesitant to bond with the other. After the first week the family was worried that this was not the right match. But, by the end of their second week together, Mrs. Llana and Casper bonded and are now close, constant companions. Casper knows he has found a permanent, loving home with the Llana family. One of the cutest things he does is turn down the bed at night for Mrs. Llana. When she asks Casper if he is ready to go to bed, he will run into her bedroom, jump on the bed, and nudge the covers with his head and paws until he has turned them down enough for both of them to crawl into bed. Casper and Mrs. Llana look forward to many happy years together.

Alex, my year old male cat, was adopted from your Lebanon Animal shelter in June 2002. He was the 2nd place winner in the cat show at the Wilson County fair, August 17, 2003. He is a handsome short haired black cat with gold eyes. He is a treasure! He helps me in my business by answering the door and welcoming clients. I teach individuals and corporate men and women how to dress. He stays for the class and holds up his front legs for someone that he chooses to hold him. "He is a delight" is the comment most say as he walks them to the door.
Thank you so much for all you do for cats like mine.

Blessings,
Judith Taylor

We adopted "Zena" (now Tobie) July 3rd 2003. This is her first Christmas! There was a charity event held at the Cherry Creek mall in Denver ,CO. Where we no live. The event was to raise money for therapy dogs in the area. She loves the camera and we take as many pictures as we can!

Thanks for finding her, we could not have asked for better dog!

Hey Guys, We just wanted to give you an update on Louie (a.k.a. Prince Charming). We can't possibly put into words how happy we are with Louie. He and Bailey (our other cat) amaze us with how they can play all day long. After they met, they quickly became the best of friends. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for helping us find Louie, and we hope you continue to help other pet lovers find the perfect pets! Thanks again!

Scott Carmichael & Jana Price

Homeless Hound Turned Detector Dog!

Sunny, a 2 year old neutered male golden Labrador Retriever mix, was adopted from the Humane Association of Wilson County in March of 2003 by Dave Sturm with the US Customs K-9 Division to join the Canine Enforcement Program. After completing the 13 week course, Sunny graduated “Top Dog” in his class! He is now working the southwest border with a Canine Enforcement Officer, certified to detect marijuana, hashish, ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines. You never know the potential of a shelter dog! Customs has been looking for potential detector dogs in shelters since the inception of the program in 1970 and the majority of dogs in the program have come from shelters and rescues. Dogs selected must demonstrate a strong, almost frantic desire to retrieve along with a sound temperament and demonstrate a bold attitude in an unfamiliar surroundings. The dogs Customs looks for must be between one to three years of age. To find out more about Detector Dogs, visit www.cbp.gov then click on enforcement and then canines.

Here is a picture of Gordon and me. As you can see, he is the same big, bright-eyed yellow kitty. Gordon has become a true companion to me. We chase strings and play shower-curtain tag. He lays in my flower beds (on a leash)and spies on birds while I read, we take naps together, and he 'helps' me with all kinds of tasks such as paying bills (tries to cover them up),doing needlework and tying my shoes. I wasn't sure I was ready for another feline companion so soon after losing my last kitty to asthma. I knew eventually I would want a big, healthy, playful cat to make my apartment a happy home. When I saw Gordon in Petsmart in Murfreesboroo, he was recovering from a benign tumor that was removed from his neck. I am currently battling breast cancer and was scheduled to have a tumor removed myself, so I guess I was drawn to him. Now, a couple months later, I have had my surgery and am recovering nicely with Gordon's (and some great friends', nurses' and doctors') help. Gordon and I plan to enjoy the future together, sharing fun and love every day.

Sincerely,
Laurel Temmen

On a rainy night December 2001 I went to the shelter to look for a puppy. I found the cutest little tri-colored fur ball. She was perfect.

As she grew, Sagan\'s Austrailian Shepard and Border Collie features became dominant. We have enjoyed almost three wonderful years playing together. She is smart, healthy and very loving. I couldn\'t ask for a more perfect dog for me and my extended family. Sagan is on the left. The chocolate lab next to here is her cousin, Leroy Brown.

Merideth Q. Pitt, Mt. Juliet

We adopted our new puppy a few weeks ago when you were visiting the PetSmart in Murfreesboro. We decided to name him Heff. He is the white puppy in the picture. He gets along famously with our other dog, Gracie (the one on the right). He is a joy to us everyday, even when he attacks the carpet. We love him so much and just want to say thank you for bringing him into our life

Tracy Tilford & Gavin Lichtenwalter

We adopted Mallie from the Wilson County Humane Association at the beginning of March. She was quite a bit smaller then but she has been a great addition to our family. She is our gentle giant. We just love her to pieces.

Thanks for all you do.

My Family

We have from left to right Jazzy, Zena & Buddy. I adopted 2 out of the three from you guys. The first I adopted was Buddy a little over 2 years ago and he is wonderful. It took awhile to get him to not be so scared all of the time. But now he is the Man of the house. Zena my husband rescued from where he works. She had been running around for several days and everyone was feeding her and one morning he went to work and she had gotten on the elevator and was up on the 3rd floor of the hotel...so he brought her home after trying to find her owners. The first puppy in the picture is Jazzy and I adopted her from you all in June of 2002. She was so small and only 12 weeks old. The other two just hovered around her and kept her safe. Now she thinks she is the QUEEN of the house. Most of the time she does get her way. I do not know what I would do without my "FAMILY". They bring such joy to our lives every day. They are inside and have run of the house. They sleep in the bed under the covers just like we do. Thanks so much for all the love and care you guys give to all of the dogs at the shelter.

Beverly Fuqua

Hey guys,

We adopted Spirit and Ruby from Petco in April, they are now Kennedy and Cash. Cash's wounds from her accident she had before she was at the shelter have healed up very nicely and the hair is almost completely grown back, and they are both thrilled to be have a home. They are best friends and play constantly, whether it be on the bed, in the floor, or in the backyard. We had originally intended for them to be outside dogs but they didn\'t like to be outside alone, so they very quickly became inside dogs and are absolutely spoiled rotten. We could not have asked for better dogs. They get along great with our two cats, are incredibly docile with children, and have even made friends with the next door neighbor's dog, Murphy. We just wanted to drop you guys a note letting you know how they were doing. Here is a picture of them playing outside about a week ago and a picture of Cash and Kennedy seperately below.

Thanks so much for saving our precious pups so that wecould adopt them!

Elizabeth and Sam Drury

November 2000, I adopted a 10 yr old male long haired Chihuahua from y\'all at the Hermitage Petco. Y'all thought that his name was "Baby" but I call him "Buddy" and he took to that name better and it suits him more. He is my best "Buddy" I couldn't be happier. Even though he is a senior in age he is a puppy at heart. Full of love and affection and he still likes to get playful. I can't express how HAPPY he has made me. He is a most wonderful pet, companion, and friend. Thank you so very much for this match made in heaven.

mdm

We adopted Ms. B a while back. We saw her online and just had to come see her. She's a wonderful, greatly loved member of the family now and has taken her roll as Ms. Queen B. She has her own glass in the bathroom sink that must be filled with fresh water often. She loves her pretty pink bean bag throne and playing with the other cats. She tends to give the dogs the evil eye and they stay clear. She loves to be huged and brushed and admired. We're all crazy about her. Thanks Ya'll!

The Adams Family

We adopted Darla a few months ago after we lost our Rottweiler to old age. Darla has been a great addition to our family. They knew little about her as she was left in the cages but Darla won our hearts and went home with us anyway. Turns out she knows her basic commands , is housebroken and gets along well with the kids and our other dogs and the cat. She doesn't care much for chickens though. :-)

Gail Madderom

We just adopted our wonderful cat, Houdini from your shelter in February. He is so happy in his new home! He loves watching his new bird video, and playing with every sock he can pounce on! We love him so much! Thank you so much for your part in helping him find a home with us!

Kim Ryan

We adopted Fiona, a collie/border collie mix last summer and Dixie a beagle mix puppy. Dixie has now become a couch potato and loves living in the house and playing with our older cocker mix, Banjo, and our two children. Fiona is very busy every day making sure our 5 horses and 2 ducks are staying together and where they should be. I've had numerous people try to talk me out of Fiona. She's great with people and other animals and has turned out to be wonderful at working with the livestock. Fiona and Dixie have maintained a special friendship that I can only assume comes from moving in at the same time. They fit in well with our 4 other dogs and 3 cats. Felix is our most recent adoption from this fall. He's still working on his house manors, but is very affectionate and a great mouser. When he decides to cooperate I'll send his picture.

Renee Rader

Mattie was adopted from the Humane Association of Wilson County in April. She recently won the Petco Howl A Ween Pet Costume contest and took home a $25 certificate. Congratulations to Mattie and her "mom" Jane who says, "Mattie is the sweetest most laid back dog she's ever had."

A Party in Honor of Rusty

Rusty is a tan Beagle mix that was brought into the Humane Association of Wilson County in December of 1999, after his owners moved and abandoned him in an apartment. We could tell that he was special but people coming into our facility overlooked him for puppies or smaller fluffy dogs. During this time I received a call from Kim Edwards. She is now the Executive Director of Southern Living Center (SLC) but when she called it was still being built. She asked me to keep an eye out for an adult dog that would do well with the elderly people. I told her that I had the perfect dog at the shelter right now. Kim said that they would not be opening for at least a month and she would wait until then to get a dog. I knew that Rusty would be just perfect since he was friendly and well mannered, neutered, house trained and was 2 years old which was a great age for this type of placement. So, Kim agreed to take him into her own home until SLC opened in January of 2001.

Sunday, April 07, 2002, the staff, residents and their families had a party in Honor of Rusty. There was a bone shaped cake and signs hung that said, “We Love You Rusty.” Rusty received cards, toys and gifts of money. He gave the 2 bags of toys and $293 to the Humane Association of Wilson County. “That was his home before he came to live with us and he appreciates all they do for the homeless pets.” Says Executive Director Kim Edwards. “We could not have asked for a better dog. The residents just love him. Ms. Mary Donoho makes up his bed every night and covers him up before going to bed herself.”

Margaret Palmer was one of the first residents of Southern Living Center and one of Rusty’s best friends, “He brightens everyone’s day and always greets us with his tail wagging.”

SLC allows residents to bring their pets as long as they can take care of their needs. The continued relationship between an elderly person and their pet can make a difference in their health and social interactions.

We encourage seniors to visit our shelter and adopt a pet.

Rusty has made all of us at the Humane Association very proud!

Representatives from the Humane Association of Wilson County that attended the party: Joyce Poole, Corey Gerulis and Sara Felmlee.

-Sara Felmlee

Submit your Happy "Tail" and photos of your pet here!