Happy Endings
Submit your own happy ending story here.
To send a photo, email it to saveapetny@yahoo.com.
Theresa - Holtsville, NY
In April, after searching high and low for a "companion" for my Ratt Terrier, Dude, I happened to see, on Petfinders, a little dog named Harvey, who was up for adoption at your shelter. I came to see him, and it was "LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT" for me, and for him as well. I was told by your staff that he was, well, "unique, and quite a character," and I'm pleased to say that I now know exactly what they meant, in fact, he's actually funny, as he thinks he can fly!! He has aclimated so well to our home, and his new pal, Dude, it's as though he's been here forever. I found that he already knew basic commands and have added a few of my own. He is a happy go lucky little guy, who I've re-named "Frankie" as it seemed to suit him. I would send you a picture if he would just stay still long enough for me to take one, but I'll keep trying. I really do appreciate your concern for all the animals in your care, and "Frankie" hopes that they all find forever homes, just as he did.
Rebecca - Miller Place, NY
My dog, Rosey, was an Iams food tester dog. My family and I aren't positive, but we believe that Rosey is very timid and shy because of being abused at the Iams clinic. There have been a few stories about Iams which have led us to believe this. Thankfully, Save-A-Pet saved her from the clinic. We saw Rosey one day and then the next day we adopted her! It was love at first sight. Today, Rosey is still a bit timid but very comfortable around the family and extended family. She loves being around other dogs and is friendly to passerbys. I love Rosey so very much and recommend to everyone to adopt an animal! Save-A-Pet is fantastic and I wish the center all the best! :)
Jennifer - Selden, NY
It's been 3 months since we adopted Harley (Paige) from Save-A-Pet. My husband and I fell in love the minute we walked in and saw those beautiful pups. Our children just adore her. Harely loves to play ball, chase the kids around the house and yard, and chew on whatever she can get. Thank you, Save-A-Pet, for all that you do for our furry little friends!!
Colleen - Bay Shore, NY
On April 1, 2010, my husband Vinnie and I adopted a little rescued Mill Dog named Peaches. Three days earlier, we had lost our beloved dog, Freckles, and decided to rescue a shelter dog. This is our 1st rescue dog and certainly won't be our last. When we brought Peaches home, she didn't know how to play and never wagged her tail. Now, she is so happy and playful that it's hard to believe that her spirit was once broken. She wags her tail all the time and she 
loves to give kisses. She adores our Boston Terrier, Sadie, and the two of them have become true sisters. At first, I thought we rescued her, but the truth is that she rescued us. Everyone should adopt shelter animals because the joy they bring is immeasurable. Thanks to everyone at Save-A-Pet, the Little Peach is finally home.
Colleen - Sound Beach, NY
I would occasionally drop off needed items to the location and for some reason notice this beautiful young tailess cat. Everytime I stopped in, I noticed she was still available and would visit with her each time. After consulting with my senior citizen Pug, Mr. Wendall, I decided we had to have her. I cannot even explain to you how gratifying it was to bring her home. She was able to share three very short but love filled years of her life with us before succumbing to cancer. Although I was crushed to let her go, I have her photo displayed in my apartment and remember her every day. She is greatly missed.
Elisa - Shoreham, NY
We adopted Lily 2 1/2 years ago. She was our third dog, and we were a bit hesitant. At first, we thought we made a big mistake. She was nasty, biting and barked constently. Lily was 11 years old (estimate) and almost blind. Returning her to the shelter was not an option. She had been returned once already, and we couldn't do it to her again. If you adopt a child and that child has behavioral, physical or emotional problems you don't return the child, so Lily was ours. It took a lot of love and patience, but today Lily is a little mushpot! We lost our Walter in December and Lily has helped to fill the void. In trying to make her senoir years good ones, she has given us joy and love we never expected!!!
Monica - Yaphank, NY
After losing my maltese, I am glad I went to Save-A-Pet and adopted Truffles. I couldn't have asked for a better dog. It is the case of who rescued who. I hope to have lots of happy years with her. Thanks again!
Nicole - Miller Place, NY
O Hai! Mi name iz Alice, o yes. I am onlee about 1 year old, so I dont spell so gud. I want to tell you abowt mi storee, o yes.
I waz living at Save-A-Pet for a month. peeple just dropped me off, o yes. they said I waz a stray and they didnt want me. can you beleeve that? I dont no why they didnt want me. I am a sweet loving gurl, and always show peeple how much I like them, o yes. Well 1 day I waz sitting in mi cage, and 2 peeple came in, a ladee and a gurl, yes. I didnt no then, but that wud be mi new mama.
Ceiling cat must have been waching over me, becuz 1 minit I waz in a cage with no fambly, and the next, I was in the middul of a big fambly who lovez me!
In our fambly I have mi new mama, and 3 gurls. There iz a dog Daisy who is not to smrt like cats are, but she is very very nice to me, o yes. There are 2 gurl cats and a boy cat. Mama says he is a naughty boy, but she lovez him so much! If she can love that bad boy, then I no she will love me foreverz and everz, o yes!
I am so happee in mi new home, but I made alot of frends when I waz at save-a-pet, o yes. I hope that some nice peeple like mama will come and giv them all homez, to! Espeshially the old cats. they told me how much they miss having a fambly. They reelly need love, to!
Well, thats my storee, o yes. I have to go, I am late for mi nap. I sleep in a real bed now, and get kisses and hugs all day, o yes!
Thank you, Save-A-Pet, for taking care of me until mi new mama could come and find me!
Love,
Alice
Vince - NY
My name is vince and i recently adopted Irish. She is now in a happy loving home. Thank you Save-A-Pet!
Allisyn & Stefano - Rocky Point, NY
We adopted our beautiful dog, Bella (Zoe, prior to adoption), on New Year's Eve 2009. She has proven to be a wonderful addition to our new year, as well as our lives. In the past 3 months, Bella has become an important member of our family. She is spoiled with 4 walks daily, yummy treats, and plenty of love and affection. She loves cuddling up on the couch with us at night. There is nothing better than coming home to her cute squeals of joy to show us just how happy she is to see us! We just can't imagine our life without her! Thank you Save-A-Pet!
Cindy - Stony Brook, NY
I brought our wonderful standard poodle, Lightning, home 12 1/2 years ago from Save-A-Pet to meet who would become his brother-- a beautiful standard poodle named Digory. Digory's life started in the loving home of a wonderful breeder with every advantage. Lightning, however, had been abused and rescued by Save-A-Pet. I met Lightning, age 1, in a now long-gone pet shop in Stony Brook village, owned by a woman named Elyse. After watching him with my very young kids, I brought him home to meet Digory. What a surprise for my husband! (I do NOT recommend doing this!) Luckily my sister Judy offered to co-own Lightning, and he has been a wonderful member of both of our families ever since. In my case, it was better to get forgiveness than permission-- something not think would work for everyone, so I do not recommend impulse adoptions!! But it worked for us. Our beloved Digory died in 2003, but Lightning has enjoyed 3 other doggie siblings: Hermione (a Doberman, now also deceased) and Rupert & Marley (both Havaneses). Lightning has developed cancer in his old age, but is doing really well-- he still loves his daily walk, eats well & loves playing with his puppies. We are so very grateful to have him in our lives.
Derek & Marie - Levittown, NY
We adopted Molly (a.k.a. Rose before the adoption) two years ago. She is a Lab/Shepherd mix and is truly the love of our lives. We just celebrated Molly's 2nd Birthday and look forward to many more. Many thanks to Save-A-Pet.
April - Centereach, NY
I adopted Manxie over a year ago and I must say she is the most loving cat I've ever owned. Thank you, Save-A-Pet, for blessing me with such a wonderful animal.
Diane - Middle Island, NY
We adopted a miniature dachshund back in May. She is the sweetest, most gentle, and lovable little dog we have ever known. Both she and my older cat were best friends after three days. We bring her everywhere, and people just fall in love with her. We recommend Save-A-Pet in Port Jefferson to everyone we meet. The care they give their rescued animals is superior.
Mike and Andi - Manorville, NY
We searched hi and lo for the right adoption for 3 months and finally found "Elliot," a Brussel Griffon Mix at your 
Pt. Jeff. facility. The story was that he was a stray from Utah. We expected it would take a while for him to fit in with us, but we are happy to tell you he must have lived with a family for a while because he came to us well behaved, housebroken and he responds to commands like a champ. We love him! We renamed him Rocket because he runs like lightning. The picture is of Rocket's first Christmas with us. Thanks for the opportunity to bring him into our lives.
Christine - St. James, NY
Tucker (aka Smitty before he was adopted) is the best dog EVER! He was a 9 month rescue that stole all three of my kids' hearts. After our Brandi died after a great life, we wanted to wait before our 2nd dog. But they kept nagging... Each of them wanted a different type. Nobody clicked. Four dogs, no agreement. Then out came Tucker. They all melted before they even touched him! He was home before my husband even knew we got home! The "boys" are now inseparable! He worships my husband and is the best and smartest dog. :) Thank you, Save-A-Pet, and Mills Pond Elementary thanks you, too! We'll keep fundraising!
Margaret - NY
I just wanted to send a picture of Gus and Gigi adopted last year. We love them dearly, they have added so much to our lives.
Traci - NY
Buddy was one of the 17 yorkies rescued from the puppy mill in Arkansas last year. He was the last one left when we got out to Save-A-Pet. It's true what they say: "Saving the best for last" because I think he is absolutely THE best! Yes....he still has a few issues, but he's very happy in his new home & very healthy, too. When he came home with us, he was still on meds from that long bout with kennel cough, but he never had any relapses & has been perfectly healthy ever since. He was groomed shortly after we adopted him, as you can see in the pix I'm sending you. And as you can see, he is a very cute little boy!
Since we adopted him, we took in a kitten named Pretty Boy in October 2008, then another yorkie (female) who needed a home, who's name is Sheebah. I think Sheebah has been a great addition because she's helped Buddy remember what it's like to be a dog again. He really enjoys her company & she's the perfect temperment for him. The kitty started out very loving but now he just wants to rough house & neither dog really wants anything to do with that! But they all get along very well & every day they provide me & my family with many smiles!
Buddy is still very afraid of most people, including my husband. From day one, Buddy didn't like him & I still can't figure out why. My husband has been rescuing cats for years & is a very kind & giving person. After 15 months, Buddy is just starting to come around the slightest bit with my husband, but it's a very slow-going process. I'd love to find a way to help Buddy trust humans a little more, but I'm sure his memories of the 8 years he spent in the puppy mill has made it difficult for him to relax around humans. Buddy is doing pretty well around my daughters, who are 10 & 7 years old. In the beginning, he nipped at them a few times, but I think the girls have finally learned that they just can't get in his face! They're finally learning to respect Buddy's space & Buddy is becoming more tolerant of them touching/petting him, as they want to show him how much they love him.
Maureen - Bohemia, NY
In May, my 15-year-old cat died. My kids thought I needed a new kitten. They had visited Castaways and found Dexter (aka Ripple). A black and white maine coon. He was found at about 3 months old in a dump. He is the most adorable little kitten and what a personality! He made himself right at home. He is such a love and a big mush. He even stole grandma's heart away, and that isn't an easy thing to do! He is now 8 months old and huge. I couldn't ask for a better kitten. Thank you Castaway's for saving Dexter and bringing him into my life.
Debi - Setauket, NY
Recently we lost our chihuahua, Daisy, who was nearly 17 years old. The house was so quiet and I was lonely. But really, how could Daisy be replaced? On a whim, I stopped by Save-A-Pet on my way home from work. If a replacement would be a consideration then it would be a really big dog this time. I was looking at a mastiff when this little white ball of fur barked. I looked down at her and she tilted her head from side to side. "Nope," I said. "I'm getting a BIG dog." She barked again and I left with this little pomeranian who I love despite that half of her is bald from a thyroid condition. If you look at her head on, she is adorable. If you look at her from the rear, she is very interesting. If you hug her, she is happy and so am I.
Monique Molfetta - "Bailey's Mom"
Just wanted to let you know how great Bailey (formerly Goliath, the large yellow lab we adopted) is doing. He has been with us for a little less than 2 weeks and it seems like he has been here forever! He is so sweet, so loving and an absolute joy to have. He and his "brother" Tanner get along fabulously and are now the best of buddies. They are so cute together. Bailey simply wants to follow you around and just be loved, which he is getting a lot of. Everyone that meets him falls in love with him, and he has completely captured my heart. My vet thinks he is a great dog and we will be doing a follow-up check up with him next week.
I wanted you to know how much I appreciated the professionalism of you and your entire staff, along with the kind and friendly way in which we were greeted and treated by everyone at Save-A-Pet. Your staff certainly puts the best interest of the animal first and treats your potential adopters with courtesy and respect. I was so impressed with your organization and I will certainly recommend Save-A-Pet highly to others.
Thank you again. Please know that Bailey is in a loving forever home and we are so grateful to have him. I wish you and Save A Pet tons of success in the future.
Robin - Shoreham, NY
We adopted our dog, Buster (formerly Zak), almost two years ago. He is by far the best dog we have owned. Not only is he smart, he is the most loving dog imaginable. We have enjoyed every minute with him. Thank you Save-A-Pet!
Rob & Tricia - Holtsville, NY
We adopted our tabby kitten, Snickers (formerly known as Splitz), almost a month ago. He has brought nothing but joy into our lives. He was almost four months old when we got him. He is SUCH a mush. He's great with our two girls...is always well behaved and is such a character! It's such a pleasure to see him enjoying his new home. Thank you Save-A-Pet!
The Milford Family - Wading River, NY
We had to put our Shar Pei, Chubbs, to sleep. We were so sad. My son kept begging us for a puppy. We had another dog that we rescued named Buddy, who was also lonely. My Aunt, Dori Scofield, told us about a litter of puppies she had just rescued and the rest is history. Diamond, the diva, entered our lives and every day is an experience. We love her and so does Buddy!
Michelle - Coram, NY
We adopted Harley, a pure-white husky with bright blue eyes, from Save-A-Pet. We already have a husky, Indy, who needed a friend, so we found Harley. He is such a sweetheart, he always sits right there next to you like a pillow. Indy and Harley play with each other like they were born together. What's funny is the cats chase Harley and Indy, but Harley always never fights back. He is a little scared at times for certain things, but he knows we are not here to hurt him. He is so gental to kids. They love him and always wait for us to come outside so they can pet him. Indy and Harley are always together.
Terry - Middle Island, NY
Five years ago, I went looking for a pup for my son. We had lost our dog, Bear, two years earlier and we all missed having a dog around. Comet was brought in with his litter mates from a shelter. He was the runt of the litter. Well things have changed - he is now 75 pounds of muscle and love. He sleeps between my husband and me in our bed, plays with our cats and bunny, and loves car rides. Our only problem is our grown kids say he receives more Christmas presents than they do!!
Robin - Wading River, NY
We adopted a beautiful 6 month old kitten today. We named him Buddy. He is the perfect addition to our family. From the second we walked into Save-A-Pet, he adopted us. My two boys were looking to adopt a kitten to celebrate my son's birthday and Buddy spotted them and put his paw through his cage to touch my son's head to get his attention. He is the perfect little boy. He loves the attention and we love giving him the attention that he needs. Thanks so much to Save-A-Pet. He is a perfect match!!
Ferron - Holbrook, NY
After my dog, Nikki, passed away at just 7 years old, I vowed never to get another dog again. I couldn't bear the loss. When my Mom insisted on adopting another puppy, I agreed to come to Save-A-Pet to see Kali (formerly Cocoa), a German Shepherd/Husky mix. She has become the love of my life and keeps this family together and always smiling. She is a miracle!!
Meg - East Hampton, NY
I have two beagles, ages 3 and 10. My younger beagle, "Apple," loves to play, but "Cricket" does not. I saw "Buddy" (aka "Country") on the Save-A-Pet website and inquired about him. Out of all the photos of beagles on several websites, he was the only one lying down and practically smiling for the photo. I packed my son in the car and headed to meet him. He was so thin and very frightened, not smiling at all. He had been the last of several beagles sent from a laboratory research company in Ohio. I laid on the floor with him and tears filled my eyes. This dog needed to come home with me. No question.
Buddy has turned out to be the gentlest dog I have EVER had the pleasure of having as a family member. My children adore him, and he and Apple have become the best of friends. Cricket? Let's just say she just worries about the food rationing!
Lynda - Miller Place, NY
We had been looking for a second dog to keep our 2-year-old great dane mix, Zeus, company for about a year. We had gone to Save-A-Pet a couple of times during the year, but did not find a match. One Sunday morning, while checking the web site, I saw a rotti puppy. It took the family ten minutes to get into the car and head on down. It was love at first sight for all of us. Two years later, Zeus and Hercules (the rotti) are inseparable.
Betsi - Shoreham, NY
We fell in love with Ozzy when he was only a few weeks old. His mother (a Boxer) was taken from an abusive home (the pups were going to be used as "bait" in dog fights) and she was at Save-A-Pet with her litter of 6. Ozzy stole our hearts right away and has made himself right at home with our other dogs and cats - he even gets to go and play with his littermates! Ozzy is now a little over 5 months old... And we think he might be mixed with Great Dane! :)
Erica - Port Jefferson, NY
When I adopted Beauty, a 4 year old Siberian Husky, from Save-A-Pet, she feared everything because of her past experience in a home. She must have been mistreated and didn't trust people at all. Well that has all changed. Beauty has turned out to be the best dog I could have hoped for. She is great with strangers, kids, infants, and has become a foster mommy to many foster kittens. Beauty is now 12 years old and slowing down, but I will forever be thankful to Save-A-Pet for giving me the best dog in the world!
Lisa - Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
A few years ago my sister, Danielle, went to a local animal shelter to look for her boyfriend's dog who went missing earlier that day. Danielle came across a white german shepherd. She was told that he was to be put to sleep the next day. He had been there a long time. Danielle contacted Save-A-Pet and they took him in. Timber went through two different homes and we were number three on the waiting list. When the first two homes didn't work out, Danielle and I begged and pleaded with our mom to go and look at Timber. We fell in love instantly and lets just say the third time's the charm! Our handsome boy is a love and we couldn't be happier to have him in our lives. I will never again buy a dog from a breeder when I can find one in need who needs a loving home.
Denise - Lk.Ronkonkoma, NY
2 years ago I adopted a cat named Flora and she is a talker. She is spoiled and happy, and she lives with 2 other cats and a dog now. During Christmas 2007, I went to Save-A-Pet again and fell in love with a black lab mix named "Peppermint Patty." She was only 30 lbs. and scared. I took her home to foster her and see if she would get along with my cats. Well, we named her "Holly" and she is all ours and a happy healthy 65lbs...may I add spoiled as she sleeps on my bed. She is learning to enjoy life and slowly getting over being scared. We go walking and camping. She is learning to play with other dogs- the cats taught her how to play. Thanks to Save-A-Pet, Holly has a great home and family.
Maureen - Selden, NY
My husband and I were afraid to open our hearts again. Our beloved akita, Bailey, had died suddenly. But after awhile, we missed having a dog around the house. We went to SAVE-A-PET to get another dog. We kept going back and one day we turned around and saw Belle. She had 3 legs. We looked at each other and knew. We wanted her!
Belle is a sweetheart. People see her and feel sorry for her but we say don't pity her - she is spoiled like you wouldn't believe. Belle has a great life. Want to know something? I don't think she knows she's missing a leg. It doesn't stop her from doing anything. She jumps onto the sofa, runs around crazy and spins like a top. She makes us laugh and laugh.
Sue - Middle Island, NY
Who says older isn't better? After having many dogs in the past - usually adopted as puppies or young adults - I fell in love with a SENIOR yellow lab named Truman. Truman was found as a stray and brought to a kill shelter where he was rescued and brought to Save-A-Pet.
To say he is the best dog I have ever had in my life is an understatement. When we adopted him 2 years ago at the age of 7, we understood that his lifespan would be shorter then starting off with a younger dog - but he is going strong at age 9 and each day is such a joy. The kids love him and he loves them right back. He runs, plays and gives us a run for our money. We truly value the time we have had and will have with him and the feeling of knowing that his final years will be spent in a family that not only gives him love - but is filled with love that he gives to us each day.
Gina - Lindenhurst, NY
We adopted 2 special needs cats (they are leukemia positive) to join the one we already have. They were brother and sister. Unfortunately, the sister (Snowflake) passed away. But we still have her brother (Snowball) and boy is he a handful! He's the feline version of "terrible two"! He's into everything and chases our other cat all over the place. He's very intelligent, too. He plays fetch with my son. He meows whenever he wants something. He will stand and meow at you until you get up and follow him where he wants you to go. He likes to drink water from the bathtub and the sink, too. I recently lost my job and he's been my little buddy following me around the house and sitting by me when I'm on the computer. He's such a sweet boy, and while I still wish we had his sister, I'm so glad we still have Snowball! He makes me laugh and smile whenever I really don't feel like it.
