PETCO Foundation Holiday Wishes grant submissions “Thank you” to all that applied! Five stories were chosen to represent the SPCA, hopefully one will be chosen as a national winner!

Heidi- She is not a bully but a great companion

My husband and I adopted "Sadie", a year old GSD in October. We fell in love with her and took her home the day we met her! We had lost our lab in August at age 13, and were ready for another dog. Now, Molly, my old lab, was one of the best search dogs I have ever seen work. She was versatile, able to track, trail, area search or work on variable surfaces as conditions required. "Heidi", (formerly Sadie), was an owner surrender to SPCA because she "wasn't aggressive enough". As we got her home and I observed her, I realized this dog was a gem in disguise! Her nose was always on the ground, and she had a HUGE toy drive, a great combination for a working dog! I truly believe that Molly had directed us to Heidi from the Rainbow Bridge! Heidi has begun working on basic tracking skills, and is truly a quick learner. She is the kind of dog that needs a job! She works through the problem she encounters, and basks in the praise and play when she is done. Now, the vet says that he doesn't believe her hips are the best, but as long as we keep the weight off of her, and get lots of movement and exercise, it should not be a problem for many years. All of this is OK, because she is the center of our household! Additionally, Heidi has become very attentive to the sounds and movement in our household. She is quickly becoming a "typical" GSD.....she tolerates strangers such as guests or people on the street and is non-aggressive in greeting them, but let someone come to the door unexpectedly after dark.......she rapidly becomes protective of her family and home! She sits on the loveseat in the font window attentively watching the yard and when she is sound asleep at the side of the bed and something goes "bump" in the night, Heidi is up and out of the bedroom on a mission to see what it was! Heidi has been a great addition to our household! Thank you SPCA for all you do and for allowing us the privilege of owning such a great K9 companion!

Granola Sue- Once neglected, now loved forever When Granola Sue first arrived at Animal Control, she weighed half her healthy weight, was bald due to demadex and longing for a friend. The people at animal control saw something in her and were not going to easily give up on her. She was obviously neglected and poorly cared for but her spirit could not be broken. By the time she arrived at the SPCA she had begun her physical recovery and winning many hearts. My husband and I had fostered many dogs in the past but when we got the opportunity to foster Granola Sue we knew she was special. For about two months we did what we could to promote her adoption, to find her a family as good dog foster parents do but so many people were intimidated by her breed and her condition. After a number of vet visits to clear up the demadex, a food allergy diagnosis and a healthy appetite, she transformed into a strong and beautiful creature. By this time my husband and I were quite attached to her, our cats would have preferred the house to themselves again, but we did not want to let this one go. As it became more and more difficult to justify letter her go, we made the big decision; we decided to adopt her. She has been a part of my family for just over a year and I couldn’t be more proud to call this happy, silly, friendly pup our “Nola”.

Katie- A dog can be more than just a dog My name is Katie and I’m about five years old. I’m an Australian Shepherd. My eight two-week old puppies and I were left at Animal Control during May 2011. The SPCA found us and placed us in a great foster home. My puppies all found homes and I was adopted in August. I live with my rescued sister, Roz, a border collie/shepherd mix. We do lots of things together. At the park, we wrestle and I bark at the sun and chase jets. I’ve completed obedience and agility classes, and am now working with my owner and my trainer to become a comfort dog to sit with kids who have to testify in court. I can jump barriers, walk shaky bridges, jump through hoops, walk the teeter-totter, run through tunnels, and do lots of things. I love to greet everyone I see. My coat is really soft and thick so I feel like a 55-pound stuffed animal. I act especially good when I meet new kids. I’ve been to local stores, the mall, and the library. I’ve ridden an elevator and even been to church. I’m very people friendly and everybody wants to take me home.

Helen-More than just a family pet “If you could see me now.. I am not as timid and shy as I was when my family came to see me. Now, I love seeing my ‘peeps’ when I wake up in the morning and when they come home from work. I can’t control my body or my tail. It wiggles all over and I just want to jump in their arms and kiss and hug them. I know I’m not supposed to jump so I try to control myself. Clyde (my brother) wasn’t sure he liked me but now he’ll take a nap on the same bed with me! I know all my family loves me but I know Kara will always give me attention when I need it. She treats me like I’m famous! I’m told Kara is special because she has High Function Autism, so I try extra hard to make her happy! I even get to sleep In the Queen’s (Kara’s) bed! Kara says I’m going to be a professional runner and win lots of races. I can’t wait and will do my best for Kara. I have learned to ‘sit’ and ‘down’. I know my name is Helen! I like seeing my leash because it means I get to go outside and plat and work. My mom says I’m almost ‘potty’ trained. Sometimes, I get so tired I cuddle with Kara on the couch. I must be special. Kara and I will be ‘stars’ together!” We began as dog walkers at the SPCA when we lost our Welsh Corgi who was Kara’s running buddy. The death of our pet left an empty spot in our hearts and home. We didn’t necessarily start volunteering with the dogs to adopt one but as therapy for the loneliness that Kara experienced. We had fund walking several dogs then she started talking about how each one could fit in with our family. After visiting and spending time with a few dogs, we made our decision. It was not an easy one because there were so many wonderful dogs that needed homes. In March of this year we decided to adopt Tryst (a 9 week old Catahoula Mix). We named her Helen after Kara’s great grandmother. We are all so happy that we gave this precious puppy a loving home and also providing Kara with the therapy and friendship she needs!

Liza- Lost her leg but missing nothing at all Liza is a small cat, not much bigger than a squirrel. She came to me almost two years ago as a tiny kitten, needing a place to recover after her left front leg had to be amputated. She slept in a shoe box, with room to spare, and quickly stole my heart. Some may see a three legged cat as having a disability, however, Liza has never given it a second thought. Ridiculously funny, she’s a joyful little soul who plays with abandon, had boundless energy and curiosity, with the feisty determination of a terrier. From the start, Liza decided she and my older cat Annie, would be best buddies. However, Annie was having none of it. At ten years of age and weighing 12 beautiful pounds, Annie did not suffer fools… she saw herself as a sleek, stalking machine with a purpose…silent and serious she made her daily rounds through the house. Liza was never deterred. Approaching four months and barely weighing three pounds, she followed Annie constantly, lying in wait at every corner, ready to pounce. Her energy and spontaneous funloving nature was impossible to ignore. Annie held out for awhile, be a close friendship was simply inevitable. Recently, I fostered a two week old Husky puppy. Liza watched every bottle feeding with intense interest, and quickly decided she would supervise it’s daily care. Her presence had a calming effect on the pup, and soon Liza was sleeping next to it’s bed, keeping watch and occasionally dragging her toys to share. The two became playmates, teasing, playing tag and wrestling. For several weeks, Liza could usually end up on top, but as the puppy grew, she lost her advantage. Even so, she was good natured and usually game for a rematch. With the many rewards of rescuing a pet, Liza has presented yet another gift…a daily reminder to let go of perceived limitations, get on with life and enjoy its limitless possibilities.

Ollie Ollie rescued me in January of 2006. I adopted him as a senior and he was my start into animal welfare volunteering. He paved the way for me to volunteer as many hours as I can to help other cats just like him. He recently passed Nov 17 this year from old age. He was been my constant companion and friend for all these years. I would definitely adopt a senior animal again. They are so wise, loving and understanding.

Sadie I adopted Sadie June 2013 @ 3 mo old. When I brought her home she was scared of everything! She would hide, wouldnt walk on a leash, didn't no any commands & was no where near potty trained! But then I read that if you put bells on your doors & get her in a good obedience/training program it will help her w/ everything. So I put her in a 6 wk program @ Petsmart & the bells on the door. In that 6 wks she was potty trained & learned over 7 different commands, isn's afraid anymore, walks great on a leash & is just a different dog! The SPCA of swmich is a great place to find that special dog or cat for your family. I recommend them to everyone looking for a new friend.

Harley Our house just felt empty without a dog. We took our time, we looked at many shelters and lots of photos online. When we saw Harley's face we knew she was the girl for us. We contacted the rescue organization that had her listed and I got a heartbreaking phone call from the family that had raised Harley. Harley's family didn't want to give her up but they were being forced to and sadly, just a few days before my adoption application was received they had to take her to the SPCA. She tearfully told me that we were perfect for her baby and she hoped we would still consider taking her. My husband and I dropped everything. We left work early and made the hour long drive to meet her. SPCA was amazing! The adoption process was so easy and the employees were helpful and compassionate. Harley has been such a blessing to our home! She makes us feel more safe and she's really taken to farm life. And we've kept in contact with her former family so they've been able to help us help Harley make an easy transition. Thank you SPCA! We wouldn't be the same without our baby girl!

Pepper It is all about the connection…As a volunteer adoption counselor at the SPCA of SW Michigan, I have seen connections with pets many times. Sometimes there is a spark deep within the heart of the adopter that can’t be explained. My story is one about a connection--my connection to a dog. I had toyed with the addition of a dog to our family of two cats and four humans. I had even mentioned it to some staff at the SPCA. I met one dog at an adoption event and hesitated about adopting. She found a great home but it wasn’t mine. I was a disappointed, but knew that dog would be safe and happy, so I waited for the next special dog to come my way. The next dog that came to my attention was small and cuddly... Her elderly owner had released her with great sadness. I decided she that would be my new dog…until the owner wanted her back. Another dog and another missed connection. A few months passed. Big news spread at the SPCA that a group of Yorkie mixed dogs had come in for adoption! They didn’t look like Yorkies, as their fur was shaved close due to matting, however, they were pretty cute in a David Copperfield street urchin sort of way…So, I waited for the dogs to get through intake, quarantine and medical as all SPCA dogs must do—even for loyal volunteers craving a dog to adopt. . I met “Kenya” and thought she was a nice dog, but wasn’t sure about making her a part of our family. The connection wasn’t there. I sat in on an adoption interview with Kenya and a new potential family. The family decided against Kenya. After they left, I spent a little time with Kenya in a quiet room. My husband and son rushed to the SPCA, at my request, and visited with Kenya. They were not wowed! She didn’t run or jump or twirl or wag her tail. She sat quietly and cautiously peered at them. They thought she was a nice dog, but one which might have more in her background than we could overcome with love. The connection wasn’t there. In the end, we took a leap of faith and believed in the connection that would come and we adopted Kenya who is now named Pepper. Pepper is the best four legged connection that any of us have ever made! She does now run and jump and twirl and wag her tail. She greets us every time we come in the door with kisses and eyes that shout “Hello Family…I am so glad to see you”. Pepper continues to do good things for other animals and helps to foster kittens from the SPCA. She proudly enters their room in our home and almost seems to say, “You are safe here.” Pepper believes in helping other pets find their perfect connection.