Adoption Success Stories

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Toby's Story
Picture of Matthew, Mark, Baby Cakes, and Toby

Two weeks after adopting Baby Cakes we spoke to Pat Long about any other available dogs to add to our family.  At that time she recommended Toby.
When we took Baby to meet Toby she was not too sure about him at first but quickly got over it!  Toby’s first night at our home he and Baby Cakes played until 10:30 p.m.!!  Once again – we all fell in love!
 Thanks again to A Pet For Life for making our world a happier place now with two dogs to love and cherish!
 ~ Dean, Patricia, Matthew, Mark and Baby Cakes Murrell - July 1, 2008 ~

Baby Cake's Story
Picture of Matthew, Mark and Baby Cakes

On June 11, 1008, our beloved family member and friend, 11-year-old Lab/Golden Retriever mix, Lucy, passed away.  Our home was so lonely without her.  We could not come through the door without crying, knowing she would not be there to greet us, play with and just be with us.  A lot of people told us the best medicine would be to adopt a new dog.

On the advice of our vet’s office, we checked out www.apetforlife.org.  Once we saw the face picture of Baby Cakes, it brought smiles and laughter back into our life!  We called Pat Long to set up an appointment to meet “Baby” and her other dogs.  It was love at first sight with Baby Cakes! 

Once we arranged with Pat to adopt Baby Cakes, we set up a time for Pat to deliver her to our home.  Pat brought all her records, medicines, collar and leash!  Once Pat left, Baby ran around our house at full speed, tail wagging, jumping on the furniture, she was as excited as we were!

Since that day we have been so very happy!  Baby has a very special place in our hearts!  She has not “replaced” Lucy but has added sunshine, love and laughter to our lives once again!

We now look forward to adopting one more family member from  “A Pet For Life!!”

~ Dean, Patricia, Matthew and Mark Murrell - June 29, 2008 ~

         
Narlee's Story
(formerly known as Karma)

Narlee ( was known Karma) is such a loving and caring friend.  She has brought our family such joy. My husband and I are newlyweds and Narlee is our stand-in child.  She is so smart.  She knows how to open up door handles to get out, although sometimes she gets confused and locks herself in rooms. :)  Other than that, Narlee has been perfect.  I want to thank Pat for all the kind things she has done. Thank you Pat.
~ Caitlyn and Kyle Taylor - June 24, 2008 ~

Amber's Story

In May 2006, we were searching for a dog to love and who wanted to be loved.  That is when we found an ad in the newspaper to adopt dogs.  After meeting with Pat Long, we were introduced to Amber.  We fell in love with her at first sight.  She looked at us and her eyes just told us we needed her as much as she needed us.  After a couple of long days waiting, Pat delivered Amber to us, all cleaned and groomed, and we welcomed her with open arms.  We love her with all our heart, and we owe our enjoyment to Pat Long.  We keep in constant contact. 
I would recommend adopting from A Pet For Life, if you need a friend for life... Thanks Pat
~ Kevin, Diane, Amber and Boomboom Wingfield - June 13, 2008 ~

Waddles' Story
(formerly known as Nicholas)

         
Darla's Story

After five years of waiting for a family to love her, Little Miss Darla is being spoiled rotten in her new home.  In October of 2002, along with fourteen other cats, and a dozen dogs, Darla was taken from the home of a self-proclaimed animal rescuer, who was in actuality, nothing more than an animal collector / hoarder.  She had been kept on a porch where a bag of food was merely torn open and put on the floor.  The empty cat food bags were being used as litter pans.  When Pat went to check out the situation, the man carried three buckets of water on the porch and the cats swarmed around them.  Of the fifteen cats Pat rescued, only two could be saved, both of which had been found hiding on the ledge above the screen's framing.  The other thirteen were either too sick or too old to be saved.  Carla, the only other surviving cat from this location, was adopted soon after her rescue.  But Darla, at approximately one year of age, with her shy personality, always hid her face when a family would come to look at the cats available for adoption.   

When I started going to spend time with the cats at Pat's, I was drawn to Darla from very early on.  Over the next few months, I patiently worked with Darla, not letting her "get away" with hiding her pretty face from me.  I'm sure both my husband and Pat grew tired of hearing me talk about each small step I made in winning Darla's trust.  Finally, in December, my husband surprised me by allowing me to adopt Darla as a Christmas present.  She came to live with us on December 11th, 2007 and she has really surprised me by being more affectionate and loving than I ever imagined she could be.  My other little girl, Patches, is still adjusting to having to share her Momma with a smaller, but older sister.  Luke, the dog we adopted from Pat in May 2007 is curious about Darla.  With a little luck and a little time, hopefully, they will learn to coexist in our little family.

 I'd like to thank Pat for somehow seeing Darla's potential to be the loving, playful cat she's becoming and for giving me the chance to adopt her and spoil her rotten.  I'd also like to thank Robert, my loving husband, for giving me the wonderful gift of allowing Darla to become a part of our family and for giving me a gift that will keep on giving for many years to come.  I feel very blessed.
~ Kneicea A Tull - January 7, 2008 ~

Roxie's Story
(formerly known as Pebbles)

Tess' Story

         
Daisey's Story

Well, two weeks have passed, and Daisy (we call her Sadie now, she doesn't seem to mind) has melded seamlessly into our household.   She is gentle around kids, and mostly ignores our cats (mostly!). She loves to run, especially at breakneck speed! Inside, she is right on our heels most of the day, ready to help. The rest of the time, she lays quietly on her bed. She has a booming voice, and she only barks when she's supposed to. I guess I'm saying that she's the perfect dog for us. Thank you so much for everything!
~ Matthew Kraemer - December 16, 2007 ~
 

UPDATE
Sadie, (known as Daisey to us), came to A Pet For Life, Inc., as a stray on 09/25/07, testing positive for heartworms and Lyme disease.  In spite of her health issues, on 11/30/07, Matt and Autumn opened their hearts and their home to Sadie, making her a part of their family.  Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to Sadie on 03/12/08.  After coming from an unknown, but obviously abused beginning, The Kraemers were truly a blessing for Sadie, giving her a perfect home for the last few months of her short life.  She leaves behind her loving family and all of us at APFL.  She will always be remembered and terribly missed.

         
Ginger's Story
(formerly known as Gidget)

Ginger was a little timid and shy when she came to us, but very sweet and loving.  We could tell that she hadn't had much attention in her first few months; she was starved for love and attention.  Pat was right that Ginger would be a very lovable member of our family, and Henry is just smitten with her.  She has started riding with him in his truck (in her very own seat that she is most proud of!) and now whenever she hears keys, she is at the door to Go!

 

Ginger loves to eat anything on the ground (especially leaves) which has given us a headache during the fall.  She decided to chase every cricket in the vicinity of our home.  Thank goodness for the frost!  Ginger's favorite game is catching the ball - she is great at retrieving it and even brings it back for more.  She has, however, learned from Henry what the couch is for and she wastes no time snuggling down in a blanket on the couch to watch tv!  She has become demanding when she wants something - maybe that comes from being an only child!  She's a very happy puppy and is continuing to grow each day.  Will send some more pics asap.  Thanks again for bringing Ginger into our lives.  She is a joy to live with!!
~ June Brittingham - December 13, 2007 ~
 

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Abbey & Mollie's Story

In October 2003, we adopted Abbey, a cute petite black and white parti-colored cocker spaniel.  She had just turned 11 years old.  Her owner's landlord forced him to get rid of her after 10 ½ years.  Abbey lived in a kennel for several months before A Pet for Life stepped in.  Mary, a friend of mine, told me about Pat Long and the shelter.  Mary told me that Pat had Abbey and had been trying to find a home for her.  Mary knew that we adopted the older dogs that it seemed no one ever chooses.  We met Abbey one evening and decided that we had a place in our hearts and home for her.  Abbey came to live with us the following weekend.  It did not take long for her to take charge of the house.    She is just like her Momma, a take-charge individual.  After living as an "only dog" for almost 11 years she had to adjust to life with a doggie brother, 3 doggie sisters and three kitty brothers.  She's still a bit of loner, but now exists peacefully (most of the time!) with her siblings. Abbey has become very attached to her Momma and even visits her at work when Abbey doesn't feel well.  She has had many conditions with her skin, ears and toes due to allergies and many problems with her heart.  Abbey has chosen to make her doggie bed in front of the TV her throne.  She runs to it whenever she needs to reinforce the notion that she is Queen of the house.  She is quite a joy to own.  She has kept us on our toes.  When she wants something, she thinks she should have it and immediately.  We honestly have to admit, it has been hard not to give her everything she wants.  She is after all, the elder at 15 years old and still going very strong!

In April 2006, we adopted Mollie, a happy go-lucky little black cocker spaniel with a very long tail.  She was 11 years old.  Her owner had died and the granddaughter of the owner wanted to put Mollie to sleep.  Pat Long enters the picture and declares that she can't put such a sweet dog to sleep.  She asked for the granddaughter to sign Mollie over to Pat's shelter.  Pat knew that Matt and I had just put one of our little sweet dogs to sleep and were having a hard time.  She approached me about adopting Mollie.  Matt and I were going to be stopping by for a quick visit while we were in town.  I decided that I was going to adopt Mollie even though Matt and I decided that we were not looking to add another "mouth to feed" after losing our other dog.  The weekend that we visited was our anniversary weekend.  Matt and I joined Pat and Mollie in the kitchen.  Pat knew that Matt was not interested in getting another dog, but she knows Matt and me all too well.  She knew that Matt would cave as soon as he saw the playful and loving little Mollie.  Matt began playing ball with Mollie.  The two of them became connected.  Pat took out the contract and handed it to me.  I read it over and looked at Matt and said, "Happy Anniversary??"  He knew he was being set up, but he couldn't refuse the ball-loving Mollie.  We took Mollie home with us that weekend.  She has been with us for a year and a half now.  She has had 12 teeth pulled, gone deaf and has lost sight in both eyes due to glaucoma.  After many problems with Mollie scratching her protruding eyeball, Matt and I decided to have the eye removed.  It was not working anyway.  It has been about two months since the surgery and Mollie gets along like a champ.  She knows where to find the water bowls and how to go up and down the stairs.  She jumps onto and off the bed all by herself.  She can't play ball anymore, but she has become fond of walks and gnawing her special bones.  The other fours dogs don't mind her tripping or running into them.  They just lie still or move on (even Abbey above).  Mollie has lost some of her spirit and "childlike" personality, but she is still very happy to be a part of our household.  She really likes to sleep in now.  I assume because everything is dark and quiet.  It sometimes takes 15 minutes to wake her, but she jumps up then and starts her morning routine.  She stops and takes time to smell the roses and that reminds Matt and me that we need to do the same.  This is one of the things that remind us how precious life is and that God uses circumstances like this to teach others.  We both love Mollie so much and can't imagine not having her in our lives. 

If you have a chance to adopt a pet, remember that you are the only one responsible for that pet's wellbeing and happiness. 
~ Matt and Anneliese Davis - October 15, 2007 ~

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Jesse's Story

Little Jesse was rescued by Pat Long and A Pet For Life, Inc. in 1999 from a ghastly situation of horrendous and shameful neglect.  The many abandoned animals found still alive were all starved, dehydrated, and covered with matted hair and filth.  They were all flea-ridden and infested with parasites.  Jesse was born into this terrible situation and, sometime after his birth, his tiny left front leg was chewed off and his tail broken, neither of which ever had any veterinary attention.  Amazingly, this valiant little Yorkie mix survived and, at age one and one-half years, came into the loving hands of Pat Long, who had him cleaned up, groomed, and medically attended.  He weighed only five pounds and was so anemic from fleabites that he could not tolerate inoculations for more than a month after his rescue.  With Pat's compassionate care, his body began to heal and he was made ready for a loving home.  When he was entrusted to my care, his weight had risen to seven pounds, but he was still so dehydrated that, when the skin on his little back was pulled up, it stayed up, instead of snapping back, and his body was still skeletal; but his intelligent eyes were bright and he won my heart immediately.  The prognosis was not good, but this little survivor came through the dark and has brightened my life for more than seven years.  He now weighs eleven pounds soaking wet and doesn't miss a trick.  The name "Jesse" means "Gift from God," and he has, indeed, been a blessing to me.  He is sweet and loving, but with a mischievous streak that has earned him the title "Messy Jesse, The Holy Terrier."  Thank you, Pat, for bringing this little fuzzy bundle of love into my life and my heart.
~ Lou Hilliard - October 3, 2007 ~ 

    
Bailey's Story

I adopted this adorable, sweet boy in the spring of 2006.  At the time of adoption he was four years old.  His name at that time was Muffin, his given name from the original owner, who purchased him from a pet store.  He was at Pat’s home for a brief stay, and during that time he was known as the Muffin-Man!  If you can tell from his photos, he has quiet a bit of an under bite, which makes him so special.  I truly believe this is what made me attracted to him.  I had recently lost my “Susie”, a Yorkie mix, which I had adopted from the Humane Society.  I had “Susie” for 13 years, and it wasn’t enough time.  She was so special to me, and loosing her was like loosing a part of my life.  Then came Bailey, he will never replace my Susie, but he has won my heart.  I love this little guy so much, he is such a character, and if you met my Bailey, you would never forget him!!!  Bailey is now five, and loves life.  He has a sister, Maggie, a Border collie mix, she is eight, and a brother, Buddy, a Maltese mix, he is nine.  He also has four kitties as companions, Samantha, Keri, Mindy, and Amy.  Bailey is very happy in my home, and loves playing in his fenced in yard.  He loves to ride in the car, and goes as often as he can.  When I am not at home, he is perched on top of the sofa, and watches for me to come home.  I am grateful to A Pet For Life, and Pat Long for bringing Bailey into my life.
~ Candi Goodman - July 28, 2007 ~

         
Lucas Lee's (aka Luke) Story

This little boy is Lucas Lee.  My husband, Robert, and I adopted him from A Pet For Life, Inc. on May 25, 2007.  He has made himself quite at home as part of our family.  Luke made a stop at two humane societies and a home for a brief period of time, before he was taken in by A Pet For Life, Inc.  He spent less than twenty-four hours with Pat before coming to our home.  He will be one year old on August 16, 2007.  Before coming to live with us, he had some basic training, was house-broken and was crate trained.  Luke is a very loving dog and the love he gives us is very much returned.  We were impressed with Pat's adoption procedures.  She gave us a copy of his veterinarian records, a folder to keep track of his medical records, and she made sure he was current on his medical needs before we adopted him.  Today, Lucas Lee is surrounded by a loving family made up of my husband, myself, and our two cats, Patches and Willy.
~ Kneicea Tull - July 28, 2007 ~

Jasmine & Kassie's Story

Our pet adoptions from A Pet For Life Inc. have been a huge success. We have a dog named Jasmine and a cat named Kassie. We got Jasmine in April of 2001. We changed her name from Star to Jasmine. She is very hyper sometimes but has become part of the family. She enjoys the dogs next door a lot. She likes to go on rides in our boat. She is very friendly with people. When you first meet her she gets excited. But, as you get to know her she calms down. Kassie enjoys her life here. She loves to roam our four-acres that we own. She is very independent like most cats but she loves attention. When you walk by she flops down on her back with her belly up. That means she wants you to scratch her belly. Kassie is like "the queen of the yard."  When our neighbor's cat came into our yard one day, Kassie decided she owned the place and chased the neighbor's cat off. Jasmine gets in fights with Kassie sometimes and Kassie wins. Since there are lots of animals where we live in the country it's a good thing she knows how to defend herself. She is a hunter not a cat that likes toys. She bats at moths and bugs. At night, I shine a flashlight on the ground and she loves to pounce on the light. We got Kassie in August of 2006. We changed her name from Petunia to Kassie. We love our pets, and we're glad they're part of the family. 
~  Jordan Kilgore, age 9 - July 27, 2007 ~

    
Sonny Boy's Story

This is Sonny.  He's a very lucky cat.  One day, he appeared at my neighbor's farm.  They contacted me because there were already two cats on the farm and they really didn't want to add another cat to their family.  They were also concerned about Sonny's health.  He was having a lot of problems with his hind quarters, walking at almost a squat.  He also had a somewhat healed scar over his right eye, and quite a bit of fur loss.  I had him examined by two veterinarians.  The results of the exams showed that Sonny has either an old spinal injury or some neurological impairments.  The veterinarians also believe Sonny to be a fairly old cat.  Even with all of his troubles, Sonny has a very sweet disposition.  Now, he enjoys a very leisurely life with me and is quite happy and content in a home where he is safe, secure and very much loved.
~ Pat Long - July 2007 ~

    
Kernel's Story

Little Kernel is a Chihuahua who originally came from a family who was separating.  As a puppy, he had fallen down a set of stairs, causing seizures.  The vet prescribed Phenobarbital to prevent the seizures.  I placed him with a new family, and things seemed to be going well.  This family dutifully continued his medications and gave him a loving home, but after being with them for quite some time, Kernel decided to bite his owner.  He came back to me around age seven.  I weaned him off of the Phenobarbital, hoping to rehabilitate him and adopt him to another loving family.  Kernel had other ideas.  He adopted me and now, two years later, he's decided he's here to stay.  He will be ten years old this year.   Kernel is five pounds of bark and a little bite!
~ Pat Long - July 2007 ~

    
Leroy's Story

I found Leroy, a hound mix, when I was volunteering at the Humane Society in 1999.  Surrendered as a stray, Leroy had a few medical and behavioral problems.  He had an untreated wound on his leg, which had turned into cellulitis.  (Cellulitis is an inflammation of the skin cells caused by an infection.)  Because of some aggressive tendencies that made Leroy an adoption risk, the Shelter had to make the tough decision of whether to invest the money to treat him or not.  I agreed to take Leroy, providing him with the veterinary care he needed and with his behavioral rehabilitation.  Leroy had surgery on his leg, in which tissue was scraped away, right down to the bone.  Leroy recovered well and has been with me ever since.  His behavior improved and he's a very sweet dog today.
~ Pat Long - July 2007 ~
 

We would like to thank those who have contributed their adoption success stories to our web page.  If you would be interested in sharing your story about adopting one of our animals, and have a couple of minutes to write a little paragraph, we would greatly appreciate it.  A Pet For Life, Inc. would like to share your success story with other families who have adopted our deserving animals, and those families who are interested in adopting a pet from us.  Please send us a picture and/or a short story or even just a sentence or two.  You can send it to us by mail: A Pet For Life, Inc., 28215 Log Cabin Road, Salisbury, MD 21801; or email us at apetforlife@Comcast.net.  Please remember to include your name and your pet's name.