Love-at-first-sight: stories of Pet Parents who just knew

PetSmart - Catherine Mabe

Anyone who’s adopted a dog remembers that first moment when they saw their family’s pet and “just knew” that a particular dog was meant to be part of their pack. Here, three lucky Pet Parents share their own stories of the love, patience and ultimate enjoyment involved in giving a dog in need a forever home.

Pharoah: from the racetrack to the comforts of home
Pharaoh, previously known in dog racing circles as HMS Airforceone, was adopted by Pet Parents Bailey Brown and Adam's McCray when he was 6 years old. The couple teamed up with Arizona Adopt a Greyhound (AAG) who interviewed them, gave them a tour of the track where the dogs they took in had so spent so much of their lives and showed them how the dogs lived during their racing careers.

AAG also analyzed Bailey and Adam's lifestyle and e-mailed them the photos of 3 dogs that could keep up with the active couple. “Right away, Pharaoh’s confident stance and sleek black coat made him a standout,” Bailey says. “Adam is in the Air Force and when we saw that Pharaoh’s racing name was "Airforceone" we really believed it was meant to be.

The couple didn't have a hard time deciding to make Pharoah part of the family. And the statuesque canine is settling into retired life quite well. In fact, he has become a collector of sorts.

“When we are eating dinner or watching TV and not paying attention to Pharaoh, he will find shoes or socks, look around, and then stealthily drag the items back to the den he is building behind our couch,” says Bailey. “The only problem with his strategy is that he’s very noticeable and not stealthy at all!”

In addition to continually making his Pet Parents laugh, Pharoah is a well-known stress reliever around the house. In fact, he provides so much comic relief that Bailey and Adam have adopted another Greyhound! Her name is Cleo.

"I think of how Pharoah has undergone such a drastic lifestyle change in such a short time and it makes me realize how special it is that he is part of our family. He has nothing but love to give," Bailey says.

Cody: three's not a crowd in this family
Mention Brittney Spaniel Cody to Pet Parents Ben and Randa Minyard and they'll tell you the story of how their search for a third dog ended when they met Cody. The couple felt Cody was a perfect match for them when they saw his photo online. But the two dogs they already shared their lives with would be the ultimate decision makers.

"We took our dogs Bogart and Jack to meet Cody and his foster parent at our local PetSmart. Everyone got along great. There were no signs of aggression and they were all very comfortable around each other. There was very little doubt that Cody would be accepted whole-heartedly into our pack," says Ben.

Today, when the couple comes home from running errands, the three dogs greet them at the garage door. Jack usually tries to jump on us, Bogart stays in the back, and Cody just squirms in excitement. If you invite Cody to jump on you, instead of pawing at you like most dogs do, he puts his legs on your hips and gives you a hug. He also sings the occasional tune when it's time to get up in the morning. That’s how Cody likes to greet the day (or a good meal)--by throwing his head back and happily howling in a surprising array of octaves!

Today Cody's life is one of luxury with frequent visits to the dog park. “He loves to sprint from one side to the other,” Ben says. "Oh, and he can't sleep without his round dog bed."

Lizie: young, small and very loved
Though Pet Parent Julie Hoffhiens already cared for three rescued Chihuahuas from various backgrounds, her love of the breed didn’t stop there. When she met Lizie through a local rescue group, she thought the spayed female would provide a nice balance to her pack of three neutered males. “I thought they’d take to her well and I was right,” Julie says.

Following the lead of the other dogs has helped get Lizie accustomed to life in her new forever home. Julie was determined to let her find her way within the pack. Julie explains, "It takes time for a dog to adjust and that means patience on our part while she does."

Today, Lizie is the youngest and smallest of the group, but she jumps right in and plays with the others. "She has no qualms about stalking them and then chasing them down and taking their toys away,” Julie says. "Lizie runs as if she's never had the opportunity to run before. At night she is totally worn out and just sits on the couch on a pile of blankets."

And Lizie's life isn't the only one that was enhanced when she and Julie met. "Lizie and her canine brothers give me a reason to come home after work. I look forward to seeing them after a long day" Julie says. "I also find meaning in my life knowing that I am helping a homeless animal have a normal, happy life."

Stories like these happen every day. Do you have one to tell? Share it with by creating a pet profile here at Pets.com.

If you’re interested in finding a new best friend and helping a pet in need find a loving home, visit the PetSmart Online Adoption Center. You can enter your preferences to find pets that best match your criteria available for adoption at a shelter, animal welfare agency or foster network.

Comments

18 Nov 2009 6:17 pm

Hollyfang said:

My two cats were left in a box outside of Blockbuster. I saw them and i was like, "Mom! Look at these poor cuties..." And i just knew they were perfect. Just like my horse Rivermane, we rescued her from her abusive owners and we really just knew!

18 Nov 2009 6:17 pm

Hollyfang said:

My two cats were left in a box outside of Blockbuster. I saw them and i was like, "Mom! Look at these poor cuties..." And i just knew they were perfect. Just like my horse Rivermane, we rescued her from her abusive owners and we really just knew!