I would like to submit my beautiful princess Leelah “Belz” for your contest. I’ve sent her photo to you in a separate email.

We adopted Leelah from a shelter when she was 2 years old and she’s been living with us for three years now. Admittedly, when I first saw her, I wasn’t sure what to think because you see, she only has one eye. The people at the shelter had no idea what had happened to her eye, but since she was already an adult cat, it was another serious strike against her being adopted. I was worried that she would be afraid of humans after such an apparent trauma, but once they opened the cage, she came running over and into my arms, purring as sweetly and gently head-butting me so I would pet her. All the other cats ignored us completely as it was obvious my sweet Belz had just found her forever home. :-)

Now, she enjoys her regular “spa days” as I brush her all out, tell her how beautiful she is, and help her find the best sunbeam to nap in. She loves to play with feather toys and her favorite time of day is when I crack open the fresh can of food in the morning. :-) Leelah is the beat, most patient, loving cat I could hope for…and I hope to encourage people out there to not be afraid to adopt a “differently” abled animal…it’s been one of the best decisions of my life!

Thanks!

Tyke is a tiny, 16-year-old Chinese Crested Powderpuff. He had been surrendered to rescue for the second time. I had been looking for an older dog to add to my family of three senior Chinese Crested Hairless dogs. I was very touched by Tyke’s picture, and by the fact that he was in rescue at such an old age. I knew he was the dog for me.

The rescue told me that Tyke had been surrendered to them the first time at age 13. The couple had gotten Tyke as a puppy. They recently had children, and Tyke was having potty problems. The rescue placed Tyke with a new family, but the couple just recently divorced and decided that they couldn’t keep him.

I have only had Tyke for a short time; however, I am just in love with this happy, energetic “old man.” He is such a sweet, funny little dog. Tyke loves everyone he meets, and his cute little face makes everyone smile. Wherever I go with Tyke, I make sure to let people know about the importance of adopting from rescue – especially the senior pets. I understood when I adopted Tyke that his time with us may be limited; however I believe each day with him is a gift.

Thank you for offering this contest and for considering Tyke.

Susan

My name is Kelly and I would like to submit a photo of my once in a lifetime “soul dog” Trevor.

He is a retired therapy dog & my closest friend. Unfortunately, he is now getting on in years and I find myself realizing we have more days behind than in front of us. My family certainly would cherish a portrait of him.

Trevor has been a true ambassador for his breed – brightening the days of countless people. Even though he is retired from therapy work, he still touches people.

He has been the inspiration for a whole area of the world wide web where Sheltie lovers gather to learn, inspire & educate.

One of my favorite photos of him can be found here.

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce you to him!

Thanks for your consideration.
Laura.

My husband adopted Kiowa from a shelter when he was around 4 or 5 years of age. Kiowa had been placed in the shelter due to a divorce. Kiowa had also been adopted out once already but the shelter took him back due to abuse in his new home. When my husband, Steve, saw him he fell in love right away – and who wouldn’t! Kiowa has the most loving eyes, the gentlest spirit, and is just an awesome dog. He is such a calm and loving companion and I was blessed to have him come into my life when I married my husband.

Kiowa is now 13 and we know he does not have to long left with us. He has really started to show his age in the last 6 months. Kiowa has developed arthritis in his lower back and some days are worse than others. (On his bad days he will fall at least 5-6 times a day.) Some nights he can not get up the stairs to go to bed – so we make up a bed downstairs for him on those nights. I can see the pain in Kiowa’s eyes on those nights and it just breaks my heart. It is really sad to watch and I know it is really hitting my husband hard too. This was his first pet and he just loves Kiowa so much, as we all do!

I would love to have a sketch of Kiowa to give to my husband. Kiowa and Steve have such a strong bond and I know he will be sorely missed when he is gone. He has been such a wonderful part of our family and a great companion for us all.

Thank you for your consideration!
Elizabeth Secora