2006 Cover Model Entries

First Runner-Up for Cats:

     Last summer I decided to be a foster mom.  I wanted to help cats in some way, but I didn’t think that I was ready to actually own a cat again after losing my best friend of 12 years to cancer.  Fate had a different opinion.  Bono and Jovi were my first set of foster kittens.  They were found outside by the CAT adoption team.  Their siblings were adopted, but these runts had special needs.  When I got them they were so tiny you could see all their bones.  Soon they became so attached to me; they followed me everywhere, and laid on me purring every chance they got.  We were a perfect match, so I officially adopted them.  Bono was getting stronger but Jovi continued getting sick.  After seeing several different vets, finally Dr. Rohrer discovered Jovi had calicivirus.  Dr. Rohrer says that it is the worst case she has ever seen, but now, thanks to lots of love and medicine, Jovi is making great progress.

     Now, I depend on them as much as they depend on me.  I have to pay for Jovi’s eight medicines on a college student’s budget, but seeing them both happy and healthy makes it totally worth it.

     I would honestly give the world for my cats.  They are my children.  Everyday when I come home from work they run to me for love.  I feel so blessed that we found each other.

     We are avid PawPrints readers; they are the cutest and most photogenic brother and sister out there; most importantly they have come so far and been through so much, but are still the sweetest cats.  They are role models for all the runts in the world.  Please select Bono and Jovi for the cover of PawPrints; they deserve it.

Stephanie Snead

Second Runner-Up for Cats:

     This is my wonderful boy, "Rocky".  He is a "?" old Ragdoll/Manx who came into my life just before Christmas in 2004.  I was fortunate to find his rescue organization, SiameseRescue.org, through Petfinder.  When I emailed to inquire about Rocky, I discovered that his fosterers, the vet staff, the shelter folks; everyone was in love with this sweet boy, despite his appearance.  Rescued in the nick of time, he had been a street cat and bore the battle scars to prove it.  He was emaciated, had terrible bite marks, and a badly broken right leg.  Such a docile kitty had no business out on the street.
     However, none of this has affected his love for people.  You look at him and he purrs.  In typical Ragdoll fashion, he goes limp when you hold him.  He is as silly as he is sweet.  He makes me laugh every day and greets me with unconditional, purring love when I return from work.  He even gets along with my diva Calico and has overcome his fear of dogs to get along with my three, lively poodles.  What is most amazing to me is that he has blossomed into a beautiful cat-which matches, completely, his spirit.
     He inspired me to give back to the rescue community and just last spring, I provided foster care for two poodles (who found a great home in Raleigh).  Last summer, I drove to Georgia to rescue another Ragdoll (also found through Petfinder).  As soon as I can move into a larger home, I hope to do more for homeless pets.
     Rocky should be on the cover of PawPrints as a testament to the spirit of what the love and caring of the foster communities can do for pets and owners.  I don't know what I'd do without him.

Jennifer Summerville 

Third Runner-Up for Cats (tie):

Lucy the Cat:  A Miracle from God

     God works in mysterious ways!  This became incredibly evident in July 2003, when Lucy the cat came into our lives.

     My husband and I were grieving the loss of Napoleon, my 18-year-old “soul cat,” whom we had lost on his 18th birthday the previous August.  The love cat of my life, Napoleon had been with me longer than my husband, and losing him had been extremely hard.

     An almost all-white shorthaired beauty, Napoleon had a butterscotch tail, head markings and a delightful moustache!  Since losing him, anytime I’d see a white cat I’d stop and look twice.

     Almost a year later I was finishing a workout at the YMCA.  I began talking to a lady in the locker room.  She had just driven down from Virginia, and had stopped in Emporia for gas.  While there, a skinny cat had approached her, meowing loudly.  She bought a can of tuna, which the cat gobbled up.  A second can was purchased, which was also inhaled  The lady then decided the cat was going with her, so she grabbed a box, and the two finished the trip together.

     Leaving the Y, I saw her in the lobby with the box.  As I peered inside, I gasped.  A white cat!  And a loud one, at that.  Although the lady said a friend was taking it, for some reason I gave her my phone number, to call if something changed.

     And change it did.  A call came early the next morning, saying the friend couldn’t keep the cat, and would I like it.  That evening my husband and I visited the cat - and fell head over heels in love.  It certainly didn’t hurt that this cat - now named Lucy - had many of Napoleon’s mannerisms.

     Although we discovered that Lucy was feline leukemia positive - yet showing no symptoms - she became the balm that healed the wound of losing Napoleon.  We’ve had her over two and a half years, and have been blessed with a mostly healthy time.  Just recently we went through a rough patch, but Lucy’s a fighter:  our vets call her their miracle cat.  Which is what she is to us - our miracle cat from God.

Meredith McCahan

Third Runner-Up for Cats (tie):

     My story is a very interesting one.  You see, my human mom didn’t even know about me when I was adopted.  She adopted my biological mom and my day-old baby brothers and sister right before they were scheduled to be euthanized at Brunswick County Animal Services in August 2005.  At the shelter, they said there was no more time for them and they needed to make room for other cats.  My human mom couldn’t bear to see my biological mom and her three kittens being put to sleep so she rescued them just in time!  Two days later she called the veterinarian because my biological mom and her kittens had fleas and needed immediate treatment so that the kittens would not become anemic.  When she looked in on them before their appointment, she spotted something in the corner of their “den”.  There I was!  I had been born in the middle of the night, two days after my two brothers and sister were born.  We were all taken to the veterinarian and all treated and deemed to be healthy, even me!  My human mom says my name is Miracle even though I am not quite sure what that means.  The veterinarian told her that I was really lucky to be alive because aside form the euthanasia I might have faced, I could have been stillborn.  Not me though!  I am a survivor and that is why I should be on the cover of PawPrints.  I have brought so much love to my human mom that she tells me everyday that she is so glad I am alive.  Me too, especially since I have discovered that I love playing with the water dripping from the sink!

Jennifer A. Wilkins  

First Runner-Up for Dogs:

     March 6, 2003 became the day my heart was rescued.  The weather had been miserable that winter.  I had been working long hours and even though it had been more than three years since my husband had passed, I still was not always anxious to hurry to the house. Of course my little furry feline Jess was always waiting for me by the door but I think even she knew the days were still a little sad.  The afternoon went as usual at work that day and then a co-worker of mine, Cindy, passed by and told me about some abandoned puppies she had been trying to catch.  Being puppies, they were hard to catch except for the littlest one that was too weak to run.  She asked me if I would like to take care of this one small puppy dog.  But, the way I worked, all the responsibilities that go with a puppy, how could I possibly take proper care of a puppy.  Heart overruled head.  Cindy told me the puppy was safe inside a box in her office, so heart leading, I went to say hello.  Carefully I opened the top of the small box.  Inside, laying still and quiet, was the skinniest creature I had ever seen.  Then something moved, only an eye movement.  The saddest, most beautiful big brown eyes, the kind that melt your heart, looked up at me and from that moment, as they say, the rest is history.

     Three years marks the time Annie has been with me and my cat “Jess’.  If the truth be known I think Jess may even admit what a sweetie Annie has been.  She is a beautiful spotted mixed breed Beagle who turned a house back into the home that I now hurry to each evening.  She is beautiful inside and out, she exemplifies the qualities of a cover model doggy.

Carole Wolfe

Second Runner-Up for Dogs:

     Kelty (formally known as Cher) is truly the most amazing dog.  I adopted her from Paw’s Place in August of 2004.  Since then she has brought so much to my life.  She was found on Oak Island with her brother after having been attacked by some animal.  At four-months-old, her entire back from just below her neck to near her tail were ripped apart.  She was then taken to Paw’s Place where she was given the best care and where, fortunately, I found her.

     When I first brought Kelty home she needed to be near me at all times and was very scared if left alone.  Taking her out for a walk or to the pet store was difficult for me.  She wanted so much to be social with people, but they all seemed appalled by her; she was scarred in so many places.  People would literally jump away from her and refuse to pet her.  Still, with every new person she met, Kelty tried to become friends.  It broke my heart how they wouldn’t touch her, but she never seemed to notice, just moved on, smiling.

     Kelty just celebrated her second birthday and her back has healed up completely.  I could never hope for a sweeter, smarter, happier, or more beautiful dog.  She is always wagging her tail at the door when I get home and willing to lend a floppy ear to listen or a “smile” when I am feeling down.  She makes every day better for me and I can’t imagine my life without her.

     Kelty deserves to be on the cover of PawPrints Magazine because she is so sweet and beautiful.  Everyone should be able to see a true survivor, and hear her story.

Laura Schumann

Third Runner-Up for Dogs:

     My husband and I found Matilda in July 2005 at Animal Control after reading PawPrints, it was a day after my birthday and we had only been in the United States for a month, we just went to look...‘Black lab mix, four-months-old, found in a field’ the sign said.  There she was, with two other puppies barking and jumping all over her, sitting there smiling at me with those lovely brown eyes.  She captured my heart, I knew she was made for me and I took her home with tears of joy in my eyes.  Why anyone would leave her in a field, I cannot imagine.

     Everywhere we go people stop and comment on how beautiful she is.  She has brains to go along with it as well, she is very obedient (when she pays attention) and she loves all the treats I give her.  Matilda enjoys running along the beach and digging in the sand, and I am happy to take her, every day is a new chance to play and explore.  I love her attitude.

     Matilda is a wonderful companion.  She has helped me adjust to a new country by listening to me and showing her affection every day.  Her dependence on me has helped me become a stronger person, she gave me a purpose here when I felt lost, and words cannot describe how much she has helped my husband and I through this difficult process.  My family and friends in Australia mean so much to me, and now Matilda is a part of that.  She has helped me call this country home, just by being here.

     Matilda deserves to be on the cover of PawPrints because she has truly completed my life.  I want everyone to see my wonderful guardian canine.

Chris and Zoe Chase

     I first laid eyes on Toki (then named TJ) in the June 2003 issue of PawPrints magazine. I wasn’t in the market for adoption (having four cats already), but one glance at this handsome house rabbit’s picture and I knew he was something special.

     Cape Fear Rabbit Rescue had a ton of cute adoptable rabbits but it was like a scene from a seventh grade dance: I saw Toki from across the room and I only had eyes for him. The more time I spent with him, the more I knew: this was my bunny.

After a bit of rabbit-proofing, he joined my already furry household with very little upheaval. It soon seemed as if we’d always had a huge Lop hopping around the house, demanding his morning piece of carrot and napping under the bed. He even convinced one of the cats to start cleaning his nose!

     Almost three years later, I can honestly say that Toki has been my furry, little “rock.” He’s been with me through illness, family emergencies, divorce and two moves; we were even in a car accident together leaving the vet’s office. (Toki was far from traumatized; he was showing off from his carrier!) He’s always there to make me laugh with a bunny dance or comfort me with a nudge of his nose. He rearranges his living space to keep things from becoming boring. He assists with the eating of my fruit, to the point of burying his face in the bowl. He’s even been known to hop his 9 lbs. across my head in the morning, but that’s generally for selfish reasons, like hunger or boredom.

     I have to say I wouldn’t trade Toki for anything; he deserves the cover photo because he’s been the best friend a person could have.

Heather Folan

     Our names are Bell (my picture is the close up) and Spooner (I am the one sleeping on my bed) and our story is a very happy one. Our mom was exercise walking around a local park and heard us whimpering in the woods next to the walking path, we only weighed 3 and 5 lbs. When she picked us up we were so happy. Amber (our rescuer) searched for our owner, but the vet told her we were abandoned because we were under weight, filled with fleas and dehydrated. When our mom took us home to meet our dad, he was so happy (he always wanted a dog), but they debated about if they should keep both of us or just one. Both our mom and dad agreed that since we were found together as brother and sister we should stay together. We kept our mom and dad so busy for those first few weeks. 

     Two weeks after being in our new home, our dad got a disturbing call from his National Guard Military Unit. His unit was getting called to active duty and he had to leave in 2 weeks for training. We were only 8 weeks old and our dad was leaving us. He was gone for a total of 19 months for training and his tour in Iraq. While he was gone, we kept our mom so busy she hardly had time to think about the danger our dad was in. You know how puppies can be, there is always something wrong with one of us. Bell has food allergies which caused many problems in the beginning, but now we are both happy and content 2 ½ year old dogs. We are quit large at 98 lbs and 80 lbs, but we love to try and sit in our mom and dads laps. Our dad came home almost a year ago and he is so thankful we were found by our mom because we looked after her while he was gone.  

Forever Grateful,

Bell and Spooner Tryon (written with the help of their parents, Amber and Chris Tryon) 

Bell and Spooner made my life full of happiness when my husband was gone and in harms way for over a year. I do not know what I would have done with out them. They saved my life here at home while my husband was fighting the War in Iraq.  

     We think our dog Frida would make a great cover model for Paw Prints.  We adopted Frida from Pender county animal control in January 2005.  We had been looking for several months at the various shelters in our area and finally decided to adopt from a place where animals had a very “limited amount of time”.  We like to say she wagged herself right out of there.

     We took her to the vet the next day where we learned that she was a very sick puppy and probably wouldn't have survived but a few more days.  She had all sorts of parasites, an eye infection and was running a high fever.  She had to have the top of her little head shaved so we could apply medicine to it.  She was a pitiful looking thing, but kept wagging her tail anyway.  Frida is an unusual looking dog.  People ask us all the time what kind of dog she is – and we have no idea.  She has a calico-like coat and weighs about 30 lbs.
     She is the happiest dog in the world; she smiles all the time and loves to make us laugh.  She likes to wear various bandanas and loves a road trip.  Frida has two feline sisters that she adores (as you can see in the photo).  She can sit, shake with both paws, lay down and bow.  Her most impressive trick is spinning.  When she wants something you have, or when she is excited, she actually jumps in the air and spins around!  Please pick Frida for the cover shot; she really is the silliest, most loving, most unique looking dog in the world.  Thanks,
Haley Hall and Sherrie Whitehead

In May 2000, my husband was returning home from work and noticed something moving in the road.   Upon closer look, he realized it was a small, mud covered puppy.  Of course he picked her up, and took her to the nearby homes inquiring if the puppy was theirs.   No one claimed the cute, tired-looking mutt, and my husband brought her home explaining he would take her to Paws Place in the morning.  The next day, he called me at work sounding like a ten year old..."Can we keep her?   I'll take care of her, and feed her, and build a dog house, etc..." 

     After six years, Penny has proven to be a very loving pet.  We couldn't imagine life without her.   She has befriended our cats, and the neighbor's dogs.  She is truly a joy to our family.  I have been unable to work for the past few years due to a disability, and she has been a great companion during the day.   She stays with me when I am not feeling well, and acts as my protector.  My husband and I had to get a king size bed, so all three of us could be comfortable, as Penny likes to "hog" the bed.   All of our neighbors like Penny, and tend to share too many of their meals and snacks with her.  We feel Penny should be on the cover of your PawPrints magazine, because she truly represents the essence of "adopting" abandoned dogs.   She didn't choose to be left on the side of the road. She didn't ask my husband to pick her up, and she didn't ask us to take her in....or maybe she did. I am grateful we decided to keep Penny. I feel we have offered her a second chance and she thanks us everyday!   

Lani Carpenter

     This is the story of Misty.  She has been a part of our family for a year now.  My husband and I went to Burgaw to get flea spray for our two dogs.  We noticed the Humane Society was next door.  All the times we'd been to Burgaw we never noticed it was there.  So, we went inside to look.  There was Misty.  She had been found on the beach about seven months before, her collar embedded into her neck.  She is a beautiful brindle Pit mix.  Misty walked over to the door of her cage and gave us her paw and the sweetest look on her face, she was so gentle.  We got hooked fast especially after hearing her story.  I remembered seeing her in an issue of Paws Prints previously when she first came to the Humane Society but we already had 2 dogs.  She'd been there so long already and needed a good home.  We left after spending quite a long time with her and it was hard to go out that door.  We realized that we enough love in our hearts for another dog.  I took my kids up later that afternoon and filled out the adoption papers.  My kids took Misty outside into a cage and played with her.  After filling out the papers we ran to the store and when I got home there was a message saying we could adopt her.  Our dogs are inside dogs, they sleep on the couches and beds.  Our one dog was a 16 year old brindle Pit/Lab mix that we got in the snow storm of 89, someone had left her and her 8 brothers and sisters in a bag on a friends lawn.  Our other dog is a 8 year old Weimaraner.  After living in a cage for almost a year we knew Misty would adjust well to our home and enjoy being treated well.  Everything was new to Misty, the floors, carpets, furniture, she didn't even know how to beg for food.  She was scared of everything especially trash bags.    Over time she has adjusted well.  She learned to jump on the bed and the couch and really enjoys napping on either after her walk each day.  She didn't know how to fetch a ball or catch a treat.  She has learned so much over the past year, she can catch treats, she plays soccer with us, has learned to sit pretty, sit and lay down, she can fetch what you throw.  Misty is a wonderful addition to our family.  On Christmas Eve, our 16 year dog Fawn passed away.  Having Misty helped to heal the hole in my heart over losing my first dog.  Misty was one lucky dog that day.  If she could talk I'm sure she'd tell everyone how glad she was that day when we ran out of flea spray!!! 

     I've attached a picture of Misty, Fawn & Krista.  I hope you can see that Misty would make a wonderful cover model, she's on the right side of the photo.  Thank you,

Carol Dieterle

     I was heartbroken over the loss of my cat, and decided to get a dog.  I have owned cats all my life, but was ready for the responsibility that a dog entailed.  I adopted Frida from the New Hanover County Animal Control two years ago.  She was 3 months old, full of energy and would not stop licking me.  I couldn't wait to take her home.  Two years later, Frida and I are still together, and she is still full of the same vibrant, playful energy. 
She is a great companion and we love riding in the car, going to the beach, playing Frisbee, spending time with her doggy friends and taking walks.  She should be on the cover because she is definitely model material (look at those eyes! that hair!).  While she may not always the most well behaved
dog, she is a loving, sweet girl who has enriched my life.  I love waking up with her and seeing her brown, expressive eyes staring at me as she lays her head on my chest in the morning.  I love her so much and she has definitely turned me into a dog lover!  Sincerely,
Rachel Abrons

Prologue

After moving to the Beach, I volunteered to foster Yorkies with the Yorkshire Terrier Rescue Network. One day I received an email with a picture of the most pathetic, scrawny Yorkie I'd ever seen. I fired back that it was sent to me by mistake but the dog was sure cute. I immediately got a reply that he was still available, and was I interested?  I already had 2 male Yorkies running my life; no one in their right minds would willingly chose another one, would they? The YTNR had named him Timmy, because he was so timid. He was untrained, unsocialized, and underweight. He seemed ok with my dogs, but definitely not ok with me. He threw up the whole way home. Lucky for me, he loved the Beach. We named him Mr. Beach Buddy, AKA Buddy. 

Fast Forward

Buddy is an official card-carrying Yorkie. It's been 4 1/2 years and he's still not too keen on new people, but with a lot of hard work and little miracles, Buddy is living large at the Beach. Buddy doesn't run and hide from us anymore, he looks us in the eyes, he gives us kisses, lets us rub his belly, and sleeps with us every night. And he barks - A LOT!  I would be hard pressed to buy another dog. To witness and participate in his transformation has brought us unexpected joy and pleasure. It's always an adventure at our house, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.  We love Buddy and he loves us. He didn't have a birthday, he now shares mine. It's March 16. We're celebrating by eating all the treats we want.

He sure would like to be on your cover for his birthday.

Rosemary Leonard

     Our family began on January 29^th, 2005.  Eric had just turned 30 when a friend of his told him a story of a boxer that was being abused and neglected.  She was being locked in her kennel for 18 hour a day and being fed once a day.  The most heartbreaking part of the story was that when she was being disciplined she was put in the shower with freezing water pelting her body.  She would have endured this neglect and abuse if the owner’s father did not make an ultimatum stating that she would have to get rid of the dog or else start paying her own rent.  Thankfully she didn’t want to pay her own rent so Sara was able to take Roxy from the abusive owner.  

     I believe that it was love at first sight between Eric and Roxy but it took a little convincing.  You had to get past the skinny exterior, the domineering behavior and the ability to go to the bathroom anywhere but outside.  Roxy needed love and we were willing to give it to her.  Nothing from the first month was easy and I definitely had concerns about her.  Once we realized the potential of each other we have made leaps and bounds in rehabilitating Roxy’s attitude.   When we first brought her home she hated the kennel and now when she is tired, she puts herself in the kennel.   

     Roxy now is a regular at Dogs at Play and when we picked her up the first time, they said she was one of the best boxers they had ever seen.  I have gone as far as finding the breeder that Roxy came from.  We were able to reunite her with her canine parents.  It seems amazing that we were so concerned about our schedules when our entire life revolves around her.  On May 1^st Roxy will be two years old along with her eight brothers and sisters.  On that day we will celebrate her birthday and many more to come.  She is our heart, our life and if something were to happen I would mourn for her like a human child.  She has qualities like a human that still shock me to this day.  I didn’t think anyone could be needier than me until I met Roxy.  We have a perfect story of how our family started and I am honored to share it with anyone who asks. 

Love,

Eric Williams & Charyl Holmes 

     My name is Molly and I am 100% pure terrier – of one kind or another.  I joined my mom’s family of 4-legged critters in April of 2005.  At first she considered adopting another Airedale and then she came to her senses and realized three big dogs in the house might be a little much.  So, she began to search for a little dog.  First she applied from a place called Puppymill Rescue, but then she was searching PetFinder one day and there I was.  All scruffy and cute, just waiting for my forever mom.  She quickly emailed the rescue and before you know, my nice foster mom had already checked my forever mom’s references and asked her to call.  So, mom did and here I am. 

     Well, it actually took a little while for a time and place to be arranged, but Molly arrived in time for Azalea festival.  And, on the 3 hour trip home, I fell completely in love with her.

     Molly came from a group that generally does rescue of Saint Bernard’s.  The day she was brought to a shelter in Liberty, South Carolina with three litter mates, Nally’s Nards was there and the four little ones never entered the doors.  Molly’s beginnings are unknown and from the baggage she has, she is likely the result of a puppy mill.  Baggage or not, this little fire ball is full of love and makes me laugh, many times each day.  She is the smallest one in the house at 18 pounds, but she rules. 

     Molly is the ideal PawPrints Magazine cover model because she shows the world that no matter what your beginnings, love can conquer all.  Besides have you ever seen cuter? My life would not be as complete without the unconditional love that Molly gives.

Respectfully submitted,

Pat Nowak and Molly

     Me and my wife were volunteering at the Onslow County Animal, North Carolina shelter. One day as I was making my rounds cleaning out the cages. I came upon a puppy that looked like a bear cub. So I fell in love with him at first sight! So I decided to call him Bear. I found out from one of the employees that he was found wandering around in a parking lot and some one brought him in. So Bear being on the back row, met that he was not up for adoption until the cages in front of him were empty. And me and my wife only volunteered one day out of the week there. And they do not hold dogs for anybody, its first come, first serve! While they decided  to made a exception for me and my wife. So we adopted Bear. And February 2, 2006 Bear Miller will be one. So my Wife wanted decides later on that she wants a dog. She finds a loving and playful lab male puppy. She decides to name him Buddy. Then all of the sudden to our horror. The next day we find Buddy in a pool of blood in the living room. We find out that he had Parvo! So time goes by and my wife's comes across this chow/pit mix female puppy. Who she names Chloe. And she turns one March 1, 2006. Even though Chloe is smaller then Bear, she is the boss! People should realize that you can really get a nice and affordable pet at animal shelters and rescues. Without paying lots of money like you would do at a pet stores. Too many cats and dogs die every year because they are not adopted!

     Thank You For Considering My Entry.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Miller

     Way back in 98 I lost my best friend to cancer.   I was very lost.  As it happened at the time I drove by the Humane Society every day on my way to and home from work.  One day in September I realized, I was in the parking lot at the Humane Society just sitting there in my parked car. I do not remember turning into the parking lot or parking, just sitting there.  I had very mixed emotions about going in - but I did.  I said I just want to take a quick look and I told my self I would go home right away.  Well I took a deep breath and walked back and there in the second kennel - Abbie - she took one look at me and ran right outside, as if to say “catch me.”  I guess from that very minute she had, “ adopted me.”  Once outside she ran right up with a toy dropped it at my feet and took off.  She would give just enough attention to get me interested but not to much.  That is how we began our wonderful life of best friend and companions. 

     Abbie took over running the house as soon as she got home - the next day-and our other two dogs Hobie (Springer Spaniel) and Kasey (Golden Retriever) followed right along and became her doggie bed warmer, care takers and all around playmates.  The boys taught her to lift her leg as they did, to catch a ball and to roll and roll in the grass and come inside the house and shake it all off.

     Abbie also loves the color red as you can see in this picture.  If dogs are color blind they forgot  to tell her.  She will sneak into my roommates room and take out only the red toys or any red item she likes - ring boxes, stuffed bears, and scarfs.  She will hide them too. 

     As the years have gone by we lost Kasey and like all brothers and sisters she still misses him.  Now she lets Hobie take care of all her needs, warming her doggie bed and playing when she wants to play even if he is asleep, she will dance and bark until he is up and playing. To the rest of her family she is the one absolute unselfish friend that we can all count on to listen to our cries, our joy and comfort in a way no other ever will - with a playful red toy............  

Amie Wilson

     Every Saturday, we would make our weekly rounds to the K-Mart and Petsmart in hopes that my girlfriend would warm up to the idea of dog.  You can say that she was not quite a dog person having never had a childhood pet.  Finally after several months of searching she of all people picked up a copy of the April 2005 edition of PawPrints.  On page 23 we discovered the “H” puppies that were up for adoption.  We made two trips to the Pender County Animal Shelter to play with the puppies.  On the second trip she agreed to fill out an adoption application.  Finally, we received the phone call and were on our way to meet Hamlet.  Still in question was the approval from my girlfriend.

     It only took a matter of minutes in the backyard of the shelter for Hamlet to melt her heart.  That Saturday morning we officially adopted Hamlet, aka, Bogey (his new name).  It was a tough transition for my girlfriend with the trials and tribulations of her first adventure through puppy hood.  Bogey is by far a Momma’s Boy, and some days I question the “Man’s Best Friend” cliché. 

     These days neither of us could imagine our lives without Bogey.  Bogey has dramatically changed both of our lives with his playful and loving demeanor.  To this day no one can believe my girlfriend has a dog and is such a dog lover.  He has especially opened her eyes to a whole new world. 

     We believe that Bogey deserves to win the cover because he is proof that adopting a dog can impact a person’s life like nothing else.  He has brought so much love into our home and we are grateful to you.  We would have never discovered Bogey without the help of PawPrints.

Thank you,

Barry Neff & Drake Marslender

     My name is Landon and this past year we moved out to Leland.  I currently am working for the Town of Leland and last year we started an animal control service. I must tell you how much is breaks our hearts seeing abandoned animals left on the street or dropped off at town hall and we do all we can to get them adopted.  After two years of begging my fiancée Shannon for a dog he said yes but only after our April 2006 wedding. However, one day a woman comes into town hall with 6 beautiful teeny tiny puppies that were found next to the road next to their dead mother. One of them looked up at me with her puppy eyes and when I picked her up I melted. Our lives have been overflowing with joy, love and laughter ever since. I joined the rest of the group up here at Town Hall and rescued my best friend Gina Faye and she is the most extraordinary dog I have ever seen. She lives with Shannon and I and our 14 month old African Grey Parrot named Roxy! They are the best of friends too and love to play fetch and bark at each other. I feel Gina Faye is a perfect model for your cover because she is photogenic and sweet and I feel like she is the poster dog for all rescued pets especially the ones over here in Brunswick County. She is very fashionable too with her variety of collars and scarves she even has a game day collar for her favorite team UNC! We hope in the future to adopt more beautiful dogs like Gina Faye and we hope you consider our little model for the cover of your wonderful magazine.

Thank you,

Landon Weinbach

     Daisy May Powell is her name and she is so special to us. Back in May of 1999 a lady was arrested for wrongful housing and care of 100’s of animals. Daisy’s mom was a pregnant rescue from that incident. The mother was kept on IV long enough to nurse her puppies to be self-reliant. The mother died and the puppies went to Pet Smart, where we found our precious Daisy. Daisy is gentle, kind and very loving and has developed Addison Disease, which is a kidney dysfunction and she has seizures and takes meds every day, but that makes us love her even more. Since Daisy we have added another dog and 3 more cats to our family, all rescues, each with a precious story of their own. When I met my husband (13 years ago) he was not a big fan of pets, now he can’t rescue enough, I am grateful of his change in heart, as I have ALWAYS been a pet lover. I think Daisy should be on the cover cause she is quit “the Looker” if I do say so myself. Very photogenic and smiles all the time, my friend said she looks like she needs lipstick! I am sure daisy will make a great cover story if you choose her.

Sandy Powell

Below is my story of how I rescued my 17-month-old miniature rat terrier, Gidget, from a town in Delaware back in Jan 2005.
The picture of her is from Carolina Beach this past summer. She absolutely loves being out there! This was her first experience in the sand and as you can see she wasn't too sure how to sniff around without getting her nose covered!! She is my "first child" and I would be very proud to show my friends and family her picture on the cover of PawPrints magazine if she were selected! Thank You!

     " In January 2005 I found an ad in the classifieds for a 4-month-old female miniature rat terrier. Since I am animal crazy and wanted a dog; I was both curious and excited. However, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to rescue one from a shelter or buy one from a pet store or newspaper ad. Money, breed and size were all deciding factors as well.

     When I arrived at the house to see the puppy, I was absolutely appalled by the neighborhood she was living in, the street she lived on and the house she was being raised in. What was more awful was the appearance and attitude of the family that owned her. They acted as if she was a major burden to them.

     As soon as I laid eyes on her it was apparent that they abused her; there was even a cigarette burn on her head.  She was full of fleas, very timid and had the saddest eyes of any little puppy I had ever seen. At that point, I didn’t care how much she cost. To me, she was too precious to leave there. Without hesitation, I handed over the asking price and walked out of that awful house with a new puppy. 

     The following couple of months were hard with all the things she hadn’t yet learned: going up and down stairs, walking on a leash, being around people, having a schedule and of course potty training. However, with tons of time and love, Gidget became a bundle of energy, learned lots of tricks and sure loves to cuddle!

     Over the last year Gidget has come a long way and lives in a very loving home. It is my belief that the first 4 months of her life are now part of a forgotten past. " 

Jenna Schroter

     I have two WONDERFUL dogs, Jerry Lee a German Shepard and Lilly a Golden Retriever mix. There is no way I could only write about one of them. Both were adopted, so I will share each of their stories and you decide.

     I came across Jerry Lee at PetSmart in Winston-Salem, NC in December of 2001. The Davie County Animal Shelter was having their adoption fair. Jerry was about 3-4 months old when I adopted him and was as cute as a button. It was truly love at first sight. Jerry and I became the best of buds. Everywhere I went he was there and its still like that today.

     In the spring of 2004 Jerry Lee told me he wanted a sibling. Well, of course that didn't go over very well with his dad. Nonetheless, one day I decide to go to the Flea Market with a friend of mine since my husband left to go fishing for the day. I walked into the Flea Market and in the corner was a lady giving away 5-week-old puppies. Oh they were all so tiny and cute. Well, remembering hubby said “NO” when we were discussing another dog and having my friend encourage me to take a puppy, I threw my hands up and in jumped Lilly. She was so loving and happy. There was no way I could say no to the baby, so of course she came home. The funny thing is, when hubby came home, my neighbor’s niece was on the floor playing with Lilly. She said “Look Aron you have a new puppy”. The first thing he said was “Oh no I don't”. Well, after getting hubby over the shock of a new baby and Jerry Lee calmed down about a new sister everything was fine.

     My life has completely changed since having Jerry Lee and Lilly. I don't really think of them as dogs, but more my children. Everything I do is because of them. These two have showed me what love and friendship is all about. Nothing is more precious then having two wonderful dogs greet you with kisses every morning and kissing you good night at the end of the each day.

     I do wish both Jerry Lee and Lilly could be on the cover of PawPrints. Both show what love, family and companionship are all about.   Thanks!

Kim Breeden

     We got "Bo" on Friday, April 26th, 2002 from the front lawn of the pound.  He had been adopted early in the day and was being returned.  Even though Bo did not look like he had a skin disorder.  The man that had adopted him could not have him treated.  He knocked on my window as I was backing out of the parking place to ask me if I was looking for a small dog.  When I asked why he began to explain about the skin disorder.  The lady from the pound came outside to meet us.  After talking with her she explained that they would have to take Bo inside and put him to sleep.  I could not think about that... I had to rescue this one besides I was looking for a small dog for my grandpa.  Bo was so cute and calm I thought he would be great for grandpa  The man agreed to let me keep him for a trial.  Bo turned out to be a wild puppy of only 6mo.  And Bo was way to much for grandpa and I couldn't send him back!  It didn't take Bo long to find a home in our hearts.  He needed lots of love... and lets not forget about housetraining... (that took a long time!) and we got Bo the treatment he needed.  Our lives has changed so much we weren't looking for another family member but Bo was looking.  He was not treated very well before we rescued him and it took a long time to build the trust and love we have today.  Bo truly has left paw prints on our hearts ! And we love him very much!

Danny & Wendy Langston

     Zeus was adopted on lucky Friday the 13th, December 2003. When I went to see his litter, fostered by Tails U Win, I wasn't 100% sure I would be going home with a puppy. This all changed when I picked Zeus up and he put his paws around my neck and kissed my cheek. With a rocky pre-adoption start (he almost died from rickets and coccidia), he was just happy to be alive and it showed. I surprised my husband with him as an early Christmas present, and every day since has been a gift- he's brought us so much happiness and never ceases to amuse us. To say Zeus is full of personality is an understatement. He is truly one of the smartest, sweetest, and most expressive dogs (and I'm not just saying that because he's mine-- he wins over just about everyone who meets him). He smiles and poses for the camera, and even sighs when he gets annoyed with his "sister", Ella (adopted from Sunburst Foundation 6 months later). Mistakenly advertised as a shepherd/lab mix, Zeus has turned out to be mostly pit bull, which convinces me that they are a misunderstood and unfairly stereotyped breed. For example, one of his best tricks is to "be a baby"- on command, he climbs into my lap and lays all 62 pounds of himself in my arms, literally being cradled like a baby. Zeus and his litter were featured in the January 2004 edition of PawPrints, but he was already at home with us, being spoiled rotten. The picture enclosed is of Zeus, caught on the bed, where he is supposedly not allowed to be. But I ask, how can you get mad at a face like that?  

Thank you for considering Zeus for your cover,

Kelly and Stephen Pickell

     October 9th 2002 was a day full of ups & downs.  My husband, Jeff and I were two days away from taking a week long vacation.  We had also made the difficult decision to have our Springer Spaniel put to sleep that week due to the fact that he suffered from rage syndrome, and we were trying to start a family.  October 9th is also my husband's birthday, and the day we learned that his grandfather had passed away.  It was also the day Jeff brought home "Bowzer". 
     Jeff found Bowzer on the side of the road that night coming home from class - skinny and hungry, but eager and energetic.  With so much happening that day, and our approaching vacation, we had no intention of keeping him.  Still, we had a friend of ours board him and we would make a decision upon our return.  When we came back from our trip, we decided that our other dog, Shiloh, would benefit from another dog after the loss of our Springer.  We made Bowzer a part of our family.  A short while later, we found out we were pregnant!!!
     Today, Bowzer and Shiloh (also a rescue) are the best of friends.  Our two-year-old daughter dresses him up, pulls on his tail and sits on him - and Bowzer allows it with a wag of his tail. He sleeps at our feet every night and can often be found sitting on my husbands lap (he's now a healthy 60 lb. dog!).  He is full of kisses and makes us laugh almost every day with his goofy personality.  Looking back at the events of that October day, we cannot help but believe that it was HE who found US!
Jeff, Chrissy and Gracie Craft

I know you have heard the old saying, “Things are meant to be.”

     I work for New Hanover Animal Control Service.  For 15 years I meet some of the cutest, sweetest dogs and cats that you can come across.  I also live in Duplin County and work part time Animal Control for the town I live in.  On this particular day (weekend), I caught a feral cat and took it to the shelter.  Kenansville has a drop box that people can put animals in over the weekend with the shelter closed (cats/dogs are separate).  In a box someone had placed a female Australian Cattle Dog (ACD).  She was young and of course cute.  We had lost our Golden Retriever mix a month earlier, and I really was not looking for another dog.

     On Monday, I called the shelter and inquired about this dog.  She was 7-months-old and very sweet.  They would have to hold her three days to give the owner a chance to claim.  A veterinarian friend of mine has an ACD and I asked her to go and check this little girl out.  My friend stated she was a nice dog, and had a good attitude.  After the three days, my friend went to the shelter and adopted her for me, because of my job, I could not go.

     This little dog is so packed with love, obedience, smartness, all rolled up into one. I have read about the ACD’s and have come to the conclusion that she will be teaching us a lot about the breed and how ACD’s think.

     My husband named her “Cowgirl.”  At first, she was too high energy for him.  He stated that he wanted me to find him a dog, a little bit calmer.  Well, I did and “Lucy” a Golden Retriever, has adopted us (that’s another ‘meant to be.’)  We are in for a treat, with both dogs. 

     I know this was a “meant to be.”

Chloe Rivenbark

Desi the Dog:  A Mother’s Lasting Gift of Love

     Desi’s story is a love story for many reasons.  Since adopting him two years ago, he has brought undisputed happiness, laughter and, at times, chaos into our lives.  But perhaps, most importantly, he has helped heal heartbreak - the loss of our beloved first pet together, and the more recent loss of my dear mother - the person who rescued our Desi.

     We lost Molly, our first “married” pet, in August 2003.  A mixed breed we scooped up as a puppy the first year we were married and living in South Korea, Molly was our doggie love - and her grandma’s as well - for almost 15 years.  We were all heartbroken when we lost her.  We knew eventually we’d try to fill the terrible void, but neither of us knew when we’d be ready.

     Then, while vacationing in March 2004, during a call to my mother, she said she had a surprise for us.  I jokingly said, “What?  A new dog?”  To my amazement, she answered, “Yes!”

     That morning my mother had walked into her dining room, whose picture window overlooked her front yard, and a car pulled up on the curb.  A woman jumped out, ran into the yard, deposited a furry ball, ran back to the car and sped off - as my mother frantically banged on the window.

     Eighty-three at the time, she moved slowly due to health problems.  When she reached the front yard the puppy was almost in the busy road on which she lived.  Luckily, she made it in time, and rescued yet another in a long line of rescues, and her last.

     So when we look at Desi, we see pure, unmitigated love:  not only his love for us, and ours for him, but also the love of my mother - love she had for all animals, and especially for a frightened, helpless, deserted puppy.  Desi is a lasting gift of her love for us, bundled into a 50-lb package of furry, cuddly, kissy, slobbery, exuberant joy.

Meredith McCahan

     Kit Kat, aka Mama Kat, arrived in Wilmington and into my life in October 2005.  She had been transferred into the care of Carolina Canines, from the Lamar-Dixon Animal Rescue Shelter, rescued from hurricane-ravaged New Orleans.

     Carolina Canines generously set up a temporary “shelter” to house and care for 32 dogs and 21 cats until they were either reunited, fostered or adopted.  I volunteered to help walk, feed, clean and play with these homeless hurricane survivors.

     Her light-gold eyes were frightened and imploring all at the same time and I was immediately drawn to this cute little Beagle girl.  She was easily startled and shy and timid initially.  She craved human contact, rolling onto her back when approached, wanting a belly rub.  This action eventually alerted us to her “condition.”  She looked and acted pregnant, even having milk in her mammary glands!  One ultrasound, two xrays, and two veterinarian’s opinions later and the diagnosis was false pregnancy!  She’d fooled everyone and had gotten “special” attention due to her impending motherhood, hence the name Mama Kat!

     By this time she had been with me for two weeks and I agreed to foster her - I was totally smitten with her!  Also, she bonded very quickly with both of my other “kids”, both rescues as well, a male Doberman, Cherokee and a female Doberman, Sioux.  The first night she was on the bed curled up as close as she could get next to Cherokee - I think that for the first time since all of her previous trauma, she felt safe and protected!

     She has brought the joy, love and hope back into my life.  Kat greets me every morning with wet kisses and “smiles.”  She’s always cheerful and affectionate.  She loves to be picked up and held, above all else.

     One can only speculate what this sweet, adorable little girl went through in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.  Being separated from her “family” and home, she had kept her love of life and her devotion to people intact.  She has totally bonded to myself and my Dobermans now, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.  We love Kit Kat and the “love in her eyes” reminds us everyday that she is loved and cherished.

“You look at me with eyes of love,

You never hold a grudge…

You think I’m far too wonderful

To criticize or judge.”

Sharon Battistelli

     Meet Patch, a 3-year-old from Boston Terrier Rescue North Carolina (BTRNC).  We did not know it at the time but he was three years in the making.  Pet lovers know all-too-well how difficult it is not to keep a pet due to job constraints or housing situations.  We knew that someday we would be relocating closer to family.  Well, last September that day finally arrived when we were going to leave behind the cold, harsh winters of Michigan’s U.P. for the warmth of the Carolinas.  The weekend we moved, we stopped by our local Petsmart and picked up the latest edition of PawPrints.  Looking for a small, shorthaired, good-with-grandchildren type of breed, we came across Boston Terrier Rescue on the rescue page.  At BTRNC.org we looked over the dozen or so Bostons that were available and kept going back to Patch’s picture (who was the most popular BT on the site with over 500 hits.)  At only 13 pounds, full grown, he was the runt of the group.  He also had one eye missing and was being treated for heartworms. Being such a small fella, we knew he had it rough before his rescue.  After applying online and an in-home visit, we learned that Patch would be ours.  We are most grateful to BTRNC for their helpful assistance and loving hearts.  Patch came to us via a foster dog “mom” in Greensboro and the hard work of at least five volunteers.  What’s more, the transfer date moved up so we could have him by Christmas.  Patch constantly gives love and joy to everyone he meets; he is too precious not to share.  We cannot thank BTRNC enough and believe “underdogs” like Patch deserve their “day” to be on the cover of PawPrints Magazine.

Kathy Jo Battles and Jay Stevens

Hey there,

     My name is PD Steele and I am the unofficial greeter for Long Beach on Oak Island.  A better name would probably be the unofficial licker or maybe sniffer ‘cause you see, I’m a dog and this is my story.

     I was born two Christmas’ ago under a trailer in Sumter, South Carolina.  My dog mom and siblings had all been taken to the pound earlier that day by the mean man who lived there but I slept right through the whole ordeal.  A good thing too because that night I met my people!  They just happened to be passing by and they rescued me from a sure trip to the pound when they took me home with them to Oak Island and made me a part of their family.

     I have a wonderful life now.  I sleep in bed right between my mama and daddy and they call me their ‘precious girl’.  I love my life and my favorite pastimes are exploring the beach, saying hey to anyone who happens past and most of all looking for ghost crabs.  So if you ever happen to be strolling past and see a white furry tail poking out of a hole...it’s probably me just checking for crabs.  Be sure to stop by and say hey.  I’m always happy to say hello with a lick, a sniff and a wag of my tail.

     I would love to be on your cover so everyone can see what a pretty girl I am, even if I am just a ‘mutt’ (Daddy prefers to call me a ‘hybrid’), and to let all those other dogs and cats out their waiting for their people to take them home know that there can be a happy ending to sad beginnings.

Sincerely,

PD Steele

     Hello, I adopted a Bearded Collie from the S.T.A.R.T. organization about 3 years ago. Reggie was roaming the streets of Paterson, NJ, was captured and put into the shelter.  One day before he was going to be put down the S.T.A.R.T. organization rescued him.  We went up to Rockland, NY to see him and he was so scared, but he came over to me and that did it, love at first sight.

     We are both retired now and living down here in North Carolina, we have moved away from all our family which consists of four children and four grandchildren, a brother, his children and their children and it has been hard, but Reggie has helped us in so many ways.  He is so cute which helps us meet a lot of people when we walk him.  At home he is calm, but when he goes out he is very playful which is hysterical because he jumps straight up.  I laugh at him all the time, it’s so funny.

     I think he would be cute on the cover because he looks just like the shaggy dog in the movie and because he's just adorable.

     We just love this Reggie guy so much, my husband says I treat him better than I treat him...could be...He’s cuter in person.  Hope you like him.

     Thanks for your magazine, it is very enjoyable and informative.

Gail and Ron Espersen

     Hi, my name is Roxy.  I am a Labrador mix.  I have a black coat with a tan spot and one white spot.  The best thing is to play with balls.  I think that I am six-years-old.  My parents adopted me at New Hanover County Animal Control.  I have a sweet home with lots of loving people.  I also have a sister bunny. 

Katie Ledbetter

     I am enclosing pictures of Satchmo to be considered for the cover of your magazine.  Satchmo was adopted from the Charleston, SC shelter by my son.  When his landlord told him no more pets we took Satchmo till he found another apartment.  It has been four years and we have never given him back.  Satchmo lives with us in Ocean Isle Beach.  My son misses him but realizes he has a better life here with us as we’re retired and have much more time to spend with Satchmo.

     He looks like a flat coated retriever.  He is loving, friendly, always wants to play and is full of energy.  I never had a dog in my entire life and now with Satchmo I realize what I had been missing!

     Satchmo is full of unconditional love.  If we’re out for a few hours or a few minutes he comes to the door with one of his babies (dog toys) in his mouth wagging his tail furiously.  He just wants to be loved and to be around people.  Since our home is an Empty Nest home, Satchmo has filled that void and he is our third boy!

      I can’t picture my house and life without him.  I think he is so handsome and should be considered to be on the cover of PawPrints.  

Thank you,

Barbara and John Karkut

     Noelle---First, let me give some history. I had just had my fourth child, Madeline. She was about 7 months old when I began to think about getting a family pet. We had just moved into a large home, with a fenced in yard in neighborhood great for taking walks and having kids. Our family consists of 3 boys and 1 girl. My second child was born with a genetic disorder which causes him to have mild but frequent seizures which he has to take medicine for. We had not ever had a dog. I thought that maybe having a dog would help him to get over his fear of dogs that he was born with. After trying to figure out what the perfect dog would be, to no avail. I decided to look into adopting a dog. I though about past experiences I had had in my life with strays who never seemed to break their habits of peeing on the carpet or chewing through the walls and I admit I was concerned. I was primarily convinced that it would be anything short of a miracle to find a dog that would not have “issues” and could adapt to our family and be patient with us as we learned to take care of it. I began to pray and ask God to help me find the dog that was meant for us.  I found a local Greyhound Adoption Agency and after talking to someone from there realized that a Greyhound would not be a good idea, they recommended that I look into their sister company that carried breeds of all kinds. I really liked the plan to foster the dog before committing so we could find out if we were compatible.  I went online and soon arranged to meet a dog. The agent came to our door and brought in the most beautiful blond Lab, she was very petite. We had already turned in some paperwork so they knew that we had children and would only bring a dog that was suitable. The dog seemed very nervous, even though the children were quite restrained. The agent seemed confused by the behavior especially when the dog went and had diarrhea on the floor. We decided that this would not work for us or the dog and they left. I was so disappointed; I thought that this dog was the answer to my prayer. I thought, why this? Now, in the past I would see a dog like that and feel bad for saying no and think in the back of my mind that I needed to be the one to “help” this dog with its problems-any time I had tried that approach it had failed miserably. I am just not gifted to work with animal troubles. So, it was a big step for me to resist the cuteness and say no. They told me about another dog that had been found hit by a car on Christmas Eve, and named Noelle. She had recovered and seemed to be fine and they said that she really liked kids. I looked at her picture on line and to be honest the first thing I thought was, “she’s not as pretty as the other one, and she looks weird.” I knew that it might just be a bad picture and I definitely didn’t want to judge prematurely so we made an appointment to meet her. They brought her over and we fell in love. We decided to foster her for two weeks before making the final decision. It was history after that.

     Until today, January 7, 2006 Noelle was our faithful sweet blessing from above. She helped Peter get rid of his fear of dogs. She loved to look at herself in the mirror, drag dirty towels around the house and play with her plush, squeaky toys. We adopted two old male indoor cats within the last year. She loved them, even when they didn’t love her back.

     We moved from Myrtle Beach to Wilmington about 3 months ago. It has been very challenging. We moved onto a busy road but our back yard is completely fenced in and full of squirrels, plus it is a lot bigger than the one we came from. I never knew that Noelle would love to be outside so much. A couple of times she climbed the wood pile and would show up at the front door. We moved the wood pile and let her know that it was not okay. Today is a Saturday, and as we were about to leave to wash the car and go the park, Noelle was whining and letting me know that she wanted out of  her kennel. That was highly unusual, she never complains. I ignored her at first but finally gave in. I told her that she could come with us to the park and she ran straight to the front door. The kids were all waiting in the van and unfortunately witnessed the next life changing minute. Noelle saw a dog across the road, put her ears down and ran straight into two lanes of thick, fast traffic. I yelled no and even the kids screamed no to try and stop her. She didn’t even pause. The driver pulled over and helped me load her onto a blanket and into the van. She had no visible injuries but she was not good. She was in shock and my grief was obvious, the children cried. We drove her to the vet as quickly as we could; I know she passed sometime along the way. The Vets were very caring and understanding, I had a few minutes to pet her and say good bye. We took her home and buried her body in our yard, a memorial to our sweet Noelle.

     I had just said yesterday that I was going to enter her in the cover contest, I picked up the Paw Prints magazine when I was at the Vet picking up our four year old male cat who spent 3 days at the vet receiving treatment for a Urinary Tract Infection. I was already dealing with the issue of grief at the thought of what would I do if he had serious medical problems. Our pets are like our family, they teach me so much about unconditional love, the way that God loves and cares for us. I don’t know why this had to happen today and I am sure that we will adopt a dog again; I have heard that it helps to get over the grief. But for now, grief is okay.

Juliet Wilkinson

     Meet Abby.  We also have a 9-year-old Persian cat named “Max”, who we thought need a playmate.  Of course, we all know that Persians love to sleep and look pretty.  But we thought another cat would help keep him company, so I told my neighbor, Karen, to keep an eye out for a cat or kitten.

     One day, Karen came to my door to tell me that there’s a sign in front of a house reading, “Free Kittens.”  I looked at my husband, Bob, and we took a whole two seconds to follow Karen to the house.  To my dismay, we saw about six kittens running around outside loose.  They were dirty and flea infested.  Some were good in weight, and some were very skinny.  I had my eye on a light brown and white one. He was pretty even though he was very dirty.  So, Bob and I were chasing this little kitten under the truck, under the car, through clutter, and finally we caught him.  I held him, trying to look beyond the dirt and fleas.

     In the meantime, Karen was still chasing a little long-haired, very skinny calico kitten.  Karen yelled at me, trying to get my attention, “Wait, you have to see this one.”  I asked the owner if they had been weaned yet.  The owner said, “Yes, I fill the water bowl and food bowl every day, and it’s all gone by the end of the day.”  Karen yelled again, “I’ve got her.  You just have to see this one.”  I asked Karen to let me hold her.  She was so small and skinny.  Her backbone and ribs were showing through her long fur.  She looked like she was only three-weeks-old. I asked the owner how old is she, and the owner said they were all six-weeks-old.

     Yes, we took her home.  Karen and I gave her a bath, picking off fleas, which she was infested with.  Bob and I went to the vet’s to get Revolution for kittens, to make sure she was free of fleas.  That night I stayed up all night watching her.  She followed Max into the litter box and used it.  But I still didn’t see her eat.  I was getting worried, so I brought her to the bowl and tried to get her to sniff the food.  I noticed she didn’t even know what food was.  Bob and I went to the store to get a can of milk for cats and a bottle.  All day I bottlefed her.  She ate like a little pig.  She even held the bottle with her two front paws, like a baby.

     I did this for two days. I told Bob that if I had to stay up all night once more, we would have to bring her back.  On the third day, I put some dry food in a saucer with a little milk.  Then I put it in the microwave to just warm it. I took it out and mashed the food to make a mush.  Then I put the kitten’s nose to the dish, and to my surprise, she ate every last drop.  I knew I had a good kitten, who we named “Abby”.  She is now up to date with her shots and is spayed.

     Now she’s bigger than Max and very playful.  She is now one and a half and chases her toys.  She’s absolutely beautiful and now looking for a playmate, since Max only wants to sleep.

Sandra Carosi

     This is Fozzie Bear.  He was featured on the pages of the November 2004 edition of PawPrints as “Spikey.”  I was not looking to adopt another cat, but I was drawn to his picture and story.  I was so sad to see this 5-year-old cat who was left at Animal Control because his owners were moving.  Due to my busy schedule, days passed, so I thought my chances were pretty slim that he would still be at the shelter, but when I called to find that he was still there, I rushed over to adopt him.  It was love at first sight!  When he saw me, he acted as though he had known me forever.  He turned to mush in my arms and purred incessantly!  He adapted to his new home with another cat and dog very quickly.  A couple months later, my first cat died of kidney failure and Fozzie helped ease the blow of that loss.  He has made me so happy.  I have never had an animal that was so attached to me before.  He never lets me out of his sight while I’m at home, and I’ve been told that when I leave, he sits in the window, making funny noises.  He is very entertaining..  He could play under the faucet forever and loves to submerge his entire head under the running water!  I think Fozzie should be on the cover because everyday his actions show me just how grateful he is to me for adopting him.  Also, he has an entire collection of bandanas and would love to show everyone how handsome he looks in them!

Jackie Yellin

     We found him at Empie Park!  Someone left a litter of 3-week-old kittens in a box to fend for themselves.  He was the last one not taken and I claimed him.  He only weighed 3/4 of a pound.  We called him Hobo for a couple of weeks because he was homeless and I was going to nurse him and find him a good home, as I already had three dog and three cats.  Well, after spending three weeks of bottlefeeding, wiping his face and hiney clean, he won our hearts.  Because he had to be fed every 3-4 hours, the kitten came to work with me.  Everywhere you saw me, you saw me carrying a basketful of kitten.  I had to post signs on his basket not to wake him so I could get work done.  Well, because I am a Hair Stylist with many clients, everyone fell in love with him.  He warmed laps while they got their hair done, very therapeutic.  We named him “Kosmo”, short for Cosmetology Cat.  Kosmo loved to ride in the car and come to work with me well after the nursing stage.  When he is not at the salon, clients ask for him.  Kosmo rules the house now and has taken over the roll of cleaning faces.   He holds the other cats and yes, the dogs’ too, and cleans everyone’s face several times a day.  It might be therapy after I cleaned his face so much as an infant.  Kosmo is my boy, my favorite (don’t tell the others, they might get jealous.)  I think Kosmo would be a great cover boy and story.  We are lucky to have him, he blesses my world.

Sandy Powell

     Who would have known that on a torrential, stormy June afternoon our whole life would change due to a drenched and emaciated 1lb. chocolate/black kitten with the most piercing emerald green eyes!  This special little kitten looked out from underneath a bush at my husband at our beach house at Topsail.  My husband first thought it was a mouse, but our Yorkie “Dallas” sniffed it out and you could tell he thought it was some very strange creature!!

     My husband brought her up on the deck and you could see the fear and hunger in her eyes.  We immediately went to the stove to get food and when we fed her she ate as though she hadn’t eaten in days.  Besides she couldn’t even walk she was so weak.  In a few days when we took her to the vet we found out she also had a broken hip and leg and was covered with fleas!!

     I myself, never being a cat person and having Dallas our Yorkie for eleven years, couldn’t imagine a kitten in the house.  I was quick to tell the vet just that!  But those emerald green eyes took hold of our hearts and once we decided on her name “Ming” it was all over.

     Today, she is a petite 8-month-old kitten who torments the dog but loves to play with him.  Life with the two of them has become a “three ring circus”!!

     Ming deserves to be your cover pet on sheer “survival” and courage.”  When you see her today with her toys, curled up on her blanket in front of the fireplace we can’t help but say “Where would she be today if we hadn’t found her on that June afternoon??”

     She has become our very precious little “Ming.”

Mrs. Bernadette (Bernie) Secondo

     Kinsey, a blue point Himalayan, adopted our family when he was 2 years old in 1994.  This fellow had a rough medical start to his life, spending much time hospitalized.  When he needed a home due to owner surrender, he drifted onto our path where we intended to provide foster care.  Twelve years later, Kinsey is still with us as a permanent member of our clan. 

     Since this gorgeous saucer-eyed fellow walked through our door, our life has invariably changed for the better.  Kinsey believes he is a human-canine hybrid, as he can frequently be spotted performing for his captive audience as well as vocalizing his desires.  Many non-feline people have been converted after interacting with our own “Mr. Personality”.   

     Kinsey deserves to be featured as a “model” for an animal welfare publication due to limitless reasons.  He not only can demonstrate the high caliber of critters available that need homes, but he also is genuinely one of the most uniquely beautiful cats inside and out.  Recognition is also due because of Kinsey's detection of a pre-cancerous mass in my mother. 

     This himi has served as my security for many years, accompanying me through the journey to adulthood and independence.  He is often called “Bubba” or “Bubs” as an alternate version of the blanket fondly referred to as “my bobba”.  My living blanket keeps me warm constantly by sleeping on my head, or cuddling up on my side. 

     The entire neighborhood enjoys this fellow, as he serves not only as a therapy cat, but also enjoys being an exercise companion.  Bubs can frequently be seen going for a stroll by leash, and really loves a great jog once in a while.  The beach is ultimately his favorite place for foot action. 

     There can be no love greater than that which Kinsey and I share.  He is, absolutely without a doubt, in my eyes and his, the “bestest blue point in the whole wide world”. 

Alexis Rabon

     Socrates will be famous someday. If he’s selected as feline winner in the cover model search, that day will come sooner than later - and Paw Prints would get the bragging rights to his discovery. 

     Socrates was in a cage when I first saw him.  The Cat Adoption Team of Leland had brought him to “Bark by the Beach” in Oak Island.  I took my kids – just to look, of course.  When I asked the lady from CAT if I could hold the “male who might be deaf” a third time, she handed me her clipboard with the kitten. 

     “The Many Adventures of Socrates, the Great, White Fluffy Beast” is the name of the children’s book I’m writing with my daughter, who is doing the illustrations. Socrates has brought so much joy and humor to our lives that it’s impossible to keep it to ourselves.

     He protects his family daily by attacking house shadows. He entertains us with his semi-circle-moonwalk dance every time he drinks water. He’s an activist for change: the bank at the corner now has cat treats in addition to little bones.  Socrates loves to go for walks on his leash, and he doesn’t mind when people exclaim, “Oh, she’s so beautiful!” because he can’t hear their gender errors.  His “impairment” has only succeeded in making him the most peaceful in a zoo of kids, pets and love.

     If he is chosen, Socrates would be an “advocat” for our local shelters, where some of the best pets come from.  And, the jacket of his book would proudly read, “Socrates is PawPrints Magazine’s 2006 Cover Contest winner, and he resides in Southeastern North Carolina with his family.”

Satu Harris

     I already had three cats, and wasn't planning to get more.  Then I was in PetSmart, and saw the cats from the local Humane Society.  There, in a pile of kittens, was an adorable chocolate brown baby.  He caught my attention because you don't see very many solid brown cats.  I made the mistake of asking to hold him.  I told myself I didn't need another cat, and left.  But I couldn't stop thinking about him.  I went back the next day to see him again, and before I knew it, I had filled out the adoption application.  Two days after I first saw him, I was taking Coco home.  He was only 6 weeks old when I got him, no bigger than a small handful.  He was tiny, but tough!  When he met each of my adult cats, he bowed up and hissed, but he didn't back down.  He has never backed down and loves to aggravate the other cats!  He is very active; even a broken leg with a cast up to his hip didn't slow him down.  From the first day, he was incredibly affectionate.  Coco loves to sit in my lap and sleep snuggled up to me at night.  He follows me everywhere, wants to be into everything and can not stand to be left out.  He is 6 months old now, and is an extremely spoiled member of the family.  Coco should be your cover model because he is so unique and beautiful and full of mischievous personality!

Rebecca Costa

     A co-worker had a kitten that had been rescued after being hit by a car.  The co-worker lived in an apartment, and couldn't keep the kitten, and was going to send him to a local shelter.  I hated the thought of him going to a shelter, so he came to me, sight unseen.  He turned out to be a beautiful red tabby.  His tail had to be amputated because of the accident, so he just had a little nub of a tail left.  He was adorable.  We clicked immediately.  I really can't say I adopted him, it was more like I brought Niles home and he adopted me.  He has so much personality.  He is affectionate and talkative, but it has to be on his terms.  If he's upset, he lets me know.  I have never had a pet that I loved as much as Niles. He made me realize that I am truly a cat person.  We have several other cats now, but Niles is always in charge.  He gives as much love as he gets, and has been the sunshine of my life for the past 3 1/2 years.  Niles should be your cover model because he is a wonderful success story, a rescued cat that found his forever home. 

Rebecca Costa

     Some folks have firedogs and others bookstore cats, but I have what can be best be called a safety cat. 

     It started a few years ago, on Easter Monday.  Our facility was operating that day, and as safety director, it is my job to deal with all the OSHA, EPA and DOT issues.  I hear at the end of that what I thought were kids screaming, so I opened my office door to the plant area.

     In waltzed a VERY pregnant Tortoiseshell Cat that plopped itself down on my carpeted office floor.  She settled about some Hazmat books, so hence she got her name Hazmat, or Hazzie for short.  I found out that the Cat Adoption Team was open at the local Petsmart, so I took Hazzie over to be cared for.  They stated, we do not take in pregnant cats, but why don’t you volunteer to take care of her until she has her kittens.

     The Adoption Team’s charm soon had me bring Hazmat home in a huge carrier and caring for her.  Two days later she had four kittens. (Two orange male tabbies, one calico female and one black tortie female.

     Cat Adoption managed to have the kittens adopted, but I kept Hazmat.  She is not the typical cat, she is not per say a lap cat, but she stays close to me and she gives me that

     Warm welcome when I come home.  I have done drawings of her for safety posters, since after all she is a “Safety Cat!”

Rex Allman

     Indy originally came to stay with my sister and I as a foster cat.  She was rescued from the Brunswick County Animal Shelter by Adopt-An-Angel after all of her kittens had found homes.  At the time I was not looking for a cat, but now I can’t imagine life without her.  I will always wonder why someone abandoned such a beautiful animal. 

     Indy is a wild and crazy cat and I love it.  She races around our apartment whenever it strikes her fancy.  We’re not sure when or if she takes the time to sleep.          

     Indy is the first one I see in the morning and the last one I hear at night.  Every morning I can count on her being beside my bed, waiting for me to get up.  Most cats look forward to being fed, but Indy runs straight past the kitchen to her scratching post.  She is wide awake and ready to play at 5 o’clock every morning.  When I get home from school, Indy is always the first one to greet me and she is ready to play once again.  I think I enjoy our playtime just as much as she does.  Every time I am amazed by her leaping ability and never-ending energy.  Indy loves to jump in the air and catch her favorite ball.  No matter how high the ball is, Indy manages to catch it.  My sister says I brag too much about Indy’s athletic ability, but I can’t help it.  I feel like a proud father watching my child.  I want everyone to know just how special she is to me.  The person who abandoned Indy never imagined that one day she might become a cover model.     

Chris Stoessel

2005 Cover Model Entries

First Runner-Up for Dogs:

It’s Christmas Eve in the year 2003

I could not help but wonder why no one had come for me.

My brothers and sisters had left our shelter run

But I knew in my heart someone would come.

I was there all alone in the cold

Please, someone look deep into my soul.

I need a warm place to call my own

Please, please take me home.

All at once, there she appeared

A person I would soon know really cared.

She put me into her arms good and tight

I guess you can tell where I spent the night.

No more cold lonely empty place

I had come to have my own warm space.

My green eyes now sparkle bright

I guess I did something right.

I love my animal family and my human mom and dad

I know I shall never again be sad.

They had given me the best Christmas present yet

They had made me a cherished pet.

I love them more each passing day

Now that I know I am here to stay.

(Turk “Turkeydog” Bradley, was adopted from the New Hanover Humane Society on Christmas Eve, 2003 by Jim and Joyce Bradley of Wilmington, NC.  He lives happily with two other canines and ten felines.)

     Sammantha came into my life by way of the New Hanover County Animal Shelter 15-years ago this March.  She and her three siblings were in a huge walk in kennel.  The moment I walked in, three of her siblings started jumping and pawing at me for attention.  Sammy was in the back corner with her head down looking at me with those big, sad brown eyes.  There was really nothing extraordinary about her.  Her feet stuck out, her knees jutted in and her front legs were longer than her back legs, but the look she gave me melted my heart.  

     Sammy has done nothing but enrich my life and those around her.  She has proved to me in so many ways that her love is unconditional.  Sammy has been with me through all the good and bad times and has always shown her love in many different ways.  She's not only my best friend, she's my family and my life and I cannot fathom  it without her.

     She should be on the cover because she not only is beautiful and funny, but she represents all that  a "man's best friend" should be.  One look at her and I'm sure you'll agree.  Every morning when I awake, Sammy's waiting for me.  When I come home, she's there. If I walk into the kitchen, bathroom or the computer room, Sammy's on my heels.  When I'm feeling down and out she knows and looks at me as if to say, "It's ok daddy, I'm here, I love you and I'll take care of you."  When my girl looks at me with those eyes, it takes me back to that day when I first saw her in that kennel with her pretty little head bowed and those sad brown eyes pleading with me to take a chance and love her. 

Tracy and Leigh Anne Shepard 

     My name is Dakota!  Mommy thinks I should be the PawPrints cover model since I am the cutest, sweetest boy she has ever seen!  My litter was rescued from being bait for dog fights.  Mommy met me at the Lazy Barracuda shop where I was hanging out with my foster family.  I gave her sweet puppy kisses and she fell in love.  Mommy also adopted my biological sister Madison.  Maddie and I love to wrestle with each other and play all day long.  Mommy gets such a laugh watching us.  We live with our big sister Logan, mommy’s first dog who came from a breeder.  Mommy says that Logan is very pretty, but that I am definitely the cutest because I am so unique.  We love to play three-way tug with any toy we can find and every night we pile in the big bed with mommy and snuggle up for sleepy time.

     My girlfriend, Sierra, was adopted by mommy’s friend.  Mommy says I am just so smitten with her (whatever that means).  She comes over for play dates all the time and we keep everyone entertained with our flirting.  I show off when she comes over so she’ll see just how wonderful and handsome I am.

     Mommy loves us all very much.  She takes us to the beach or dog park and buys us fun new toys.  She’s taught us many tricks, although sometimes I get my “S’s” mixed up because I’ll “speak” or “shake” when she tells me to “sit.”  Mommy smiles all the time now that she has us and we are so happy that she brought us into her life.

     Please consider me for the PawPrints cover model so that I can share my cuteness with the world – and make my girlfriend think I’m cool!

Cara Albertson

     She was adopted from the Durham Animal Shelter and our lives have become richer for it.  Having every intention on adopting a kitten that day, my husband and I visited the shelter and were browsing the cages when we noticed a domestic long hair that nuzzled against the cage at the sound of our voices.  Noticing that she was vying for our attention we inquired about her specifically and found out that her owners had been in a car accident in another state and she had been left home alone, with no food and water for weeks before being rescued.  Severely malnourished, her growth had been stunted; however, she took to us immediately and she became a welcome distraction as we went about our daily routine in our home-based business.  My husband wanted to name her Jinxy, but I opted to revise the name to Jing Jing making reference to the jingle of the bell on her collar.  When we brought her home her desire was to crawl right between us as we slept and spread out--so we let her.  As we nursed her back to health she has maintained her affectionate nature.  We find humor in the fact that as we fill orders for our business we end up with boxes and envelopes waiting to be carried to the post office that often have teeth marks in them that we now cleverly disguise to customers as being "inspected by Jing Jing."  When they say cats are finicky they didn't mean her; she's pretty human and enjoys sitting in the doorway, monitoring who’s using the bathroom.  Jing Jing would make a perfect cover model because she is loving and her beauty emanates from within.  I know that she came into our lives to provide not only a sense of peace, but much needed laughter.

George Hrivnak

     Nicknamed “Mufasa,” he’s a humble king who sits on his throne (a.k.a. on top of my kitchen cabinets) and always has time to talk to his mom.  He lets me know when he wants to get in the bathtub to drink from the faucet.  He always lets me know he has entered a room by meowing.  If I lean close to him, he meets me halfway and bumps his cheek with mine.  And every night he wants to sleep with me, he wanders onto my pillow to “make biscuits” in my hair.

     His real name is Tux and he’s the most lovable cat you’ll meet.  I adopted him in January 2003 from C.A.T. and he’s traveled many places with me.  I used to move around a lot and Tux never left my side or lost his love for me.  There once was a time in my life when I was alone and unsure of what fate had in store for me.  Tux was my one restoration of hope!  This cat, in more ways than one, saved my life!  He’s now settled with my boyfriend and me and his adopted brother, Sundance, in our downtown home.  I don’t have to tell you that Tux deserves this cover because after reading this and seeing his picture, you won’t be able to resist this wonderful feline.  I’ve never endured such a love for an animal, so even if you don’t agree that he’s the perfect cover model, he’ll still be absolutely perfect to me!!!

Lindsay Davis

     My wife and I have been feeding feral cats and opossums in our yard for the last five years at six am and pm.  Last January, as the freezing snow layered our yard, I saw two lime green eyes by the feeding dishes.  “What in the heck is that?” I thought.  It was too cold for a cat to be out, it had to be a fox.  The eyes appeared late every night for the next two weeks.

     Then one morning my wife noticed a wet, brown, clay matted, furry object huddled in our wood pile.  We both went to check it out, but it was gone.

     A few days later as my wife was putting out the feral food, a thin matted cat came out of the bushes and stole a potato off the plate and hid.  She knew the cat was dying as it was too weak to run from her.  We collected the sick cat and drove it to Dr. Gigliotti’s, Forest Hills Animal Hospital that morning.  Kiwi weighed 8 lbs., had lost a tooth and hair, had an eye injury, and was close to death!  “Not sure she’d make it thru another cold  night,” the Doc said!

     One year later, at 13 lbs., Kiwi, named after her kiwi green eyes, is a member of our family!  She’s a de-clawed, English chocolate Chantilly pedigree cat who we adore.  Chantilly breeds are raised in London, particularly for their anti-allergic coats for people allergic to hair.  Which I am!  She was a declawed genius, eating late at night, to avoid a brawl.  It seems those who have suffered much are like those who know many languages; they have learned to understand all and to be understood by all.  She is intelligent and a perfect cat.  Oh, and by the way, she wakes me up every morning at 6am sharp with a soft tap tap of her paw!  She’s my new alarm clock and angel!  I’ll never be late for work again.  I am blessed.

John Kevin Bridge

     My daughter, Ruth, and I had decided that it was time for me to have an older cat because I was getting older.  Ruth had developed a theory that you don’t go looking for an animal; the animal will find you.  So when she walked into Petsmart at Cary, looking for dog supplies, she discovered a sweet, friendly cat named Rosa, rescued in Chapel Hill.  Rosa, the only cat who came to the front of her cage to greet her, was a tabby about twelve-years-old, with white chest and paws, and dark “lipstick” on her bottom lip.

     Soon Ruth and Rosa were on their way to Wilmington where Rosa and I became family.  As she looked around at her new litter box and dishes, she uttered about a five word sentence of approval.  I realized that she must have learned English at Chapel Hill.

     She also says:  “Good Morning, Mama” (mostly with vowels), “Not now”, a plain old “meow”, and a long “meowwww” when she thinks she’s trapped behind the sofa.  She also gives little “chirrups” as she jumps up to lie down beside me, and of course, she gives regular purrs.  She is also a good telephone monitor.  She quietly watches and listens when I’m on the phone, but when she thinks I’ve been talking long enough she tells me with repeated meows!

     A favorite game is “mousie” with her sometimes disappearing catnip mouse.  She likes shiny items, such as a little cracker wrapper, or a tinfoil ball.  She usually scorns bought items, preferring improvised things.  Rosa often plays with her dark little tail tip, generally chasing it and bumping up against the closet door.  Sometimes she finds places in this tiny apartment to race around, taking off from the daybed or sofa.

     Rosa has definitely changed my life.  I cannot remain down in the dumps or tense for long when I come home and interact with her.  Our favorite music consists of nature CD’s and tapes with bird songs.  She also plays “bumpy head” and sometimes licks my hand a little bit.  Too, she lets me tickle her fluffy little neck and tummy and rub her ears.  She starts the night on the back of the sofa, or visits her wide window sill to look out for a while, but then comes over to sleep in the crook of my legs or on my feet.

     Whoever said cats are standoffish didn’t know Rosa.  Yes, I do think my little companion is definitely worthy of being your cover model!

Louise Shinn

     Last June, my parents brought home a scared, filthy, black kitten they named Roo. You see, on the way back from my parent’s annual road trip to the Bonnaroo Music Festival, they stopped at a rest area, and saw a man toss poor Roo out of his car window! Roo was so little and scared, he ran quickly for cover in some nearby bushes. Not ever thinking about how I was going to feel about having a new cat in the house, my parents scooped his shaking, little body out of the bushes, got him some food, and brought him home! It's been almost a year since Roo’s been living here and although I wasn’t too sure about him at first, I can’t imagine my life without him! We play together and chase each other around the house. I especially love it when I sneak up on him and scare him so much that he jumps straight up in the air!!! It’s so funny! We have fun playing outside together too! We like to stalk leaves, birds and especially the squirrels! Roo is an excellent tree climber so he’ll run right up the tree after a squirrel - boy can he make them holler! Roo’s really friendly to people too. He sits in the window to see who’s about to come in, and then runs to greet them right at the door. As soon as a visitor sits down, he jumps right up in their lap - practically begging for a head or back rub!  So if I had to vote, I’d like to see my mom reading Paw Prints with Roo on the cover. He definitely deserves it! Sincerely, Kila (Roo’s 3 year old, tabby sister)

Gina Doddy

My wife & I adopted Oliver from Pet Smart in Wilmington 2 years ago when he was 10 weeks old. He was in a cage with three other kittens & was the most active of the four. There must have been forty cats @ Pet Smart that day, but only one stood out from the rest, Oliver. He was the only solid white cat there & I couldn’t help but be drawn to him, because he stood out from the rest. My wife took one look @ Oliver (originally named Powder) & promptly fell in love. We knew then that he was coming home with us.

My wife & I had been married for less than a year & already had an older cat, Alfie & an older dog, Sammantha. So our lives & our home were very quite & laid back. That is, until Oliver came into our lives. True to a kitten’s nature, Oliver changed not only our lives, but Alfie's & Sammantha's as well. Oliver quickly became the "dominant" pet in our household. He chased Alfie, aggravated Sammantha & kept my wife & I laughing over his antics.

Oliver should be on the cover of your magazine, because he is a beautiful, loving, typical feline that has captured our hearts. Most of all, he seems to know when one of us are feeling bad & will promptly seeks us out & spoil us with his love.

We never realized just how much Oliver meant to us until he became sick with an upper respiratory infection. It was so bad we almost lost our boy. We managed to pull him through with medications & the same love he has shown us over the last two years.

He's our baby boy & we love him dearly.

Tracy & Leigh Anne Shepard

     It was the summer of 2001; I was in PetSmart buying for my three cats when I stumbled upon the Paws Place pets for adoption.  Even though I was not in need of a fourth cat, I looked at all the sad faces.  There was one cat in particular.  Kathy, a volunteer, explained that when Little Bit was found her fur was so matted around her face, that all of her hair had to be removed.  She was also unable to meow and all that could come out was a low whimper, and still to this day that is all she can muster.  She explained that this cat had been found at the tender young age of three wondering the streets after obviously having been abandoned.  Little Bit then spent every weekend for 6 months in PetSmart in the hopes of finding her new home with many interested but none adopting her.  I spent the next week thinking of Little Bit and her adorable, unforgettable face.  I decided the next Saturday if it was meant to be Little Bit would still be available for adoption.  I called Paws Place and was happy to hear she was still available and arranged to pick her up the following day.  Not only did she need me, as it turns out I needed her as well since she has a permanent spot on my pillow each night and I have a hard time sleeping without her when away.  She appreciates everything in her life and it shows.  I believe she should be on the cover to show the importance of our no kill shelters.  I am so lucky that they cared for those 6 months because I can’t imagine our lives without her, we love her so much!

Brandy and Alex

Three Names and Three Homes in Three Towns for One Very Wonderful Cat!

Roxy’s Foster Home in Mooresville:

     Last year I welcomed Roxy, a badly neglected seven year old cat, into my home in Mooresville, NC.  Roxy only weighed 3 ½ pounds when she was rescued along with the other animals in her former home…more than 130 of them!  Roxy had little muscle or fur on the lower half of her body--she had nervously licked it off.  After her rescue, she narrowly escaped being euthanized, as her health and quality of life were so poor.  She reminded me of photos I’d seen of mummified Egyptian cats--literally skin and bones!  Day by day she ate—lots and lots—and began running up and down stairs.  Soon she had developed strong muscles and bright calico markings.  She even began to play, which is a good sign for a foster cat.  At her last vet visit before going to her ‘forever home,’ the vet didn’t recognize her at first!

Tyg Warms Laps in Greensboro: 

     Roxy’s new ‘Dad’ was looking for a cat companion, after his wife passed away.  Mr. Boone welcomed Roxy into his home in Greensboro, naming her ‘Tyg.’  She was an ‘only cat’ for the first time in her life!  The two of them enjoyed watching television with Tyg sitting on Mr. Boone’s lap, her head pressed into his hand.  At night, he could tell Tyg, “It’s bedtime,” and she would jump into her cat bed in the kitchen.  Remembering those days, Mr. Boone says, “That cat saved my life!” 

     Later that year, Mr. Boone’s health required him to move to a nursing home.  Tyg could  only visit him there; pets are not allowed in his apartment.  When I called to ask Mr. Boone he said, “You must have chosen that cat specially for me—she’s the finest little cat in the world!  She and I got along so well.  You know, a cat or a dog is such nice company to have around!”  Recently Tyg came with Mr. Boone’s daughter to visit and stayed with him in his apartment.  He says “it took her a little while” to get accustomed to his new home, but she rubbed on his legs and sat on his lap, just like before. 

Thumper’s a Big Sister in Wilmington:

     Since her first days in foster care, Roxy had a habit of slapping her tail against anything nearby.  On joining Mr. Boone’s daughter and her husband, Faye and Dave Pulley, and their cat Flashy, her nickname became ‘Thumper.’  I visited her shortly after she moved in to their Wilmington, NC home and found Thumper sitting on Dave’s lap in his home office.  Looking very regal, she let me greet her by all her names!  In her new home she plays with her ‘little brother’ and shows by her calm example how to behave at the vet’s office. 

Lessons the Four People (and One Cat) Learned from Roxy:

     An animal rescuer I know says ‘the average pet has six different homes during their lifetime.’  Whether or not it’s true, Roxy has shown how adaptable companion animals can be when life’s path isn’t quite straight.  She has found her ‘forever’ home as part of an extended family.  Luckily, those of us who have loved and cared for her can continue to enjoy her wonderful spirit.  Each of us has learned something important from Roxy.  Among her lessons for us:

Never give up!  Determination will get you up and down those big stairs.

Play to stay young.  Grab the catnip mouse now!

Make time for lapsitting and snuggling with loved ones.

Home is where people love you and know your real name.

There’s a home for EVERY CAT, and EVERY PERSON, too. 

Flashy is working on this one:  Be nice to your vet--she could save your life one day!

Donna Bloomer

     This sweet little girl is Amber, a Sheltie mix my family adopted when I was 9-years-old.  Very sadly, we had to make the difficult decision to put her to sleep in January.  She was almost 18-years-old, and I can't remember a time without her.  I realize that she can't be a cover model, (although you can see she was very beautiful) but I wanted to try to honor her memory and the many things she taught me.

     We adopted Amber when she was about 3-weeks-old from a shelter in Spartanburg, SC.  She was tiny, very sick, and was in a crate in the front room of the shelter so the staff could monitor her.  She had been found huddled up next to her mother, who had died on the side of the road after being hit by a car.

     I immediately knew she was to be mine, and the memory of that day is etched in my mind, even though it was almost 20-years ago.  I picked her up and held her while my parents insisted that we keep looking at the other dogs in the shelter.  Needless to say, we took her home that day.

     Amber did everything with us growing up: hiking, camping, horseback riding, and she loved to go anywhere in the car.  She was an ambassador to shelter dogs everywhere, with a wonderful sweet, mischievous temperament.  People always asked us what breed she was and where we got her.  She practically helped raise us, and many secrets and tears were whispered into her soft ears.  It broke our hearts to watch our little girl grow older, the pain of arthritis and eventually the sadness and confusion of a kind of canine dementia take over.  I told her goodbye over Christmas, and it was the hardest thing I ever had to do.  She was mostly deaf and blind, but I know she knew who I was, as she weakly raised her head and touched her nose to my cheek the way she always did.

     We miss her every day, but we try to remember her with happy tears, thankful for the time she was given to us. There will never be another one like her.

Francesca Vernon

    This is Rio.  We found him on the side of the road when he was only 3 and 1/2 pounds.  He was about 3 weeks old and was crying as I tried to snatch him up so he would not get hit by a car.  He had ticks, fleas and had sarcoptic mange when we got him to the vet.  He was not in good shape.  He is now a two years old and has had all his training the only thing he is missing is the Canine Good Citizens.  We are currently working on that.  He has so much personality, as you can see in the pictures.  He is a Walker Hound and thinks he is a cat.  He sleeps on the back of the couch or under the covers.  He is such a wonderful pet!

Cory and Christy Kusick

     I really wasn't looking for another pet.  I already had an older cat, a Cairn terrier someone gave me and a terrier mix I adopted from the Brunswick County Animal Shelter about 2 years earlier.  While adopting a dog from the shelter, my sister told me about a terrier mix puppy there.  He had been picked up by the police as a stray.  I made the mistake of calling about the puppy, knowing that if he wasn't already spoken for, he was MINE!  I went to see him.  It was love at first sight.  What a misfit-looking pup!  When he looked up at you, his ears turned inside out and had the face of an angel!  I staked my claim on him, and then had to wait 7 long torturous days to see if anyone claimed him.  Thank God, no one did.  I named him Mikey, and he has been the apple of my eye ever since. 

     I had to put down my 14-year old and 16-year old dogs (one I adopted from the Humane Society) within 2-years time, which left a huge hole in my heart.  This pup has partially filled that hole by having the personality and characteristics of these two dogs rolled into one.  While Mikey is a mischievous pup, we have enough love for each other to last us a lifetime.

     Mikey deserves to be the cover model, because he had a rough start at a very early age with a happy ending and would make an excellent "barks" person for stray and unwanted animals.  Through the years, I have truly been blessed by animals that have been unwanted.  Like the old saying goes "One man's trash is another man's treasure."

Zita Jackson

     I’m Fawny, an eleven-year-old Newfoundland bird dog.  I have a story to tell you that crosses the miles. Ten years ago, I was on death row in a shelter located in Pennsylvania.  Like a miracle, two ladies, Katy and Angie came by to look at me.  I crawled on my belly to lick their hands and I prayed for them to rescue me and that’s just what they did. I lived with Angie for almost a year, and then sadly, as if my bad luck was following me, Angie died!  At the funeral, I was sad and everyone petted me, but no one wanted to adopt me.  I was headed back to the shelter of death.  Then, another miracle happened, Katy her niece, rescued me in the nick of time!  She whispered in my furry ear;” Don’t worry Fawny, I’ll fly you home to live with our family in Palm Beach.”

     Soon, I was a member of the Bridge family. I was welcomed by ferrets, hamsters, a dog and cat!  Yep, it was a small zoo, but what a fun loving habitat.  As the years passed, I lost my best dog pal, Honey belle, at 14-years-old, the ferrets both passed at eight and soon the cat and hamsters too!  I am now the “last of the Mohicans” as they say. We moved to Wilmington, my folks soon started adopting animals, and I now have a sister cat named “Kiwi” and sister dog named “Poppy” and things are wonderful.  I’m sporting grey hairs and I know I can’t control the length of my life and I know Life on earth is a temporary assignment!  What I do know is with every breath we take; life can change for the better or worse.  Everyone’s life is meant to be shared regardless.  I know what love is and I am grateful.  Sincerely,

Fawny Monique Bridge

Finding “Bud”

     On November 2, 2003 at 11:30 pm, I found him on the side of the road.  He was in a desolate wooded area where if you stand there at night, and look up at the treetops and listen to the wind blowing the pines, you might imagine that you are completely alone on the earth.  He was too weak to stand, and was lying in the scattered waste of the roadside, just another piece of discarded trash. I got out of my car and sat down on the ground near him, and waited until he had the courage and strength to come over for a sniff.  I let him get used to me for a while, then lifted him into my back seat.  He was as light as a baby bird, just a skeleton covered with a stinking hide riddled with buckshot.  He had a grossly swollen belly, and the vet would later tell me that he was suffering from severe malnutrition, as well as salmonella, from eating anything he could, to survive. 

     There are a few things I have wanted to ask the person who abandoned him.  Did you know that he stayed there far longer than he should have, waiting for you to come back? Did he not live up to what you expected in a dog? Did he not hunt/housebreak/guard good enough? Did you have no respect for your own life, so respect for a throwaway animal’s life was out of the question?

     How could you know that now, today, this minute, he is a magnificent looking animal; a year-old Chow-hound mix who has all the best attributes of both breeds with none of the drawbacks of either? That he has a tail that perpetually waves? That he can pick a tennis ball out of the air, carry two at once in his mouth, while rolling a third with his nose? That he will happily retrieve that ball tirelessly and drop it into my outstretched palm 100% of the time?  That he is gentle to both other dogs and to cats? That even children who are afraid of dogs will approach him with no fear because of the “goodness” aura that virtually surrounds him?

     Of course you’ll never have to answer any of these questions, or especially for that simple act that you so thoughtlessly performed, but you know who you are.  I want you to know that even though you considered him less than a piece of garbage and tossed him out, he survived; he has a name, a home, and knows what love is.  I’m the lucky one to have found him.

Gemma M. Quinn 

     I like to enter my Buffy.  She is special because I got her when She was 8-weeks-old from Humane Society.  She joined a Bassett/Beagle named Jessica.  Jessica passed in February 1999 and later that year we got Sally, a blind Beagle. Buffy took here under her wings and walked with her played with her and showed how to get thru the pet door.  Up until this day there also came Henry, Baby Jessy, Junior and LT.  All have gone to the Rainbow Bridge by now but she always took them in to her house gladly.  She could have rejected each one of them.  Still living with her now are Jake, Tessa, Wilma and Stevie.  She really tolerated all to come here.  She always been a good girl and by that I think she deserves something.  Maybe I did not say it in the right words but she has been good with all the dogs.  Thank you for considering me.

Gisela Williams

     This is Casper.  He is my two and a half year old rescue Maltese.  I adopted him from the North Central Maltese Rescue.  Casper had lived all of his life in a crate in a puppy mill.  I flew to Wisconsin to get him and bring him back to North Carolina to his forever home.  He has brought a lot of joy to my life just seeing him progress everyday into becoming a normal little furbaby.  Casper should be the cover model so he can show people how happy he is now and that there is hope for rescue dogs.  He is the love of my life.

Sincerely his Mommy,

Dana Bradley

     On a cold night before Christmas my roommate and I had gone to get a toy for my boyfriend’s dog.  We had been living vicariously through other people’s dogs because we didn’t have one of our own.  On our way out of Petsmart we just had to check out the puppies from Adopt An Angel - and we found her.

     Buried under her brothers she was quiet and shaking yet held her head up high as though she knew she was a princess.  She was the runt and had the cutest bit of white fur under her chin.  She nestled into my sweater and our hearts were stolen.  Unfortunately my roommate was going to visit her family for a week so we didn’t feel right about adopting a pet just then since I work full time.  We kissed the puppy and left.  In the car I looked at my roommate, the true dog lover, and said, “What if they would hold her till you got back in town?”  When we got to light at New Centre we made a u-turn and decided that if the organization would hold her for a week then it was meant to be… they would and it was!  We named her Addie because it means “of the nobility” and that is exactly what we thought when we met her.

     Being in a new city is hard even when you move with a friend but since we got Addie we have made a number of new friends all over town and we know that we are giving an abandoned puppy a good life full of love.  We think Addie deserves the cover because not only did we give her a house - she made it a home. 

Kelly Gaggin & Carrie Riley (and Addie too)

     I recently adopted my male Jack Russell mix from Tails U Win.  They were set up at Petsmart one Saturday afternoon and I saw him and just fell in love.  There were a group of girls that picked him up along with another puppy and I waited around for 2 hours until they finally made a decision.  I’m 28-years-old and I have never had my own pet, I have lived with all sorts of animals through roommates.  I now live alone so I thought it was time to get my own lil buddy, it has been a wonderful 3-months, of course there have been a few mishaps here and there but other than that I couldn’t ask for a better friend.  I think Madex should make the cover of PawPrints because he is the coolest dog and he loves to sit there and look handsome for the camera.  I have always loved all animals but never like this, Madex has truly changed my life for the better and it makes me happy to know I saved his life and could provide a good home for him.

Thanks,

Jeff Forslund

     Piper came to us as a newborn.  Her mother was a pregnant stray that arrived at a friend’s home with nowhere else to turn.  The day I first saw Piper she was 4-weeks-old.  She was the tiniest of the litter and had double ingrown dew claws on each of her back paws.  She was covered in fleas and I desperately wanted to bring her home with me that very day.   

     Piper developed a joint disorder when she was 7-months-old.  It is something that she could grow out of or it could stay with her her entire life.  When she has an episode, it usually last for three weeks at a time.  The entire time she is unable to go for walks, play or do much of anything.  She ends up having no appetite and has to be put into position just go to the bathroom.  It is during these times that she and I are the closest.  I am fortunate enough to work from home so I can sit and snuggle with her often.  She loves her belly rubs and enjoys watching TV.

     When Piper is healthy, she is vibrant, outgoing and loves to interact with people.  These are the times that I cherish, because I never know when she'll have to endure another bout of pain, meds or sadness again.

     I know without a doubt that Piper and I were meant to be together.  She has opened my eyes and my heart to the world around me.  When my husband says, "Where's Mom?"  it gently makes me tear up seeing her tail wag when she comes running to me.  Some would call her a pet.   I call her my baby.  One look at her picture and you'll call her...adorable.  Piper deserves to be your next cover model because she is a fighter.  She has endured so much pain in her short year and a half of life and still remains a charismatic, loving, and gentle animal. 

Tara Lazar

Cherokee (blue Doberman with ears, on left)

     He was thrown from a car and left in the middle of a busy street.  I wasn't quite ready for another dog, but he was adorable and only 10-weeks-old!  A blue Doberman, prone to several genetic problems, he has hypothyroid and color dilution alopecia (thinning hair) I had just lost my 14-year-old female Dobe and my, then 7-year-old Dobe, was still grieving, but he still didn't appreciate the new little addition.  Eventually they became best buddies and I loved them both as my "adopted children."  He has such an endearing personality and is a real "momma's boy."  They both gave me hope and joy when I need it the most.  They are my furry "children."

Sioux( black and tan Doberman, with cropped ears, on right )

         She was turned into Animal Control and weighed only 44lbs.!  She is a full-grown Doberman and has the sweetest personality.  Her spine was protruding horribly, and you could count every rib.  Again, as if on cue, she came into our lives 1-month after I had lost my 11-year-old Red Doberman , Comanche, to heart disease.  Again, I wasn't ready, but Cherokee had never been with out a sibling, and he was grieving terribly...so home she came!  To say it was love at first sight, would be under-estimating the reaction she got from Cherokee!  He played and played with her. (This after a month of lethargy)  He let her take his bones and toys, which she subsequently destroyed!  They are the best of friends and inseparable now.  She now weighs in at 62lbs. and looks gorgeous!  I love both of them to pieces!  Two strays, which might have been hit by a car or euthanized, turned out to be two of the most wonderful dogs that have ever entered my life!

Sharon Battistelli

     After losing my Miniature Schnauzer to cancer last year, I knew it wouldn’t be long before I would have another pup in my life.  I knew this time, though, that I wanted to adopt or rescue one.

     My sister told me about ARF (Annie’s Rescued Friends) in Charlotte.  ARF is a Cocker Spaniel rescue organization.  I completed an application and checked out their website…but which dog?  There are so many that need homes.

     In early April 2004, I traveled to Charlotte where I met several dogs.  Sophie stood out because I thought she was so cute…so petite and she made a beeline to my lap!  A little black and white feather duster of a Cocker Spaniel!  That was it for me!  I could not bring her home that weekend, but on April 17, I traveled back to Charlotte and she was MINE…and not even the one I picked out!

     Sophie’s story is sad…like so many others.  She was truly within hours of being put down at the Durham County Shelter until ARF intervened and took her in.  She was 6-months-old when she came to me and the first couple of months were somewhat trying as she had no training…NONE.  Thanks to some classes at Dog Train (Thanks Diane!), she has become such a wonderful little girl.  I love Sophie and she loves me.  She is somewhat attached to me, almost like an extra appendage!  I am not used to that.  She goes where I go…follows me…and has to know where I am at all times.

     My life and Sophie’s life has truly been changed.  I don’t know if I adopted her or she adopted me, but we have each other.  Sophie came into my life when I needed her and that is my reason to have you consider Sophie for the cover of your magazine.

Sincerely,

Donna Robbins

     Having retired, we moved to Southport in December 2002.  We were having lunch at a local restaurant, when we picked up a copy of your magazine.  We had wanted a new puppy for quite awhile after having to put our black lab of sixteen years down.  But we were both working and didn’t think it fair to have a puppy and not be at home with it.  But once retired and here in our new home, we had plenty of time and love to share with a new member to our family.

     We were looking at the magazine, which had five adorable female boxer mixes on the cover.  They were at Tails-U-Win.  We phoned and asked if we could come take a look at them.  Once there, there was the most adorable little black and tan ball of fur, male in with all these little girls.  They were jumping all over him and he just let them.  He was about three-months-old and hadn’t even been there long enough to get his picture in the magazine (lucky for us), because I’m sure he would have been gone before we got there.  His name was Merle (Yep, like Merle Haggard.)  I couldn’t see a puppy named Merle at first, but even with that name, once in our arms we knew we had to have him.  He has grown into the name and it’s a perfect fit.  He is the most laid back, loving dog I’ve ever had.  It’s like having a new baby in the house, the house looks like a nursery with toys everywhere and Merle right on our heels every step we take.  His favorite times are doggie playday with between 5 and 10 other dogs in our neighborhood and going to the beach.  He also thinks he is King of the house, his favorite place as you can see in this picture is laying over hanging over the back of our sofa, so he can keep an eye on us at every minute.  He has to be right beside one of us at all times.  Merle has given us many hours of love and companionship.  He is now 18 months old and weighs 68 lbs.

     We want to thank Betty and Donna of Tails-U-Win for helping us adopt Merle, and PawPrints Magazine for making it all possible.  We hope many other people find it in their hearts to adopt a new member into their family as we did.  Thank you and we hope that you choose Merle for your Cover Model.

Nora and Fred Alcock

     My eight-month-old puppy “Pooh Bear” would be an excellent choice for your cover model!  “Pooh” was adopted from Pender County Humane Society last August when he was eight-weeks-old.  He had been lovingly hand-raised with his brother by one of the devoted volunteers, as he was orphaned when only a few days old.

     My life has changed a lot since then!!!  Raising a puppy is much harder (and more fun) than I would have imagined!  I meet more people now (and dogs).  “Pooh” loves all people and other dogs and considers them all his new best friends!  I am also learning about myself, as we take the obedience training classes together.  Better physical fitness is also a plus – “Pooh” has me on an exercise program – we walk a lot and play ball in the yard.  “Pooh” is working on increasing my walking speed and distance!

     “Pooh” loves to “stop and smell the roses” – literally!  (And the other flowers – I have trouble keeping him from eating them sometimes!!!)  He has a contagious enthusiasm for everything and everybody.

“Pooh Bear” should be on your cover for several reasons:

 -First of all, he is very handsome, as you can tell from his picture!

-Secondly, most of the dogs in your magazine are mixed breeds, as is “Pooh.”  He is an excellent recommendation for someone to adopt a mixed breed rescue.

-Finally, and most important, to honor the devoted volunteers at Pender County Humane Society and other rescue groups.  Can you imagine how much time and effort went into raising the two puppies from a few days old to eight weeks!

     How much do I love him? – Lots! – Living with a dog is a new experience to me.  I was surprised at how quickly I became deeply attached to this animal and hope to have many years with my new companion!

Sincerely,

Teresa Criser 

     My dog Gizmo…What can I say?  He’s my pride and joy.  He is a prime example of what you call a companion and/or best friend.  It all started my sophomore year in college during a period of my life that was tough.  A friend of mine suggested that we go visit the Pitt County Humane Society in Greenville, NC to cheer me up.  As I was visiting the Humane Society, two puppies were dropped off into the pen where all the others were.  I then decided to go look and play with them.  I noticed the tan one had a personality of an angel when he was interacting with the rest of the dogs and puppies.  He was polite with his food and gentle while playing.  He immediately came over to me and sat in my lap.  Of course, anyone would think, “How can I resist this?  I’ll take him!”  I figured since I have a back yard and old hardwood floors, it was convenient to house break him.  From then on, I took time out of my social life to take care of him.  Since then, I have not met any person who hasn’t fallen in love with him.  He gets along with dogs and even cats.

     After three years, he has become very obedient, sweet, playful, patient and most of all, a joy to be around.  Since my parents’ Shih-Tzu has passed, Gizmo has taken a special place in their heart.  They even call him their “Grand Puppy.”

     If I could say one thing about adopting a dog at any rescue or Humane Society, it is the best thing I have ever done in my life.  Gizmo should be the cover model because he represents a good example of why people should adopt a pet.  

Calvert Kelsey

     Last November, we became the foster family for a dog named Boaz.  He was a little seven-week-old white shepherd rescued from the pound.  Boaz was hand-picked from the pound puppies to become part of a new program at Ashley High School.  The program is called PAWS, (Positive Action With Students).  High school students are learning to train these rescued puppies to be service dogs.  Each dog has a foster family and we belong to Boaz. 

     Even through all the messes that puppies can make, Boaz has been such a joy to have.  He is now eight-months-old and towers over our other dogs (an Australian shepherd and a cattle dog).  Boaz lives at the beach with my husband, two children (Kelly and Thomas), and myself.  We go with Boaz to classes at Ashley to find out what he is learning and what we can do to help in his training.  He has a service jacket and is allowed to go everywhere with us, which is a lot of fun!

     Boaz has made a significant impact on my life.  This summer I will be attending school in Massachusetts to become a dog trainer for service and therapy dogs.  Of course Boaz will be going with me!  Boaz is such an EXCELLENT example of what a difference a rescued puppy can make.  We will be very sad when Boaz leaves to live with the person he is trained to help.  We are so proud of all he has accomplished and all we have learned from him.  He is such a beautiful, lovable dog.  He has a very humorous disposition and will even grin!  Boaz is the perfect candidate for a cover model.  He’s a great pet, good student, and already has a job lined up for his future!

Iris Cannon

     Who wouldn’t love a sweet, loveable puppy to take care of?  When I found out that a woman was giving away free puppies I jumped at my chance of having one.  The puppies were beagle and miniature pinscher mixed.  When receiving ‘Dub’ he was only three- months-old and infested with fleas.  He could fit in the palm of your hand.  I took him to the vet and got him all fixed up.  I knew that having this puppy was going to cause some problems; see I live with four other people with two not being dog lovers.  Miraculously Dub opened their eyes to his love.  They clean up his mess and take him out, but most importantly they play with him and will even lay with him in their own beds.  I can’t describe the feeling that I get every time that I see my roommates who hated dogs, to be playing with Dub.  Dub has that strong personality to make you love him.  Now to explain his name…My roommates and I all go to UNCW.  Since there are so many UNC schools, for slang people will call UNCW ‘The DUB.’  We all agreed that Dub was unique and it would be fitting since it tied us all into the puppy.  I think that Dub deserves to be on the cover of PawPrints because he is not a normal puppy.  Dub has a vivacious spirit that loves to play and a love that will make you appreciate the small things in life.  When I have a bad day, I cannot wait to come home and see Dub, because his excitement and love just makes everything go away for as long as I am around him.

Thank you for this opportunity!

Kelli Adcox

     I’m writing this letter in reference to my daughter’s dog, “Penny.”  Penny is a loving 10 lb., approximately 10 to 14-year-old Chihuahua.  My daughter (Kelly) adopted her about 2 years ago from the New Hanover Humane Society.  She had been abused, neglected and has only several teeth left.  Penny has learned to trust and love again.  She also has a playmate (Roxy), although Penny doesn’t play.  Most of the time she sleeps.  Penny loved her walks outside as well as the naps on her warmed, snuggle safe and furry fur blanket.  Spoiled, huh!

     Penny and Roxy both have quite an elaborate wardrobe of sweaters, coats and collars, not to mention all the toys. Last month, Penny was diagnosed with an aggressive throat cancer.  The vet has given her between 4 to 6 months to live.  Penny has had the best couple years of her life.  She has touched everyone that has been lucky enough to meet and know her.

     She makes every day special because Penny is “SPECIAL” and will be in our hearts and loved always.  As a tribute to man’s best friend, I hope Penny will make your cover.  Thank you.

Penny’s Grandma,

Chris Schmitz

2004 Cover Model Entries

First Runner-Up for Cats:

     Niah came into my life when I needed her more than she needed me.  I knew I would rescue my new companion, as I had done numerous times as a child, but this time it was different.  I was a service member taking the chance I would be able to care for her the rest of my enlistment, and her life.  I’d made my mind up and talked with my family for future arrangements in the event of a deployment.  I opened the phone book and looked for rescue organizations where I found the Carolina Animal Protection Society (CAPS).  I telephoned the number for cat adoptions and was connected to Niah’s foster family.  I went over the next day and found myself hesitant on which to choose.  I was told about all the cats and picked one shy and small, six weeks old.  She was found with her siblings under a porch after her elderly human parents had passed away and left them outside.  I was heartbroken and knew I needed her to bring love, compassion and hope into my life as much as she needed it from me.  For the past three years, Niah has taught me more than any person could.  She is a special needs cat, painfully shy and scared of everything but me.  She is an exceptional cat, needing extraordinary patience, a gift she has given to me.  Her unconditional love in exchange for my respect and affection is a life lesson she showed me at a very young age, and continues to do so each day.  Niah should be on the cover because her story is great, and is a reflection of the wonders that can come from adoption!  She is beautiful, and I would do anything for her.  That is how much I love her.

Marla Allison

Second Runner-Up for Cats:

     Eponine is our oldest pet and the only one left from our years in Rhode Island.  One day in September of 1992 a kitten about the size of a pigeon found her way into the library of the school I was teaching at.  It was a workshop day for teachers.  The small kitty's cries were so loud that she could be heard over the guest speaker.  I felt drawn to her so I walked over and picked her up.  My principal told me to put her out on the street.  No way!  I took her to my classroom and made up a litter box. During our lunch break I went home, got a carrying case and some cat food.  I took her home with me.  She was so little and so gentle that I was sure she was lost.  I put an ad in the newspaper and called all of the local shelters trying to find her home.  No one replied so she became our “little kitty”.  When I took her to the vet, he said she was at least a year old.  I told her she would never be hungry again.  As you can see from her photo, I kept that promise.

Jacqueline Karch & Bill Keach

First Runner-Up for Dogs:

     Bear was twelve when his family - missionaries -  was sent to Egypt.  Helping hands dwindled.  He was shuffled from place to place, staked on a chain to face loneliness, misery and death.  But the bondage was broken and a lucky star guided Bear to my neighborhood on July 4, 2002.  Freedom was his.

     A horrid sight, this pitiful nomad barely able to stand in 100-degree heat.  My heart ached.  Over 100 pounds, he appeared even larger enmeshed in a suffocating cloak of molted fur.  This sad doggie was filthy, teeth worn away gnawing a metal shackle, his hair bleached from the sun and matted to his skin like a rug.  Aged, infested with heartworms, he was not likely to survive.

     I took him home to bathe him, love him, begin his healing - Bear was mine!  With intensive care and patience he morphed from ghost dog to canine dreamboat, honing his people skills too, always extending a friendly paw.  (But lookout if you’re four-legged and wander by his bowl to snatch some kibbles - he’ll be less than cordial, like a Grizzly roaring over a loudspeaker.)

     “Cover Dog” material?  Absolutely!  Bear is the Tom Cruise of Dogdom.  Expressive eyes, million-dollar-smile, infinite animal magnetism...only instead of being drooled over, Bear does his own drooling.  Now sporting a luxurious chocolaty “mink” coat, with masses of shiny ringlets tumbling down his shoulders, sable chevron blazed across his chest!  Pure eye candy!

     “Like a caravan gliding through the desert,” Bear surveys his realm.  My footsteps have slowed to Bear’s pace.  It’s a privilege caring for his special needs, providing an oasis for golden years.  He has no pedigree - except a sweet nature and love of people - yet grows more beautiful in body and spirit each day.  Each day I love him more.

Susan Wilson

Second Runner-Up for Dogs:

     Fate and a natural disaster brought Magic into my life in the fall of 1999.  I was living in Greenville, NC, when Hurricane Floyd dumped 30 inches of rain, causing massive river flooding.  As people scrambled to safety, many of them left their animals behind.  Thanks to United Animal Nations’ Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) more than 700 furry friends survived the flood.  Magic was one of them.
     According to the report from EARS, Magic was found more than one week into the flood swimming for her life.  When the rescue team paddled up in a canoe, Magic didn’t need a lot of coaxing.  She jumped right into the boat.
     The rescuers took Magic to an emergency shelter they had set up just for the animals.  EARS was seeking foster parents until the animals could be reunited with their owners.  On October 1, 1999, I decided to help out by taking Magic.
     More than four years and a move to Wilmington later, Magic is still with me.  Thank goodness no one ever claimed her.  I can’t imagine my life without her.  She brightens every day with her sweet face and loving personality.  Magic has come a long way since first coming to live with me.  She hid under the bed for the first two days!  But over the years she blossomed into a happy dog that loves going to the beach (yes, she still loves to swim) and riding in the car.  She has accompanied me on trips as far away as New Jersey and Florida.
     Magic is such a special dog, and I want PawPrints readers to know how a little patience and a lot of love can transform a distressed animal into the best companion you’ll ever have. 

Judy Royal

     Hi my name is Ruby and I am a Walker Hound.  I met my new daddy at the beginning of the week.  I was in horrible shape and had been in the animal shelter for about a week and no one ever looked at me for adoption.  I was covered in ticks and had kennel cough.  I was so weak and could hardly walk.  I remember my new daddy wanting to see me, but I thought the animal shelter guy was going to take me to the bad place.  I remember my daddy picking me up and caring me to the play pin outside.  I was not feeling well and could not even put on a happy face.  I did not want to get my hopes up cause I remember daddy saying that he would have to clear it by the "boss" (Not sure who that was....I found out later!).  Well, a day went by and no daddy.....Then the next day he came and pick about 35 ticks off of me.  I was so excited that someone really cared about me.  I was so lonely and remember him saying that he would be back for me on Thursday, if he did not get me on Thursday then I was going to be destroyed on Friday morning.  Well, my new daddy is the best.  I feel right at home with my new brother Rio.  I am still getting used to things, but have a blast running around the backyard.  I am still a little scared that he will not want me and take me back to that horrible place, but I think I am here to stay.

    When I  went to the vet ....and guess what..???   I  tested negative for everything except that coughing, but got lots of medicine to treat me.  I am so happy that my new mommy and daddy are taking care of me and I hope to be the best dog, but I know I have some competition with Rio.

Cory & Christy Kusick

WHAT I GOT FOR  CHRISTMAS (AND DIDN’T EVEN ASK FOR)

      I knew it was a mistake, but I did it anyway.  One lonely pit bull puppy left at the New Hanover Humane Society where I volunteer.  It’s Christmas Eve; I can’t let him spend Christmas alone; so home with me he went.  That was the last time he saw the inside of the shelter.  Turk has become a member of our family.  He has filled my life with a sense of purpose and hours and hours of happiness.  I thought my days of potty training, chewing and all those other puppy traits were over; how wrong I was.  We have managed to get through all the rough spots and are on our way to a long, happy life together.  Even the geriatric dogs that inhabit our house have accepted Turk (they do prefer their sedate life but are very tolerable of his puppy behavior.)  I’m not sure they make anything larger than a king-sized bed, but with our new addition we could surely use it.  At a whopping almost 40 pounds at 4-months-old, Turk takes up quite a bit of room.  My life has certainly changed in the past two months.  I feel like a new parent.  I was excited when he slept through the night, sat for the first time, learned to fetch and spent his first playtime at Dog Train.  All I could do was brag.  I forgot what it was like to have a new addition; after all it has been eight years since we had a puppy in our home.  I don't think I could have made a better choice.  Turk is just absolutely wonderful.  I give him as much love as he gives me...and that can’t be measured.

Joyce Bradley

     Hi my name is Rio I am also a Walker Hound.  I have been with mommy and daddy for about a year now.  They found me when I was only 3.5 pounds.  I had been running down a busy highway and whining for someone to stop, but everyone just kept passing me up until mommy saw me and they turned around and picked me up.  I was also covered in ticks and fleas, but they fixed me up.  Also, they said I had sarcoptic mange (whatever that is), but they treated me for that.  Well, it was hard adjusting to life with them.  I went through some bad times.  I was bit by a snake in the backyard on a Monday and then I ate some Azalea plants on Tuesday and then bit by another snake on Thursday.  I guess that week was not mine, but I am about a year and a half and I am loving it here.  They are great parents and feed me really well.  I always have food and water and I have to be the most spoiled hunting dog on the planet.  I used to sleep under the covers with mommy and daddy, but I have gotten to big for that, so I now just sleep on the couch and sometimes when they are not looking I get in my kennel.....(they can't know that I learned something)  Anyway, I think Ruby will fit in here just fine.  Now I have someone to harass ... opps I mean play with!  My mommy and daddy are the best!!

Cory & Christy Kusick

     Little did I know that in August 2002 I would be blessed with an angel, well disguised in white/brindle with no fur. She walked with head bent low, tail firmly tucked, lifeless eyes, seemingly without soul. She fooled me, such as angels often do, keeps us on our toes. Addi wanted no part of life with me, she wanted no part of life period...or so I thought. I brought her home in hopes of offering her an enjoyable, fulfilling retirement from the race track and to find her a new forever home, she hid in the corners of my house and wouldn't surface unless out of necessity. Direct eye contact was an absolute no-no. I did everything but stand on my head, she wanted no part of me. I had a lot of work to do and eventually she was ready for adoption. However, Addi had other plans for me, she wormed her way right into my heart and I couldn’t let her go, I adopted her myself.  Angels know how to bring out the best in us, and Addi was just getting started, everything began to change, because unknown to me the real lesson in love was about to unfold. These wonderful creatures that God has created have so much love to give, there is no describing the experience except to say that it is like having something totally unfamiliar yet incredibly beautiful wash over you. Addi finally learned how to give and receive love and it was a beautiful feeling. I adopted Addi from Greyhound Friends of North Carolina-Greensboro, I continue to work in finding greyhounds loving homes. Addi has taught me that when you peel away the complicated layers of life, love is all that matters. How fortunate am I to have found myself among early angels that have touch my heart in so many ways.  

Barbara Brooks

     Hi! My name is Annie (as in “little orphan Annie”) and I would LOVE to be your cover model for April! I was rescued off the street AND from a shelter! My story is SO much longer than 300 words, but I’ll give you the short version!  I helped my mom write this story but cannot take credit for the typing!

     I was in Charlotte during the summer of 1998 and I had run away from home.  Late one night, I was spotting hiding behind a bush and allowed myself to be coaxed into an apartment where I was given a bath and a nice crate to sleep in. The next day, this same lady took me to the shelter. A few days later, she came back to get me!

     I was SO excited to learn that I would have two sisters to play with!  I knew right away that my mommy loved me SO much because she went through a lot to get me and took really good care of me when I was sick.  My tummy and skin were in bad shape when I first came to live with her.   Once I got a little better, I decided that my new mom needed a little excitement in her life.  So, the first thing I taught her was the “chasing game” – you know the one, where I run out the front door and she chases me? That is SO much fun! Next, I had to teach her not to leave food on the table or the counters and to hide the trash can – THAT is a fun toy!But, she taught me some things too.  I eventually learned not to run out the front door and some other basic obedience commands.  My mommy has been so patient   with me. She thinks I should be on the cover to show everyone that rescue and shelter dogs can make great pets!  There are so many of us out there that need good, loving homes.  My mommy says that she has a “soft-spot” for hound dogs. Now how would she have learned that if she never gave me a chance to teach her? 

     Thanks for reading my story – I have attached a picture as well.  Please call my mommy if you decide to use me on the cover!

I am no longer running away from home.  Love, Annie

Melissa Thomas

     This is my Cat Xena.  Her name means Warrior Princess, and trust me she fits the description!  Here is her story:

     About two years ago I was living in Charlotte, NC, I was working at a pet store there called "Lavender and Lace."  One day a lady came in holding a cardboard box.  Inside of the box was a teeny tiny little one and a half week old kitten that she had found stuck in a fence in her backyard.. it had been abandoned by it's mother, and she wasn't sure what to do with it.  My boss showed her to the kitten formula and gave her instructions on how to feed and take care of the kitten.  About a week later the woman returned, with the cat, to get more formula.  My boss noticed that the kitten was verrry upset, so she asked the woman if the kitten had been fed yet.  The woman told her she hadn't gotten around to it yet, which was when my boss explained to her that this kitten needed to be fed every two to four hours.  The woman said she wasn't going to be able to do that, so my boss ended up taking the kitten from her, with the idea that she could be "the store cat".____ This is where I entered!  I came to work later that day and noticed the little tiny ball of gray fur in the bottom of the cardboard box.  When I reached down to pet it, the blind cloudy blue eyes opened, and the kitten started swatting at my hand!  She obviously had not been loved and cuddled at all by the previous women, so I figured that needed to change!  I offered to take the kitten home for the weekend so I could take care of it and give my boss a break.  When I got her home I wrapped her in a blanket and laid her on my bed on top of a heating pad.  I was up with her every couple of hours, fixing her formula, and giving her the bottle.  (and let me just say she was a messy little eater!) When I brought the kitten back to work, she had a name, and instead of that old cardboard box she had a giant plastic tub, with blankets and toys and everything!  It wasn't much longer that I found out I had been accepted to school in Wilmington, and was going to have to move.  I knew my boss's original intention was to keep the kitten at the shop as soon as she was big enough.  But I had another idea!  I asked my boss if I could please take her with me when I moved to Wilmington, and of course, seeing how attached we were to each other, she agreed!  Xena and I have been inseparable ever since!  She's as feisty as ever, she sleeps with me in my bed every night, greets me at the door when I come home, cuddles in my lap when I watch TV, and joins me on every car trip I take!  She truly was a little warrior, chances are, If the lady had not brought her into our pet store, she would not have survived.  I am thankful everyday that I have Xena.  She has brought so much joy to my life, especially at the times when I needed it most.

     I don't know if you remember, but April of last year, you put a memorial picture in your magazine for Drew Egan.  The ad was for Twice-Goods (where I used to work) and was placed by Kimbob Swicegood.  Drew was a dear friend of Kimbob, and was my boyfriend.  He became like a father to Xena.  When he passed away last April, of congestive heart failure, the greatest comfort I had in my time of sorrow was having Xena by my side...  She truly is an amazing animal, and if anyone ever gets the chance, she loves company!!

Chesson Kusterer

     These are some pictures of my little bundle of joy, Isabella Marie.  Well, she was little when we first got her!  She was 6wks old and weighed 4.2lbs when my boyfriend and I adopted her.  The people at the Brunswick Co. Animal Shelter said that her and her bros and sisters were found in a paper grocery bag on the side of US 17 near Supply.  I'm just glad that they weren't in New Hanover Co. because they would have been automatically put to sleep.  You see, Bella is a boxer/shepherd -- a regular Heinz 57!  She has definitely changed my life since we have had her.  She gives me inspiration and motivation -- well, when she's not passed out on the couch -- and she loves me unconditionally, no matter what happens in my life.  Chris recently left for the military and he wasn't scared at all to leave me alone because we both know that Bella wouldn't ! let a fly touch me!  I think she should be featured on the cover of Paw Prints because she is the most photogenic soul I have ever met!  Even more so than most of my friends!  She just has that look!  But if not her, then maybe my cats!  We rescued both Rocky Racoon and Lil Magyl as strays.  (Their names, by the way, are from the Beatle's White album.)  They also love the camera!  And we love all of them!  We wouldn't trade our animals for the world!  I even joke around and tell people that if only my animals could call me "Mommy" I would never have kids!  

Geneva Elhubishi

     They had named me oes-3021---things looked bad for me.  Who wanted an older, deaf sheepdog?

     Mom and Dad did, they named me Kismet (fate or destiny) It was my last day at the shelter and rescue picked me up.  Rescue groups are great, they saved my life.  I came from Indiana all the way here to the beach.

     My mom lost her best friend in August to cancer and she needed me to take care of her.  If it weren't for petfinder she would never have found me.

Kathy Buck

     Please see the attached photo of my dog Buddy and my boyfriend Mark. It was taken outside Port Land Grille one Sunday after an ice storm. It wasn’t planned, but Buddy knocked one of the icicles off the statue and then instantly put it in his mouth like a bone. We refer to this as the ice bone picture!

     I adopted Buddy from SOAR in September. At the time I was going through a separation from my husband, which also meant being separated from our two dogs, which was proving to be very difficult.

     One Saturday afternoon I decided to go "look" at the dogs that were up for adoption at Pet Food City. By the time I got there it appeared that the adoption fair had ended, as the only dog in the shop was a black lab but I assumed he must’ve already been adopted. One of the salespeople asked me if I needed help, and I explained that I had come to look at the dogs up for adoption but that I guessed they were all gone. "All but Buddy," the salesperson replied, "Buddy" being the cute black lab. At her urging I took Buddy outside for a walk, and instantly I was hooked.

     Since I wasn't sure how Buddy would work out in my apartment (or get along with my cat), they recommended that I take Buddy on a temporary, foster basis. I signed the paperwork and we were off.

     Instantly I knew I had made the right choice. Buddy had such a sweet, loving personality and seemed to always have a smile on his face! To this day when people meet him they mention how happy he looks, which is part of the reason that I think he'd make a great cover model! As you can see, he is very photogenic and really seems to love the camera … this is just one of many great photos I’ve made of Buddy.

     Buddy is adorable, fun, loving and he even gets along well with my cat! But the best thing about Buddy is the companionship he has given me through a tough time. He truly is one of my very best friends, and I couldn't imagine having a better pet!

Kim Ware

     Pinto, named for his pinto pony like markings, was a six week old terrier mix, when he walked up our driveway over 11 years ago... and it was 'he' who adopted our family!

     He quickly bonded with my dad, who had recently started spending winters here in North Carolina and was becoming increasingly lonesome for "back home" and friends and family there.

     Pinto added purpose and enjoyment to his long, post retirement days. He quickly became his pal& "sidekick" , following him everywhere with dad's chatter the primary focus of his little attentive partner.

     Three years ago dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer- the metastisis was rapid and in four months he was gone.

     His little buddy posted a silent vigil near his bedside until the end with his sad golden eyes watching every caretaker with scrutiny but yet, a knowing acceptance of the purpose of their visit.

     With his master gone he assumed his new duty with the same selfless dedication. Consoling my mom and guarding his small domain was now his sole responsibility.

     Pinto has continued to be, not a stray dog who happened upon them, but a true gift from a higher power in their time of need.

Barbara Raab

     This is the story of Bentley.  This is also the story of how Bentley changed my whole life.    In May of 1994, we were ready to get a dog.  We knew that to adopt from a shelter was the best thing to do.  It just didn’t seem right to go to a breeder or a pet store when so many dogs and cats are already homeless.  We visited the New Hanover County Humane Society and Bentley caught our eye right away.  We filled out the paperwork and left to sleep on it for one more night.  We had to be sure we were ready for this lifetime commitment.  The next day, we went to pick up our new addition.  I had never had a close bond with a pet before Bentley.  I really fell in love with him.  To even call him a pet seems inappropriate.  He is part of the family.  His interests are taken into account when all decisions are made.  His interests are not that difficult to accommodate.  He wants to be with us (not abandoned outside on a chain or in a pen), he wants good food and water, and he wants a comfortable place to sleep.  In return I get a best friend for life.  I love Bentley so much that I don’t care what I get out of the deal.  He has taught me what real love is.  Real love is when you want what is best for someone regardless of how it affects you.  So here comes the life-changing event. If Bentley is so great and deserving of a comfortable life, why aren’t other animals equally worthy?  The answer, there is no good reason.  All creatures have a desire to stay alive, to avoid pain, and to do their natural thing.  It suddenly dawned on me that animals were suffering because of choices I was making in my life.  The biggest of which was what was on my plate.  I wouldn’t eat my dog so why would I eat a cow, pig, chicken, turkey, etc.  After much research and learning the facts about the meat and dairy industries, I transitioned into eating vegetarian and then into being vegan.  Being vegan means I try to avoid using any animal products.  I feel this is the best way of standing up for what I think is right.  It is a nightmare what farmed animals have to endure.  I am not going to pay people to do it by buying their products.  So thanks to Bentley, my life is good, vegan life is good, and countless animals don’t have to suffer in my name.  Bentley should be the winner of PawPrints 2nd Annual Cover Model Search to honor him for his great work.  He is also very handsome.  

Tanner Postma

     Our cat Isabel “found” us many months ago but was a stray cat that was very afraid and unfriendly.  She wouldn’t let anyone get close to her and was afraid to eat the food I left out unless nobody was around.  Then one day in Sept. she came up to me. I was a bit skeptical since she had never shown any interest in being friends before.  She rubbed up on my leg and let me pet her for a short amount of time.  She continued to make friends with me for the next couple of days.  Then the news came that Hurricane Isabel was approaching.  I told my family that we had to take temporary custody of this cat and bring her inside.  I went out and bought the necessary supplies along with a litter box, extra food and of course some toys. She wasn’t too sure about coming inside our house, especially with two dogs, but soon discovered what a better life she could have. The name choice was obvious.   We took her to the vet and found out that she’d already been spayed and was feline leukemia negative.  She got her shots, was de-wormed and given a clean bill of health.  Although still a bit uncertain at times she is becoming friendlier each day and sits on our laps nightly.  She has become a member of the family and has gotten territorial when it comes to “her” chair.  She’s black and white with the most beautiful green eyes and would look radiant on a PAWPRINTS cover.   Hurricane Isabel may have blown in and out of North Carolina but Isabel the cat is definitely here to stay!  

Jan & Louis Tabor

     I think that my beautiful cat should be on the cover of the April issue because he is very sweet and means the world to me.  Tiger is a two-year-old orange tabby cat that loves to play with anything and bird watch out the window.  I adopted Tiger from an adoption fair from Paws Place.  Ever since the day I got him I have been so excited to have him around.  Sometimes you get things that are new and they eventually get old, but not this gift.  Tiger is such a blessing to me and I believe he is the best candidate for the cover.  Tiger also has his own photo album from the time I adopted him. 

     After coming to college in Wilmington and leaving my family and friends, I needed someone to be here with me.  As a child growing up I never had a cat because my parents were dog people.  But now that I am on my own, it makes me want a cat even more and appreciate him.  I feel so much happier by having an animal in my life.  One thing that I absolutely love about Tiger is the way he sits.  He sits up against the wall with himself propped up like a person might sit.  I love Tiger like a mother loves their children.  I enter him
into many contests because I love the way he looks in photographs and believe he is the best one.  It is
very hard for me to fully describe my love for my one and only cat.  I am looking forward to the many years
and fun times that are to come.  I hope you too see what I see in Tiger.

Kendra Swicegood

     The first place I met our Yorkie/Chihuahua, was at the home of her rescuer. I learned from the rescuer that she got the puppies from an elderly woman who was too sick to take care of them. As I sat on the floor the puppies spilled into my lap. I didn't have to make a decision because one little pup picked me. She climbed into my palm (she was that tiny) and wrapped her front paws around my thumb and used it for a chew toy. I couldn't stop smiling! This was the one. She picked me! The name Penny seemed perfect because she was tiny and copper colored like a penny. Penny had a dramatic effect on our lives. She put a smile on our face everyday. We got Penny in early September of 2001. 911 happened and thank goodness we had her for comic relief! She would bark at anything new in the house and stalk it like it was the "boogie man." Once she was satisfied it wasn't out to get her, she'd relax and curl up in my lap. Happiness is truly a warm puppy asleep in your lap! Bath time is a riot! After we towel her off, she streaks through the house to get us to chase her. I swear she has a smile on her face! House breaking was fairly easy and she learned how to ring a set of bells by the back door to tell us when she needs to go outside. Penny should be on the cover of your magazine because she is an example that you don't have to look farther than a neighborhood shelter or rescuer to find a sweet, smart, bundle of love and happiness.  

Mary Caulkins

     As I write her story, snoozing away while dreaming of bones falling from the sky and fields of green grass blowing in the breeze with plenty of squirrels to chase, is my angel puppy, Sadie.  Sadie found me at the Wake County Animal Shelter one hot day back in June.  Our hearts were drawn together instantly, as they were both severely broken.  The first 8 weeks of Sadie's life are unknown--she was found cowering inside a dumpster with her sister.  Her heart was broken; she had been abandoned, just as I had.  Buried in a ball of black fur, her beautiful deep eyes smiled at me, and her little pink tongue panting from the heat in the shelter was all it took for us to become fast friends.

     Sadie rescued me more than I rescued her.  I quickly learned she was stronger than I, and would be my unexpected, quiet source of strength as I healed.  I know for a fact that I would not have made it through my heartbreak without Sadie.  Her first night with me, I was setting up her crate and I began to cry on the blankets.  She came over, and licked my tears away.  She was so cute and wanted to play, and I immediately forgot my sadness.  It has been this way ever since.  No matter what kind of day I've had, Sadie always loves me unconditionally.  Her tail always wags when she sees me, and if I don't bend down to kiss her right away, she jumps up to my face to kiss me; everything is fine when she's around.

     Sadie should be on the cover of PawPrints because she is living proof that angels come in all forms, even four-legged.  She epitomizes strength, loyalty, friendship, forgiveness, and unconditional love.

Joy Hughes

     When we saw Hershey, our chocolate lab, in the April edition of PawPrints last year we called immediately hoping she hadn’t already been adopted! Fortunately her foster mom said several people had met her and wanted her but didn’t meet the criteria listed in the article. Lucky for us we had the house and fenced-in yard and went to pick her up for an overnight trial, needless to say she has been with us ever since! We waited 3 years to adopt a dog because we wanted a fenced-in yard for ample running space and had moved in just one month before we adopted Hershey. She is everything we could want in a dog and oh soooo much more! She is an incredibly sweet girl who loves to give lots of kisses (Hershey kisses of course!) and she is always energetic! People meet her and ask if she is still a puppy because she! is so vibrant, in truth she will be 5 in June! My husband and I find ourselves hurrying home from work to see her and spend “play and lap time” with our girl. Weekends and free time mean so much more now that she is a member of our family! We traded in our single-man kayak for an open model so we can take her with us on the water. Staying true to her lab nature she is in the water every chance she gets including the Dog Bar on the loop at Wrightsville Beach (well at 65 pounds she tries her best to get in). Hershey is a gorgeous, loving, charismatic girl who would be an excellent choice for the April edition cover model (how ironic that this issue will also be the 1-year anniversary of her adoption add in PawPrints!).

Doug & Hope Jackson

     Our precious dog "Scooter" passed away after almost 18 years of pure love.  Our dog bed had been empty for over a year when the "Scruffy Dog Alert!" on page 9 of the November PawPrints brought us to the Brunswick County Animal Shelter on October 31, 2003.  The staff there greeted us with care and understanding, and Burwin took us in and introduced us to "Katie."  Somehow, Ginger could immediately see the sweet nature of this little stray and knew she should come home with us.  Burwin may have been a little embarrassed to see Ginger start crying as she looked at the dog.  When Ginger looked to me and asked, "What do you think, Bob?” I was smart enough to know that the right decision had already been made.

     Our first stop was the Leland Veterinary Hospital.  Dr. Amy Drummond examined her and found her fit and healthy.  The next stop was Ginger's sister's home.  There, an urgently needed bath and grooming removed the grime and tangles accumulated during the time the dog spent roaming the streets.  By the time we got home, we knew "Katie" wasn't the right name.  After the first few days with her, the choice became obvious.  The word "grace" means beauty of movement, form or proportion.  These certainly described her.  Additionally, "Grace" means good will, mercy and clemency.  These describe the actions of the many people in the process that brought her to us.  "Gracie" was the perfect name!

     In the four months since, Gracie has become a treasured part of every day -- sweet, friendly, fun loving, anxious to meet new people and other dogs.  Everyone agrees with us that she's beautiful, so she must be "cover girl" material.  "Grace" is a gift to us.  Gracie has been too!  

Bob & Ginger Roman

     George and her sister Charlie were found in a ditch on Shaw Highway, in Pender Co. by a friend.  She adopted me after friends decided I would be the perfect Pa.

     I brought her home, and what a cute, loveable pup she was!  I thought at the time that I had adopted a beagle.  Since I love the outdoors, I figured that she would be the perfect little hunter and partner for me  I built her a pen with anticipation that she would be the queen of her home.  Now, George is the queen of our house, cars and boat.  What a surprise I got one morning when I looked out the window and saw one of her ears standing up.  I thought -- what kind of dog is this?   Beagles' ears don't stand up and she had not developed the beagle bark.  I discussed her disposition with my vet and he decided that she was probably 95% corgi with possible mix of beagle, I had no idea what a corgi was.  George is 11.5 years old and has been the perfect dog.  She has trained me well.

     George has taught me about friendship and family.  She rules the roost.  I would not think of going fishing, hunting or boating without her.   She is a permanent part of my life and family.  She listens better than any other friend.  George reminds me to keep a good sense of humor about all things  -- just because we get wet on the boat does not mean you can't have a good time fishing!

     I love George and think that she is the best friend in the world.  She has enriched my life with fun and companionship.  She is the perfect example of life's gifts being even more incredible than you imagine.  It would be a great honor to share her with the community by having her photograph on the cover of PawPrints.  Of course, she would never let me live it down!  Because, she would have proof that she is Queen Bee at our house!

Liz Eggleston & Mark Crumpler

     On a cold day in January 2001, I stopped in PetsMart to take a look at the puppies that the New Hanover County Humane Society had brought in for people to adopt.  By no means was my mind made up to adopt a puppy, but for some reason it was meant for me to be there that day.  There were a lot of cute and loveable puppies, but one caught my eye.  He did so by simply being his colorful and loving self.  Looking in the bottom row of kennels I saw a brown and black Shepard mix chewing on a newspaper and spilling over his water bowl.  To look at this puppy one could tell that he was going to grow to be a very big boy.  His paws were the size of my hand.  For some this was a deterrent to some in adopting him, but for me this was just the beginning.

     I was a twenty-year-old college student, looking to find myself.  When I looked in the eyes of the puppy named “Thumper” there was a sense of relief that took over.  Even though he was going to be a handful, I knew that the rewards that would come from adopting this puppy would be endless.  That day I went home with a 3-month old puppy re-named Sigmund.

     Three and half years later words cannot explain how my life has changed.  Other than the obvious physical and environmental changes that occur while living with a 107.7 pound dog, the emotional and mental changes that I have undergone outweigh all.  Sigmund shows a great amount of love, playfulness, and respect in every move that he makes.  The puppy that I saw in the kennel at PetsMart still lives in Sigmund; clumsy, big, and loveable.  Sigmund has opened my heart and mind to see that unconditional love does exist, and it is definitely unwavering.  To know me is to know Sigmund, because we come together as a package.  Even though he loves my family and friends, he has his own circuit of doggie friends.  The amount of love that he has for his friends truly shined when he lost his best friend Buddy a few of months ago.  Even though his heart was broken, he wanted to support Buddy’s (human) Mama and Daddy.

     Sigmund deserves to be on the cover because he is a perfect model of love and loyalty.  He is the perfect example that size does not matter; even the biggest dog can be the greatest companion and best friend.  

Natasha Wallen

     It was love at first sight when I saw Jupiter’s picture in the Star-News in October 2001. He was the “Pet of the Week”. I’d been thinking about adding a cat to my animal family (I already had a dog), and the picture prompted me to action. I went to New Hanover County Animal Control Services and returned with one of the most loving cats I've ever known.

     It amazes me every day that someone didn’t want Jupiter. He must have had an owner at some point because he’d been declawed, but he was found outside as a stray. If his owner had been searching for him, certainly he or she would have seen his picture in the paper. I can¹t imagine why anyone would give him up. He is just so full of love. Most of the cats I’ve known are very independent and like their space. Not Jupiter. His favorite place to be is on my lap. Every time I sit down, I can count to about 30 before he nestles himself against me. Even now as I write this, he is attempting to jump from my bed into the computer chair with me.

     Jupiter loves everyone. His time living on the streets didn’t make him any less affectionate. He is a testament to the value of “unwanted” animals everywhere. Even the most expensive show cat couldn't hold a candle to Jupiter, and I’m so glad I found him.  

Judy Royal

     I just wanted to let you know why my little dog is my best friend.  She is the sweetest little girl.  And smart too, she has selective hearing.  Her favorite thing to say is “I do what I want!  I’m Daden!”  That’s her name.  I saw my babe in the October 2003 PawPrints.  As soon as I laid eyes on her I knew I had to have her.  I thought she looked like a ChiaPet because she had a spiky mane and two tiny little legs.  Check out her picture in that issue and you’ll see what I’m talking about.  In PawPrints she was identified as Emmy, a Chihuahua/Terrier mix.  I think she has a little Pomeranian in her.  Whatever she is, she is 13lbs of perfection!  I called Brunswick County Animal Shelter first thing Monday morning.  Then I made the 40-minute drive across the bridge to go see her.  The first thing I said when I saw her was “That’s my dog!”  I took her home the next day.  She was so excited to get out of that shelter and into a car.  Our first day together was pure bliss!  We played in the backyard, rolled around in the grass, played with a tennis ball.  I was so happy to have her in my life.  My mom says God saved her for me.  Nothing could be closer to the truth.  The best part is she has a playmate when I’m not there.  We have an 8-year-old Dalmatian named Candy.  Daden and Candy are buddies.  They play together, take naps together; they are so funny to watch.  They will wrestle around and then stop for a snack and water break.  There are so many ways Daden makes my life wonderful.  But, more importantly, she has helped Candy.  Life Before Daden - Candy moped around the house, slept most of the day, and rarely wanted to play.  She was depressed.  Now - she has the life back in her.  She’s always in a playful mood.  She’s lost weight and I’m sure has added a few more years to her life.

     Daden is the perfect dog.  I can’t believe someone would let her run the streets.  That’s how Brunswick County Animal Shelter got her.  Animal control picked her up.  They gave the owner a bunch of citations.  Instead of paying them and taking her home, they just never came.  It truly amazes me.  She loves playing with her chewy toy, and spends hours chewing on her bones.  She loves having her little butt scratched.

     You ask why my little babe should be on the cover.  Because I think she deserves a little recognition.  She does so much for me.  So much, she’ll never know.  She's there for me when no one else is.  She snuggles with me on cold nights.  I love her so much.  I talk about her all the time, to anyone who will listen.  As you can see I’ve wrote more than 300 words.  But she deserves much more.  She even helps me decide who to date.  If the guy doesn’t greet her the way I think he should, it will be the last time he sees either one of us.  She is my best friend and the love of my life!

P.S.  Thank you!  Because of your magazine, I have Daden.  

Michelle Sands

     My husband and I had two Jack Russell Terriers and wanted another.  I picked up the latest PawPrints Magazine and read a heartbreaking story.  The story was about a Jack Russell named “Kit-Kat”.

     My husband and I went to meet Kit-Kat a few days later and we fell in love with her.  The special thing about her is a disease known as Cerebella Ataxia, which causes underdevelopment of the cerebellum.  Someone simply dropped her off at an animal hospital with three of her brothers/sisters to be put to sleep.  Four out of the litter of nine had similar afflictions, which are a result of interbreeding.

     Kit-Kat can only walk on grass, carpet, or something soft because of her condition.  She can move all four legs, but crawls most of the time because her balance has been severely affected by the disease.  Kit-Kat can pull herself up, but loses her balance like a newborn calf.  Although it seems sad, it doesn’t bother her too much.  She’s always happy to see you as she wags her tail and gives you kisses.  Since she likes to be held so much you are soon to realize how loving and happy she really is.  Kit-Kat is quick to try to run and play with our other two Jack Russells, but her record distance is about 40 feet. After falling she’s quick to pick herself up, dust herself off, and give it another shot.

     We found Kit-Kat in August of 2003 and she has improved tremendously. So far we have tried several “cable support systems” in our back yard and several versions of a cart to help make her life a little easier, but to no avail.  She seems happiest trying her luck at walking and running.

     Our house is mostly hardwood floors and tile so we have comforters lying on the floors of our kitchen and family room so she can get around the house easier.  When we’re at work during the day, she stays in a child’s playpen with soft blankets and toys.  Kit-Kat has a lifespan of about 3-5 years and we’re going to make sure she has the best life possible.

     Kit-Kat has traveled out of town with us to see many places.  We think she likes to visit different beaches most of all.  She gets to see the ocean and smell the salt air.  Kit–Kat is truly happy and content with her life.  She has changed ours forever.  

Ann Marie Campbell

     I fell in love with “Stella” when visiting my local Animal Control facility.  She was the most emaciated dog I had ever laid eyes on.  She had been hit by a car and her leg had been broken.  She had such a bad case of the mange that she had very little hair and was covered in tar, mud, you name it.  Her tiny, fragile body was skin and bones yet her little belly was swollen from worms.