Every adoption is a story that touches our hearts. Each one a tale of second chances, new beginnings and unconditional love. Here, we’ll share some of the special moments when our animals found their forever homes. From wagging tails to joyful reunions, these stories remind us why we do what we do and celebrate the incredible bond between people and pets.
A second chance for Hera, a lifetime of love for Alyssa
A healthy, joyful pup named Hera came racing over to greet us at Alyssa’s home, her tail wagging wildly and doggy kisses flying. She radiated happiness, clearly loved and thriving. Alyssa tried to calm her with treats, but Hera’s excitement was unstoppable and totally contagious.
It’s hard to believe that just a year ago, Hera was still waiting for her forever family at the СѼƵ County Animal Center. Alyssa Pezzella, who had been following the Center’s Instagram page for a while, came across Hera’s photo and instantly felt a spark.
Grease, gears and a grateful pup
For Jake Mitchell, a trip to the car shop used to be just another workday. But ever since he adopted Darcy, every day feels like a new adventure.
Jake, a differential specialist mechanic, has always had a soft spot for rescue dogs and Darcy was no exception. “We’ve always adopted,” he said. “There are so many great dogs that need a home.”
After meeting Darcy a few times, Jake knew she was the one.
After 232 days in the shelter Kino finds his perfect match
When Ashlyn Dibiase moved into her first apartment alone, she was excited for her independence but also felt some loneliness. She longed for companionship and decided that adopting a dog might be the perfect next step.
While browsing the СѼƵ County Animal Center’s website, Ashlyn came across Kino and something about him immediately stood out. She had been going back and forth between adopting a cat or a dog, but the moment she saw Kino’s face, she knew this was her dog.
From Rescue to Champion: Three-Legged Rising Star of Dog Competitions is an Animal Center Graduate
When we ask the public to adopt our adorable pets, СѼƵ County staff are generally the first to answer the plea and save animals. Animal Services Director, Dr. Jennifer Federico, has six adopted dogs of her own...in fact, all the dogs she’s ever owned have been rescues. One of the most recent is Miller, a Labrador, who joined the Federico family just a few months ago. From day one, it’s been a great adventure!
Starry Night and Smarty Pants, Heartwarming Cat Tales of Love, Snuggles and Family
Our own Dara Demi, Chief Communications Officer and a passionate advocate for pet adoption, is the mastermind behind the communications team and strategy at СѼƵ County. At home, her two beloved cats, adopted from the СѼƵ County Animal Center, are experts in their own feline "communiCATion" expressing their love and needs through every purr, meow and gentle paw.
How a Rescue Named Rhubarb Threw the Loop Family for a Loop
When the СѼƵ County Animal Center urgently called upon the community to step in and adopt dogs, Dr. Caroline Loop, Deputy Director of СѼƵ County Environmental Services, quickly responded to this call for help by reaching out to her colleagues at the Animal Center and offering to foster a dog.
From Bear to Checo: Unconditional Love of Family Changes Shelter’s Dog Life
You think F1 star Checo Perez is fast?! Wait until you get to know the new addition to СѼƵ County's former External Communications Director Stacy Beard's family, Checo! His intake form said his name was Bear and the Beard family went with that for a bit.
Finding Your Best Friend at Work: The Inspirational Story of Emily and Moose
Meet Emily Parker, a dedicated kennel attendant who joined the СѼƵ County Animal Center in November. Her days are filled with loving on the animals at the shelter. She makes sure they’re fed, their kennels are clean and they’re getting the attention they need – whether it be addressing a medical issue or just some scratching behind the ears!