Sara Smile came into our lives one day In actually quite an expected way As a family we said - why she's quite cute We still said that after she chewed a boot.   She's black and white, an Oreo dog A curly tail up on her back like a hog She thinks her tail is quite a pain Why does it follow her even in the rain?   She chases and bites it and gets all mad But still it sits on her back like a cad We root for her in her tail chase Laugh at the silly look on her face.

She dances, she prances, dainty as can be Lifts her paw up for a cookie will she Barks to protect us even if there is no need Apparently her name is on the house deed. Life without Sara would be quite dull you see She is a very special member of the family So spoil her and love her we will every day And take her outside to play, play, play..... Thanks to CCAS for saving Sara Smile Foutty!  And to her foster Mom, Lynn! From Jack, Beth, Kailyn and Kamryn

Zoe was adopted from the shelter in August 2003 at about 8-9 weeks old. Immediately, we learned she had her own little personality. As an Akita mix, we did a lot of research about the breed and learned that the positive features of it were definitely a part of her personality. We laugh at her independent, carefree attitude. She is the bright spot after a long day at work and has bonded with our 1 year old son so much. He adores her and she dotes on him like a little four legged mother. She is also very attached to our black lab. Together, they play and run outside and entertain us to no end. And everyone she meets her falls in love. Zoe is by far the sweetest dog I have ever met. She is also extremely smart and playful and our lives are so much better because we have her. Our family thanks whoever brought her to the shelter and allowed us to bring this beautiful, wonderful dog into our lives. We are forever grateful. -Tracey, Rob & Nicholas

On 11/10/07 I visited your shelter to find a companion for myself and my dog Cooper. Earlier in the week I was in Oklahoma and visited your web site and found Duncan. I flew home Friday morning (Duncan was featured on Goddards dogs that night) and by Saturday morning Cooper and I were on our way to the shelter. It was love at first site for Duncan and I. In the meeting room I sat on the floor and he cuddled right up to me and laid his paw on my arm. From that point forward Duncan as been a part of my family. He is the sweetest most gentle loving silly dog I have ever met. My husband Rick, Cooper and myself cannot thank you enough for finding our 4th family member. Other people pull out pictures of their children, well we pull out pictures of our 4 legged furry children. Thank you so much for helping us find Duncan and helping other homeless animals find forever homes. Hopefully, we will soon be there again to find a 5th family member. Thank you, Rick, Mindy, Cooper and Duncan

I just wanted to drop you a quick line (and a few pictures) of my little girl.  She came home with me in June of 2005 and has had a huge place in my heart ever since.  She moved right in and adjusted to life with me and my other two dogs without any trouble.  She was already house-broken, knew how to sit, stay and give me her paw, and was even wonderful to walk on a leash.  She  really could be the spokes-dog for adopting a senior pet!  She is about thirteen years old now, but you would never know it.  Her favorite activities are still her morning walk or snuggling up on the couch with me to read a book or watch a movie.   Thanks so much for helping me to find my little AnnaBelle!   Kelly

The first time I saw Cady, she was sitting at the door to the kennel.  She was dirty, matted and had an undercoat that needed to be combed out.  She was a sad looking mess!  After multiple visits and spending time with Cady just grooming her and getting to know her, I decided to adopt her!  I had her about 30 minutes and she slipped her leash and took off running north.  She ran north, south, east and west for the next 3 weeks.  The Brecksville and Richfield Police were on the lookout.  Animal Wardens from both counties were looking.   The Brecksville Animal Warden borrowed a large Havahart trap from Independence.  She was spotted at Lubrizol, so for the first 2 weeks, the trap was in the woods on the Lubrizol property.  I traveled from Fairlawn to Brecksville 2-3 times a day to open the trap, check it and close the trap at night so I didn't accidentally trap a racoon or a skunk!  The trap was baited with steak, pork chops, spare ribs, sausage, Alpo, dog gravy, biscuits and treats.  Nothing.  However the trap was stripped of food overnight with the cage closed!  Racoons, nature's little maid service, I supposed.  I passed out flyers with all the information and her picture on it to the businesses along Brecksville Road.   The 3rd week she was spotted twice, and the Havahart trap was moved about a mile south.  Same routine, only this time she was spotted near a fast food restaurant so I baited the trap with cheeseburgers.  Still nothing. On the 20th day, I decided that she was never coming home.  I called the Brecksville Animal Warden and told her I was closing the trap and giving up.  I figured if she got into an enclosure that someone would call the police, but I felt she was trap savvy and didn't want to be caught.  I went to the trap one last time and closed the trap for the night.  I went home.  At 7:15 the next morning, a man called and said "Your dog is in the trap".  I said... "What?"  He repeated, "Your dog is in the trap".  I said, "IN the trap?" and he said "Yep".  I couldn't imagine how that happened.  If you have seen a Havahart trap, you know they are not "accidentally" opened.  Accidentally closed, yes, but it almost takes 2 people to open and set it!  So I said, "I'll be there in 30 minutes".  When I arrived, there she was... just sitting in the cage. Not panicked, no growling, no barking.  Just sitting there.  It was a miracle.  To this day, I have not been able to find out how the trap was opened on that night.  Maybe it was St. Francis of Assisi?  Since Cady has come home, she and the cats get along really well... she has gone to the office with me... and she goes in the car with me every time I go anywhere!   She's quiet, calm and happy.  She's been declared "no worse for the wear" by the vet, and she was fabulous for the groomer.  She wears her St. Francis medal everyday!  She follows me from room to room, and we're still working on her trust; she must have had a tough start to her life.  But she rounds out our family, and I already can't imagine life without her.  She's just beautiful. - Jeni

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