Maxie Schenk

Photo Coming Soon

Whisper

Shiloh

Shiloh, used to be named Morgan, is about 1.5 years old.  She was adopted in June of 2002, and lives in Livonia.  Her favorite toys are balls that have flashing lights in them and toys that make noise. 

She has been a great addition to our family!  I appreciate your kindness and support during our adoption process!  We love her!

Rosie

Rosie who still lives in Dearborn, is a wonderful dog.  Her favorite activity are tennis balls and chew toys.  Rosie is 1 year old and was adopted in 2002.

Monte Klimkiewicz

“Hi!  My name is Monte, and I found my new family in June 2003 while I was staying at the Dearborn Animal Shelter.  They thought I was really cute and asked me to come home with them.  Since I’ve been at my new home, I’ve been very good.  I don’t go potty in the house – I always ask to go outside.  I already knew how to site and shake hands, and now I’m learning how to stay, lay down, and “drop it” when Dad and I play ball in the backyard.  Mom says that I walk very nice on a leash, too.  They have a big, soft bed for me to sleep on, tennis balls to chase, and rawhide bones to chew.  I REALLY like those bones!!

 My new doctor says that I’m in good shape for being a “senior citizen”.  (I’m only 9!!)  But sometimes my legs hurt because of something called arthritis, and sometimes I don’t see small bits of food on the floor.  Mom gives me pills to help my legs, and my sister Ashleigh helps me find the food when I can’t see it.  (That’s Ashleigh in the picture with me in our backyard.)

 I really like it here.  I’m glad they asked me to come home with them.  Thanks Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter for taking care of me until I found my new family!

 Love, Monte”

Monte was adopted on 6/26/03 at 9 years of age.  He Loves to chew rawhide and chase tennis balls, loves to nap on his doggie bed

                                                           Teresa Klimkiewicz, Dearborn

Oliver Kasem

Oliver is a Sharpei who was adopted from the Shelter 3/10/03.  He is  7 years old and shares the household with Sophie, a Pug, and Chloe,  a cat.

 Oliver loves to play outside with Sophie, his new best friend.  Sophie is a Pug.  Sophie chases him!!  Oliver is a wonderful, loving, very affectionate dog.  We feel very lucky to have found him.  We know he’ll be very happy in his new home.

                    Sandra Kasem, Westland

Sophie and Oliver

Kevin Blair

Dear Judy & all:

 I just wanted to let you know that I picked up Kevin at the Dearborn Vets on Tuesday and we are getting along just wonderfully well.

 Please thank the lady who fostered “Kevin” (note:  this was volunteer, Jean Hayes).  She sure did a wonderful job.  He is one happy little cat.

 I think all of you deserve a lot of thanks from all the people who love animals.

 Again, thanks all of you.

                                                                   Fran Blair, 6/12/03

Danny Demos

Danny Was adopted at 9 weeks of age on 4/19/03.  He is such a blessing to our family.  He is soooo… smart and fun to have around.  Who would have thought that 6 lbs of brown & black fur could bring such happiness!!  He loves a stuffed wizard because it has a soft and fluffy beard.

                                                 Dawn & Gabe Demos, Dearborn Heights

Sadie Hanaway

Sadie is 3 years old and her personality has really come out.  She is very compassionate when she knows you are upset.  Sadie thinks she is a lap dog and will find a spot somewhere on your bed while you are sleeping.  She loves her daily walks and feels so-so about her baths.  When she is clean though she has to show everyone what a pretty dog she is.  Sadie has been known to steal pillows from under people’s heads and blankets we are using so that she may have a comfortable sleep.  We also have to watch our money around Sadie.  For some reason she is drawn to paper money and will grab it whenever she gets a chance.

 We love Sadie very much and are very happy to have her as part of the family.

                                                           Kasey, Lindsay, and Theresa Hanaway, Dearborn Heights

Mandy Slesak

Dear Anna and Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter:

 About 3 ½ years ago we welcomed a new member to our family.  She is a very beautiful beagle / Shepard mix.  We named her Mandy and since then she has been the joy in our life.  Before adopting Mandy, we had been wanting to adopt a doggie since the death of a long term family member, a Shih-Tzu named Benji.  My fiancé, Chrissy, was very hesitant when we adopted Mandy, not wanting to replace the cherished family member.  Since then Mandy has been the joy in Chrissy’s life, through both the ups and the downs.

 We are getting married in a few weeks and have decided to make a donation instead of getting favors for the wedding reception.  Without the support of your organization and your many volunteers, we would never have had the chance to have such a wonderful dog touch our lives.

 Today we two adopted family members, Mandy (Dearborn Animal Shelter) and Barkley (MHS Rochester Hills).  Attached is a picture of our family, with Mandy being on the right side.  We make this donation in honor of Mandy and Barkley, in memory of our friends Benji, Shana, and Vicki, and in the names of our wedding guests.

 Please accept this small Donation in helping to protect the lives of Animals looking for a good home.

Sincerely,
Christian H. Slesak and soon to be Christine Marie Harrison Slesak
Dearborn Heights - March 20, 2003

Mandy (front center)

Salvatore

Salvatore was a wonderful and loving Feline Leukemia positive kitty who was adopted and adored by Jessica Jacobs, a Veterinary Technician at Dearborn Family Pet Care.  

Neo and Stevie Lovasik

With Molly-Moose

With cousin, Champ

Moses Ryan

Moses was adopted by Tom and Linda Ryan at the 2003 Black Tie and Tails event (October 10) and now resides in Farmington Hills.  Linda sent the following note and photo:

Stevie,

 Thank you for your note.  We have fallen in love with Moses.  He is a great cat, very loving.  Our other two cats, Wilbur and Rufus have already adjusted and accepted Moses into our family.  Thank you for all you do for the Shelter.  We will continue to support the Shelter.

Anna,

We sure do love Moses.  Wilbur, Rufus, and Moses ae now all sleeping together.  No problems.  Rufus and Moses are now kissing each other.  It is so cute. 

 Fondly, Linda
Rochester Hills
10/28/03

Lucy and Murphy  Tate and Jake and Chance

To: Stevie Cote, The Dearborn Animal Shelter Board Members, All of the wonderful volunteers:

 I have meant to write you so many times but as life has a habit of getting in the way of good intentions, it has not happened as quickly as I intended.  But this morning, as I heard of the newest abuse case you have on your hands, and as I kissed my dogs goodbye before leaving for work – it suddenly became a priority.  Please excuse my tardiness.

 About 2 ½ years ago, your shelter sponsored a dog walk in Hines Park, aimed at finding homes for some of your dogs.  My boyfriend had a great house and yard, but no dog – so we went in hopes of finding one.  There were only two dogs there that day (others were at another function) – but as it turned out, that was one more than necessary.  When I saw “Morty”, it was over.  He was big and beautiful and strong and I fell in love.  He was a joy to walk, was very loving, played hard but also had the most even keeled disposition – such an easy going dog.  We drove directly to your facility after the walk to fill out the papers to take him home.

 Being an animal lover, it has always been difficult to walk through previous shelters – they had been dirty, cold, filled with animals not cared for and often contained people that did not seem to be interested in the animals. I mentally prepared myself for these same conditions prior to entering the shelter.  However, once I walked through the doors I quickly realized it was a very special place.  Yes, there were still animals in cages looking for homes, but that was the worst of it. Their bowls were full of clean food and water.  The shelter was spotless, warm and bright. There were many kind, helpful and positive volunteers who laughed and played with the dogs (and cats) – all of whom were full of faith that these animals would find homes.  They truly cared about these animals and were always going into their cages to give them attention or to take them for walks. That was when I also realized what a pro-life shelter you are.  I looked at Morty’s tag and realized he had been available for adoption for well over a month.  Many shelters give animals a very short time until they are put down – especially large dogs.   Now add to the fact that Morty (now Jake) is an American Staffordshire Terrier – many shelters would have put him down on the spot, refused to help or would have given him a very short time.  As I sat outside his cage holding his paw while my boyfriend filled out the adoption papers, I became very grateful for the forward thinking and compassionate way your shelter is run.

 After Jake found his way to his new home and yard, I started doing research on American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers.  As you know, some people make distinctions between, some do not.  Either way, this breed is often demonized in the media – only bad stories of abused dogs are typically discussed.  No one ever talks about what gentle giants they are.  Many shelters will not even consider trying to adopt one.  It is so unfortunate. Inherently they are loving, even keeled, smart, funny, so eager to please and they just want to be loved.  Because of your open mindedness, I fell in love with this breed.  And, even if that was where this story ended, that alone would be an amazing reason to say thanks – but it isn’t.

 My boyfriend and I decided we were best as friends.  Jake had been with him for over 6 months and they were very close.  As hard as it was, I knew it was best for Jake to stay with him, and that would allow me to rescue another dog or two.  I had every intention of returning to your shelter but when I looked on Petfinder, there were some who were in very desperate need.  I ended up rescuing two wonderful American Pit Bull Terriers – Murphy and Lucy.  Murphy had been with a rescue that had signed the papers to put him down.  Lucy had been in a shelter that would either put her down or sell her to research – due to her breed.  It was an absolute miracle that I was able to get them out of those situations and bring them home.

 Even though my dogs did not come from the Dearborn Animal Shelter, I have them because of you.  If it was not for your forward thinking, Jake (Morty) would never have been there and I would never have realized what an amazing breed these dogs are.  Every day is full of doggie kisses, walks, cuddles, clowning and such joy.  These 60+ lbs pups definitely believe themselves to be lap dogs!  Every chance I get to explain to people how inherently wonderful they are, I do.  But the best support you can give them – you have already done by continuing to support and find these wonderful dogs homes despite some biased media stories. 

 So - because of you, Jake is happily living in Clarkston with his Daddy, new Mommy and their 3 other dogs.  I am the proud mother of two hilariously funny, loving dogs who have me wrapped around their paws.  And, I recently brought a friend to your shelter who adopted Bam-Bam – an adorable little Pit Bull/Shepard mix.  She too, has caught “the bug”.   Bam Bam, now “Chance”, is happily adjusting to his new home and playing with his big sister, Jo Jo.

 My mother and grandmother were once scared to come visit my house because I had “Pit Bulls”.  They finally did.  Now, every conversation, my grandmother asks how “her dog”  (Murphy) is doing and repeatedly tells me how she would love to have a dog as sweet and kind as he is.   They both now laugh at how the media portrays the breed and tell people how amazing, loving and eager to please these dogs are when treated well.   The ripple effect of one belief is an amazing thing.   

 And so, I write you today to sincerely thank you, your board members and all of your volunteers for your dedication, hard work and support of animals who need help escaping abusive homes, the streets, and for ones that need help healing physically and emotionally.  I thank you for the amazing care you provide for these animals – the compassion, kindness and extent you go to find them loving homes.  And, I also write today to thank you for believing that the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are great dogs who deserve warm and loving homes just like any other dog. If it weren’t for you, these four dogs wouldn’t have a home and I would have a huge hole in my heart. 

 Again, thank you so very, very much. 

Bless you,
Tanya Tate, Warren, MI 11/03

Murphy and Lucy

Murphy

Lucy

Tiger Burek

Tiger with Gino and Tigger

Tiger was adopted from the Shelter on August 1, 2003.  She is now 1½ years old and lives with 2 other cats.  Tiger’s favorite activity is playing with Tigger and Gino and the laser pin pointer.    A note from Tiger:

Hi, my name is Tiger.  I was adopted from the Dearborn Animal Shelter on 8/1/03.  My owner Kelly host Community Calendar on City of Dearborn Television one day when she came by the shelter with her husband, I knew they were going to pick me.  They took me to a nice warm home where I have plenty of room to lay around and play.  I also have two other cats I play with, Gino and Tigger.  We wrestle and chase each other around the house.  One of my favorite toys is that laser pointer.  No matter how much I chase it and pounce on it, it always disappears.  Thank you Dearborn Animal Shelter to helping me find a nice warm home and great owners.

                                                                                    Tiger

Serendipidy, Teddy, and Twinkie Underwood

Twinkie (like the Hostess Twinkie, formerly Twinkles) Underwood was adopted from the Shelter on 8/8/03.  He is now 6 months old and lives in Redford, Michigan with 3other cats.  Twinkie favorite activity is to chase Jane, 5 year old cats, around!!!!

Twinkie is very affectionate and will purr very loudly and with his mouth open (new to us, open mouth purr).  He likes people and has never scratched any of us.  He will "play-bite" us, but never leaves a mark!  (We do not encourage "play-biting".)  He is happy and playful.  We all love him very much.  He likes to cuddle a lot!  The photo of Twinkie was taken in August of 2003.

("Faster than any CAT Steve McQueen owns!")  See Bill Cosby!

We adopted:

 - Jane (Shadow) Underwood was adopted in June of 1998, but she won't let us photograph her.  She is all black!

 - Serendipity Underwood was adopted from under our van in 1994.  Now approximately nine years old and hates Twinkie.

 - Teddy Underwood is 6 years old now.  Adopted in Spring 1997.  He now weighs 18 lbs.!!!  He is show being held by Remick Underwood who chose him.

Robin White-Underwood
Westland

Twinkie held by Springer

Serendipity

Teddy held by Remick

Diva

Diva was adopted 5/26/03.  Her Shelter name was Patsy and she is now 7 months old.  She lives in Dearborn with 3 cats.  Her favorite activity is playing with the kitten.  Diva is such a gentle fun-loving young lady.  She's great around kids and plays nice with other animals.  She just graduated from the beginner obedience class and will soon join the advanced class.

Gracie Lynn 

Gracie Lynn (formerly Sophia) was adopted from the Shelter on April 4.  She is currently 10 months old and lives with a bird, Louie.  She loves playing fetch and playing with glitter balls and fake mice.  She also likes playing hide and seek and laying in the bathtub or sink.

Gracie is a joy!  She's such a sweet and loving cat!  I love how she always wants to be a part of whatever I am doing.

She picked me the day I came to visit the Shelter, she's my little gift from God.

The night I brought her home, she spent six hours on my lap just purring away!

She loves to play with glitter balls and knows which cupboard her toys are kept in.  She is also very much a creature of havit and enjoys our morning cuddling activity.

She makes me laugh, she does the craziest things.

Thank you Dearborn Animal Shelter for all that you do!  I am so lucky that this beautiful and amazing creature picked me! 

Thanks again for all your help!
Lisa 
Plymouth

Riley Branam

Riley was adopted from the shelter on 1/16/03 and now lives in Taylor with 1 dog (adopted from the Detroit shelter) and 2 cats - Riley's new friend Cribby, they love each other.  His favorite toy is a mechanical squeaking mouse and he loves to eat.

Genevieve Branam
Taylor

Thelma and Louise

Thelma and Louise were adopted on June 9.  They are 1 year old and live in Southgate where their favorite activity is playing with each other.  

Thelma and Louise are inseparable.  They chase each other around the yard.  They sleep together, they eat from the same bowl at the same time, and they truly enjoy each other's company.  Watching them together brings a smile to everyone's face. 

They are so much fun to watch and to spend time with.  They are very affectionate and playful.  They love to be held and petted, and you'd beter not pick one up and not the other!

Thanks to the volunteers who make the Dearborn Shelter a comfortable temporary home for all the homeles pets they take in!  And for assisting us in adopting Thelma and Louise.

Thelma is the black and white pup.  Louise is the white and tan pup!

Elaine VanDerPlveg
Southgate

Winston Severance

Winston was Woodrow when he was adopted from the Shelter on March 29.  He is 6 years old and lives with 2 other pets.  His favorite activities are going for walks and running - Pet Therapy at Heritage Hospital.

Winston has been involved with "Pet a Pet" for the past years going to both Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, the Oakwood Senior Day Care and Oakwood-Heritage in Taylor.  He has been very well received and was invited to attend the Oakwood Volunteer Luncheon at the Ritz Carlton this past May.  He attended and was enjoyed by all.  There was a slide presentation of volunteers which were projected on two large screens (the event was for 500 people in the Presidential Ballroom) and Winston was shown in 2 slides and got a great round of applause.

Karl Severance
Dearborn Heights

Fleming Family

Samantha

Moose

 

                                              The Garrett Family

12-03-03, Kathy and Jack Angellotti

 Dear Dearborn Shelter,

This is the same loving shepherd I adopted on 10-01-03.  At that time, though you called him Max.  Now he’s “Just Jack 2003”.  He is getting lots of lovely exercise, toys, treats, and run of the house and backyard.   Thank you for bringing us together.

 Sincerely,

Kathy Angellotti

 Ps – we are the skunk people who came for a trap and went home with a dog