Share Your Happy Stories!

Calling all happy adopters!

"Happy adoption stories? They are definitely talking about us."

This very blog's raison d'être is to showcase the joyful adoptions that happen weekly at Berkeley Humane. Our Going Home series lets adopters share, in their own voices, their perspectives on how pet adoption changed their life. We hear from adopters days, months, sometimes years after adding a cat or dog to their household, which gives us a broad look at the lifelong importance of sharing life with a loved pet. 

Lily and Frankie: snuggle partners for life.

We just can't get enough of these post-adoption stories. So we're asking you for yours — and offering a free photoshoot in the bargain!

Head to our Happy Stories page and share your Berkeley Humane adoption story. Your story could inspire others to adopt pets in need of homes. And you might win a professional #LookingFurLove photoshoot!

Photoshoot winners!

We can't wait to share your joy!

Going Home: Molly the cat

There's no set timeline to true love! 

Sometimes you're ready for a new pet — but don't find the right animal right away.

And sometimes an animal is suitable for adoption but doesn't meet the right adopters. 

Carina Alia Earl‎ knows all about waiting for stars to align. She got in touch with us on Facebook to tell us how happy she and Molly the cat are together:


Lazy afternoon with my little lady from Berkeley Humane. Love my Molly (formerly known as Hyacinth) who was waiting for a home for almost a year.

Don't overlook the black kitties. You might be missing out on the greatest love of your life.


Thank you for letting us know that Molly's wait for a home was worth it! She looks so cozy in your arms.


Looking for your stars to align? Come visit us this weekend!  We're also gearing up for Bark (and Meow) Around the Block, our exciting annual block party, where we hope to find homes for even more animals (and not just dogs and cats!). We'll welcome over 20 Bay Area animal rescue groups and feature over 100 adoptable animals. Get ready for a great party!

Going Home: Riley and Cameron

While treats, toys, and fuzzy blankets might not be at the top of Maslow's hierarchy of canine needs, there's no denying that it can be fun and rewarding to spoil our pets. 

When adopter Yue Lin got in touch with us on our Facebook page, she showed us an adorable new way to honor her Berkeley Humane-adopted dogs:  

Riley and Cameron are both from Berkeley Humane and recently got their own pillows:) 

We had some questions about these awesome crafts, and Yue obliged us:

Dear Berkeley Humane, I got the pillows at Crafty Wonderland on a recent trip to Portland. They are made locally by an artist. Well, I just couldn't resist:). Thanks again for all you guys do! Riley and Cameron are the stars of our home. Here they are on a typical day:)

That's a special pair of dogs that deserves a special set of pillows, Yue! Thank you for this glimpse of the happy life you share with Riley and Cameron.


Looking for your own dog to spoil? From puppies to adults, we have a variety of personalities available for adoption right now. Come visit us Friday through Sunday, 11-5.

Going Home: Lola

Welcome to Woof Wednesday! This week we bring you an update on Lola (formerly Cordy), who was scooped up by Lauren and Nick towards the end of 2015.  

Although she quickly bonded with new squeaky toys, Lola was a bit too nervous to venture outside during her first weekend. Thanks to some patience and gentle coaxing, she has now adjusted nicely!

“We've been able to take her for an hour long walk in the morning and evening, usually with a stop at the dog park so she can run off some of her lingering puppy energy. We've been keeping a close eye on her interactions, but so far she seems to get along well with any dog willing to run REALLY REALLY FAST and tussle. We've ecstatic with her progress-we even got her to jump in the water for a bit on a long walk on the Bay Trail.”

"We think Lola is happy with her new life as well "

Thanks to Lauren and Nick for your awesome update! We hope you and Lola continue to have more great adventures together!

If you’re interested in adopting a dog, check out our available dogs here. Adoption hours are Friday through Sunday, 11am to 5pm. 

Thinking ahead to Valentine's Day? #SkipTheRoses and give your loved ones the gift of helping adoptable cats and dogs! Check it out here and donate to see your name on our Honor Wall!

Going Home: Raisin

TGIFF: it's Feline Friday!

To start the weekend off right, we have a short and sweet Going Home announcement for a short and sweet little kitty named Raisin.

Raisin was just a few months old when she found her snuggly new home with Amanda B. 

Amanda sent us this update via our Facebook page:

"Hi! I adopted Raisin a couple of weeks ago. Just wanted to let you know she is such a love. Thank you so much!!!"

Thank you, Amanda, for giving this itty bitty kitty her new home sweet home!

Want to welcome a new feline into the family? Berkeley Humane's Adoption Center is open to the public Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 11 AM – 5 PM. Come on by and see if your new kitty is waiting for you!

Going Home: Dahlia

Happy Woof Wednesday, everyone! Today we are back with a special story about Dahlia, who was formerly named Diamond. Not only did she become a precious part of her family, but she also helps her foster brother get used to life with a loving family.


Dahlia is the perfect role model for her foster brother. She is a quick learner, obedient, and makes sure to take care of her foster brother. Let us see what her family, Catherine, says:

"Hello, I adopted Diamond about six months ago from you and wanted to update you! She's huge now! And her ears popped up lol. We are fostering through OAS and PALS and she adores her foster brother. His name is Dancer and we changed Diamond's name to Dahlia. She is definitely a mellow dog and very very smart. She can get hyper but once I break out the treats she falls right into her obedience training. She loves walks and hikes, but has yet to understand the Heel command. She even loves taking baths lol! She was a devil child in the beginning when it came to biting, but since we got her foster brother she rarely bites anymore, except him. They wrestle and play constantly!”


What a cute and understanding dog! In the picture above, we can see Dahlia and Dancer proudly facing the camera.

In the right picture, we see these two happily playing with each other.

We thank YOU Catherine, not only for adopting, but also for taking part in a foster program. The dogs have received tons of love from your family. By participating in the program, we know that Dancer will have a higher chance of getting adopted in the future.

Even if one is unable to adopt, fostering is always another choice. Fostering helps the dogs learn how to live with a family, and helps them get comfortable in that environment.

If you are interested in our foster program in any way, please check out our link here!

Going Home: Henry

Ready to put a little woof in your Wednesday?

Today we'd like to share the adoption story of Henry, formerly named Giles. The pictures his adopters shared with us show a smiling, happy dog who was excited to be with them from the first car ride home!

Henry on his way to his new home

Henry's adopters, Jose and Berenice, had this to say about welcoming Henry into their home:

Giles new name is Henry after Henry Ford. My boyfriend is a huge fan of Mustangs that he decided to change Giles name to Henry. He responds to Henry very well. Henry has adapted to his new home since the first day. He has hes section of our pack yard where he goes potty. He enjoys his walks in the mornings and at night. Henry has learned to do a hand shake and he behaves very well with my 2yr old niece and 8yr old nephew and is very gentle with her.

Thanks for checking on Henry!

Jazlyn and Henry

Our 1st selfie with Henry

Henry!

We're so pleased to learn how happily Henry has fit into your lives, Jose and Berenice. Thank you for the update! 

If you're looking to add some woof to your home, take a look at our adoptable animals.  To make sure your dog is as gentle with children as Henry, keep an eye on our dog training classes, where we occasionally run a "dogs and children" class. 

Going Home: Carmenere

Happy Woof Wednesday! Before we put on our party hats to celebrate the new year, we want to check in on a charming little pup who found a home for the holidays.

Adopter and Berkeley Humane volunteer Moi shared an adorable picture and update with us:


thanks for the docs and check in. it was really hard to stop playing with her long enough to write this email. no new name yet, but we should have it narrowed down soon. she had the last of her meds yesterday and i think i heard the last of the kennel cough this morning. but will call up if i'm wrong. she's already learned to sit! we're getting her outside every couple hours and only a few accidents in the house so far. not bad for a wee one. she's been cozying up to the many beds she has around the house and even the crate we've decked out for her, but her favorite's the queen sized one that doubles as play area. she's a great pup and i hope we'll make her as happy as she does us.

here's a photo of her tuckered out from play-

Carmenere looks like one happy dog, Moi. Since she shares a name with a grape, we hope she ages like fine wine! Thank you for the update.


If searching for the perfect pet is on your list of resolutions, check out our adoptable dogs and cats!

Going Home: Emma

Welcome to a Christmas edition of Woof Wednesday! This week features Emma (formerly Kendra) who was a volunteer favorite here at Berkeley Humane! 

Emma charmed everyone with her sweetness and now has found a lovely home of her own with Jennifer R., who happens to be a hospital intern with Berkeley Humane. 

It looks like Emma has settled in quite nicely to her new home and is ready to celebrate the holidays! 

“Kendra is embracing the lazy Saturday of cuddles and Netflix.”

Thank you for the update, Jennifer!

You can check out our adoptable dogs here. Our shelter is closed on Friday, Dec. 25, but re-opens for adoptions Saturday and Sunday.

Going Home: Rocky

Happy Woof Wednesday, animal lovers! Or perhaps we should say, Happy "Worf" Wednesday, because this week we're celebrating the adoption of a winsome little pup called Worf, who is now rocking his new moniker "Rocky."

The dog formerly known as Worf.

Adopter Maria shared a cheerful update with us: sounds like Rocky is getting nice and comfortable in his new home! Says Maria: 

"[Worf] ended up being the perfect fur baby for me and I'm so happy I adopted him! His new name is Rocky and he's settling in really well! He is already potty trained and he doesn't do anything he's not supposed to. He's really sweet and friendly to all humans and dogs!" 

Rocky, cuddling champion.

She finished with this question:

I was wondering if you have any idea on his background? I know most of the dogs are usually strays, but I thought it didn't hurt to ask.

Thanks for the update, Maria! We thought many people might be curious about where Berkeley Humane's adoptable animals come from, so we decided to ask Sherry Liu, the Marketing and Individual Giving Manager, to shed some light on the subject. 

Q&A with Sherry:

Where do the animals at Berkeley Humane come from? 

We partner with municipal shelters across the entire East Bay, as far north as Martinez, as far south as Fremont, and we go to Stockton as well. Since municipal shelters generally provide animal control, and must accept any kind of surrenders, for any reason, at any time, our ability to intake our animals from them help alleviate their overcrowding.

How much do you know about the animals' histories before they make it to Berkeley Humane?

Some animals are surrendered to municipal shelters by their guardians, whereas other animals are strays found on public streets. The length of time an animal spends at a municipal shelter before coming into our care also varies. This means the amount of information passed on to the municipal shelter, as well as the information passed on by them to us, can vary widely. Often we learn more about the animals we intake through behavior assessments and medical examinations than we receive from the source shelter.

Does Berkeley Humane accept animals directly? 

We do not. Independent humane societies like us generally do not accept direct public surrenders.

What's the farthest away an animal has ever come?

Since the amount of information provided to us can be spotty, it’s difficult to say. However, it’s with regularity that we take in animals from Fremont and Stockton.

Any particularly memorable animal intake stories?

Plenty. However, it is often most gratifying when we’re able to take in an animal who has a medical need. They are often overlooked and the last ones to find loving homes, if it happens at all. Being able to provide medical care that shortens an animal’s stay in the shelter system from many months—sometimes years—to just a few weeks, and being able to help the animals who need it most means a lot to us.

Thank you, Sherry! Every year, Berkeley Humane helps hundreds of dogs to find loving new homes, and each has their own unique story. To read more heart-warming and tail-wagging happy endings, check back each Wednesday for a  new Going Home post. 

Adopted a pet from Berkeley Humane and have your own update to share? Whether it was last week or 5 years ago, we'd love to hear from you! Share your story and pet pictures on our Facebook page!

Going Home: Mischa

Welcome back to Woof Wednesday, everyone! Today we are introducing a loving adopter/adoptee pair who cannot stand to leave each others' side for more than a moment.

Mischa used to be named Marianne Favro after a NBC newscaster as part of a Berkeley Humane and NBC collaboration (a partnership we are happy to say will return for 2016's Bark and Meow Around the Block celebration). Let's see how this special dog is doing with her new family!

 

"She is doing great! We are attached by the hip - today I had to leave her in her crate for 3 hours and it was the longest 3 hours of my life... She did great though. I left a Kong, a bone, and one of her favorite new stuffed animals, Possum, in the crate with her.

Now we are in the backyard and she is still working on her bone! I took her on a long run this morning and we were both exhausted after.

I left a message for a check up visit at the Montclair Veterinary Hospital today. I will also call tomorrow.

I am unable to take her to the basic obedience class on Thursday unfortunately because I work late those nights. Would you suggest I find a basic obedience class elsewhere that works better with my schedule? I would love to get her into training as soon as possible!"

 

Thank you, Maya, for sharing with us and providing so many toys for Mischa! This bundle of energy is definitely having the time of her life.

A check up is always a good idea to keep your dog healthy. As for basic obedience class, there are indeed other training classes outside of Berkeley Humane though we offer a tremendous range of classes. See our impressive list of training class options here or get in touch with our certified trainer to talk about other options!

Going Home: Sugar

We’re back with a Thanksgiving week edition of Feline Friday! We are so thankful for the love and companionship that a little furry friend brings into our lives. 

This week we bring you an update from Raisa and her new kitten, Sugar! Is there anything as cute, snuggly, and playful as a kitten? 

“Sugar (Paneer) is adorable I love her and she loves me. Just kitty that I been looking for. Thank you guys! The funny thing is that she won't sleep unless I am right next to her, cuz she has to have her paw or head on my shoulder or arm.”

Thanks for the update Raisa. Sugar looks so comfortable, it seems like she really is settling in beautifully! 

Looking to add a purry little companion into your life? You can see our adoptable cats here!

Interested in volunteering as a foster? Read more on our foster program here.

Going Home: Poco Loco

Welcome to Woof Wednesday, animal lovers! There's nothing more satisfying than seeing an adopted animal relax with their new family. Poco Loco, our pooch of the week, is no exception. From his glamour shots to candid snaps at home, Poco Loco is clearly a dog with some personality. Just look at that face!

Adopter Sarah shared some update photos and quotes from Poco Loco himself. It looks like he's living up to his name and a little crazy in love with his new pad. What a beautiful smile! 

"Hi my name is Poco Loco and I found my forever home today." -Poco Loco

"Look at me I'm already crate training and loving it!!!"-Poco Loco 

Thank you for the update, Sarah, and for giving this playful spirit the tools he needs to thrive in his new home.

If you’re interested in learning more about training your new puppy or teaching an old dog some new tricks, Berkeley Humane offers several behavior classes for pups and their people. Check them out and see if one of them is right for you!

Going Home: Purrfect Pals

Welcome to Feline Friday, everyone! Have you ever worried or wondered whether or not to adopt another pet? This post will surely show that two can be better than one. Another furry friend not only becomes another family member for you and your family, but also a companion that your first pet can enjoy. 


Want advice on how to safely (and peacefully) integrate an additional furry family member to your household? Call Berkeley Humane’s free advice hotline for dog or cat behavioral tips!

Below, Ariane Mitchell shows us that love at first sight can happen with an animal. And that love becomes serendipity when it is shared with another furry friend. 

"These two were both adoptions from Berkeley Humane ... We adopted them a year apart ... It was pretty much love at first sight... It makes us so happy to give these two lovely creatures a loving home. Thanks for all you do Berkeley Humane!"

Thank YOU, Ariane, for giving these two beauties a loving home! This is the perfect example that it is never too late to give your pet another furry friend.

Aren't these two furballs adorable? They look so comfortable and content together!

Want to give your cat a feline buddy as well? Take a look here or stop by during our adoption hours from Friday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Berkeley Humane staff have excellent tips on choosing the right personality for your household and slowly introducing pets to one another.

Going Home: Macey

Welcome to another edition of Woof Wednesday! There’s nothing quite like bringing a furry companion into your life, and we love to bring you stories about our adoptees finding their perfect match. 

We received a wonderful message from Jacob later on the very same day he met his new pal Macey that makes for a lovely little update. 

Jacob came into Berkeley Humane back in August with lots of questions and later left with sweet Macey. By the end of the day he reported that she already couldn’t bear to leave him for anything more than a few seconds!

“Just wanted to say thank you to the entire staff for being so lovely and answering all of my questions so thoroughly and patiently. Macey already can't leave my side for more than a few seconds! This is a very surreal experience for me for a variety of reasons but I can only imagine the same is true for her. Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful, weird, quirky, funny girl!”

Sounds like these two are off to a fantastic start. Congratulations on your new partner in crime, Jacob!

If you would like to make a furry addition to your family, please come by during adoption hours, Friday - Sunday, 11am - 5pm. Feel free to bring all your questions — our knowledgeable staff will help guide you to the right choices for you and your household!

Going Home: Jackson

Once again, Woof Wednesday is back! As the temperature turns cold, remember to keep warm! Meanwhile, Jackson (who went by the name Jerboa during his time at Berkeley Humane) is definitely helping his new family keep warm. Nothing is like cuddling with a bundle of joy.

We love to hear about the pleasant surprises a dog can bring. Dogs will be dogs, and they will offer us plenty of laughs and happiness. Who could resist such a cute dog?

Let us see how Jackson adapts to his new family. Below, Rachel will show us how playful and loving he can be. Be prepared to have your heart melt!

"Things are going great! We decided to call him Jackson, and he has already added so much to our home!

The introduction between Jackson and our roommates' dogs went better than we even imagined- they are dying to play together, but for now since he still has kennel cough we are keeping them apart.

We love him so much, and feel so grateful that we found him. I'm attaching a few pictures so you can see how our family is coming together.

Also, we intend to sign up for the basic training course that starts in October, so you can look forward to seeing him then, as well!"

A few months after this initial communication, we got back in touch with Jackson's family to ask about health, training, and more. Rachel had even more wonderful things to say!

"His kennel cough cleared up easily, and as it did we got to know more of his personality. He's definitely got the spirit of a puppy in him - all cuddles and energy when we come home and always eager to play. Other things we've discovered about him in the past few months:

• He loves stuffed animals- he always has to have one near him or in his mouth if he's walking around the house.
  
• He's afraid of the dark. He doesn't like to walk at night so we put a bike light on his collar so that he can go outside with his own nightlight when he has to.
  
• He's very eager to please and easy to train. We've been taking the introductory class at Berkeley Humane and he takes to the commands and directions really well.
  
• He loves to cuddle and if you'll let him he will press as much of his body against you as possible at all times in all positions.

We were able to successfully introduce him to our roommates' dog, and although they have since bought their own place and moved out, he loved playing with their rescue pittie Maggie- their favorite game was running in concentric circles together around the yard as fast as they could.

We are just so happy that we ended up at the adoption fair that day, and at the right time to meet Jackson and take him home. He has brought so much joy to us and we can't imagine our family without him."

 
Sounds like Rachel was fated to adopt Jackson! She and her husband have been giving Jackson all the love in the world. We can tell that Jackson has become an important member of the family.

If you would like to meet your fated match, feel free to drop by during adoption hours Friday-Sunday from 11am-5pm.

Check out Berkeley Humane's training classes (maybe your dog can learn alongside Jackson!) and sign up here!