Hello and Happy New Year!
Hogan Beauregard Byrne here (formerly Goose)!  They call me Hogey Bogey for short.  As far as my new name, Mom says I am named after one of the great golfers of all time – Ben Hogan --- and she chose Beauregard so she could shorten it to Bogey (which is 1 over par in golf).  I am not sure what golf is all about, but I learned my new name in less than a day.   Mom & Dad say I act like a goose, mostly because I am silly. However, when I wake up in the morning I roll over on my back, stretch my front paws over my head and my back legs straight out and then make a sort of honking sound.   
Enough about my new name, I wanted to drop you a line and let you know how things are going in my new life.   First off, I have been very busy exploring my new home.  We celebrated something called Christmas.  Based on my history, Mom & Dad think this was my first Christmas in a real home.  

My first full day home Mom & I spent making fudge and baking cookies.  We addressed Christmas cards later that week and  then, I was so excited on something called Christmas morning as someone named Santa left a basket full of toys and treats --- boy, did I hit the Mother Load --- check out the pictures of my basket.

 
Mom & Dad have determined that I am a very sweet boy, like people and other dogs.  I have doggie neighbors on all three sides of me.  I LOVE FOOD & TREATS --- LOVE FOOD & TREATS--- LOVE FOOD & TREATS.   Did I say that I LOVE food and treats?  I am working on some clicker training and have learned “look at me” and improved “sit”.  I make good eye contact and look to my humans for instruction so that should make for some easy training.  We are working on “down” now.  I know what the word “No” means, but I pout if I don’t get my way and curl up in my favorite place to sleep --- Mom & Dad’s big bed.  I am not allowed on any furniture other than their bed and seemed to have learned that quickly.   I sleep all night and will wake you up if I have to go potty.  I have to stay in my crate when Mom & Dad are not home, which I am not particularly fond of either.   I do get a treat for getting in my crate and Mom & Dad say it is a good place for me.

I went to the vet and got my rabies shot and heartworm test.  I was very good and they vet and everyone said I was cute.  The good news is I do not have heartworms!
I am very curious and nosy and know how to open cabinets and drawers!  Mom said we will have to turn that bad habit into something good.  I LOVE TOYS, but have to be supervised with stuffies because I gut them --- pulling out all of the stuffing and squeakers --- although I don’t eat the stuffing or squeakers.  I also chewed the top off of a small red kong, but so far the black one has survived.   I have even managed to tear a hole in my brand new Kong Wubba.  Mom & Dad think I should be employed as a toy tester!   They are trying to teach me that if I want to chew or gnaw I should select a bone.   I am not sure that I agree with that concept yet.  The good news is I do not chew furniture.

I have a huge backyard to play in, but I am a little afraid of being left outside alone so generally someone is out with me or watching me closely.  I have not tried to jump the fence, which is good, but I do chase the rabbits and birds.  I also try to catch snowflakes and leaves

.
Mom & Dad tell me they love me even when I get in trouble and I’m pretty sure I love them too!  Thanks for helping me find my forever home and take a look at my pictures.  

Sorry it took a while to get back with you. Tess and I are so busy with work and school, and of course Dexter (formally Blue Bear lol). Where to begin... Today marks three months of having Dexter and to be honest, it feels like we have had him forever. We couldn't imagine not having him around. Since we've adopted him he has had an 8 week obedience class (what an adventure that was haha), multiple grooming appointments, and we have established a great relationship with a vet in Greenwood, Dr. Russ.

We take try to go on a hike or long walk at least once a week, but he gets several regular size walks everyday. He literally is our son. We love him so much its ridiculous. I have recently taken a teaching position in my hometown of Linton, IN, so the hours couldn't be better for Dexter. We get to spend lots of time with him. He has a big soft bed and blanket to sleep with, although usually we wake up in the morning and his squeezed between us lol. He has lots of toys to play with, about 2 acres of land to explore (under close supervision of course). Every night Dexter is the last thing we think about and the first thing when we wake up. He eats the best dog food, and we have made sure that all his shots and boosters are up to date. He has heart worm medication that he takes. In fact we just got a lab result showing that he is completely heart worm negative, which was such a relief. He gets his flea and tick medicine once a month. He weighs 60 lbs which the vet said was perfect, and his coat is nice and shiny. He's pretty much a spoiled kid haha, but he is also so smart and loving.

With this email we have attached a bunch of pictures so you can see how handsome and healthy he is. If they don't download for some reason please let us know, so we can figure something else out. Thank you thank you thank you sooooo much for helping us find Dexter (Blue Bear)!! We are so lucky to have such a wonderful animal in our lives. Workers, like yourself, in animal shelters are true miracle workers. We appreciate you all so much
 
Thanks again and please email us anytime for more updates!!!
Kyle and Tessa

Big Bob, the cat who was shot, hit by a car, and left for dead, still has some of his nine lives left. Check out video of him and his family!

Big Bob, the cat who was shot, hit by a car, and left for dead, still has some of his nine lives left. Check out the video of him and his family, courtesy of Pet Pals TV!

If you'd like a loving cat like Big Bob for yourself, see all of our available cats. Already have enough pets? Maybe you'd like to foster an animal in need or donate to save an animal's life through medical sponsorship.

Find more videos like this on Pet Pals TV

With help from IndyHumane’s medical team, Chloe’s up and running again and has found happiness and her forever home. Not even losing a limb could slow her down!

Dear Humane Society of Indianapolis,

We adopted Chloe (formerly known as Lilly) Thanksgiving weekend in 2009, and she has fit into our family as if she was the missing link that we needed in order to feel complete.

Chloe is a tripod, but she barely notices the lack of her fourth leg! Though she takes wider turns, she runs a faster straight line than her brother Jake.

She adores her older brother and has even become pals with the cat (both adopted).

When she came home she did not know how to navigate the stairs. We carried her for the first month, then one day she just "did it" and mastered the process instantly!

Chloe's fantastic nature and curiosity is amazing, considering the rough start she had in life. She is such a happy dog; her silly enthusiasm will make anyone smile!

We can't thank you enough for rescuing her and providing the excellent surgery she needed to survive. Chloe is such an enormous part of our lives; we are so lucky to have her with us.

Warm Wishes,

Stephanie, Keith, Jake, Chloe and Bella

IndyHumane typically invests $600 - $800 in every dog and cat who enters our shelter, though for animals like Chloe, the cost of care can be substantially more. Your charitable contribution will help save the life of an animal like Chloe.

Donate Now

Jeffy was adopted from the Humane Society of Indianapolis after being treated for a skin condition that left him bald. Now he has found an owner who says that Jeffy is a total charmer!

Dear Humane Society of Indianapolis,

Back in June, after the loss of a long-time favorite pet,  I adopted a great little dog named Jeffy. I can't begin to tell you how wonderful he is and how well he's adapted. He and my other dog, Speckles, play and run and wrestle and dominate the sofa whenever they get the chance...which is pretty often.

He's a sweetheart: bright and happy, and a total charmer. I don't think I could have made a better choice.

When he was brought to the Humane Society of Indianapolis, he was bald. Finally, with the help of IndyHumane's medical team and antibiotics, flea treatment and the correct food, he was able to get his hair back!

Another testament to the greatness of IndyHumane!

Thanks for doing such a wonderful job,
Patricia M.

If you would like to help save the lives of animals like Jeffy, consider donating a medical sponsorship. We don't put animals like Jeffy down for space or time, and invest $600 - $800 in every animal who comes into our shelter.

Julie found that a rescued pet could rescue her.

Dear IndyHumane,

All of my adult life, I have lived with cats, and I had no pets growing up. I’ve lived in Indiana, Colorado and California, and my cats had been a huge part of my life. I have done my share of rescuing animals - including an injured possum, several cats, and for some reason, five “bully breed” dogs who “found” me over the years. I never considered keeping any of the dogs - only one had an owner, who was found quickly. I did not feel it would be responsible, since I am still a tenant, and I’ve had to perform the “dog and pony show” often for prospective landlords to convince them to rent to the cats!

In late summer of 2006, I found a young female pit bull - she was a little beat up, but very sweet. I took her to the dog wash, and then I relinquished her to IndyHumane later that day. I admit that I had some underlying fear about keeping her - not only due to my own “rules” about not having a dog, but due to the cats, and her breed - even though I had some decent education about the “myths” that plagued these dogs, and I had helped several of them prior to this day.

At the time, I was involved in some talk therapy with a counselor, and as I shared my “life issues,” etc… I shared the story about the latest dog I had helped, then “gave away.” My therapist asked if I’d ever considered having my own dog, and offered that I seemed to give much to the animals, but not keep them, and get back the love they offer in return. I told her I had the cats, and she uttered a few sentences about the different connection we form with a dog. She was merely making an observation (although she confided that she had two dogs!), and I adamantly announced all of my reasons for not adding a dog to my life, including that I was unemployed at the time, although I did have some funds in the bank. That was a Friday afternoon, and on Saturday morning, I found myself driving toward the Humane Society of Indianapolis!

I walked through the kennels and spent a few hours taking some dogs outside with staff members. I knew I could have a dog - my landlord was a big dog lover, and I had a small fenced yard, but I was still unsure about the commitment. One of the dogs, Buddy, caught my attention in his kennel.  He was surrounded by large pit bulls, and all the dogs were whining, or barking, but Buddy was calm - but not cowering. When he chased a tennis ball out in the yard, he stretched out on the grass like a frog and crawled for a second - it was hilarious! When the staff member and I walked him back to his kennel, he came to the front of his cage and barked as I walked away - first time I’d heard him bark at all! I did not take him, and decided to “sit with” the “dog” decision, but I went back to the shelter the next day. I decided to adopt Buddy, and took him home, not really knowing yet what to do with a dog!  And my little serene scene at home with the cats was about to be dashed…

Buddy was a little over a year old, and had obviously been cared for well by his previous owners, who were unknown to the shelter. But, my life was not so great, and I was struggling. As good as Buddy was, I almost re-homed him within the first month - a friend had offered to take him everyone who met him observed how great his temperament was, etc… I just felt like I could not handle the added commitment. After about six weeks, and a few people who expressed interest in taking him, I had a day where the events that occurred somehow showed me that Buddy was possibly the best thing that had happened to me at that point in my life.  Everything shifted, and I knew there was no way I would give him up!

It’s almost four years later, and I credit Buddy with pulling me out of some major depression, and getting me “out of myself” in order to care for him. I love him dearly, and he continues to get compliments on his demeanor - he’s called “polite” often, among other things! I can’t imagine life without him, and if I die before he does, there is a list of people who would fight over custody of Buddy!

Julie K

My daughter, Chelsea, adopted “Bacon” from the Humane Society of Indianapolis in July of 2007. He had a “yellow card” (meaning that he may not get along with other animals or may need some behavioral training) but she took the chance.

Leroy (as he’s now called) is a very funny dog. He is loved by Chelsea and her family. I refer to him as my Grandson. Chelsea moved to Nashville, TN more than a year ago and Leroy Brown is very happy there.

The second success about Leroy Brown is that he inspired me to paint again - I had not painted since about 1987. I painted his portrait and it inspired me to write a book (now in progress). I copyrighted Leroy Brown as I envisioned him in the public eye.

Recently, I uploaded my artwork online and Leroy Brown is included in the art.

Thanks for all you do. I have a cat from IndyHumane and I live in Florida now. My two dogs are from Princeton, IN and Frankfurt, IN from shelters. My daughters and I are all about the shelter animals and wish them a good home.

With love for the animals and much hope for them, Melanie Wadman

Reba, a Basset Hound/American Pit Bull Terrier mix, was adopted after being sponsored and treated for heartworm at the Humane Society of Indianapolis.

(Click Reba’s picture for a bigger version.)

We adopted Reba just two months ago but it’s as if she’s been a member of our family for years. Even though Reba has spent a lot of her young life (she’s just two years old) in shelters, she is so good-natured, well-behaved and loyal, you’d think she’d spent most of her life with a family.

We know that one of the reasons Reba has made such a wonderful addition to our family is because of the good care she received at IndyHumane. When we met Reba she had just completed her treatments and mandatory weeks of rest for heartworms. We want to thank whomever the generous soul was who paid for her heartworm treatment. We want you to know that, by saving Reba, you’ve given our family the gift of a loving pet. We also want you to know that we are keeping her on heartworm preventative and flea and tick medication so she won’t ever have to go through that again.

We were a little concerned about how Reba would acclimate to our three cats (and vice versa!). But we took the introductions very slowly and used lots of crate time. Now everyone is pretty accepting of each other. They lay around in the family room with us without a care.

Thank you for your kind treatment of Reba.

Sincerely,
Sarah D. and John G.

Minnie, a Maltese/Yorkie puppy, was recently adopted from IndyHumane. She’s attended Canine Training School classes, and her new mom volunteers at the shelter, too. Minnie’s mom shares their story:

The loving employees, helpful volunteers, and precious animals at the Humane Society have made a huge impact on my new puppy Minnie and me. In October my dad started looking around at local breeders for a Maltese, Yorkie, or Poodle mix. I had never been to the Humane Society and decided this would be a perfect time to check it out. I am so glad I did because I found the most perfect, beautiful, and lovable puppy at the Humane Society of Indianapolis.

On a Wednesday night I got off work at 7:30pm and rushed over to the Humane Society, planning on just checking out the shelter. I was quickly infatuated with the puppy in cage 22 of the small dogs and puppy room: a 4-month-old, 6-pound Maltese-Yorkie mix. At the time Minnie had not been spayed and I was told the following day it was possible she would have her surgery. I knew immediately I had to arrive at the Humane Society as early as possible the day she went up for adoption to ensure Minnie became mine. My mom still tells me that Minnie picked me when she got out of her bed to greet only me and ignored everyone else.

On Friday October 23, 2009, Minnie became a new part in our family. At the end of October I began attending obedience training with Rick Doucette. I immediately saw a change in Minnie’s attitude. Rick did wonders to help get Minnie’s hyper Yorkie and puppy attitudes under control. Since I was already at the Humane Society weekly for classes, I decided I wanted to be a part of this wonderful organization and help the animals. In January I became a volunteer in the small dogs and puppy room. After being in the shelter more often I learned more and more how excellent of a shelter the Humane Society is because of all the help and dedication of the employees and volunteers.

While volunteering and attending obedience classes, a new “reality class” was announced. This class was created to help dogs deal with real life situations. I knew with how much help Rick had already been to Minnie and myself that reality class would help Minnie excel even more. Being in Reality class for the summer, obedience class since October, and volunteering since January, I have developed a strong respect for the Humane Society and all that they do.

- Leanna W.

Colby, a Chinese Shar-Pei/Bull Terrier mix, is doing great, according to his adopter, Jenny:

He’s the perfect doggy. He knows several commands, doesn’t bark, is housebroken and never pulls me when we go for our daily walks. He’s so gentle with adults and children and has gotten along perfectly with his seven canine neighbors and the numerous dogs we’ve run across at PetSmart, out walking and in the park. He loves riding in the car, which is great as I take him everywhere. He is even beginning to learn the names of his five toys.

He’s my answered prayer and I’m grateful that he adopted me.

I’d say he’s HOME!

Bogey, a Bloodhound/Beagle mix, was rescued from IndyHumane and went on to learn how to rescue others.

On Christmas Eve 2005, I lost my best friend.  He was a 16 year old Wire Fox Terrier named Buddy.  At first, the idea of getting another dog just didn’t seem right.  But after a few months, I found myself going to the IndyHumane website on a regular basis to see what new dogs were up for adoption. 

In July 2006, I happened to notice a litter of Bloodhound/Beagle mix puppies just listed.  One in particular caught my eye, his name was Urchin (We call him Bogey).  The next day my wife and I made a trip to IndyHumane.  Everyone there was so helpful and friendly.  They answered all our questions and we decided to adopt him on the spot. We brought him home and everything went great.  He was so easy to housebreak and he got along great with his two sisters, Heidi (a miniature poodle) and Tabatha (a black cat, also from IndyHumane).

One day while watching TV, a program came on about search and rescue dogs.  It showed how these dogs were used for finding missing persons, tracking down criminals and much more.  It was amazing.  I wondered if Bogey could do this.  So, I did a little research and decided to give it a try.  I bought a book on mantrailing and began working with Bogey.  Bogey really seemed to enjoy it and so did I.  The book was good, but I knew it would be much better to get some hands on training from real experts.

So, I went to the internet and found the American Mantrailing Academy.  They are located in Greencastle, Indiana, just a short drive from Indianapolis.  They provide free training twice a month to Police, Fire Departments, Search & Rescue Teams, and AMA members.  I contacted them to see if it was okay to come out to one of the training sessions.  They said sure.  I went and found their help to be just what I needed.  It was a lot of fun too.  So, I joined up.  At a cost of only $30 a year, it was a real bargain.  I continued going to their training sessions twice a month and practicing at home as well.  Finally, on October 7, 2009, Bogey and I certified as an Expert Mantrailing Team.  We will be registered in a national database and will be available for search and rescue assistance whenever we are needed.

He is a great companion and a great Search & Rescue Partner.  IndyHumane rescued Bogey.  Now, Bogey can rescue others.

- Dan Gray

I just wanted to send a quick THANK YOU for helping me find Lexi!  Her transition to my apartment was very smooth.  I chose not to crate her because, since she’s old, I want her to enjoy her last few years as much as possible. She’s had no potty accidents, she’s eating regularly, and she’s adapting to my schedule perfectly. 

Lexi is my little fluffy lovebug, and I’m so glad I could give her a home. I take her with me whenever I get a chance - her new favorite thing to do is sit outside with me at Starbucks and people-watch while I work on my laptop (as seen in the video clip below). She basically has a fan club now

Please keep in touch and I’m sure I’ll be back soon with little miss Lexi.  Thank you again for making the process an easy one.

- Molly D.

Lexi’s long-time ‘sibling’, Zak, will likely be adopted soon, and Molly is eager to bring Lexi back for a reunion! Thanks to Molly for making Lexi a part of her family.

If you’d like to help senior animals like Lexi get blood tests and other medical care before adoption, please donate today.

We adopted Oliver (formerly known as Kyle) the Friday before Halloween and he is 6 months old now and over 50 lbs. He goes to daycare once a week and agility and obedience class and he has the best temperament; he is our lover boy!

I have him in obedience and agility just for us to have lots and lots of fun and for him to be a very social boy and he is, LOL: he doesn’t know a stranger! As soon as it is spring I will have him out tracking. We will try a little of everything and whatever he has the most fun in is what we will do the most of. I doubt that he will be competitive at agility. His body is pretty heavy so we will just do what is fun for him and if he wins a ribbon or two, great, and if he never wins a ribbon that’s fine too! We couldn’t be more pleased about adding Oliver to our family. Thank you for him.

Chris M.

My husband & I had gone to the Humane Society of Indianapolis to find our first cat. We have posted before regarding our dog Jack that we picked up from them as well about 2 years ago. We had such luck with him, so we came by during the 4th of July special. We found Bobby, now called Cheeto. What a great cat!! He gets along with both crazy dogs and a baby! And he’s the best spider killer!

Here is a typical picture of them all. Jack is the gray Schnauzer at the end, then Cheeto, then the white fluff at the bottom is Coco. I love coming home!

You guys are wonderful!  Special thanks to Rick (director of the Pet Training School at HSI) for finding us both of our HSI alumni!

- The Halstead Family

Boss, a young Rottweiler mix, arrived at the Humane Society of Indianapolis after spending several months in other shelters. Stressed and full of energy, he seemed to be a bit of a “problem child” at first and likely wouldn’t have been placed for adoption elsewhere. HSI’s behavioral team had faith that he was a great dog and gave him a chance to succeed.

Boss attended several obedience classes in our Canine Training School and quickly shined: this puppy in a big dog’s body simply needed an outlet for his skills & smarts! He learned how to leave a treat on his paw until told it was okay to take it in his very first training class, and was adopted by Eric & Allison shortly thereafter. They mailed a Christmas card from Boss this holiday season:

Happy Holidays to my friends at the Humane Society of Indianapolis! It’s hard to believe I was adopted over a year ago - so I wanted to send you a card with my family on the front! I love my new home - I get lots of exercise chasing balls and going for walks. Sometimes we go to the Bark Park so I can see my friends. I have lots of good friends in my neighborhood and my mom and dad give me tons of belly rubs! I am a very good boy - surely thanks to the training you gave me while I was with you. My mom and dad are always saying how much they love me and bringing me home was the best thing ever! I am a little spoiled but after a rough start to my life I deserve a little pampering! I hope the other animals there are going to good homes. Thank you for taking such good care of me before I met my mom and dad. I am so happy in my forever home. Happy Holidays to all the people and animals there, I hope 2010 is filled with lots of happy adoptions.

Love,
Boss

I adopted Charlie after I had to have my 10+ year old Pekingese put to sleep. Charlie is a wonderful dog who loves to play and chew and is very quick to learn. As you can see in the picture, he has made himself at home. 

I am a firm believer in adopting rescued dogs. Charlie is a marvel, and makes me wonder why any one would give him up. Although he loves to chew and has cost about $80 in chew toys during the month, I have finally found ones that he can’t go through in a day, and he exhibits no “fatal” flaws that would have me bring him back. He now has his own Colts jersey and watches the games with me.

- Sharon G.

Sophie Elise and Bender Harrison, two young Pit Bull Terrier mixes with special needs, touched many hearts before finding their new families. Both of these loving dogs were recently adopted and now share their love of life together! Bender’s adopters share their story:

I wanted to write to you about my ‘big, mean Pit Bulls.’ You see, I came from the suburbs, where we have Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and Labs; where Pit Bulls are the dogs that you hear about on the news that are only attacking humans and fighting. If you’d ever have told me one would become one of the greatest loves of my life, I would have called you crazy. Furthermore, if you told me that I would be so in love that I would bring my roommate in and convince her to get another one, I would have said you were insane! But that’s just what happened.

We’d been talking about getting a dog for a little over a year when I happened upon your website and saw the picture of Bender. He was maybe the most goofy looking dog I’d ever laid eyes on and maybe the cutest I’d ever seen! I watched his video, and immediately Jamie and I marched right down to inspect him in person. It took about 30 seconds for us to fall in love, and a few hours later he was laying on our couch, an immediate part of our family! 

It took no time at all to find out that “big” and “mean” would be the exact opposite adjectives I’d use to describe my handsome man. Sweet, sensitive, lazy, loving, innocent, and hilariously funny would be much more his speed. He spends the majority of his days napping, and when he is not doing that he is attempting to get as many treats with as minimal effort as possible! He follows me around pretty much everywhere just to make certain everything’s kosher. He loves children, peanut butter, and anyone willing to lay on the couch with him and not make him move! If I was looking for a guard dog, I got the wrong guy - he’s pretty much scared of anything bigger than a chipmunk.

Sophie (formerly Isis) came along not too long after and officially made our home complete. Our roommate, Rachel, was jealous that she didn’t have a dog of her own, and we came to to HSI and found Sophie.

She is the ball of energy, she’s the protector, she is the party planner for our daily lives! She and B. Harrison (Bender’s nickname) have become best friends and playmates, spending most of their days finding mischief and new places with great sunlight to nap in. They rule the roost, but we don’t mind: they are the best addition to our home ever!

So once again, thank you so much for our “big, mean Pit Bulls”! Without Bender Harrison and Sophie Elise, I am positive our lives would’ve never been the same!

Regards,
Nate L. and Jamie S.

My husband and I adopted Charmin (formerly known as Opal) in early April. We had just lost our sweet 15-year-old cat to cancer, and we were interested in seeing who at the Humane Society of Indianapolis might need a home.

We started in the cat room and looked at all the fuzzy kids needing homes there, and as we exited the door we came upon a cage in the lobby with a beautiful, petite black kitty who had only one eye. We were excited to meet her because we already had a one-eyed dog at home (he came to us that way at adoption) and thought that a one-eyed cat might fit in great in our house. We were even more thrilled when we opened her cage door to pet her and she was purring, rolling over on her back and making biscuits in the adoption lobby with all the people and dogs walking by.

It was love at first sight. We brought Charmin home the next day, and she has made herself quite at home here with us. She keeps her three big dog siblings in line, loves to snooze on mommy’s warm laptop, loves to be held on her back like a baby, and spends most of her days in a constant state of purring. We love her SO much. We could not have asked for a better cat. 
When we talked to our adoption counselor before taking Charmin home, she told us that she was worried that Charmin would not find a home very fast because she was a black cat with just one eye. It just goes to show that when adopting, you should rely on a pet’s personality and not just looks. If we had relied on looks alone, we would have missed out on having one of the world’s best cats as part of our family!
We send our sincere thanks to the Humane Society of Indianapolis for taking Charmin in and taking care of her eye and teeth, which needed care too. I work for a vet, and it makes me so happy to see the medical care provided to the pets prior to adoption. Charmin is a happy, healthy kitty, and we love her more than words can say.
Thank you,
Jenn and Mike C.

I just wanted to send you a note and let you know about my new home. My mom is at work right now, so I’m using her computer, but don’t tell.

Thank you so much for taking good care of me while I waited for my forever home. I settled in nicely and everyone has been very friendly. My mother pampers me with treats, catnip, and frequent brushings. She even made me a perch by the bedroom window so I can watch for critters and birds. I have new brothers and sisters and a feral cat, Sassy, that lives on the patio. She doesn’t come in the house, but we sniff each other through the screen.

My mother says I’m her big lover boy and she loves my green eyes. She says green is her favorite color. She changed my name from Vincent to Wyatt, because she said I looked like a profile on a wanted poster - and she definitely wanted me!!!!! She saw my picture on the website and came to the shelter looking for ME! How cool is that?!? She wanted me over all the other cats there. She said FIV makes me special, and people should not be afraid to have us FIV+ cats in their home.

Please continue doing a great job and helping my friends find homes. I miss you, but am very happy in my new home.

Thanks,
Wyatt E.
(part of a home)

“We adopted Dolly (known as Tempest at the Humane Society of Indianapolis) on June 14, 2008 shortly after the loss of our beloved Lab of 13 years. Dolly was about six months old then.

I just wanted to let you know that not a day goes by that I don’t look at her and feel my heart skip a beat. She is beautiful, sweet, smart and full of personality. I spent many months wondering what her mix was (not that it mattered) and have determined that while she looks like a Lab, there is possibly a little Boxer in there - she has the deep chest and plays with her paws.

Dolly finished novice obedience classes and spent a year learning the agility course. She is eager to please, does anything we ask, and is perfect off leash no matter where we are or what the distractions may be. She doesn’t leave our side, and when she does, she doesn’t hesitate to come when called. She has been crate trained, and the only cue she needs to go to her crate is to see me grab the peanut butter jar to fill up her Kong. Today was her first day alone in the house without the crate. She was perfect: Everything was as I left it except the ball she left in the windowsill for me. 

We recently took a vacation to Lake Michigan (see the video below). We can’t walk an entire block in a populated tourist town without someone stopping to ask about her and to comment on how beautiful and well behaved she is! I’m always eager to brag that she is a shelter dog. She is truly the dog we have always dreamed of. Perhaps we are a bit biased, but we believe she is just perfect. I actually feel a bit guilty at times that we lucked into her. She has so much potential and I hope to help her use every bit of it. Thank you for this very precious gift and for all that you do for the animals.

Kind Regards,
Angie and Darin L.

“We adopted Clio (Wiggly Wanda to you guys) in mid July. We discussed a dog for a long time and slowly accumulated a bed, toys, etc., in addition to reading up on the latest dog training methods. We went to the Humane Society of Indianapolis several times but none really caught our eye.

To be honest, we didn’t want to get a puppy because of the amount of work involved, as well as the fact that there are plenty of great older dogs that need homes. However, we ended up with 8-month-old Clio! She was very quiet and in the very back of her cage (fear/shyness is something we really didn’t want in a dog!) so we passed her up the first time.

The second time we came in, we realized that the dog across from her was intimidating her and that was why she was quivering in the corner. I asked my fiance to block the other dog from her view and immediately she turned into a different dog! She came to the front of the cage, all happy wags, sniffs, and licks! We took her outside and were amazed that she was so well adjusted when she didn’t have another dog intimidating her! It was love right then and there, and it was nearing closing time!

The staff was extraordinarily helpful and gave us a thorough amount of information regarding her background, and we were able to leave with her shortly after closing. We’re in the process of clearing up a minor ear infection and coccidia, and fattening her back up. Other than that, she is a healthy, happy pooch! She is extremely laid back and content to simply snooze. She’s a fast learner and is housebroken, crate trained, and knows “sit” and “down” (so far!) She even has a backpack, so she has a job and carries water, treats, and sometimes even her own “doggie doo” until we get to a trashcan!

We were both initially a little worried about breed discrimination (she is a Staffordshire Terrier, according to the vet), but so far, we haven’t had any problems. We hope to be breed ambassadors and show Indy that “pit bull”-like dogs are not maneaters. She’s great with other dogs, people, and kids, and we’re so happy we “picked a good one”!”

- Daya P. & Jacob S.

“Champ,” as you knew him, is doing great. He has a new name, “Archie,” and most of the information you were given when he was surrendered thankfully was incorrect: Archie is a wonderful house dog, fully potty trained, has not destroyed anything not given him as a toy, and is getting along wonderfully.

He thoroughly enjoys playing alone or with me in the back yard, running, sniffing, chasing and playing with two large soccer balls. He loves playing fetch with various-sized balls inside the house, then curling up with someone on the couch and getting his chest and belly rubbed until he falls asleep, upside down with his tongue hanging out and oblivious to the world.

Thank you very much for providing him with a temporary home until he and I found each other.

- Kevin M. and Archie