Many pets looking for forever homes

Two years ago Dianne Sanderson rescued a little, black, Lab mix pup and brought him to our facility. He was the only survivor of a parvo epidemic at the shelter and his soulful eyes were too much for anyone to resist.

He was examined by a vet, vaccinated and neutered. He did not contract parvo. We named him Petey, took his picture and put it on our Web site. Petey was a typical puppy, playful, ornery and full of life. He grew into a beautiful dog with lots of personality. Finally “the” application came in, the home visit was done, and the potential adopter was ready to do a two-week trial.

Needless to say, Petey did not come back to our facility. He found his forever home and a great guardian. We recently received the following letter from Petey’s new Dad and are proud to share it with you.

“After graduating college in Pennsylvania, I decided to pack up my things and head out to Kansas City for a job. Not only did I leave behind my family and friends, but I also left behind my family’s two dogs, Abbey and Skittles. It was definitely quite lonely out here for a few months, and it was odd not coming home to two crazy dogs wagging their tails feverishly.

I knew that once I found the right home and was officially settled in out here that I wanted to get a dog of my own. It took a few years of apartment jumping before I purchased my first house, but as soon as I did I immediately began scanning Petfinder in search of the ‘perfect’ dog.

One day I came across a goofy photo of a black Lab mix with his tongue sticking out the side of his mouth. After reading his story online, I decided to send in an e-mail to get more information on this dog, ‘Petey.’

Dianne at ABF gave me a call, and we talked for quite some time about Petey, as well as about myself and why I wanted a pet. She was very open and honest about Petey. I think one of the first things she told me was that his nickname at the ABF facility was ‘Petey Poop’ (I am sure for obvious reasons)!

After a couple of day-visits with Petey, I decided to go forward with the two-week trial period. The first night was definitely interesting to say the least. Poor Petey was pretty much startled by everything, for he had lived in a shelter of some sort for most of his two-year life.

We took each day, one at a time, and as expected there were some ups and downs. As much as this was new to me, it was also that much new to Petey as well. Each day we would work on something different and before I knew it, Petey was adjusting quite nicely to his new home. For example, when I first got Petey, stairs were a whole new world to him, now he barrels me over every night to get to his ‘spot’ on the bed.

It truly has been a blessing, adopting Petey, I have no regrets. He has turned out to be such a great dog and companion. I just cannot believe he wasn’t already adopted. Petey is proof that sometimes you just have to take chances because you never know how things will turn out.

I would also like to take this time to thank Animals Best Friends for all of their help and for everything they do. They truly are angels. Without them, Petey would not have been brought into my life. And if good ol’ Petey could talk, I am sure he would thank you as well for helping him hist the jackpot, as I like to say (as he lounges on the couch behind me as I write this). Thanks – Kyle Abernathy”

Don’t forget the Animals Best Friends’ garage sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Mike Onka Memorial Building, 11520 Putnam, Sugar Creek. Pack up your donations and bring them to our facility at 2302 S. Crysler Ave., Independence, on Thursday. ABF volunteers will be there from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to accept items and receipts will be available for those who want them.

The following animals are available for adoption at the Independence Animal Shelter. Visit the shelter at 875 Vista Drive or call 816-325-7207 for more information. If you have an animal control problem, call 816-325-7205.

5598682 female Australian shepherd, black/white, 2 years.

5606892 female German shepherd mix, tan/black, 1 year.

5595810 male Shiba Inu, tri-color, 1 year.

2478508 male Labrador, black, 1 year.

5609618 male shepherd, blonde/black, 1 year.

3603962 male Labrador, chocolate, 2 years.

5539183 male pointer mix, black/white, 1 year.

5608419 female beagle, tri-color, 3 years.

5546945 female terrier, tri-color, 2 years.

5588933 male retriever mix, brown, 2 months.

5566278 male Newfoundland mix, black, 4 months.

5569985 female retriever mix, brown, 2 months.

5611620 male beagle mix, black/white, 2 months.

5602614 female Great Pyrenees mix, golden, 4 months.

5584602 female German shepherd mix, black/tan, 2 months.

5594746 female beagle, tri-color, 3 years.

5575743 male cat, Russian blue, domestic shorthair, 4 months.

5575734 female cat, Russian Blue, domestic shorthair, 4 months.

5572706 male Guinea pig, black/red, 2 years.

There are lots more dogs, puppies, cats and kittens available for adoption.