Years of work pay off when dog gets a forever home

By GISELE GAMBLE
 Special to The Examiner

We would like to apologize for not having the cookout on Saturday. The decision was made to cancel it due to the cool, windy weather. Please refer to our Web site, www.animalsbestfriends.org, for future cookouts or special events at PetSmart in case of future cancellations. Again we apologize.

Fostering an animal is a very rewarding experience. The hard part is having to let the animal go after you are attached to then. In your heart you know it is a good home, but it is still painful to let go.

Dianne Sanderson fostered Lilly for three years. Lilly was a problem child with behavior issues, so Dianne had to work hard with her to overcome these issues. Last year a good applicationcame in on Lilly. We did the home visit and were very impressed with how much the applicants knew about animal training and care. The two-week trial went well, and at the end we finalized the adoption. Dianne cried when we left the house. She knew that it was a great home and that Lilly would be loved and cared for properly. Dianne also knew that her years of hard work with Lilly had finally paid off.

We received the following from the young lady who adopted Lilly and changed her name to Chili:

I jumped at the chance to share my experience of adopting a dog from Animals Best Friends! I was lucky in that my family has always been blessed with pets. Once my sister and I moved into a house of our own (with her two cats), I knew it was time for me to get a dog. I began my search at Wayside Waifs. While they had a nice facility and friendly staff, in most cases, they were unable to tell me if the dogs were cat-friendly. This matter was, of course, crucial to my search. After one botched attempt (I took one of our cats out to meet a dog), I decided that I needed to find an adoption group that could give me more conclusive information on their animals.

Luckily, my other sister ran across Animals Best Friend’s Web site and saw my future dog. I began speaking with their representatives and soon found I would need to go through a very thorough application and meeting process.  While at first this can seem like a lot of work, please believe me when I say, “it is worth it.” By meeting the representatives and Chili in my home, I got a better feel for their organization and commitment to the animals in their care. Furthermore, I could interact with Chili and see how she behaved around our cats. Once the initial meeting was over, Chili went back to ABF and I had some time to decide if she was a good fit for me. Needless to say, that was a resounding “yes” and Chili came to stay with me for a test period of two weeks. If everything went well after the two weeks, the adoption would be final. Obviously, Chili has been with me ever since and I could not have asked for a better match!

As with any new pet, we have had our ups and downs. Dogs can be trained, though, and I know we will be able to work through anything. After all, she is very smart! More importantly though, I have found a true companion.  Chili makes me laugh everyday. She loves sleeping the morning away and going on walks. We are each others protectors and friends, and I count myself lucky to have found her.

Finally, I want to express my gratitude to Animals Best Friends. ABF cares for the animals that other people have abandoned and they tirelessly search for good homes, ones that will give the animals the love they deserve. Their work is truly inspiring and unfortunately, often unappreciated. I just want to thank you again for taking care of Chili. It might have taken some time and patience, but you found her the home and family she was always meant to have. – Adrienne Mielke

Many wonderful animals are looking for a second chance at a permanent home. If you are ready for a pet to join your family, go to the Independence Animal Shelters website at www.petfinder.com/shelters/MO105.html or visit them at the shelter. 

These 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 325-7205.

4633073 male mastiff, tan/black, 2 years.
4699896 male schnauzer, white, 2 years.
4653606 female rat terrier, white/tan, 3 years.
4676538 male Schipperke, black, 1 year.
4685864 male terrier, white, 3 months.
4656449 female Labrador mix, black/white, 2 months.
4687253 female Labrador mix, cream, 2 months.
4698779 female St. Bernard mix, tri-color, 2 months.
4682581 female English spaniel, tri-color, 3 years.
4668269 male English spaniel, black, 3 years.
4678506 female Weimaraner, gray, 2 years.
4650042 male retriever mix, cream, 1 year.
4684807 female retriever, black, 6 months.
4672497 male Alaskan husky, gray/cream, 8 months.
4680793 female Labrador, black, 3 years.
4669022 female retriever, red, 3 years.
4694796 male German shepherd, black/tan, 11 months.
4676110 female retriever mix, red/white, 4 months.

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