MEET GIZMO & JAZZ

Gizmo adopted September 2005
Jazz adopted June 2006

HSSC alumni Gizmo and Jazz needed special attention. Gizmo was unsocialized and fearful. Jazz was overly anxious and didn't have basic manners. With help from behaviorist/HSSC board member Iris Eastman, these two girls are now the best dogs in the world!

They continued their obedience training and now, both run on a flyball team. Jazz holds six flyball titles and is number one in her breed, and Gizmo has two titles.

They have come so far from their days in the kennels. It's amazing what love and attention will do.

Stacy & Galen Groff

MEET SPOTTS

I adopted Spotts (a pointer/pit mix) from the Humane Society of Sarasota County in April 1998. She is now the old lady of the house. She has been the best dog ever! She has slept with my 13-year -old daughter every night since we brought her home.

I still remember meeting Spotts. My daughter and I were in the big yard waiting for her to come out. When she did, she ran all the way across the yard and leaned on us. She adopted us!!

We were told that she had been adoped several times but, at 1 1/2 yrs old , she was very hyper and kept being returned to the shelter. I remember we were told, "Please if you take her - keep her. She is sweet and just can't be brought back again." We did just that.

The rest is history. She still (in her old age) has no health problems, is a total beach bum, and is as happy as can be. Since then, we adopted Rocky (we think he's a a shepard mix) from a private "last chance" shelter and the two are inseparable. He was a four-month-old with mange when we got him but he has worked out to be a great ball of fuzz.

Now more than ever with this economy, animals need loving, stable homes. So many people are having to give up their own homes along with their beloved family members.

Thank you for all that you do!

Heather Bass

MEET GRACIE

We adopted Gracie (formerly known as Bun Bun) on November 25, 2008. For a couple of months we had been looking for a companion for Opie, our Boston Terrier. I checked the websites of the various rescue groups daily. Gracie's information was posted to the Humane Society webpage late Monday afternoon and we were at your door when it opened on Tuesday.

The first picture shows Gracie and Opie on their first day. As you can see, they were pals from the start. They love to wrestle and chase each other through the house. The next 2 pictures are after Gracie's trip to the salon. Isn't she a beauty!

Gracie is a wonderful addition to our family. Thanks so much for the service you provide to the people and animals of our community.

Bob and Benita Saldutti

MEET DIAMOND

We adopted Diamond August 2008. We got a boxer in May 2008 (Bruno) and wanted to get him a play mate. We did have a hard time trying to decide if we wanted to get another purebred, so we look around with rescue groups but found nothing. One day we went to Pet-Co to get a few things and saw that the Humane Society was there. We took a card to get the address and went straight there. It was Saturday and very busy. We looked around but was coming to the end, and in the puppy section in one of the last kennels, there she was a beautiful brindle boxer mix puppy. Her name was Diamond. My husband said she is the one. We played with her for a while, and knew she was just what we were looking for. We went home to get Bruno so they could meet, and they were wonderful together, and well they still are. She has not only became a play mate for our other puppy, but she has brought so much joy into our lives. She's always there to meet us, to give us kisses, and make us laugh. We can't even imagine life without her. Our dogs are both a little over a year now and anywhere they are allowed, they go with us. You can say they are completely spoiled and loved. We want the thank everyone at the Humane Society for their help, and the love and time they put in each of the animals that come in to them. Thank you for not only a wonderful playmate, a pet but also for a great addition to our family.

Chris and Tinna

MEET TAYLOR

On February 4, 2004 we adopted an American Bulldog mix, (named Winnie at the time), from your shelter. We had been looking for a dog to add to our family for several weeks when we came to your shelter. We were very pleased to find all of the staff extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The staff was very patient and allowed us to spend ample time making our decision.

We spent a great deal of time walking through the kennels, reading the history of the animals and talking over our compatible qualities to each of the dogs we met. As we wandered the kennels we noticed a dog who was laying against the front of the kennel. The dog was very quiet, and hardly moved when we attempted to get her attention. She sat very still as the dogs in the adjoining kennels checked us out, barking and wagging their tails, making themselves known. Something about this dog tugged at both of our hearts. She seemed small, and was curled up like a baby deer, with her legs folded up underneath of her. We asked to meet her.

We were sitting in an introduction room when we first met her, and we were both shocked to find that she was not small, like we originally thought when we saw her curled up like a pretzel, but in fact she was approximately 60 lbs. She was very calm, with the sweetest face and softest eyes. She sat and gazed out the window as we fawned over her, and we both knew we wanted to give her the life she deserved, the life that someone else had not provided for her. Taylor (as she is now named) or Tater Tot, as we like to call her, is an amazing companion. She is the gentlest, kindest dog we had been hoping for. She loves to play with "her" horses, loves to go to the beach, and is the best cuddle buddy on the planet! She even smiles! There's nothing cuter than seeing a 65lb American Bulldog mix smiling at you :-) We love every day with her and are blessed to have her in our lives. Thank you, HSSC, for bringing her into our lives!

Michael and Megan Turner

MEET CAYANNE

Hi, my name is Cayanne (aka Perdita). You may not remember me, I was on "Crane's Critters" (WSRZ 107.9 FM) back in November 2008. I have to let you know that I have the BEST home. I have a big sister who I love to play with. Her name is Cinnamon. Mom & Dad call us their "Spice Girls". Cinnamon also was a pound puppy almost 9 years ago.

I have great big fenced in back yard to run around in. Dad takes us for walks everyday. I think one of the best things I like to do is go camping with my people family & their human daughter & her family which includes 2 big 4 legged kids. We do trail walks, I got to go out on a boat with dad & Cinnamon.

We're going to GA in November for a week camping.
My Grandparents came in from AZ in February. They really really spoiled me. Grandpa said he didn't like having dogs in the house, but I won him over. He was always sneaking me treats.(HE-HE).

I better go, mom's telling us it's frosty paw time (dog ice cream).

My family & I just want to thank you so very much for all the good deeds that you & the Humane Society do for us.

Hope you had a great vacation.

The luckest & happiest Pup in Sarasota, FL

Cayanne Pepper Yoder &
The Yoders (Dan & Darlene Yoder) & Cinnamon

MEET FUJI & HAPPY

Five years ago we adopted shy sweet Fuji who was then almost 7 years old, too "old" for a family who wanted a puppy. In the five years we have had her she has blossomed into a frisky family member who goes with us everywhere, shy no more.

In 2005 we found her sister Happy at the shelter after her beloved companion passed away. Never shy, Happy is now a Therapy Dog, Inc. member and makes twice-weekly visits to nursing homes in our town of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina where she gives as much love as she receives.

We are grateful every day for our two four-footed girls and for HSSC for taking care of them until they found their home with us.

Lucy and Charlie Painter

MEET BEAR

I am attaching some photos of Bear (you may remember him as 'Met') as we approach our first anniversary as a happy family. He is a super nice boy, and goes with me everywhere.

He even visits the local nursing home where my mother is a resident, and has become very popular with the folks who live and work there. I would like to get him certified as a therapy dog so we can bring his warm and nurturing energy to more people who are not as fortunate as we are... Who wouldn't want to hang out with Bear?

Warm Regards and Many Blessings,

Monica M. Watermann

MEET LUCKY

I wanted to give you an update on Lucky. He is such a wonderful member of our family and we can’t imagine life without him. He and Cash are best friends and with the cooler weather have been spending a lot of time in the backyard. He also adores Isabella and she feels the same about him. His skin has completely cleared up and he is one handsome devil. Thanks for all your help in making him a part of our lives.

The Tennimons ~ Drew, Megan, Isabella, Lucky, Cash, and Coconut (the cat)

MEET CHANCE

It was around the 1999 when I decided to come into the Humane Society of Sarasota, just to look at the dogs and cats. I was introduced to three dogs until I walked by this certain cage and Chance happen to look at me, I knew then I was supposed to take him home with me. I fostered him for a few weeks then when the time came to adopt him I did not have a single doubt in my mind.

Chance is now eleven years old and has had an exciting life. He has traveled to Virginia and back Florida where he is now. He has helped with his dog sister. She was brought to the household at five weeks old and now most people know them as Mutt and Jeff. You cannot find one without the other far behind. He has, however; had two knee surgeries and came through like trooper. I wanted to thank those involved in helping me with the adoption of this wonderful dog. He has brought so much joy and happiness into my life.

MEET TIMMY

Well, Timmy's first night at home went well. He met dad and climbed all over him and played king of the mountain. He also met his new sister, jessi. He barked, she hissed and walked away. Then came bedtime. He was fine in his new bed as long as my hand was next to him. As soon as I tried to go to bed he would follow. So he slept curled up in my belly UNDER the blankets. (for such a little dog, he gets real warm when he sleeps.) His second day he talked to jessi nose to nose then got bored and walked away. Zachary is being very careful with him. Everyone in the house has to be very quiet when he is resting. He has several toys, of course, but his favorite is a stuffed squirrel that is almost as big as he is. It is in the attached pictures.

MEET ONYX

I remember the 1st time I saw Onyx on the web-site. He was such a handsome guy and reminded me of our dog Charlie. (Onyx is a lab/retriever mix and Charlie's a black lab) I liked everything I read about Onyx and couldn't believe that he'd been in the shelter for 8 months. I wanted to get another dog so that Charlie would have a companion. Onyx seemed like he'd be the perfect one.

Onyx had a rough start when he 1st arrived at the Humane Society. He had skin lesions due to allergies and ear problems. His left ear was so badly infected that his left ear canal had to be removed. He was on IV antibiotics for 2 months for a staph infection. All's I knew was that this poor guy needed a good home where he'd get the love and attention he needed and deserved.

Kerry, (adoption manager) John, (dog trainer) and the staff a HSSC were great. I had talked to Kerry several times that week. On January 16th 2010, we went to the Humane Society to meet Onyx with our dog Charlie. John helped us with the dogs being introduced to one another. Everyone was thrilled that they seemed compatable. As we were getting ready to leave with Onyx, the staff lined up to say their goodbye's. It brought tears to my eyes. Onyx was loved by many.

Onyx is a wonderful friend, companion and family member. He's a serious ball player! He practically flips catching the ball. Charlie would rather chase Onyx than catch the ball. It's entertaining watching the two of them together. Onyx is also a great swimmer. He's very smart and know's several commands. Onyx completes our family. We couldn't have asked for a better dog.

Thank's to all the staff & volunteers at HSSC. You guys are AWESOME!!!!

Your friend,

Wendy Case

MEET RENEE

We adopted Renee on march 4th 2010. We were just going in there to look at a puppy but they didn't have any at the time of our visit. So we just looked around, and the first time we came we saw her but she was scared and didn't want to come out of the cage so we could see her. We didn't really get a look at her, a week later we went back and she looked really happy and was already out of the cage so we got to meet her this time. We took her to the play room and she was full energy, running around, and we instantly fell in love with this dog. The associate at the Humane Society said she did not like to be hugged or have people close to her but we didn't see that in her so we didn't care, and now she just loves to be close to you. The only training she had been given was to sit and was partially trained to go to the bathroom outdoors. Since then she sits, shakes, lays down, and rolls over. She also has had an amazing improvement in her demeanor and the way she carries herself, we are attempting to walk her with no leash and she has been responding to our remarks and tone of voice exceptionally well. She is still timid in some situations, especially when she encounters loud trucks and noises. She loves to play, and is very quick, she can run at speeds I haven't seen from other dogs. She is the happiest dog in the world, and loves to cuddle.

Thank you all for being great to her and bringing her in for someone like us to give her a great place to spend the rest of her life.

Thanks always,

Josh and Jessica

MEET SHORTY

I went to the Humane Society of Sarasota County and found the *PERFECT* pet, Shorty. He doesn't have a mean streak in his body!! He gets along with my 3 cats, and is extremely well behaved and sociable.

Shorty loves to go to the dog park in Venice and he loves to run and play ball.

I work at Bay Village of Sarasota and brought Shorty there to visit. The residents immediately fell in love with his outgoing personality.

I did not know what exactly to expect by adopting a 4 and 1/2 year old dog, but definitely wanted to give this dog a loving home, and it has worked out even better than I could have ever imagined!!

Shorty tries hard to please us all the time. My wife Robyn and I could not have asked for a better addition to our family!! Thank you Humane Society!!!!!

Mike Schuler

MEET LUKE

I would like to share with you the latest pictures of Luke (aka Tiny TimTim). He turned 18 months last Valentine’s Day and is 85 lbs on the scale. He has grown very strong and a very good boy. Here are some of his pictures last Christmas.

Have a good day :)

Daniela Kessler

MEET COCO

Hi! My name's Coco, (I'm the pretty chocolate lab) and I was adopted on June 9, 20ll.

The 1st time I met my brother Charlie, (black lab) I couldn't stop wagging my tail! John, ( the dog trainer) brought Charlie & I, to the fenced area to play. We were running along side one another having so much fun. Charlie told me how he lost his brother Onyx (previous happy tail story) to cancer. I told Charlie that what he needs is a sister. Someone to play with again!

Charlie & I love to play tug of war & wrestle. My mommie tells me that I'm quite vocal when wrestling. I also like to chase lizards & squirrles. We also love to swim in the pool. Sometimes our parents take us out on the boat. I enjoy riding in the boat. We anchor in shallow water & meet other 4 legged friends. What a life! I never knew life could be so good!
I love my new home & family. I get lots of belly rubs & kisses. It's great being loved!

Thank's to Ginny, John & everyone @ hssc who helped with my adoption. I agree with my mom....you guys are AWESOME!!!!

Your friend always,
Coco & Wendy Case

MEET JACK

On Thanksgiving Day 2007, my beloved 16-year-old Siamese cat Simon had to be euthanized for renal failure. This was devastating to me. The following Monday my co-workers urged me to check Petfinder.com, not in the view of replacing Simon, but in giving another cat a much-needed home.

The very first picture I clicked onto was a wonderful fluffy white cat with a goofy crooked tail named Jack, who was residing at the Sarasota County Humane Society shelter. My very understanding co-workers insisted I leave work and drive to the shelter to adopt him right after seeing him online. I fell in love with him from the second they brought him out of his cage to meet me. I drove him to my work at Longboat Key, approximately 10 miles away, fearing the worst when he was released. However, the second he was released from the carton, he strutted around as if he owned the offices, jumping on various desks and demanding attention. Everyone fell instantly in love with the little guy.

My husband had not wanted another cat, but the second Jack came out of his carton, looking like a goofy little roly-poly polar bear, he was enchanted. Jack immediately let my other cat, Napoleon, know that he was the supreme ruler of the house. Other than that, he had been a source of joy to my entire family; due to his royal status, he has been re-christened "Rock Star Jack" (basically, we're all just around to serve his needs).

He obviously came from a very loving environment to the shelter, as he is the most pampered beast I have ever seen. He's family now, and I want to thank you folks for all the good things you do. I only wish I could adopt them all. On that note, we are buying a house within the next few months and my husband wants to adopt a dog, so I am sure I will visit Petfinder again soon!

Lisa Marie Whitt

MEET SCOUT AND TONTO

In December of 2005, my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt a cat. We went to a HSSC adoption day at Petsmart at The Landings in Sarasota. My boyfriend had decided he wanted to look for an orange tabby. The very first cat I saw was in a cage at eye level and he reached out to me through the cage and I fell in love with him. He was a big boy and very friendly. I asked to hold him and the boyfriend knew right then the decision was already made. Then when the adoption volunteer checked and said he had already been neutered and he cost only 15.00 to adopt, the boyfriend smiled and said "Sold". His name is Scout and he is a Manx. We love him!

We decided Scout need a buddy and we went to the Shelter to look for an orange tabby. There were so many wonderful cats to chose from. We held an orange and white boy previously name Lucky who got along well with his littermate and all the HSSC volunteers said was a real favorite. We brought him home, named him Tonto and he has been a great companion for our other cat Scout. Both are Healthy and Happy!

Sue and Hans

MEET SOLLIE

After my cat of 18 years died it took me 7 years to be ready to get another cat. My Son's 1st grade class at St. Martha's was doing a class project to collect items for the Humane Society of Sarasota County. He would come home talking and talking about how we need to get a dog or cat to help. By the end of this class project we decided it was time to adopt a cat for our family. We went in and viewed several cats which were all great. The last cat that we saw we all knew he was for us. We fell in love with him immediately and knew we had to have him. That night we took him home. It has been 3 months and he is the best cat anyone could ask for. Never have we been around a cat that purrs so loudly and so much! He refuses to drink water out of a water dish by his food bowl. He jumps up on the bathroom counter and meows until someone turns on the water for him to drink it. When we come home he is right at the door to greet us and will not stop meowing until someone picks him up. We are so happy we found our new member of our family at HSSC!

Thank you,

The Smith Family
Vern, Andrea & Noah

June 2009

MEET SASHA & PRECIOUS

I would like to let you all know how we are doing. My son Cole and myself were at your facility on Saturday February 20th. We adopted two cats "Sasha" and "Precious". We all are doing terrific !

The cats were a little nervous that first night ... but, by Sunday they finally went to sleep early about 6:30 p.m. They were worn out. They had been walking and climbing and smelling all the new things in our home. The first full day alone we had some things knocked over from them exploring, nothing major.

We have purchased a 6 ft. scratching post/perch with a top part where they can sleep. "Precious" has taken this spot as hers. We have it set up in our living room. "Sasha" has chosen the highest spot in the house (on top of our TV console) Its about 9 feet up on the very top. Can't believe she can get up there, but she does.

We have a screened in Lanai which looks out to a pond with lots of ducks,herons,wood storks etc. They both are fascinated with all the ducks that come up to our back door for left over bread we feed them. I have put a litter box on the Lanai and one in the house for their use, they both are doing great with this. I have been giving them dry and wet canned food, they are eating very well. "Precious" likes to jump on the kitchen counter when I am putting their food in their bowls. I am trying to stop her from doing that. "Precious" is definitely the dominant one....have had some slight concerns with her chasing and cornering "Sasha". I am keeping my eye on this.

Its funny to watch them learn new things and getting to know them is a pleasure. Please let our cat adoption guide, Shelly know that her 2 girls are doing great!

Thank you again,

Nancy L. Ragland

I started looking for a white cat in December of 2008. It wasn't until June of 2009 when a random search of Senior White Cats on Petfinder gave me my first view of Cyrus. Cyrus was apparently an old friend of the HSSA, having been housed with you three times since 2006. I fell in love with that bright little face and called to talk with Miss Holly about his background. A week later she put Cyrus on hold and I drove up and over from Delray Beach. I was so excited when I got to your shelter. Miss Holly took me back to the cat room, and just like in the movies: there he was, laying up close to the front of his cage looking at the door like he was expecting me to arrive. I think I was late! He was MUCH CHUBBIER than pictured, but his engaging personality capped the decision. Cyrus came home. Five months later, Cyrus is just so awesome!!! He runs and tussles with his furry siblings. They all spend about an hour a day on the fenced patio, and he lounges for hours in the sunroom. In true Turkish Angora form, he's not a snuggly cat, but he's a warm and loving cat. In reading his HSSA bio, every 3 - 5 months or so, Cyrus is used to packing up his little 'kit' bag, and moving on to somewhere else. That will not ever be happening again, and I'm happy to report that Cyrus finally feels like he's home. When he first arrived, he slept with his legs sticking board-straight out. In October, he started to curl up. So for Halloween he was a Full Moon. Last weekend, Cyrus started to dream. For the first time he laid flat on his belly; all tucked up. Three paws and his tail up and under, and one paw curled over his nose. And his little butt twiched away in his sunbeam. Everybody gets a birthday here, and Cyrus' will be celebrated on December 31. He's the sparkly, New Year's kitty. Thank you for caring so much about this special boy. There's just so much about his personality I'd love to share, if only there was space. Because of the love you've gave him, he stayed sweet. In 'Pay it Forward' fashion, I'm now a volunteer with the Tri-County Humane Society in Boca Raton where I volunteer in the cat room, loving on their 'fur-sons' who are waiting for their 'fur-ever' homes. I'll try to send pics of Cyrus' first holiday here, but I might be too busy fussing him!

With best regards,
Janice Olson

Cyrus is a 'Happy Tail' on your website. He's 10 now. I adopted him last June and he continues to grow into a total LOVE! He's quite the 'purr bucket.' It's fun helping him still grow up, and he's now actively soliciting affection. He loves to sit on my desk and 'purrt!' and ask for pats. But, still, he's a bit stand off-ish. Understood given he's 'unsettelment.' He likes his 2 foot perimeter, until he wants a fuzz. Then? It's 'All Hands On Cat!' I just love him! Oh, and he likes to be walked! Well, he likes to stroll in the grass, and the only way is for him to be harnessed; so he walks and I follow. I'm getting well trained. He reminds me so much of Cleveland Amory's cat 'Polar Bear,' ("The Cat Who Came for Christmas," et al.).

Cy-Russtimus, the 'Cute-apotomous' (he's a bit chunkier from his Pet Finder Pic) has such a great nature. I volunteer at the Tri County Humane Society in Boca Raton, and took Cyrus at the end of the day for 'Pictures with Santa.' Even Santa loved him!

Hi! You might not remember me, I'm just a little guy. My name is Patches and I am a guinea pig. I spent a few weeks at the HSSC waiting for my forever home in September 08. Then all of a sudden someone was holding me and making arrangements to take me home and the next thing I knew Karie had signed the paperwork and I was loaded into the car late on a Friday afternoon and I haven't looked back. I was pretty scared a first and wanted to hide all the time, but my new owners were patient and made sure I became used to them and everything around me. Now I can't get enough attention! I am always on the move and am very curious, but I'm known to enjoy a snooze on a warm lap as well. Until recently I had two neighbours in other cages who were adopted from a guinea pig rescue in Chicago over 6 years ago. Unfortunately Tapanga passed over the Rainbow Bridge recently, she was 8 years old, pretty old for a guinea pig. But Giorgio, who is even older, is still active for an old man and we are learning to get along in the play pen. We have even been caught having a nap together. I love parsley and apple and green pepper and corn silk... there isn't a food yet that I have tried and haven't liked! And who knew that I liked to travel? This summer I vacationed in New Mexico for three months while my human worked (it is a dry heat, you know). The drive was no problem for me, I got lots of water and care, but I could do with a little less talk radio next time. Thanks to everyone at the HSSC who takes such good care of the critters! Now, did someone say carrot?