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ABBY
Abby (formerly Poodie and Aggie), a Border Collie mix,  had been adopted out twice by the SPCA before she was found on the SPCA website by Leslie and Joe Grabowski in August of 2000. Her second family had returned her after 8 months, saying she had severe socialization issues around men and strangers.
It took the Grabowskis many months of working with her to overcome Abby's fear of people, especially men. She remains shy of new people, but warms up quickly. Abby loves to play ball and go for runs with her dad, and her tail never stops wagging! Here she is seen with her forever mom and dad, her human sister Steffi, canine sister Gracie, and feline brother Buster.

SHIRA and her pups
Shira (left) and her daughter Shana were adopted by Cheryl & Bill Shifflett in October (Shira) and August (Shana) 2001. Shira, her 5 pups and Smokey (rottie/shepherd mix) were rescued from an abusive situation in April 2001 by Cheryl & Bill, and their amazing story is featured in the Summer 2001 edition of our newsletter.

Update April 2002 - we got this from Cheryl - "Shira and Shana are fine! Shira is eating alot and has gained back a few pounds she had lost when she had a kidney problem around the first of the year. Shira just wants to be inside - that's her idea of a happy life. Shana is just happy-go-lucky, not a care in the world. Bill says if Shana was a person she'd be riding a Harley. Bill says Shana is his 'Little angel who fell from the sky'. I just laugh!
Shira's progress is slow and measured in small things. She and Shana have playtime everyday and they are wild together. Shana pushes all the cats as far as she can - the only one she doesn't do that to is Rose.
We bought plastic pools as soon as they came in this year and then it turned cold and the water froze (we just put a little in it). Shana would jump in every morning, break up the ice and play with it - throw pieces around.
The photo below where Shira has her head through the gate is the gate she used to walk through when she was first here because she was so thin.

Update April 2005 - Cheryl updated us with some current photos of Shira and Shana. She keeps in touch with all the people that adopted Shira's pups and gave us this photo of her with Garth.

MOCHA
Mocha was adopted by Gregory and Mary  in November 2000. She also has their two children  to keep her entertained and to throw tennis balls for her. Now that she has discovered them, she thinks there is nothing better than chasing tennis balls all day!

CHESSIE
Chessie was adopted by Harold Jones in September 2001. She is now a well-loved member of his family and has Harold, his wife and 3 children to take care of...and she has them to take care of her!

LILY/LUCY
Lily was adopted by Jennifer & Lenny Postlewait in August 1999 and renamed to be Lucy. In Jennifer's words:
"We had adopted Isaac (Jake) from the Maryland SPCA in September of 1998. My husband and I had just moved to the area and with so many places to hike and walk, we wanted a canine companion to share it with. Isaac was a handful!!! He was a 7 month old Lab/Akita mix and he was very high energy. By August of 1999, we had moved into our own house and realized we had room for another dog. We looked and looked for the right temperament that would mesh with Isaac. We went to the Pet Supermarket in Fairfax, Virginia to check out the pets for adoption. We looked, but felt most of the dogs were too similar to Isaac. Then I happened to look out the window and I saw this little red hound/Viszla mix cowering by her foster parent. She was absolutely terrified of everything going on. We went home and got Isaac to see if the two personalities matched. Of course, he was more interested in everything else going on, and she was too terrified to care. But later that week Lucy (her name was Lilly) came home. She seemed to be more afraid of men and wouldn't go near my husband. We left the leash on her so we could catch her to come in for the first week. Within two weeks, Isaac and Lucy were inseparable. Today they are best of friends. We all go camping together and sometimes all share the same sleeping bag! Lucy is still shy around everyone but us, although we have been working to socialize her." 

BENNY
Benny was adopted by Les, Janet & Emily Wilkins in July 2001. In Janet's words:
"We are the family who adopted Benny and we just wanted to send a little note to let you know he is doing great! Benny is adjusting well and getting used to having people come over now. He really enjoys being the 8:00am alarm clock & likes to get our daughter, Emily, up for the day. He has learned how to sit, sit pretty (on his hind legs only) and shake a paw. Whenever we get our keys, he is ready to go on a walk or ride in the car. We really enjoy Benny and think he is a wonderful addition to our family. We appreciate all the help and advice we received from Nancy and Lisa. The tips they have given us have worked well! We are very happy to have gotten Benny and look forward to many years of love and companionship!"

Update August 2009 - Janet sent us these photos and update:
I wanted to send a short note & some pix for Lisa & the SPCA staff who were around when we adopted Benny in 2001. Benny will be nine in October and he is doing very well overall. He has developed seizures but currently they are mild and few & far between. He's still very territorial over the house & family but we've been able to adapt. We got him a friend in April '08. He tolerates her for the most part but doesn't mind occasionally letting her know who the boss is :)
Here are some pix of our "old man". He's gotten a little gray & cantankerous but still "gives his mama some sugar".

BENNETT/BENNY
Bennett was lying badly injured at the side of a road but his fortune turned around when a kind person found him and brought him to a vet's office for treatment . Once he was healed, he was adopted by Mr & Mrs Rutledge in December 2000. They are retired so have plenty of time to devote to making his life wonderful. They renamed him to be Benny and he is now living the life of Riley right on the beach!

TRAVIS/BISMARCK & SASHA/SCHATZI
Travis (renamed Bismarck) and Sasha (renamed Schatzi) came to live at their “forever home” with Scott and Sheila Koch in December 1999. The hard times they had in their past lives are just a memory, as they now have lots of toys, companionship, frequent walks to exercise their people, plenty of tasty food and treats, several canine friends, a fenced deck with a great view, and a big golf course to run on (only when there is no one else looking). After “boxing” with one another all day, barking hello to the mailman, and warning potential intruders that this is their home now, they collapse on their beds upstairs with their people. It's been a good day when they grunt as they curl up and go to sleep. Sometimes they even let their people sleep a few minutes past sunup before telling them it’s time for a walk!

NIKKI
Nikki (a West Highland White Terrier) was adopted in March 1994 by Angie Gittles. In Angie's words:
"Nikki was born in December 1992 in a puppy mill somewhere in the Mid-Westie (oops...that's Mid-West), and later 'shipped' to his new owners in the state of Virginia. In early 1994, Nikki was given up to the SPCA of Northern Virginia for adoption after nipping at the child in the home. The SPCA had a difficult time placing Nikki, because he did not make a good first impression. He barked at everybody, was not readily friendly, and did not seem to care for men. We went to visit him at his foster home, and the rest was history. Nikki was adopted and came to his forever home on March 12, 1994, where he earned his nick-name "Nikki the Wonder Dog" (because we always "wondered" what he was going to do next!). Soon after, I became actively involved in Westie Rescue. Please visit us at http://www.capitalpaws.com."

SOCKS/RHETT BUTLER

Socks was adopted by Shirley Tiegden of Alexandia in June 2000 and was renamed to be Rhett Butler. In Shirley's words:
"'Socks' is such a special little guy! A little boy in a fur coat that spends his days and nights making mine brighter and more fun to look forward to. He loves, entertains and protects me. He is funny, tries so hard to make me love him (it didin't take much) but he plays, teases and begs for approval and praise. He accepts cast off toys and dishes, has adopted the house cat Shadow and is forever trying to make her like him. He readily accepted the responsibility of protectorate of the house and its human, makes friends and admirers of all my neighbors and those we meet elsewhere. One of the last weekends I felt less than well, his devotion was awesome. I had to find the energy to join him outside so he would go out. He is not "a pet"; he is a companion, a family member who gladly takes on his responsibilities to contribute to being family. As I write he comes in to check on me. How anyone could not want and need such an addition to their life is sometheing I'll not understand. A small exchange for housing, feeding and giving love that you get in return so unconditionally. "Socks" or Rhett Butler keeps me young, gives me joy and purpose, and helps me make new friends."

In the words of Socks:
"I am a Briard, a noble canine of French ancestry, formerly employed as herding aid of animals; also adept at keeping humans safely where they should be. After several transitory homes I have come to live in the historic Mt Vernon area of Virginia. My housemates are a confused human who named me Rhett Butler (rouge if I ever heard of one), but now knows I respond to the affectionate name of "Socks" that identifies my four white paws. She also refers to me as Mr Wonderful (when I do all my comical tricks) or her Little Bad Boy when I eat the cat's food. The other housemate, The Shadow, an aloof gray and apricot feline is a real source to display my affectionate side; I wash her down daily.
At my new home I get my lamb and rice kibble twice daily and fresh ice water as soon as I consume it. Some mornings I have to remind my human of my vitamin wrapped in cream cheese. I have acquired a lavender hedge hog, chartreuse tennis ball - one for inside and one for the yard - as well as other toys with which I entertain myself and my housemates. My favorite is a cooked marrowbone after dinner in the back yard (with human company, in the event I need some exercise and wish to play soccer).
It took me almost two weeks to make my housemates understand that I too should sleep in the master bedroom. My position is on the floor next to the bed. The feline gets the pillow on the bed. It is now my duty to awaken the human. A few quick licks or a cold nose in the proper area tells her the alarm is due to go off and that I need a walk to my favorite pole. I ensure that this is a pleasant start to the day by performing aerial circles across the family room prior to "Sitting" at the door for the leash. I greet the neighbors with a friendly enthusiastic wag of the tail and when petted a warm lick.
Although my weekends are a bit boring, sometimes they start out with an ice cube to capture & consume, then a snooze; now that Shadow has become friendlier, we do have a romp now and again. Evenings, however, I entertain any and all by displaying my skills batting balls, presenting "babys" for love, and watching TV (letting those dogs on it know I live here).  My rubber band legs never cease to amaze my housemates, I also give wonderful hugs, standing on my back legs with a snuggle of nose wherever it reaches. Rolling on my back, I juggle my stuffed toys for all to see what wonderful paws a Briard has.
My new human needs lots of attention/affection, I help with her grooming, watching the bathroom door, licking toes while she reads and letting her know that meals smell good and it is the appropriate time to go for a ride.
I have taught my human dog language: pacing=I need to go out, paws on car = let's take a ride, longine eyes=let's play or maybe just love on me. I am happy when I hear my human laugh and when the feline gives me a lick back. I have gained about twelve pounds, and my fur is getting longer and fluffy. In closing, you other orphans, keep with the help of the SPCA of Northern Virginia and others; you too will find a home, that you can bring love and happiness to."

BELIEVING IN A MIRACLE
By Juli Boyer and Nancy Herndon

Who says there isn't a dog for every human and a human for every dog? one of the most rewarding experiences for animal volunteers is finding the special person for a "hard-to-place" dog or cat - especially when the connection is made in the least likely circumstances and when least expected, as it was in the case of the Rottweiler, Miracle whose picture and story were featured in the summer 2000 issue of Paws To Consider. Miracle had been rescued by the Northern Neck Humane Society from an extremely abusive, neglectful situation in July of 1999 and subsequently turned over to the SPCA of Northern Virginia in December.
After extensive medical treatment and obedience training by Lisa Reid in Sperryville, Virginia, Miracle was ready to be presented for adoption. However, because of the lack of socialization in her past, as well as her energy, strength and incessant barking, she generated no interest at the open houses over the next months.
Here's where that Special Person comes in - actually Miracle was blessed by the intervention and caring of two special people: Debra Barnes, Humane Investigator and President of the Northern Neck Humane Society, the group that conducted Miracle's rescue and prosecution of her owner, gave a lecture to an AARP Widowed Persons Service Group, The topic was helping needy animals, including cruelty investigations. After the meeting Debra was approached by a gentleman who had been touched by Miracle's story and was quite interested in meeting her. He was a retired police officer, who was experienced with larger breeds and would have alot of time to spend with Miracle as his companion and friend. Since he had been alone for several years, he was ready once again for the companionship of a dog.
Since this man was known to Debra Barnes, as well as the Animal Control Office, Keith Hogge, who helped with her rescue and rehabilitation for 3 months until the case went to trial, the process necessary to adopt Miracle went quickly. Tom Wyand was anxious to meet his new companion, and so it was that on November 11th of this year, Tom and Miracle met for the first time at the home of her foster family. Miracle took to Tom immediately and curled up with him in the car on their long ride home.
So, Miracle has come full circle. Life in the Northern Neck area of Virginia was harsh and cruel the first time around, but now that's all behind her, and she's living the good life now with Tom at his two-acre home in Lancaster, Virginia.

UPDATE July 2006 - Sadly, Tom died in May. Since he had no family, Miracle ended up in a rural shelter, where another miracle occurred and someone recognized me as a former SPCA dog. So she is now back with us looking for another home

UPDATE July 2007 - Miracle passed from this life whilst still in our care.

JOEY

Joey (a Jindo) was adopted by Melissa and Andrew Cober in October 1999. This picture was taken on a weekend getaway to a cabin in West Virginia. In Melissa's words:
"He is "hunting" for squirrels although the squirrels were too fast for him! Right from the beginning, he has got along famously with our German Shepherd, Sasha . He is the most cuddly dog I have ever met and has been a wonderful addition to our household!"

COCO/CODY

Coco was adopted by Elise Rengers in August 2000 - just in time for the two of them to go to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's "Canine Games" where Coco had fun on the obstacle course and got a canine massage! Elise renamed him to be Cody because she has a cat named Coco.

Sept 2001 - we got this from Elise - "This is an update on "life with Cody". My beautiful black German Shepherd has been with me for a year now. Cody is short for Dakota. He responds perfectly to his new name because it sounds similar but is much more masculine - He is such a manly man ...
Cody is an alpha male who had gotten into several fights before he was adopted. He & I took the obedience training with the Northern Virginia Dog Trainers Association and even won FIRST PRIZE at graduation. He now understands that I may be small, 125 pounds to his 95 pounds of pure muscle but I am the alpha of this pack. Since Lisa of the SPCA trained him, he is used to small strong women telling him what to do. He now sits calmly in the shade while I do my gardening instead of lunging at the neighbors as he use to when he first arrived - protecting his territory.
Cody's house buddies are my 3 cats. They have adjusted so well to each other that he even lets them eat out of his food bowl first. He waits calmly and patiently until I come and scoot them away. But his favorite play buddies are his lady friends, Nala - the Husky with the blue eyes, Chiquita - the black Border Collie and Freda - the young German Shepherd. Below are two pictures of him playing with his new cousin, Freda at my sister's farm. Being an alpha male, he does not have male friends. But HE LOVES THE LADIES especially if they fuss at him, the alpha ladies. He just smiles ....
After the death of my Golden Retriever last year, I thought that I would never fill the void. I realize now that I will always miss her, Rachel, but our home is in balance again. I love Cody, he is family."

Sept 2002 - Cody came to our \Dog Wash and had a great time playing with a hose:

February 2004 - Freda (pictured above) needed a new home and has now moved in with Elise and Cody!

July 2004 - Cody has passed on due to a large tumor that the doctors found in his chest cavity.  He did not show any distress or pain until the last week.  I sat with him holding him as we put him to sleep.  It was gentle and peaceful.  I want to thank the kind people of the SPCA of Northern Virginia who rescued, trained and allowed me to adopt that big black handsome German Shepherd.  He & I enjoyed four wonderful joy filled years together.  I truly appreciate the calls, condolences and loving support that I received from these same kind individuals at the NVSPCA upon Cody’s passing.  I will be back to adopt another male dog to keep my remaining female dog, Freda, company.  I will return to this fine organization because of their knowledge, support and commitment to animals and their adoptive families.

LADY/SHAYNA

Lady was adopted by Carol Levie (who is now one of our volunteers) in November 1999 and was renamed Shayna. In her words:
From Sticks to Steaks… Lady was rescued by the SPCA in October ’99 from a neglect situation. Malnourished, pregnant, and with a host of other ailments, Lady was treated and released to a foster home for a few weeks.
It was love at first sight and, in November, Shayna (which means “beautiful” in Yiddish) became the newest member of the household, joining Mack, an 11-year-old Samoyed/Shepherd mix, and Domingo, a 3-year-old cat. The first few months were not easy for us. In addition to Shayna’s on-going health problems, behavioral problems started showing up as soon as she settled in. The worst was her prey drive, making life miserable for Domingo. It took more than six months, but the two have finally reached a workable peace.
Shayna is really enjoying life now! (The “steaks” are a bit of an exaggeration, though!) True to the German Shepherd temperament, she loves to work. She has graduated from Basic Obedience, both in a group class and in private lessons, as well as Sub-Novice and Novice Obedience group classes. Shayna’s really found her calling in Agility; she’s completed the basic level and is currently enrolled in intermediate level. 
It’s been a tremendous amount of work, but the results have been worth every moment. Shayna has blossomed into a magnificent, happy, and well-adjusted dog-a far cry from where she was less than a year ago!

Sept 2002 - Shayna came to our Dog Wash and was a little camera-shy that day:

DESTINY/NELLIE
Destiny was adopted by Chris & Susan Collins. In their words:
Destiny was a woefully sick and abused Australian Shepherd/Lab mix (although nobody could tell at first, as she had no coat at all) when rescued by the SPCA in Northern Virginia in August 1997 at Bailey's Crossroads...she had about a dozen different illnesses...when we adopted her in March 1998, she was a beautiful soul, but still a bit ragged and in need of intense medication...now, look at her!! Her pink, inflamed belly is now lush with beautiful hair, and any other bald patches are a thing of memory...Susan or Chris will take her for a morning walk of an hour or so...same in the evenings...and her diet has resulted in a thick and luxurious coat...she is a great soul, who loves our two rescue cats, as well. Nellie, virtually given up for dead a few years ago, now enriches so many lives.

Update October 2003 - Here is Nellie with her new brother, McDuff, who Chris and Susan adopted from another organization in May 2003.

Update September 2008 - We got an email from Susan and Chris giving us the sad news that Nellie had passed on after surgery. Susan estimates she was 14. Here are Susan's words:
Chris and I are devastated at her loss. We are eternally grateful to the SPCA for rescuing her and bringing her into our lives, and for those of you personally who knew her, we want you to know about her passing and how grateful we are to you for having rescued her and for bringing her to us.

BUFFY/BONNIE and LUNA/ZELDA and HIGGINS
Here are Bonnie and Zelda with Zelda's mom, Patty. Patty writes:
"No dogs on the couch... unless an extra blanket is needed. Bonnie and Zelda came into our lives in August 1998. Zelda (black) was adopted by Patty and Dave Szurek and Bonnie by Patty's parents Gloria and Bill Thomas. They were rescued together by the SPCA from the Shenandoah Shelter where they were about to be "put down". They boarded with each other at the shelter and they love each other so. They are a couple of the most adorable, loving little dogs who ever roamed the earth!"

In December 2000, Patty & Dave adopted another lucky dog into their family. They were fostering Higgins, a very sweet brown Beagle/Hound mix, when they realized the best home for him would be their own!

TRIXIE
Trixie was adopted as an incredibly cute young pup in 1998 by a man named Bob Pratt. As you can see from the picture, she is still incredibly cute. Bob and Trixie now live in Maine where Trixie goes to the beach regularly and chases moose!

BENJI
Benji was adopted by Sara Poole and her husband in March of 1996. Sara writes:
"This is Mr. Benji Poole. Benji was an abuse case. He was tied to a pole with another dog under really horrible circumstances. He was rescued by a person that saw the animals and cared enough to get involved and save them from their circumstance... It took him over 6 weeks in the hospital before he was well enough to be put up for adoption.
When I walked into the adoption event in Old Town Alexandria, there were a ton of perky, lovable dogs. Benji sat in a corner shaking and panting, he was totally beaten up by the world and a nervous wreck. Poor guy, he hardly had any hair on his legs because he basically lived in standing water around the path that him and his friend wore down around the post he was tied to, and he was at least 10 pounds under weight. Benji was only 1 year old - but he had lived a lifetime of abuse...
For some reason, I knew he was the pup for us. The first month was hard, Benji didn't trust us very much, but with a lot of love and patience, he came around!
This dog is now happily living in McLean, Virginia with plenty of toys, long walks, and love. He is a source of constant companionship and joy for us, he is truly a member of our family."

FLORA
Flora was adopted by Kimberly Sullivan and her husband Mike in September 1999. Flora was found lost, confused and very cold in the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd. Now she is safe, secure and spoiled rotten with her new buddies Bullet and Buster - 2 other doggies that are very lucky to have been adopted by Kimberly and Mike.

BERT/FRODO
Bert was being fostered for us by Tim and Janet. They decided he was a keeper in January 1999. Now Bert (who they renamed Frodo) has a wonderful life with their other dogs (including one or two fosters), cats and horses. Here is Frodo looking very content with Tim.

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