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They’re the ones nobody wanted. And then you came along.
Maybe you saw them staring out from a cage at a shelter. Or pulled them off the street. One of you opened the door to your pick-up and the dog scampered aboard. Home.
We asked you to tell us about the dog or cat you rescued, and we heard from more than 700 people. These are just a few of the creatures that got a second chance. You’ll notice an amazing thing as you read these little stories … it’s the people who feel lucky.
Duke was selected as the winner of the Observer’s online rescue pet photo contest. His owner, Whitney Jones, won a $60 restaurant gift card.
I rescued Duke from a shelter when he was 12 years old. He had a broken jaw, was partially blind, was missing most of his hair and teeth and was crippled in his hind legs. After being neglected and abused for so long, I wanted to provide him with a loving home to live out the rest of his life. Though he lives with disabilities, Duke does not let it hold him back from enjoying life. He is three pounds of energy and gusto and has brought immeasurable happiness into my life.
Whitney Jones, Charlotte
Kitty was rescued from Lollypop Farm in Rochester, N.Y., in 2001. He’s a 12-year-old, seven-toed tabby. He’s sweet as can be.
Brittney Holmes, Mount Holly
Lucky was adopted in 2004 after a visit to the Charlotte pound. His hair was matted, he was skinny as could be, but he was so happy anytime someone passed by his cage. You could tell all he wanted to do was love and be loved. A worker said he was going to be put down the very next day. (An excellent sales tactic but it put into motion one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.) I signed up for him immediately and gave him his name for being rescued in the nick of time.
Aashima Agarwal, Charlotte
This is Maddie, our 4-year-old Dogue de Bordeaux. She was rescued from Charlotte animal control in September 2009. Maddie is wearing her favorite Halloween costume to a children’s party at the hospital where she works. Maddie is a certified therapy dog at Presbyterian Hospital, visiting Hemby Children’s Hospital every Friday. Maddie is an avid fisherman and loves to play with her brother, Bo, and cousins.
Abby Puckett, Charlotte
Mia was adopted when she was only 2-months-old from the Charlotte animal control shelter, she had only one month left to find a home before the shelter had to put her to sleep. Mia is 11/2 now. She is a very active and happy dog.
Johan Roldan, Charlotte
This is my little man, Wilson, who was rescued from the Humane Society of Charlotte five years ago. His interests include wet food, playing with his best canine friend Bryson, meowing and spending his days laying in the sun.
Emily Birt, Belmont
