I just wanted to write again and extend a big THANK YOU for taking care of my wonderful dog, Piper (formerly Cuddles) until we could find each other. I am so glad I found her. I love being a dog mom! SHE IS THE GREATEST DOG EVER!!!! She is so well-behaved, so sweet and so smart. She walked into my apartment on Saturday morning and looked around as if to say "yeah, ok this'll do." She made herself right at home. I just know we have lots of happy times ahead of us. I just wanted to let you all know that Piper has found a really good forever home. She is everything I ever wanted in a dog. (I know she's not perfect - but she's so darn close and she has such a capacity to learn!) Kitty told me last week that Piper was a lucky little girl. I disagree - I'm the lucky one. Thank you all so much for the wonderful work that you do. I'm so happy with my new best friend.
~Laura Braz (Piper's mom!)
We adopted Rusty in May 2001. He is such a special guy! We had been searching for dog for a playmate for our golden retriever, Sammy. When we saw Rusty, a 10 month old golden retriever on the Happy Hills web site, we knew we needed to be the ones to give him the forever home he deserved. He is 1 year old now and has fit in so well with our family. He is such a sweetheart, loves to give kisses and play with his new big brother Sammy and watch over his 2 kitties, Buddy and Max. As we watch him nap with Sammy, swim in the lake, go on walks, go hiking, hop in his crate to sleep, play with all his toys and look lovingly in our eyes and talk to us, we can't image not having him. We want to send out a huge thank you to Happy Hills Animal Foundation who pulled him from the kill shelter where his owners left him to be euthanized. Thank you for giving Rusty, a very deserving little guy the wonderful and spoiled life he was meant to have. Forever in our hearts
~Jill & Sambuca & Rusty Jackson
I adopted Asha, who is now "Sullivan" the end of May. He was just a small kitten when I got him.. he barely fit into the palm of my hand. I didn't know if he would get along with my other cat, Sabastian, but they took to each other almost immediately. At first Sullivan was quite shy and would run away from me, but now he has begun to sit on my lap and snuggle with me and my other cat. Sullivan loves to pick play fights with Sabastian, who is twice his size. When Sabastian fights back Sullivan just whines and complains. He's quite a prissy cat and prances around the house. Sullivan is already growing into a nice sized cat. I'd like to think eventually he'll be a big Tom Cat, but I can wait until then.
He has been such a joy to me in so many ways. Although he is still a kitten and makes a lot of noise.. even when I'm sleeping! I just wanted to thank you for rescuing him so that he could have a wonderful new home with me! He has been a wonderful pet and I can't wait to mail you pictures!
~Jennifer Laws
I honestly can't tell you the joy that Rusty (formerly Ace) has brought to our lives. He is the most wonderful little guy. He wasn't supposed to grow, 2 different vets (Happy Hills and ours) both estimated his age as between 1-2 years but he has grown 3 inches and gained 5 pounds! I don't think you all would recognize him all filled out and with his hair growing longer. Must be the Eukenuba food! He still fits into his Sherpa airline bag but just barely. He loves to ride in the car, too. The housebreaking was easy and we are working on some obedience and tricks. He must have wandered off from his home, as it is impossible to believe that someone would give him up.
~Kandy
In June we adopted Dusty. Cheryl had tears when he left with us. We really love your foundation. You folks really care about your animals. When we took him to our vet here in Wilmington, he was very impressed with the condition he was in and asked for your web site and post office mailing address. We feel that God sent us an angel when he sent us Dusty. He has had his teeth fixed and all three of us love him with all our hearts, souls and mind. We truly thank you for allowing us to have him in our home and our heart. I think any of us would die for him. He is the BEST!!
~Pat Colbourn
After losing our family dog who had been with us for almost eleven years, I decided to look for another pet to keep us company. The house was just too quiet without the happy greeting at the door and the joyful car rides. I browsed at several pet websites looking for a smaller dog.
I found Sparky, a King Charles spaniel mix at Happy Hills Sanctuary's listing on the website "Arfdigita.com". He looked to be just the right size and age. I e-mailed Happy Hills and also left a telephone message for them. I was quite anxious to
find out if Sparky was still available. He was so cute, I couldn't believe he wasn't adopted!
Fortunately, the staff at Happy Hills contacted me right away to say that Sparky was available and we arranged to visit him at the rescue. Although Happy Hills is an over 320 mile roundtrip from my home, my daughter and I set out early one Saturday morning to visit Sparky. The staff had just finished grooming him as we arrived. He was very friendly, and very handsome with his black and white fur freshly washed. When he was excited, he would walk upright on his hind legs. We walked him around the yard, and spent some time with him before deciding if he was the dog for us. Happy Hills had so many dogs and cats that needed forever homes, it was hard to bring home only one. The kitties were in their outside pens enjoying the fresh air and we visited with them with Sparky at our side. He had no aggression problems with the kitties at all. This was important to us as Sparky would be joining a family of two kitties (at that time-we now have four). We decided that Sparky was the dog for us. The Happy Hills staff made the paperwork process very easy for us and provided the records they had for Sparky. After a couple of hours, it was homeward bound for one very excited King Charles spaniel and two very happy humans. Sparky has been with us for four months and has proven to be a joy. His good nature and enthusiam about everything around him constantly brightens our days. We are very grateful to Happy Hills for their efforts to provide foster homes and adoptions for homeless pets. Without their dedication, we wouldn't have our wonderful pet, Sparky.
- Laurel Ingraham
In a few spare moments before my departure for a weekend camping trip, I decided to tidy the house a bit. I was not wearing my glasses when I reached over to pick up what appeared to be a hair band that had fallen in a dark corner of my kitchen. As the "hair band" slithered through my fingers, my brain slowly told my hand "IT'S ALIVE!" Right then I realized I needed a predator around. I had just picked up a snake that had entered as a result of some repair work we were having done. Later, my family headed down to Happy Hills to adopt a cat. When we got there, there were lots of sweet little kittens. I emphatically told Cheryl that I didn't want to wait for one to grow up! She had a jet black mamma kitty that had been dumped nearby while giving birth. Two of her babies had survived--two had died. I liked mamma's spirit and her sweet personality. We picked her up after her kittens were weaned, and she had been spayed. We've had Sondra for about 10 years. She loves strangers and welcomes all visitors with a jump into their lap. She particularly enjoys sitting on people who are wearing black. I'm convinced that her wild side thinks she's camouflaged and safe in this black fabric jungle.
I have known Happy Hill's proprietor, Cheryl Routh, since she was a teen. Her single-minded mission to serve our community is apparent in her levelheaded approach to animal care and placement. Adoption works both ways at Happy Hills. Secretly, I think we're the ones who are getting selected. Who benefits the most from the deal may surprise you!
Go ahead, stop by Happy Hills and let a sweet little kitty or dog pick you out!
-Judy Herndon
I just wanted you to know that our kitty, Mitzy (we kept the name you gave her), that we adopted from you around Sept., 2000, is such a joy. She is the gray and white beautiful cat. She adjusted well with us right away. She also loved Gizmo our cat, but he didn't love her at first. That came later. And, she loved our Pomeranian doggy, Tasha. She likes us to throw her "ball" and she fetches and brings it back to us. She gets our attention by setting down 2 or 3 of them at our feet if we "try" to ignore her. She usually gets her way and we throw her balls. She is absolutely beautiful and her vet loves her to death. We live in Wilmington and the 2 hour drive was well worth it.
Warmly,
Shirley Hughes
We have now had Toto a month and just wanted to say Thank You for rescuing her and posting her on the Internet. She is a fabulous dog, and instantly became an integral part of our family. Very gentle, extremely affectionate, wants to please and ever so patient with our 4 year old twins. She does have some funny habits---jumps up on the kitchen cabinets and just sits there (with those little tiny legs!), hides her bones in our suitcases and dirty laundry, and has to be carried downstairs for breakfast and bathroom in the morning as she wants to stay in our bed with the children and watch cartoons.
Just wanted you to know we are very happy and think she is too.
Patti Holt-Grassler
We adopted 2 dogs, Rags and Jeb, and 3 cats Nubbin, Janette, and Mikayla, from Happy Hills. All have been wonderful companions. Cheryl and Happy Hills do a wonderful job of rescuing abandoned or abused animals, and I know that Rags and Janette would have been put to sleep at a regular shelter. But Cheryl saw their potential, and kept them until we came to give them a home. Cheryl is also careful about the animals she adopts out, and won't send an animal that doesn't like children to a home with kids, or a dog that doesn't like men to a home with a man living there, etc. We have nothing but the highest praise for Happy Hills!
-Kitty and Chris Elder
I adopted Tonka....I just wanted to update you and tell you that this is absolutely the BEST DOG I have ever owned. He is obedient beyond words and very loyal to me. He LOVES to go for a ride in the car.....I take him everywhere with me. I have also figured out that if I leave him alone all I have to do is leave the bedroom window blinds open so he can watch for my return. THANK YOU for taking such good care of my dog while he was waiting for me to adopt him, he is such a sweet natured dog and now I am his best friend and companion.
-David Latham
Sophie is the love of our life. She became one of the family in no time. Her big brother, Pete wasn't sure what to think at first, but Sophie was relentless. She chased him, gave him doggie kisses, pulled on his ear until he gave in. Now they are the best of buds. Pete was an "only dog" for 4 years, but he can't even remember what life was like before Sophie. They chase squirrels, chipmunks, and each other all day long. They are so tired at night when they come in, they just lay around at our feet.
I feel so blessed and enriched to have Sophie. She has made our family complete. I have no idea why someone didn't scoop her up before me, but I'm glad they didn't.
Thanks so much to the staff and volunteers there at Happy Hills for taking such good care of our girl before we came to be her forever family.
-Stephany Briggs
I adopted a Belgian Tervuren/Chow mix in June 2001. When I was filling out the application I was trying to think of what I could offer this puppy and how she would benefit from living with me. Little did I know that I would be the one hitting the jackpot. I have always been shy, but Hailey thinks that she needs to introduce herself to everyone she sees, whether it be human or canine....Because of her beautiful looks and wonderful temperment, she charms everyone and we have made a lot of friends. Hailey goes everywhere with me and we do a lot of activities that we can both enjoy like: Doggie Happy Hours, Playdates with her friends, Dog Show Fun Matches, Bark Ball, Obedience class, lots of trips to Petsmart/Petco and most recently we have been introduced to Herding Sheep. (She is a natural, but I need lots of lessons LOL) Hailey was also in a calendar to benefit Search and Rescue Dogs. Hopefully when she matures a little more we will be able to pass the CGC (Canine Good Citizen)and TDI (Therapy Dog International) test.
I am very thankful to Happy Hills for allowing Hailey to be a part of my family.
-Gena Norwood in Maryland
We adopted Peter from you in Feb. and I wanted to tell you he has been a wonderful companion for my widowed mother in law. He was quite shy at first but his personality is really blossoming. He didn't even know how to play when Olga first took him home but he is a fast learner! He loves his rawhide bones and is so cute when my dogs go over for a visit as he hides his bone from them. He is so gentle and came into her life at a time when Olga was lonely and sad. Now Olga always wants to share something with us about Peter and has to hurry home to Peter when she is out and about. Thank you all for rescuing this wonderful little man and giving us the opportunity to take him into our family.
Dauna, Bob, and Olga
I have had Ginger for a little over year now, I adopted her in June 2001. She is the best friend I could ever have. I feel as if we were made for each other. I took her to the beach today and she loves to run in the water and play in wet sand. She loves her runs that we go on, and she also loves going for aimless car rides. Except for my dad (who is her 2nd favorite person next to me) she is still scared around men. But we are happy together. I don't know how anyone could hurt such a sweetie. Every morning she sits on my bed and watches with great interest as I put on my make up. She only eats when I eat. If I feed her breakfast before making mine, she will wait until I make mine and sit down to eat it, before she eats.
My year with Ginger has been a pleasure as I think back of all the fun things we have already done. She's been to obedience school, walked in a walk-a-thon for the humane society, and is always the center of attention when I throw parties. She has been to Rochester NY, Florida, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Traverse City Michigan with me.
I look forward to many more fun and happy years together.
I firmly believe nobody could ever love that little dog more than I do, she is loved to pieces.
-Ashley Lancz
I want to give you an update on Rusty aka Rich. He has adjusted to his new home quite well. Home wouldn't be home without him. I can't recall ever loving an animal so much. He is kind, sweet, playful and full of love. I am truly lucky for having him in my life.
Thank you for posting him on your web site. I guess some things in life are just meant to be. GOD brought us together.
-Lisa Foley in NJ
We just thought we would bring you up to date on our wonderful addition to our family. Shona has adjusted to our family beautifully. From the first day we got her she has used the bathroom outside in her fenced in yard. She has a wonderful playful spirit but also listens when we tell her "no." She is enjoying her yard but also loves to come in a get lots of loving from her family. She especially loves Ally her eight year old "sister." The two are often found sitting on the couch together watching t.v. Sometimes at night she wants to go into her crate in my office before the rest of the family is ready to put out the lights.
In closing, we wanted to thank you for all the love and care you put into Shona before we got her. This foundation we believe has given her the ability to be a loving dog for our family. Thank you so much.
Most Sincerely,
-Lisa Fields and Allyson (Ally) Cogan
Here we are w/ a long overdue update on Gracie, formerly known as Salt. She is doing well here in her new forever home in New York state. She was a dream of a traveler for the 9 hour trip home. Just a sweetheart.
Gracie has a fenced yard where she runs and runs and runs each day. She spends time w/ her furry sister Libby and they seem to be bonding more each day.
Gracie truly loves people--she really does "cuddle and hug". Her nature is loving and very sweet!
She is a small dog (approx 17 lbs) w/ a huge appetite. No fussy girl
here--she loves all kinds of food! She did well on her house training and has settled in to the household routine nicely.
Thanks for everything HHAF--you gave us a wonderful new family member!
Terri & Ed Bobal
