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Betty Dellinger
Pet: Nightmare
Nightmare came to live with us on April 27, 1993, from the Humane League of Lancaster County. When my son and I went to the Humane League to adopt a cat, it was hard to choose among all the fine cats. But one black and brown tiger caught my attention as he locked his green eyes onto my own eyes. He had very handsome markings, and then when he reached out his paw the deal was sealed. After getting acquainted with him, which was an easy process, we took him home.
The ride home and the new surroundings upset him, and when he was let out of his carrier, he tore around the room in circles. The next thing we knew he flew straight up the curtains to the very top, clinging there. My daughter remarked to our other cat, Amos, “What cat is your worst nightmare.” Thus he received the name Nightmare. However, Nightmare never lived up to his name. He quickly adopted, and became a loving purring member of the family. He was a happy cat. He loved the computer, and whenever someone turned it on, there was Nightmare. He would rub against the wires as if enjoying an electronic massage, and then he would hop up on the chair and sit with us; first in our laps, then he would move on behind our backs. Nightmare also had a “thing” for doors. He felt that something more exciting was happening on the other side. He insisted on checking out that theory over and over.
We had to move twice for job relocations, and Nightmare endured the packing and moving with grace. He seemed to fit right in the new houses with ease. Over the years we added another cat and a dog to the family. He became great friends with the cat and respected the dog. He had affection for most guests. Whenever my parents visited, he would sit in my Dad’s lap, but he preferred to follow my Mother throughout the house.
Nightmare passed away on September 12, 2005 He kept his happy demeanor, still purring on the last day of his life. He was 13 years old. We had shared many years of laughter and tears, and this essay is my tribute to him. We will miss our best friend.
Julie Castner
Pet: Marmalade
My Marmie and Me
“Mommie,” I asked, “could we go to the Humane League? Just to look at the cats?”
I don’t know what made me ask that particular question on the particular day, but now a little more than eight years later, I realize that this was possibly the most important question I have ever asked in my entire life. It was this question that led me to meet one of my very best friends: my cat Marmalade.
The memory of our first meeting remains vivid in my mind. Marmalade must have been the tiniest kitten in the Humane League. He was a little orange ball of fluff with perfectly round, ocean-blue eyes. He had a tiny scratch on his nose, probably a remnant of a playful fight with his brothers and sisters. His little tail was as thin as a pencil, and not nearly as long.
I took one look at Marmalade and fell in love.
Lucky for me, the feeling was mutual. Marmalade approached the door of his cage and rubbed against its metal bars, begging me to pet him. A deep purr, which was surprisingly loud for such a small kitten, rumbled up from his tummy. He looked into my eyes and I looked into his, and it was obvious to both of us that we were meant to be together always.
My parents, who are incredibly kind and generous, understood my connection with Marmalade immediately, and welcomed him into our family with open arms.
Over the years, Marmalade has taught me about so many important things, especially love. When Marmalade hops up onto my lap, follows me around the house, or falls asleep on my bed at night, his chin resting on my hand, I recognize the amazing power of unconditional love. I am eternally grateful to my parents, and the Humane League, for bringing Marmalade into my life. I would encourage any individuals who are looking for a truly life-changing miraculous experience to go to the Humane League and allow themselves to be adopted by new best friends of their very own.
Diana Weit
Pet: Zap
Photo Courtesy of Malin's Picture Perfect Pets
When I first visited the Humane League of Lancaster County I was accompanying a friend who was looking to adopt a dog. Although I was there to help my friend, it was I who was first attracted to a four month old Elkhound/ Shepherd mix named “Zap.” When I left the Humane League I couldn’t stop thinking about the adorable puppy I had just met. I went back that evening with my husband, thought about it over night, and decided to give Zap a home.
On June 29, 1992 Zap officially became a member of my family. He was such a wonderful dog that it didn’t take long to realize I had made the right choice. We had such a good time doing everything together. We went to obedience school for his first few years. One of our favorite events was walking in the annual Tailwaggers Trot, a fundraiser that benefits the Humane League. I even took him to get his picture taken with Santa and sent out Christmas cards with his picture on them. We enjoyed many summer weekends at the beach playing in the sand, and in the winter playing in the snow.
To put it simply, Zap rarely left my side. I took him everywhere I could. I was told Zap was tied to the door of the Humane League and left with nothing more than his name tag. By giving him a home and a loving family I suppose I saved Zap’s life. However, I feel that Zap is the one who saved my life. In him I found a loving companion and best friend. He was always there to listen and loved giving me hugs and kisses. I never took him for granted. I told him every morning and night that I loved him and always knew how lucky I was to have him.
On September 4, 2005 I lost my best friend. Zap gave me 13 wonderful years of unconditional love and friendship and was the miracle that made my life complete. I don’t know of any way to show how thankful I am to the Humane league of Lancaster for bringing us together. While I miss him terribly, I know that he will live on in my heart forever.
I am still grieving over the loss of Zap, but I know the day will come when I want another four-legged friend on my side. When that day comes, there is only one place that comes to mind for animal adoption, the place I would recommend to any friend or family member, the Humane League of Lancaster County.
Carrie Green
Pets: Trudi and Bean
Double Dog Dare by Carrie Green
Finding a special pet to share your life and home with is a truly wonderful experience. Losing that pet can be one of the most heartbreaking hurdles to overcome. With any luck, such an unfortunate even will not dampen the desire to find true pet love once again.
We lost our dog Prince after six brief years together when he became ill and was not able to recover. Soon after Prince was gone, I noticed how empty the house was without him. His presence had been so comforting and vibrant that his absence was a noticeable void in our home.
One rainy Saturday morning, we entered the busy lobby of the Humane League. In the center of the floor sate a beautiful dog with a shiny black coat and gorgeous brown eyes. We were instantly drawn to the animal and sank to our knees beside her. I looked up at the woman at the other end of the dog’s leash and remarked at her luck in finding such a pretty dog/
The woman’s name was Rosemary and she told us she was there to find “Sugar Bear” a home. Rosemary worked as a foster parent, caring for unwell or underage animals until they were ready to be adopted. Sugar Bear had been abandoned while pregnant and gave birth under a house. She kept her four puppies alive for five weeks until they were all rescued. The puppies had all been adopted that morning; Sugar Bear was the only one left.
Rosemary advised us that the young mother who sat patiently beside her was gentle, well trained, housebroken and sweet. We decided to adopt her. Sugar Bear was renamed “Trudi” and adjusted beautifully to us and our home. We felt the pain of losing a pet replaced by the joy of sharing our home with another.
A week later, Rosemary called to check in on us. I was happy to report that we were getting along fine. Then she shared that she had a new patient to care for… the fifth puppy.
I listened in stunned silence as Rosemary revealed the rest of a story we all thought had ended. The original rescue had left a puppy behind. No one knows how he survived, but he made enough noise to alert neighbors to re-investigate the abandoned house where Trudi had lived with her brood. “Little Bear” was underweight and missing some fur due to weeks of malnutrition, but was otherwise healthy. That Saturday we took Trudi to meet him. She seemed to know her pup instantly and gave him a thorough nuzzling. Little Bear was a furry, black ball of energy who romped into all our hearts. We adopted him as well and renamed him Bean.
Our veterinarian was cautious following Bean’s first exam; he’d had a rough start and could possibly be very sickly and small. A short time later, both dogs had fully recovered from their ordeal and all of Bean’s hair grew back. At present time, five years later, they each weigh around sixty pounds. Despite their harrowing experiences, both dogs are pleasant and well-adjusted pets.
Trudi and Bean completed basic obedience training and later on Trudi and I became certified through Delta Society as a pet therapy team. We joined KPETS and spent two years visiting nursing homes. Bean loves to play with other dogs at the dog park and chase rabbit around the yard.
I believe a broken heart can be healed by having the strength to open it to someone who needs you. If you have the space in your home and your heart, please consider adopting a homeless animal… or two.
Would I recommend the Humane League of Lancaster? You bet I would! Go ahead, I double dog dare you!
Heather and Craig Carlough
Pet: Annie
Our black lab/border collie mix, Annie, is a “barking billboard” for the Humane League of Lancaster County. Whenever anyone compliments our dog because she has a wonderful disposition or she’s so smart, or fun or good with kids or listens so well we say: “Thanks, she’s a Humane League Dog.”
Whenever anyone says, “That’s a GREAT dog, where do I get one like that?” We say, “Go to the Humane League, there are more like her there.”
Whenever anyone says, “What kind of dog is that?” We say, “She’s a Humane League dog that someone didn’t want and abused.”
We got her in March of 2001 when she caught my eye after weeks of going. She had a “Hi! My name is Tallulah and I’m an Akita!” sign on her kennel. I told my husband that he had to see this dog and that all the dogs had erupted in barking after a disruption except for her. Imagine his surprise and mine when we returned! There was the real Tallulah who had been absent and our little one looking so scared sharing the kennel. She had been a stray and wasn’t ready to be adopted yet.
We took her home when she was ready and couldn’t decide what to name her. After two hour of name throwing we got her full attention at Annie and it stuck. Annie obviously had a previous owner. She flinched anytime you moved too fast. She panic peed if anyone raised their voice. She had raw sores on her feet and was a tad underweight. She knew all her commands and was housebroken, but had no idea how to play. She hid when you threw her a ball.
Now Annie doesn’t stop retrieving the ball. She is our motivator, comforter, alarm clock; hang out pal, hiking buddy, neighborhood ambassador and most importantly, a great advertisement for the Humane League and dogs like her.
Larry and Heidi Homsher
Pet: Ricky
Why the Humane League is the Best Place to Find a Best Friend
In October 2004, we had to beloved 18 year old cat "Snowy" to sleep. We were so sad and grieving for him. In November our neighbor found a stray cat with kittens and asked if we wanted her after she was finished nursing her kittens. We brought her into our home in December. Because of her lack of contact with humans she was very aloof. Our hearts were still missing Snowy. In March, we decided to check out the Humane League for a second cat. We looked at all the cats and one male tiger caught our eyes. We asked about him and they said he had a sweet personality and gets along well with other cats. We choose him and brought him home with us. He was three months old. He is exactly what they told us. A sweet, loving cat who gets along well with our other cat. We named him "Ricky." Taking in a stray cat is risky because you don't know their history or personality. But getting an animal at the Humane League is better because they get to know the animal. We are very happy with our cat, thank you to the many volunteers and workers at the League who commit themselves to these stray animals.
Mike & Stacey Romberger
Pet: Romeo AKA Buddy
When I was adopted two years ago, I was adopted into a house full of cats. Cats are OK, but I have been asking for a little brother or sister ever since. Imagine my surprise when my mom and dad told me we were going to the Humane League. That day we met a couple of dogs, but none seemed to be the one for us. Well, at least we tried.
A couple weeks later, mom and dad said we were going to get an English springer spaniel. I didn't know what that was, but it sounded like a fancy sandwich so I was all for it. When we pulled into the Humane League, I hadn’t realized they sold sandwiches. We went into a room for a little while, when the Humane League staff member came into the room with a black and white dog. Mom and dad said he was a six-month-old puppy named Buddy. I said “no way can he still be a puppy” because he was much bigger than me.
We spent some time sniffing each other out. For a big puppy he was OK. Before you knew it, Buddy had a new leash and we were on our way home.
That was four months ago. I laid down the ground rules. Dad is mine, but he can have Mom. Mom decided that Romeo was a better name for Buddy. I have no idea why she calls him this, but I wish he’d stop kissing her all the time. Romeo and I are now best friends. We love going on walks with mom and dad. It doesn’t even bother me anymore that Romeo always wants to be in the lead. My favorite thing about Romeo is that he has big ears. It gives me something to hold on to when we are wrestling. (Did I mention he got bigger since we first met?)
Little did I know that going to the Humane League that night would be the greatest day of my life. Romeo is a great pal who has no problem sharing a rawhide with me, his little buddy.
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