How did you find Goose and what was your adoption experience?

I have had my dog Heisty for three years, she is a yellow lab and also a rescue. She loves other dogs, but we never really were looking, until COVID hit and my office told everyone to work from home for the foreseeable future. I thought it would be the perfect time to take in a rescue since I would have plenty of time to spend with them. I searched the VBSPCA website and saw many adorable pups I knew would be adopted, then I came across a fluffy white cloud that had been there for over a month and needed multiple visits before he could be adopted. I knew right away this was the pup I wanted! My family has been involved in animal rescue my whole life so I was ready to put in the extra time he would require. During our first meeting he started to warm up but was still very hesitant. One of the employees told me he was extremely frightened of men. Each visit he would perk up more to see my familiar face and on the fourth I did the big test — introducing him to Heisty. I was so nervous and was praying all day they would click. They immediately loved each other and even started playing, and I knew she would be the perfect big sister. Throughout the visits, he had not let me do more than pet him gently, but when we arrived at our home I sat on the couch and he jumped up to cuddle!

What is Goose like in his forever home?

It has been four months since I adopted Goose and he is doing great. Each day I would see him get more and more comfortable and have had plenty of time to work with his confidence since I work from home. I take him to Sandbridge on weekends to see my parents and sister. The first visit he would not let my dad within 20 feet of him, but now he runs and jumps on my dad and follows him all around the yard. I think he may be his new favorite. While I work at home, he plays with his sister all day and takes naps with her at my feet. He is also the fan favorite of Zoom calls as he loves jumping on my chair and saying hi. I could not imagine my life without Goose at this point and I know Heisty feels the same way! I can tell he finally understands that he is here to stay forever.

We’ve heard that he is quite the jokester, what are some of his funny quirks?

He has such a unique personality. Goose is always sticking his tongue out, but just enough to where it looks hilarious — I call it his resting face. When I lay on the couch he will jump on and just stand on top of me without moving. If I try to move him he will lay on me and will not budge. He loves jumping on the couch like a kid and body slamming his sister then pouncing on me. I cannot move an inch in my house without him following me and he is the biggest momma’s boy around. If he knows you, he will give you the biggest jump hug of your life when you see him!

What are your favorite activities to do with Goose?

Goose loves his walks and going to see his neighborhood friend Bentley at the dog park. I take Goose and Heisty to the beach often, although he only likes to dip his paws in the water so far and watch his sister swim through waves. He does enjoy digging in the sand and politely sitting next to the closest family with food. He also loves to play his own version of fetch where he lets Heisty get the ball then side attacks her, turning the game into a wrestling match. Goose loves his daily walks where he can watch all the wildlife and say hello to the other dogs passing by.

Why should someone consider adopting an animal?

Adopting an animal brings an immense amount of love and purpose into your life. It sounds cheesy, but my two rescue dogs have saved me more than I have saved them. They have been there for me in the darkest times and bring so much joy to my life. The unconditional love you find in animals is greater than anything you will experience, and these sweet animals deserve a second chance at a loving permanent home. They do not judge and will be the best companion you could ever hope for. I am not saying it doesn’t take work and training, but every tough moment is worth it to come home to my two rescues.

How did you find Maggie and why did you choose her?

One Saturday morning our nephew had a lacrosse game and I happened to be browsing the VBSPCA website when Maggie popped up. I guess you could say it was love at first sight. I left early and stopped by to meet this sweet baby. I sat in the visitation room, petting her and talking to her. She immediately rolled on her back for belly rubs and I knew she was mine.

What is her adoption story?

When I met Maggie, I was told she had a lot of health issues and that someone had donated money for some of her healthcare.  I declined the donation and asked that it go to another animal that could benefit from it. I knew the health issues going in, but I knew we had the means and a wonderful veterinarian.  My understanding of Maggie’s first years was that she was tethered on a porch by a shoestring and there were multiple pets on the property, which explains Maggie’s issues with protecting food. 

How did you help her build confidence and trust?

Maggie had a lot of trust issues when we brought her home. I knew we had to shower this angel with hugs, kisses and lots of love. Thankfully, my mother lives with us so she did not have to be left alone during the day, and I think this helped a great deal. (My mom’s name is Margaret, so she always says that Maggie is her namesake.) Seeing how Maggie has begun to trust, how she interacts with the other pups in the house, how she has really come into her own fills my heart with pure joy. 

How has she been doing in her home?

Maggie has really settled in perfectly with our family. In the morning when it’s breakfast time, I ask Maggie if she’s hungry and she starts running in circles and through my legs. Most Fridays are Maggie at work days. When I’m leaving, I just say, “Are you ready to go to work?” and she goes right to my car and off we go. And she has recently found her voice! When she wants something, she looks us dead in the eye and barks. Most of the time she wants to be on my lap. 

Have you adopted any other pets?

I lost my 8 year old Dachshund unexpectedly 14 years ago and my family was devastated. There was definitely a void. We talked about getting another dog. One of my coworkers told me to look on the VBSPCA website, and there was Callie! Another love at first sight. When I went to meet Callie, I wasn’t quite sure if this was the right decision as I had never adopted an animal. Adopting Callie really was such an awesome experience.  The joy we felt taking this baby from the shelter and welcoming her into our home felt so good. Just knowing somehow we made a difference in this pup’s life. We loved her so much, spoiled her like crazy, my husband refers to her as our “dogter.” This was such a happy and rewarding experience, we came back for Cadie the next year. We have no children of our own, so these girls are our children.

Why should people adopt?

All I can say is in the case of Maggie, she fills our home and hearts with such love. We received so much in return and she is truly a part of us now.

When Maddox first arrived at the VBSPCA, he caught everyone’s attention. He’d been in an accident and was covered in burn wounds with open sores on his ears and neck. Our cattery staff took delicate care of Maddox in the months that followed, making sure his wounds were cleaned and medicated while also giving him lots of affection. After 4 long but TLC-filled months at the VBSPCA, Maddox was finally adopted. We reached out to his adopters to see how he is doing, and here is what they had to say:

How is Maddox doing in the home?

Maddox is quite the character and even a year later, parts of his personality are still coming out. He makes us laugh every single day. He is the most energetic, playful, feather loving, cuddly little boy who you can always count on having his tongue out. I’m pretty sure he thinks he is just like our dog Scooter because some of the things he does to mimic Scooter.

What was it about Maddox that made you choose him?

Greg and I were looking to add another cat to our family as a companion for our other cat, Oreo.

I was scrolling through the VBSPCA website at the current adoptable animals and that is when I came across Maddox, then known as Nelson. His markings in the picture and his look really intrigued me, not knowing the past he had, at the time. Greg and I chose a weekend to stop in and meet him and it was love at first sight. Learning his backstory about being burned made us want him for our family even more, especially knowing the love and life that we would give him. We had to wait a couple weeks for medical testing before we could take him home and now we can’t remember what life was like before him.

Why do you think people should adopt animals that need a little extra TLC?

Animals who have a rough past have the most love and appreciation to give when they find the right family for them. A quote that I have read that has stuck with me is “an animal might only be a part of your life, but to them, you are their whole life” and I couldn’t agree with that more. It may take some time for them to come around, but when they start to love you back and show you their personality, there is nothing better than that! We feel so blessed to have Maddox in our family and all that he has added to it since last year.

If you are interested in welcoming a pet into your home, view our adoptable animals here.