From a senior dog who was adoptable for over 11 years, to a paralyzed cat with the will and determination to walk again, our success stories remind us why Core Paws is a vital need in the animal community. Here are some of our favorite happily ever after tales.
Odie
Sweet Odie was adoptable for over 11 years due to his aggression towards other animals. He waited patiently in a kennel environment for the right family to come along. After we met Odie, we made him a promise: we would never give up on him and help him find his forever family. Core Paws raised funds to pay for Odie to see a leading veterinary behaviorist in Portland with follow-ups as needed. Once deemed unadoptable, Odie found the most loving home ever.
Odie’s Mom, Sharon, says:
Odie is the most loyal and loving companion. I suffer from lupus and can say that he has truly saved my life. He sleeps next to me every night. I hope he is as happy as he makes me!
In this remarkable dog’s honor, Core Paws has created Odie’s Fund for Hard-to-Place Animals. This fund will help other animals like Odie get one step closer to finding a forever family by funding physical, medical and behavioral services.
Minerva
At 4 weeks old, Minerva was found on the side of the road paralyzed due to human abuse. She was cared for by a local veterinary hospital who called us for help. We found a wonderful foster mom for little M and she was taken in by one of our partnered rescues. After learning about autologous stem cell therapy and how it could help her, we raised money to help the rescue pay for her treatment. Long story short, Minerva was adopted by the vet tech who worked with her on this treatment!
Minerva’s Dad, Jeb, says:
I fell in love with her spirit and determination to live despite her special needs. She’s made great progress and we love her so much!
We look back to all the pieces that had to fall in place in order for Minerva to meet Jeb. She is in the best home possible, and we couldn’t be happier!
Donna & Delia
Bonded sisters, Donna and Delia, had been waiting for over 7 years when their new family found them on Core Paws. They started their lives as street dogs in Puerto Rico before coming into the care of one of our partners. They were very shy and required a special, understanding family. We knew that family was out there for them.
Donna & Delia's mom, Kristi, says:
This is my first time with a bonded pair, and it’s a wonderful experience. The unbreakable bond I see in these dogs is like the unbreakable bond my own daughters share. It’s been an amazing experience, I would do it again. I would encourage everyone to adopt a hard to place pet.
These girls are so loved in their new home, they even have matching beds and a full bin of new toys to play with. They found the perfect family, and we are overjoyed!
Marley
Marley had been available for adoption for over a year when his new home made a fateful Google search and found him on Core Paws. Marley’s need for daily medication to lessen the symptoms of a chronic skin condition made it difficult to find the perfect family. But as it turns out, Marley didn’t just have a heart for one family – he has enough love for an entire elder care facility’s residents and staff.
Marley’s Mom, Jennifer, says:
Every animal deserves a forever home. The loyal animals who are so appreciative of everything aren’t usually the young ones or the super cute ones. They all need a chance.
Today, Marley is loved and spoiled. He goes on van rides with the residents, runs free on the facility grounds, and does errands with Jennifer for tasty treats. He helps with the staff by interacting patiently with the residents and going on slow walks with them. He’s very popular and does rounds by the staffer’s side, going into each room and greeting all the residents with a smile and a happy wag to start their mornings off right.
Teton
11 year old and FIV+ Teton had the odds stacked against him. Senior and special needs cats tend to be overlooked in shelters. But wonderfully, not this day. Skyler and Josh were looking specifically for a FIV+ cat to bring into their family as they already had another cat with the same condition. They found Teton on Core Paws and knew he was going to join their family.
Teton's parents, Skyler & Josh, say:
We know that many people don't understand that FIV+ cats can live long and healthy lives. We adopted our first FIV+ cat a year ago. We educated ourselves and knew there was nothing to be afraid of and now FIV+ cats have a place in our hearts.
Today, Teton has full reign of the house and plenty of toys. He is happy, healthy and very loved.
Chili
Adorable 9 year old Chili was relinquished to a shelter due to her special medical needs. Her family was unable to provide her the care she required. Sherry was looking online specifically for a smaller, senior dog and she came across Chili’s bio on Core Paws and fell in love.
Chili's mom, Sherry, says:
Chili has made a big happy family even happier. Senior dogs are content to have a home and to be loved, it doesn't hurt that they typically don't need any training like a new puppy does. They just want love!
Chili is unconditionally loved alongside over 10 other rescued animals on a large ranch in Texas. She has hit the adoption jackpot - go Chili!
Ghost
Ghost, our Odie’s Fund recipient from 2017, has found his forever home!
Ghost was completely feral when he was caught by our friends at PAWS Humane. Core Paws fundraised to build him an outside enclosure, which was desperately needed to continue his healing process. This enclosure will be used for dogs like Ghost for years to come. Ghost got a little bit more trusting every week.
PAWS Humane says:
Once he was in a better place, he was moved into a loving foster home where he flourished with the other foster dogs.
All that love and attention worked because after 405 days with PAWS Humane, Ghost found his new forever family and is doing amazingly well!
Pooh Bear
My name is Pooh Bear and I am an 11 year old male. I have a heart of pure gold and I just love, love, love to get love from my favorite human. I just can’t get enough. Have a lap available? I’ll be first in line to cuddle. I am a large cat that can sometimes be a little finicky and a little lazy, if I’m being totally honest.
His adopter says:
Pooh is a great cat! I am 99% sure he's so unusual looking because he's not a regular cat. He has the characteristic multi-tone fur of an Abyssinian - an exotic breed whose ancestry goes back to ancient Egypt. That would explain the giant ears and unusual bobcat-like fact. Abyssinians are prized for their intelligence and friendliness and he is both of those. They can sell for more than $1000 as kittens. I may change his name to better reflect is illustrious heritage. He loves his new home and is getting plenty of exercise following me up and down the stairs. He's not lazy at all.
It seems Pooh Bear just needed to be in his forever home to get his energy back!
Skippy
Hi, I’m Skippy and I’m as spunky as can be! Some people feel sad when they find out that I have three legs, but it doesn’t bother me at all because I am the happiest dog in the world. I’m a really upbeat guy who loves to hang out and get patted on the top of my head. I have a great time with just about everyone, and I give unconditional love to my special people! I’ve come a long way since someone found me running through traffic. Having three legs doesn’t slow me down these days. I’m still building up some muscle in my back leg, and I’m getting stronger all the time. Just wait until you see how fast I am when I’m chasing squirrels and playing with toys (squeakers are my fave!).
Live Love Animal Rescue Says:
Our man Skippy is stopping by to let you know that he got adopted!Skippy was found alone on the streets with a mistreated injury to his back legs. After one of his back legs was amputated, this resilient pup spent months in physical therapy learning to walk as a tripod. His forever family fell in love with his spunky personality, and he was officially adopted last week! We are so happy for Skippy that he found his perfect match!
Ruby
This beautiful girl has had many challenges in life. She spent years in a now-closed rescue barn together with 70-80 other cats and little human interaction. She was painfully shy. She is a senior cat with associated medical problems. And, as a kicker, she carries the feline leukemia virus, meaning that her golden years might be all too short.
Cat Adoption Team says:
The Cat Adoption Team worked to correct Ruby’s health deficiencies and moved her to a quiet office to help her make the social transition to living with people. Ruby soon grew comfortable interacting with people, though usually from the safety of her favorite bed.Ruby’s adopters came to CAT specifically to provide a home for a senior kitty. When introduced to Ruby, they had no problem with Ruby’s special needs or her FeLV status. Ruby traveled to her new home in her favorite cozy bed, but was out and about checking the view from the window within a day. And after a month, Ruby has totally made her new home her own.She can now spend her days watching "cat TV" and getting love from her new family. We are so happy for you, Ruby!