HARRY’S STORY (as told by his guardian Ashlea)

My younger sister was determined to get a puppy. After an emotional visit to the Hamilton County Humane Society, we heard there were additional animals at PetSmart.  Onward we went and she found a puppy that she wanted and began filling out the paperwork.  And after seeing the quantity of forms to be filled out, I knew I had some time to spare and decided to go pet the older dogs.  

When I saw Harry I instantly fell in love with his dark eyes and scrappy hair. Reminding myself that I wasn't looking for a dog I kept walking, but shortly found my way back to him several times. He was the age, size and type of dog (Schnauzer and Terrier Mix) that I thought ideal.  He was so gentle and calm and content for a puppy. Someone from the Humane Society explained that he was sent over when the Dade County Humane Society was closed down. Harry arrived to Hamilton County thin and completely bald. When his hair started to grow back and the staff saw how much, they named him Harry. His front left leg was broken and never set causing it to heal crooked and leaving him with a permanent limp. They also said he was about one year old and had been in foster care. The foster parents said he was wonderful around cats, other dogs, children, and was house broken.  

I had heard enough and decided to spend some more time with him out of his cage. So we walked around PetSmart and I only fell more in love. He was so attentive, relaxed, loving and adorable. Single parenting wasn't easy at first, but I am so glad I stuck it out.  I can't imagine me without him now.

MACK’S STORY (as told by his guardian Rachel)

I had just gotten my first apartment with two of my best friends.  The trouble was, they worked and were in school, so I was home a lot by myself.  I've always considered myself a dog person, but I knew a dog was out of the question for an apartment.  So my sister and I went to the Catoosa Animal Shelter to look at the kittens.  I thought I'd probably get a baby kitten and that’s what I looked at first.  But out of the corner of my eye I saw a long paw reaching out of a cage, pawing at the air.  I walked over and stuck my hand out.  The cat inside the cage was bigger than a baby kitten, but still not a full grown cat, more like a "teenage" cat!  He wasn't clawing me, just patting me with his paw, so I asked to hold him.  I knew when I held him that he would be the one.  I said I'd take him, but I didn't know they required cash up front.  It was closing time so I promised to come back the next day.  The staff told me it would be his fifth day so if I didn't come back...well, let’s just say I knew I had to come back!  The next day I took them the cash and walked out with the love of my life: Mack!