Every dog and cat that we find a loving home for is a success story. Our staff waving goodby as the new owner and pet leave our shelter is the happy ending. Below are a few success stories that illustrate the commitment both of our staff and the wonderful people who adopt from our shelter.
THE COMPASSIONATE THIRD LIFE OF LIRIO
by Lirio herself
Allow me introduce myself; my lineage (such as it is) tracks with a series of three names. Before they took me to the shelter I vaguely remember being called “here kitty” or “hey cat,” if I was called anything at all. You might say that this was my first life, on the streets. I commenced my second life when I was taken in by the NCSPCA. Here they called me Lily, and I especially liked the loving way they did so. From time to time at the shelter someone would come through and sure enough, one of my canine or feline compañeros would be gone and sometime later we’d hear about so-and-so’s new family. I’d been there for several months by this time and I was what they called “adult.” I knew that the longer I stayed, the less likely it was that someone would want me.
Two lives it seemed, was to be my lot. 
I had just about resigned myself to the likelihood that this was it for me, it just felt as though there were never enough visitors for all of us. Then quite unexpectedly one day, our caregiver Pam came in and told me that someone was coming to meet me. Well I thought this could be my chance at lucky number three, so I spent some extra time that night cleaning and making sure my coat and whiskers were clean.
When Pam brought me into the front room to meet Marianne I went right onto her shoulder. She had this big, soft wool scarf, speckled and wrapped all around and she seemed to hold on as if it felt right. I started purring and she murmured about me being “her girl” and I wondered if this was what “family” was. Seems like I stayed right there for a long time until sure enough, we were bounding out of there going over the road to home. It all happened so fast that I didn’t really get a
chance to say Adiós to all my friends y gracias to the good people at the shelter for your loving attention.
Now I’m called Lirio, Spanish for Lily and Latin for the flowing tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera). Marianne calls me “the compassionate third” and says that by coming home with her I’ve created a circuit, where before there were two. “Home” it turns out is a warm and peaceful place with soft bedding and big windows that let in wide bands of sun that I slowly follow throughout the day. I like to spend time in the windows checking out the birds as they eat at the new earth coming up where the snow was a short while ago. I can see where the voles have made their tunnels under the snow, now as spring reveals their network of soil channels. I’ve seen the Owl called Aristotle swoop down from the Pine in front of the house to scoop up critters as they pop up from underground. Most afternoons I watch deer sauntering out back in the clearing, grazing on the low brush. The ice is out on the pond now and the sound of the brook running in the morning is enough to wake the house. A group of three ducks have taken to the newly open water and just last Sunday morning Brian held me while we watched wild turkeys over by the apple tree, calling and breaking open the morning.
Marianne Patinelli-Dubay, North Hudson
SHADOW
Shadow, a German Shepard mix, was locked in a cellar for the first three years of his life. He was rescued by a dog control officer and brought to the NCSPCA. Shadow had never socialized with people and for many weeks he was withdrawn and very protective of his cage space. The shelter staff worked daily with Shadow and soon his true friendly personality flourished.
Shadow now has s second chance to enjoy life in a home with a loving family. He just been adopted. Here's the first report from his new owner.
Here's a quick update on Shadow. He has been fabulous! Acts
like he's lived here all along! Ignored the 
cats, made immediate friends with our daughter and our other dog, and calmly explored each room in the house! He readily accepted my husband as "alpha" male, they get along so well. We are very happy with him so far. He loves the snow and we have a lot of snow! His tail has been wagging nonstop! We've just settled in to watch the Olympics and he has made himself right at home on our living room floor, taking a nap after an active day. Shadow is such a smart dog; there is a very old soul behind his beautiful amber eyes!
Thank You,
Julie Smalls
LUCKY LOUIE
This letter is for the board to see as well as the staff. We adopted "Lucky" today and of course, we are the ones who are Lucky! But together with all the great things about adoption day, I need to tell you how wonderful the staff is at the shelter, especially Pam and Tim. Actually I should not name names, because they are all great. I have lived all over the country and have never taken home a dog as clean and happy as this one. They were not expecting us, so it is not like they got him bathed and ready for us. When we went back for a quick visit, he ran back into the shelter to talk to all his friends. Your gang makes life at the shelter so wonderful for all of its residents. We are really blessed. This is a thankless job and the staff is always pleasant and courteous. Thank you shelter gang first for Lucky, now known as Louie, but also, thanks for all that you do! I hope you know that you really make a difference in the lives of these darling pets.
Molly & Waldemar Kasriels, Westport
NICHOLAS
We wanted to drop you a note to let you know a little about Nicholas
whom we adopted on June 18th. He is deaf, and the canine cardiologist
has told us that his heart murmur is "profound" caused by an enlarged
heart and congestive heart failure. Nonetheless, with medication, he is
enjoying a very comfortable and active life. Nicholas divides his
time between our homes in Olmstedville and McKnownville. He wants
to meet every person he sees. He enjoys going on long walks at SUNY Albany and rolling around in the grass in our fenced-in back yard. He enjoys playtime with other dogs once a week at Liberty Canine Daycare. He is a very special part of our family and we only wish he had joined us years ago. Clare & David McNally, Albany
KOOPER
A little update on Kooper. He continues to do well. His personality has really come out and he is such a joy and just wants to please. He never leaves my side voluntarily. Dexter (a black lab) and Jack (the cat) have become his best friends. They all play so well together. Kooper has learned many commands and is able to walk off leash with me down the road in the back to the lake. Upon the free command Kooper and Dexter run and romp and have a ball. He runs like a lamb and has great fun. It is so nice to watch them romp up and down the grassy hills. Kooper finally went to a proper groomer Monday. Here is his proud picture when he came home from the groomer. Anyway, things are great in Paradox for Kooper. Thanks again. Jeannie Scalis, Paradox
RUSTY
Rusty was a horribly abused dog who was given a second chance in life when he was brought to the shelter 3 years ago. He was terrified, emaciated and aggressive. Slowly the staff restored him to handsome good health. But while Rusty was friendly and affectionate with the staff, he was intimidating and standoffish with strangers.
Monica and Tom came to the shelter to look at a litter of puppies but they had read about Rusty in the Valley News and asked to see him. Monica said, “We realized immediately what a predicament Rusty was in. The puppies would easily find adoptive home but Rusty needed us.” Over the next few weeks, Monica and Tom drove from Schroon Lake to the shelter twice a week to spend time with Rusty. They fed him biscuits, petted him, and took him for long walks. They understood that
they needed to woo Rusty, to 
spend time with
him and create a bond of trust.
Over time Rusty warmed to his new friends. The final “meet the family” step was a shelter play date with Grace, the other family dog. After 12 visits over six weeks, Monica and Tom knew that the time was right to bring Rusty home. As the staff waved good-by, Rusty happily jumped into the car to begin his new life.
Today, two months after his adoption, Monica said, “Rusty has fit right in. We’re totally in love with him. When Tom is watching TV, Rusty will sit by his side making squeaking noises until he’s invited up on the couch. He and Grace are best friends and play all the time. We cannot praise the staff enough for their support and we are so grateful to have Rusty in our lives.” Monica Roberts & Tom Fisk, Schroon Lake
CODY
Cody is an absolutely fantastic dog. His temperament is superb, he’s wonderfully intelligent, and he learns quickly.
Cody is patient and kind with the children. Catherine, my three-year-old, can be a terror, and Cody tolerates all her antics with serenity. She puts hats on him, chases him around the house, and then she turns around and he chases her around the house. My little boy, Nicholas, will grab Cody's collar sometimes (I am always holding Nicholas when this happens), and Cody will just look at us both peacefully.
As a guard dog, Cody has excelled beyond my dreams. He sounds the alarm, and gets my two other rescue dogs, lazy in their old age, to do their jobs. When we go off for a long walk in the woods, Cody comes back instantly at a short whistle. All in all, we could not have hoped for a better companion. I'm happy to say the process of finding Cody on Petfinder was seamless, and the staff at the shelter was wonderful. When we’re ready for another pet to join our motley crew of rescues, we’ll definitely come back to the NCSPCA. Claire Carpenter, Orwell, Vermont
HOLLY
When I walked into the NCSPCA shelter, I was looking for a dog of Alaskan heritage...something strong, athletic and genetically tough. I wanted desperately to find a “replacement” for Harry, a malamute mix who had recently died after being my constant companion for 10 years. Harry accompanied me as I skied all 46 peaks. He was also a bit of a warrior and protected me on many occasions. I missed him tremendously and wanted him back.
My trip to the shelter that day never landed me another Harry. Instead, I found myself immediately drawn to a little black and tan dog that smiled at me when I arrived. She was everything Harry was not: small, happy, light hearted and almost giggling. But when this dog wiggled and tried to say hello from her kennel I instantly realized she was THE ONE.
Holly’s energy, kindness and compassion are constant. She brings new friends and relationships my way, helps me when the sun is not shinning and gives kisses to any who dare get close. She asks for very little and is an ambassador for all of her kind. She is happiness wrapped in fur.
Holly asks that you consider a visit to the place where we met: the North Country SPCA shelter. Consider adoption. You won’t be disappointed and you could meet a very good friend. Betsy Richert, Keene
FOREST & AFFA
If anyone out there is interested in getting a new pet but isn’t sure what they want I recommend a rescue pet. I recently adopted not one but two animals from the North Country SPCA.
I went on Petfinder.com and promptly found a little Afghan hound terrier mix named Affa. She was perfect! When I first saw her in person I fell in love
While I was signing the paperwork to adopt Affa I noticed a strange cat waddling around. I asked about him and was told that his name was Forest and the reason he walks so oddly is because part of his brain never developed before he was born. Forest had been at the shelter for over a year. He was friendly and seemed perfectly fine to me even if he was a little off -balance.
I brought Affa home and my family immediately fell in love, just as I had. My mother began spoiling Affa worse then I do. Even with the happiness of having Affa around I still couldn't get Forest out of my head. I knew that I had to adopt that cat. I called the shelter and took Forest home.
Affa and Forest are both doing very well. Affa has the energy of a puppy, despite being twelve years old. And Forest has pillows all over my house to lay on that are there just for him. Every once in a while I think about what would have happened if I hadn't adopted them. Because of their age or imperfections they might not have ever found a good home. They have added so much to my life after being here for only a short time and will continue to do so. It's funny to think how they don't even know how happy they make me. Holly Dumar, Chazy