I just want to thank all of you for the care that you gave to Wendy (RCA) and for bringing us together.

My dog passed away in July and I was heartbroken.It took me awhile to feel that I was ready to adopt another "best friend." I called TASTC and inquired about RCA. Much to my dismay, I learned that a deposit had already been paid for her adoption. I thought that it was just a sign that I wasn't ready for another dog. But to demonstrate the dedication and compassion of your volunteers, I received a call two days later from Rita. She told me that RCA's adoption had fallen through and she was still available! I hadn't left my name or number, but Rita had taken that extra initiative to find me by going through the shelter's phone log on the day I had called. Wow!

Two days later, I met RCA (whom I have re-named Wendy), and adopted her. I know that most people, myself included, tend to adopt the little puppies rather than a dog who is 7 months old, but there are some definite advantages. I've had Wendy for a week and a half and she has not had one "accident" in the house (knock on wood). She also sleeps all through the night. We've already taken her hiking and she's played with about every toy in the toy basket.

She has adapted very well to our family and has changed our lives for the better. But what has amazed me the most, was the sincere appreciation that she showed us on the very first night we had her. While everyone was decorating our Christmas tree, I noticed Wendy just sitting there, taking it all in, with such a contented and grateful look on her face. She will be our lifetime friend and I think she knows it!

Fate may have made Wendy and my family's lives' paths cross, but it might not have been possible without the caring volunteers at TASTC. I can't thank you all enough, other than to start volunteering at TASTC myself. If I can do for others, what all of you have done for us, the cycle will continue!

Sincerely,

Vicki Lucky-Powell and "Wendy"

Testimony: Adoption of "Holly", by Michelle Vivero at 1 Choice Realty ST G.M.A.C. Real Estate

"In short, we had just lost Simba, our Golden Retriever(who had been a member of our family forover 11 years), over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. We were heart broken.

However, by December 13th, I did one last search on Petfinder.com to see if there were any otheranimals who needed a home and there she was, just posted, from our local Texas County Animal Shelter. She was listed as a Golden Retriever/Spaniel mix, exactly what we were looking for to fill the hole left behind, in our family, from our recent loss.

My husband & I immediately made an appointment to visit with her at the foster home she was staying at. She was a little aggressive when we first walked in, however, after spending about an hour with her she finally warmed up to us, as long as we were willing to play for what seemed like forever! We then set an appointment to go back on Saturday, so our son could meet her. She fell in love with him too. Needless to say, we took her home that Saturday night.

Holly is the joy of our family. She is very affectionate and does not mind letting you know when you come home from work, that she has been home all day alone, has behaved well and now wants your undivided attention. If you don't give it, she will make sure she gets it! Each morning when I get up, Holly comes out to the living room and sets next to me on the couch to get her morning belly rub, just before going out. Holly is smart as a whip! She picks up new commands within just a couple of tries. Holly loves to play and chew up her tug toys, however, she only chews on what she knows she is supposed to.

Holly has truly been a lot of fun and she has created her own loving memory in our family and we look forward to having her with us for years to come.

So, if you have recently lost a family pet or would really like to have someone who loves you unconditionally, adopt a pet who needs a loving home, from the local animal shelter. The relationship you share with a pet is everlasting and they love you no matter who you are, what you look like, even when you are grumpy and pets are loyal to you when no one else is!

Remember though, owning a pet is a responsibility. The pet you adopt may have issues to work through, however, if you both are committed, the reward it great!

Holly is the 5th pet I have adopted either from an animal th shelter or a humane society, who needed a home, and I have never regretted it. They usually are the most loyal and loving animals you will ever come in contact with."

I am writing concerning the bichon frise puppy my husband and I adopted from The Animal Shelter of Texas County. What a positive Mo experience we had!

Beth Burch was a wonderful contact and answered my many calls and questions before we made the 4 1/2 hour journey to Houston from Fayetteville, AR. My husband and I truly appreciate you holding our precious Houston Mo (who we call mo) for us until we could get there to pick him up. We had been looking for a bichon puppy for quite some time and found your listing on petfinder.com and knew that this was a right match for us.

Mo did great on his ride back to Arkansas and stole our hearts immediately. He now loves toys, walks outside, and chasing his tennis ball around. He has also done great with crate training and is 98% house trained (which we are suprised about for a puppy his age.) Thank you so much for posting on petfinder.com, for if you hadn't, we would not have our little joy.

Good luck in the future finding homes for other orphans, just like Mo used to be. I am going to try to e-mail some pictures of Mo if I can.

Thanks again, Audra