Updates on some old friends

The only thing we at HEA love more than sending our animals home with their new forever families is hearing about how these furry kids are doing months - or even years - after leaving the Sanctuary. Lately, we've heard from a few adopters and wanted to share their updates with you - especially since many of you might remember their little faces!

The top two dogs pictured are Gunner and Peaches, who both went home with John and Rebecca Jacobson in Appleton a while back. Rebecca sent us a note, saying, "How time flies! Both Gunner and Peaches are doing well. When they play in the living room, they jump from couch to couch in tandem. Gunner loves to be outside and his favorite activity is rolling in the compost pile. Peaches is a lover and you should see her play!" We're so happy that these two are having a ball with John and Rebecca.

Probably the most famous pair of dogs to ever inhabit the Sanctuary were brothers Chubby and Lucky - beagle/basset hound mixes that came to HEA in 2006. They were 10 years old back then and had spent their entire lives outside - chained to their house. Not much of a life, huh? But, boy, did they enjoy their new lives at the Sanctuary! And everyone enjoyed having them around. They were inseparable. Yet even considering the conditions they spent their first 10 years in, they also adored people and were great snuggle partners.

But as much as they loved it here, they discovered they loved being adopted even more when the Tousey family of Bowler, Wis. took these two home last summer. The boys adjusted fabulously to their first real home and quickly bonded with their new, wonderful family.

Earlier this month (on Easter Sunday, in fact), Chubby passed away. Though the Touseys are grieving his loss, they have told us that Lucky is helping them cope. While we know he must miss his brother terribly, he's been very strong for the family and continues to eat, sleep and go for walks as usual. Diana Tousey reports, "I think Lucky realized before we did that his brother was going to leave us."

We're so grateful to the Touseys for giving both these guys such a great home. Lucky is indeed lucky to have such caring people to go through this experience with, and Chubby was lucky to spend his last year here on Earth with them. These two truly did get the chance to live happily ever after! (NOTE: Chubby is the one featured in the bottom picture above.)

GOOD things happen in 3s!

More fun adoption news to share with our HEA friends! THREE animals have gone home in the last week: two cats and one dog.

First, we'll talk about Ginger, who was fostered by Brian and Miranda until space opened up at the Sanctuary for her. Now, she's in her forever home with Gary and his daughter Haley, who live in De Pere. Ginger is an only kitty, so she'll get LOTS of cuddle time with her new family.

Then there's gorgeous Simba. We don't have a picture of this beautiful cat, but trust us, he's one handsome dude. Apparently Cameo and her children Alex and Caitlin of Green Bay thought so, too. The family was looking for a snuggle bug to bring into their home - and they found that in Simba!

Last but not least is Charlie! Charlie is a 4-year-old cockapoo who wasn't with HEA very long, but he sure won over lots of hearts during his stay. But we're thrilled that Nancy and her husband, who live in Clintonville, have taken him home. They initially planned to foster Charlie, but once they realized what a sweet guy he was, they claimed him as their own.

Congrats to these lucky animals and their terrific new families!

Catching up on our adoption news!

It's been a few weeks since we posted an adoption update, but we're making up for lost time today!

We've had eight furry kids find their forever homes in that time:

• Alf & Stanley: These two pals both went home with Bruce and Jean Hundertmark of Clintonville. The cats adjusted well right from the start - even sleeping in bed with their new parents on their first night home! Jean reports that Alf's "motor" runs almost constantly, and Stanley "sings" as he walks through the house.
• Lydia: This cute little canine is enjoying life with her dad Barry and "doggy brother" Spike in Green Bay. She, too, made herself right at home and instantly bonded with her new family.
• Dogee: This handsome dog found his forever home with Kendra Morris and her children in Mosinee, Wis. He is loving his new family - and skateboarding!
• Dan: Congrats to Alisha Smith and Mike VanderLoop of Green Bay, who welcomed Dan into their family. Dan is one lucky cat to have such great parents!
• Gus: We're VERY happy for Gus, who has come a long way during his time with us. This kitty is now happily ensconced in his new home with Patricia Devoe of Green Bay.
• Mazie & Fanny: These sweet cats went home with Karen Krueger of Green Bay. Thanks for loving the girls, Karen!

Because the blog only allows us to post five pictures per post, we've created an album on Facebook that contains photos of these animals. You don't have to have a Facebook account to view them - just click here.

And thanks to all of you for your love and support of HEA's animals. We couldn't do what we do without you!