success stories

from BARC adopters, continued..

OWL and PACINO were adopted from BARC a few months ago by a man willing to take on a challenge. OWL was a senior cat who had been originally adopted from BARC as a kitten and then returned 10 years later. Needless to say, she was very upset to be back in the shelter and was quite grumpy toward visitors. PACINO, was a long-time cat loft resident who was very fearful of people and had problems with compulsively scratching his neck until it bled. I am writing to thank you for the great joy you guys brought to our lives. Now, thanks to a person willing to give them a 2nd chance, they are happily living together in a new, loving home. He reports that PACINO still hides from people at times, but he gets along fine with OWL. She is very happy to have a home again, and has settled right in.

Finally, a happy tails picture! Here are our little "Chinese Boys" both of which were supposed to be foster children. They have taken over our house, our lives and our hearts. I'm also enclosing a picture of their sister Boo, who they love very much!

My boyfriend Eric and I moved to New York two years ago, and his allergies prevented us from having pets. After spending my whole life with cats in the family, it was hard to adjust to an apartment without a cat — it didn’t feel like a home. Over the holiday season last year, Eric suggested we go to BARC to find a kitty. He promised to start taking allergy medication; he could tell that our home was missing somebody. We visited the kitties at BARC several times and didn’t quite find the perfect fit. On our third visit (Christmas eve), as we were getting ready to leave empty-handed one more time, we spied a big old handsome cat curled up in the back of his cage. We hadn’t met EDISON before then, but as soon as we opened the door to greet him, we knew he was our buddy. That evening we brought him to the apartment, and it has felt like a real home ever since. We frequently marvel at how lucky we were to have found the perfect buddy. This Christmas we celebrated Edison’s first anniversary as a member of our family, and we don’t know what we would do without him. We're so grateful to BARC to have introduced us. —Sarah & Eric

I started volunteering at BARC in early 2006, having no intention of adopting a dog at the time. JAY was the first dog I walked and he was in pretty bad shape —he was pretty underweight, had problems with his left eye, and was incredibly skittish. However, he was so happy walking down the street that I couldn't resist adopting him a week or two later. When I took him to a vet, it turned out he had an ulcer and entropion (rolling-in of the eyelid) in his left eye. The vet thought Jay would have to lose his left eye because of all the complications but he ended up having eye surgery which thankfully solved the problems. I have had Jay for eight months now and people often comment that he looks like the happiest dog in the world. So many people tell me how lucky Jay is that I adopted him—but I always tell them that I feel that I'm the one who is lucky.... he is such a loving, curious, happy dog and he always brightens up my day. Thank you BARC for rescuing Jay, and for all that you do for all the animals! —Oded

We had told our son that he could have a dog when he was potty trained (which was when he was 18 months old), and guess what he is now 7 years old and we didn't get that dog. One day we were driving home from a birthday party and I told our son Luca that we were going to get a dog for him and now is the time. As we pulled up to our home an adorable Long Haired Dachshund was being walked right in front of our house, which was the only breed of dog my husband wanted, and I jumped out of the car and asked where this young lady bought her dog. What were the chances that she was a volunteer dog walker and CHOCOLATTE was up for adoption? I ran upstairs and had my husband look at the dog out of the window, Luca and I got to pet him and he was so sweet and adorable. I called BARC immediately and Debbie told me a bit about him and I said we would be by the next day. I picked Luca up from school and my husband Mark met us at BARC which is right around the corner from us and we took Chocolatte for a walk. Well that was it we took him home that night and love every minute we have with him. Luca and Chocolatte are great friends, and play together and we all get lots of kisses from our new him. Your shelter is an amazing place and you are all wonderful people! We thank you so much for completing our family with Chocolatte. —Lauren, Mark & Luca

We adopted Jack (formerly known as GARBANZO) from BARC in February. Since then he has doubled in size, weighing in at 55 pounds! He just celebrated his one year birthday with his proud owners, Lauren & Kevin. He is the happiest dog on the block, always approaching people for a little love. He spends a lot of time at the dog run playing and chasing toys or flies around in the backyard. He loves going to the beach and we recently found out he loves to swim! We couldn't be happier with our decision to adopt Jack! He is a character who is always making us laugh!! —Lauren & Kevin

The day we met our cat CARMICHAEL, my mom and I went to BARC to visit the shelter and pet the cats, with no thoughts of adopting a pet of my own. As I entered the upstairs cat room, I noticed little Carmichael sitting all orange and white in his cage. He was so cute I couldn’t resist bending down to pet him and give him some love. So I opened the cage door and reached my hand out toward him, he sniffed it, then started to rub up against my hand. He then came toward me so I stroked his body back and forth until he put his paws around my neck (in a cat-like way) as though hugging me. It was after this that we decided to adopt him, and I cried all the way home. So now Carmichael lives with us and likes to sleep on our couch, on the cable box, on my loft bed, and in all other nooks and crannies. He also loves to chase balls and toy mice. And that’s the story of Carmichael, our cat. —Sophia

Dear BARC— It had been a long, long time since we had a kitten in the house—we've been adopted several times over the years, but always by grown up cats —so when it was time for a new friend for Max and nobody turned up in the backyard, we came to BARC looking for a kitten. Zoe (formerly LINDSAY) knew she was the one for us, reaching out to tap my elbow as I looked at her cage mates.

She has dashed, lept, tumbled, snuggled and purred her way right into our hearts since we brought her home a month or so ago. Best of all, Max decided pretty early on that she was an OK housemate and puts up really well with having a shadow, acting as a pillow, and being chewed and pounced on. I think he's even starting to enjoy it. Here are a few pictures of our little charmer and her big hulking friend. Thanks for rescuing her for us! —Deb Wythe & Larry Trupiano

We adopted DIEGO back in April of 2005. He was born in December of 2004 on the streets of Queens and was taken to a pound in the city. His life was almost short lived as he was put on the list to be put "asleep", but luckily BARC came to the rescue and took him in. When we first visited BARC we were overwhelmed by the amount of cats that were housed, but to our surprise very few kittens. Actually there were only two. One was a scruffy little grey guy that was not ready to be adopted...and then there was Diego. He was affectionate and sociable from the get-go...at first glance he greeted us with a half purr and half meow, and extended his paw out for a hand shake (or maybe he wanted a high five). We knew immediately that he was the one! It has been a little over a year now and my girlfriend and I have decided that he is hands down the best feline to ever grace our lives . We think he might be half dog because he plays fetch and comes when beckoned. I think he's actually on the verge of learning the command "sit", but maybe that's just wishful thinking. He's affectionate almost to the point of being clingy, but we don't mind one bit...on the other hand he also loves a good sparring and has been known to jump out of the shadows for sneak attacks on your legs, arms, face..whatever he can get his paws on! Thank you BARC for such a lovable addition to our home! —Terence and Brandi

We found HEMINGWAY on BARC's website almost a year ago. After just one visit to BARC, I couldn't leave without taking him home with me. My roommates and I almost chose to bring him back! Taking in a one-year old pit bull is no easy transition. But he has been loyal, affectionate, and hilarious since day one. We re-named him Lucky. Not because he is lucky, (even though he is, having survived a gun-shot would to his left front leg) but because we are. He makes new friends out on his walks every day and was recently nominated the best dog in Greenpoint (by a couple friendly neighbors ofcourse). You may see us walking around — and he will probably lie on the ground and play dead to get some of your affection!

So please stop and say hello — he'll love you for it. Thanks to everyone at BARC for giving him such a loving home, and for nursing him back to perfect health. We hope to stop by soon to say hello. —Sheila, Joe and Lucky P.S. He still hasn't stopped wagging his tail...

Lola (formerly known as IVORY) has quickly become my best friend. I adopted her in July of 2004 when she was 2 and she has been a blast ever since! She loves to play in Prospect Park and she has developed a large group of friends among the other neighborhood dogs. Her brother "Handsome" was adopted from BARC and I was curious to know how he is doing. Lola loves sleeping on the bed, playing stick, her baby, beggin' strips and "singing". The picture is of Lola and her "baby" resting after a long day of hiking in Vermont. Thank you so much for letting me have the opportunity to love her!—Tara

In June of 2005 my fiance and I adopted CLAUDE a black and white kitten from BARC to keep our older cat Little Girl company. Then in November of 2005 we came to BARC and adopted a tiny calico kitten, ROSIE THE RIVITER. She and Claude are best friends and they groom one another all the time. It is so cute! We were also suprised at how much the little kitten Rosie and our Dog Kaboodle got a long. They snuggle all the time! Thank you BARC for bringing so much joy to our lives, we can't imagine living without our little furballs!! —Ash & Jon

My fiance and I adopted Groucho (formerly known as TOM CRUISE) and KATIE last year. They are a joy and I wanted to share a picture of them with their big sister, Love. Kevin passed away very unexpectedly last month and our dogs are even more precious to me.Thank you for all your good work. —Helen DiScala

I first saw Womble on PetFinder.com in 1997 while I was still living in San Francisco, planning a move to NYC. I took one look at her and knew I had to have her. After relocating in 1998, I called BARC and asked if she was still available for adoption, and you said "come on down!". It's pretty crazy to think that I adopted Womble in March of 1998 and Sophie (called JASMINE at the shelter) in December of that year. Womble is now 12 years old and Sophie, who was a puppy when I adopted her, is going on 8! I still can't believe it. My husband chris and I love them so much....they are our best friends. They love treats (when I adopted Womble, one of the volunteers at BARC told me "she likes ham") and they love the bed, as you can see from the photo. Womble and Sophie still come by BARC once a year to see Dr. Felton, so they still get to see their old friends, which means a lot to Womble as she loves to get the love. Sophie, who is more shy, is nicknamed "apron strings" after her habit of following me close to my ankles at almost every moment. She is a mommy's girl. I tell everyone I know about BARC...it's a wonderful shelter, where everyone loves the animals, just like we do! Thanks for everything that you do. We love Womble and Sophie so much, they have enriched our lives more than you could know! Thanks! —Kimberly Mora-Buckridge & Christopher Buckridge

Dear BARC— In 2003 we adopted MAY who had spent quite a few years in your excellent care. Today, we can't imagine life without her. She changed me in to a cat person. She is now one of three. She is eager to have her belly rubbed and to give enthusiastic head butts at every opportunity. No longer is she timid around other cats, or dogs, for that matter. —Bronwyn & Justin

I've been meaning to write a happy tail for some time. It's almost been a year since I adopted, Roxy (formerly known as ASHLEY), and I can't imagine life before her. She's come a long way since her BARC days. We had a bumpy start but she has mellowed out considerably and her confidence has grown immensely. She has the classic big dog trapped in a little dog syndrome and is the cutest guard dog around when she prances about. She is super affectionate to those she loves and trusts and she loves to go everywhere with me. She makes one hell of a sidekick! She's still not sure about other dogs/cats/strangers but that's a work in progress. She makes me laugh all the time and her playfulness is the best stress reliever. Other than that she's content in a warm lap or wrapped up in a blanket. Thank you for giving me such a great companion. —Suzanne G.

I adopted MR. MAGGOT (now called Simon) from BARC back in 2002. He was named Mr. Maggot due to an unfortunate incident that occurred leaving him without a tail. However, my tailess wonder continues to bring me joy on a daily basis. He and I enjoy many vegetarian meals together and many sleepy Saturday mornings in the sun. He misses his pals at BARC including "one-eyed Cody". Maybe he will come and visit sometime. —Sarah Fader

TURTLEHEAD, a special needs cat (now known as Seymour), has had no problems using his litterbox in the 6 weeks he's been with us. Giving him his daily medication is a small price to pay for everything we get in return from this wonderful little guy.

We are doing are very best to spoil him absolutely rotten and I have to say we're just completely smitten. He is the sweetest most gentle kitty, he loves to play, and his favorite thing is a good belly rub. He's the best cat ever! Thank you for the most special cat in the world! —Jen Shorten and Matt Spiegler

After almost a year of loving attention from our new cat Topocho (formerly known as CHRISTO) we thought it was high time to send you our heartfelt thanks. Topocho has transformed from a somewhat shy and mute cat to a talkative, attentive and wonderful member of our family. He follows us from room to room and has taken to snuggling close by in the bed. He's the best thing that's happened to our small family and we can't imagine life without him. Thanks for all that you do and many thanks for the care you gave him before he came to us. —Tamara & Roberto

My family and I would like to thank you for letting Sasha come into our lives. We adopted Sasha (who used to be named NANCY) from you in November 2005 when she was 3 months and now she is 6 months and the most gentlest animal I have ever come across. She is so sweet and affectionate and loves to be held and carried around like a baby. The kids love her as she loves them. Thank you again for everything! - R. Andrews

I adopted FRED nearly two years ago. She was teeny, with a funny boxy head, big ears, and extra toes on her front paws. Since then I've moved with her to California, where she spends most of her days chasing her many toys, basking in the sunlight, and lounging in her kitty bed. She is a beautiful cat and she knows it! Fred loves to meet new people and when I come down the hall to my door, I can hear her squeaking. I can't imagine not living with her and she has made me very happy. Thank you, BARC! Lindsay Hansen