Every pet adoption is cause for celebration

When the bell rings at Nevada Humane Society, it is, for me, one of the best sounds in the world. It means that a dog or cat has been adopted, and everyone pauses whatever he or she is doing to applaud.

It is true cause for celebration because the animal is getting that new home it has dreamed of, and the person is getting a new best buddy. It does not get much better than that.

We also love to hear from people about their adoption experience.

This is one of my favorites:

“We walked through the kennels, my husband wanting all the dogs, me totally overwhelmed. Suddenly, we spotted Congo. It was as if he was saying, ‘It’s OK, I’m gentle. Let me help you not be afraid.’ At home, he was every bit as gentle as he promised, even with our five cats. I don’t feel like we rescued him as much as he rescued me.”

The gift you give a pet when you adopt is obvious, but we often find the pet gives back to us, too, sometimes in unexpected ways.

Stacy wrote: “Gypsum was smiling as if to say ‘I’m the one you’ve been looking for!’ He’s tested my patience, like any 2-year-old, but I wouldn’t trade him for all the money in the world. I’ve learned that things can’t be perfect all the time. For me, it was a learning experience, but a good one. He is my best friend, my protector and my snuggle bug.”

Deb and her husband came to our shelter to find a talkative, older cat and selected Speckles: “This bossy little old lady runs a tight ship! She tells me when she wants food, lap-time and when to go to bed. If I’ve moved her little pillow that she lays her head on, she complains. Speckles has blossomed with us, and she’s been great for us, too.”

Melissa’s short and sweet note said; “My husband and I came to your shelter and found our life — Elvis. I had just lost my grandfather and really needed a friend. This adorable guy helped me through my time of need and made our family complete!”

It is not every day that we get to be a hero by saving a life and give ourselves a gift at the same time, but when you adopt a pet, that truly is the deal.