Success Stories
Peaches
Peaches is a 5-year-old cocker spaniel mix little girl. She lost her first family. Luckily, she had neighbor friends who were looking out for her. They contacted CIW for help. Peaches is a sweetie who is very obedient, a great companion, and just loves to cuddle. She had so many angels looking out for her, but none of them was just the right home. Then a wonderful couple met Peaches at an adoption fair and it was love at first "woof!" Peaches found her family! Now she goes for walks and runs on the beach every morning with her Mom. She has a yard that is hers to play in and take sunbaths, and most importantly a "forever" family to love her to "bits and pieces" and whom she loves just as much. What could be better?
Gary
Gary was abandoned by his first family and left to starve along with his siblings. The new, young neighbor couple who had moved in, decided to find homes for all the kittens and did, except for Gary. They realized that he was not your ordinary cat. In their care Gary quickly returned to a healthy, happy feline friend. Gary is a big, sweet boy who has striking good looks and the personality to match. He was exclusively an outdoor cat, and was not comfortable being confined inside. However, he was also very unhappy if left out past dark, and meowed until he was let in. The young couple had two kitties and thought their home was not big enough for a third, so they contacted CIW. Once we began to show Gary at the adoption fairs they realized what a big hole there would be if he were not there. They realized that handsome Gary had found his "forever" family. It had just taken them awhile to realize it. Don't you just love this happy ending?
Marcus and Dora
A call came from a family with an un-spayed momma kitty who had a litter of three kittens, and the family needed CIW's help. That is how Dora and Marcus and another sister came to CIW. This kind of call has been more frequent and sad because methods to prevent female cats from producing unwanted kittens are so easily available. These kittens were some of the lucky ones though. The tiny mom kitty had done a great job raising her babies and they were now ready to find their "forever" family. At one of the CIW adoption fairs a neat lady came by and saw these two faces staring at her through the window. Her first words when she came in were "I'm in love!" and just like that a new family was born. Now Dora and Marcus have someone to love and take care of and who loves them too. How exciting is that!
Bochy (was Juniper)
It is always amazing when stars and planets align and things fall into their proper places. So it happened with Juniper. When Juniper was a very young puppy one of his back legs was broken but no one knew. His family brought Juniper and his siblings to the Palo Alto Animal Services and abandoned them there. That is when his broken leg was discovered. All his siblings were adopted, but Juniper remained. So Juniper came to CIW. He needed rest, recuperation time and someone with patience to guide him and strengthen his back end. A friend of CIW whom we had helped through Min Pin Rescue decided she wanted to help CIW. We told her about Juniper and she decided to take him on as a foster. Juniper and her resident dog became inseparable, and soon Mom was saying, "He's staying with me." He is named "Bochy," Mom's favorite Giants member, who also has a unique walking style. Young Bochy's hips and back legs are getting stronger, and Mom says he runs like the wind. The stars are a strong force for this young boy. May the Force remain with you always.
Charley (left) and Calvin (right)
Calvin was separated from his mom and siblings before he was a month old, and had lots of solo "not-so-fun" adventures on a busy street before he was rescued. He needed to have another cat to reach him how to be a good companion family member and to play with him, because he lost his mom when he was so young. Then along came Charley.
When students go to college and get lonesome for their companion animals at home, they often get an animal while at school. A problem arises when it comes time to go home. The family companion animals are at home and no more can be accommodated. Some animals are just left at school to fend for themselves but others, like Charley, are taken home and then provisions are made to find the animal a new home. Lucky for Charley!
Both the kittens' rescuers called CIW for help. The two kittens became best buds. Then the best part happened. A lovely lady came into one of our adoption fairs and saw the boys. She thought about what it would be like to have two rambunctious kittens in her family and decided it would be just perfect. Now Charley and Calvin have their own Mom and their own home in which to run and jump and cuddle.
Dinah
A family in Palo Alto was feeding a very social abandoned kitty who decided to have her four babies in their garage. Unfortunately, the family lost their home to bank foreclosure. They couldn't take the mom kitty or the kittens, but wonderful neighbors stepped in to continue care of the little family. When the babies were old enough, homes were found for them all and the mom cat came to CIW and became Dinah. She was a great mom, but just when she was ready to become the light of some family's home, along came a great couple who were looking for a very special "ginger" kitty to join their family. Mom saw Dinah on the web and Dad saw Dinah in person. They both decided that she was the special kitty they had been seeking. They've only begun to find out just how special she is!
Jade
Here is the tale of a young handsome cat. We don't know where Jade was born but somehow he ended up in a Southern California shelter. No "forever family" came to adopt our good-looking boy but he was one of the lucky ones. When his time ran out at that shelter, he was transferred to a shelter in the Bay area. There he lucked out again. A lovely lady saw Jade and took him home, but despite everything that she tried, the resident feline and our boy didn't get along and neither cat was happy and made their unhappiness known. The lady did not want to take our boy back to the shelter so she contacted CIW. Because CIW had no foster homes available, she continued to have Jade live with her while CIW looked for Jade's real "forever family". One day there was an e-mail from a family in Arcata in Northern California saying that Jade looked like their previous feline companion. They wanted to give Jade a home with them. They drove down to meet our boy and a match was made. Jade (now called Sammy) has found his perfect family. He sleeps with his new Mom and Dad and as Mom reports," He comes and finds me when he realizes I'm not right there and talks to us quite a bit. He is very loving toward both of us especially in the mornings when we have our coffee in bed. He loves to play with his toys." One could say he is one happy boy! Congratulations and many happy years together to you all!
Oliver
Oliver is a 3 year old Bichon Frise mix who was found wandering in Palo Alto. He was taken to the Palo Alto Animal Services but no one from his 1st family came looking for him. We found that Oliver would be best in a home with another dog. Along came a wonderful lady that had adopted from CIW previously. She met Oliver and was charmed. We had a "meet and greet" with her dog Dudley, that turned into a play-date that turned into a long weekend sleep-over and Oliver never came back to his foster home! When we went to finish the adoption paperwork, you could tell that Oliver knew he was home - in his "forever home" with his Mom and his big brother. How exciting is that!?! Yippee!
Domino (was Cinnamon)
CIW was contacted and this message was left: "I have a beautiful cat that lives on my porch. I have been taking care of him for about 2 years. He was neutered by the people at the apartment house who used to feed them but the management said that had to stop. So I took over feeding and caring for 2 of them. One cat, Cinnamon will let you hold him, groom him, and rub his belly. He is the sweetest boy and I feel he deserves a loving family who will truly appreciate his sweet nature." We were able to help. Black and white, Cinnamon was truly a big love bug! Then one day a call came asking if Cinnamon was still looking for his forever home. The voice at the other end of the line said she was moving but would call when the move was complete and she did! At the meet and greet, Cinnamon really poured on the charm but it wasn't really necessary. His new Mom was already smitten! After she left, Cinnamon did something he had never done. He went and sat on the mat by the front door as if to say, "She's the one. My bags are packed. What's the hold-up? Let's go!" Cinnamon has a new name - Domino, a new Mom and a new home. It took him no time to feel at home. Everyone who meets him is charmed by this wonderful boy. And so they should be! Many happy years together!
Pablo and Amy
Momma cat Lincey came into a yard as a stray unspayed feral kitten who had her kittens behind a shed. The family found the kittens and Momma and brought them inside. Pablo (black and white male) was always looking after and protecting his sister Amy who was the shy girl. The Adoption Fairs were extremely stressful for Pablo and his wonderfully gentle, playful personality disappeared. Amy's shy personality took over and so many people passed her by. One day a gentleman saw the kittens in their carriers and was intrigued. He went to their home where they felt comfortable and a match was made. The kittens even ran to the window looking for him as he left. Now they their forever home with stairs to run up and down, an indoor ficus tree to climb, furniture to jump on and a Dad who thinks they are wonderful! What could be more perfect?
Lili and Jake
In July '09, 7 kittens were born in Pacifica to a feral Mom cat. The kittens were rescued from the feral life when they were very young but their rescuer was not able to help them. A wonderful foster Mom was found and the kittens started to grow and thrive. The smallest little girl found her "forever" mom first. The other kittens grew into beautiful cats. Their foster Mom decided that two of the boys were meant to be with her and so they are. Another sister is the star of her family. What about Lili and Jake. Lili is very bonded to her brother Jake so it was important that the two kittens stay together. So they waited. One day a phone call came. The voice on the other end of the line asked if CIW had a pair of kittens that were bonded. She had been looking for a while for the right kittens to ask to join her and become a family. When she met Lili and Jake she knew she'd found the kittens she'd been seeking. A new family was formed. How exciting is that?!
Lucy
Around Thanksgiving '10, a young couple were at Harris Ranch in the Central Valley. They found a young female dog hiding in a ditch. After much coaxing, the dog finally came, climbed into a lap and went to sleep. When no one came to claim her from the local shelter, the young couple went and brought her to their home. They couldn't keep her so they contacted CIW for help. We all gave Lucy time to get her confidence back. She learned some good manners, to accept cats and her playful personality returned. She had met another wonderful young couple awhile ago but Lucy wasn't ready to join a family. They all met again along with their puppy Maxie. The girls got along like they had known each other all their lives. They played together from the very first. Lucy accepted the resident kitties too. The new family says that it is as if Lucy has always been part of the family. We couldn't ask for anything more. Yippee!!
Frankie and Dino
Frankie, Dino and a sister were rescued from a feral mom cat's very large litter. The kittens were not getting the nourishment they needed to grow strong and survive, so they were taken into a home. They grew up with another kitty and a large dog. The sister found a home but it took the boys a little longer. Frankie was the shyer brother and relied on Dino. Dino was the more relaxed outgoing brother. The boys needed to go to a home together. Then along came a family who were looking for a pair of bonded sibling kitties. They met Frankie and Dino and the rest, as they say, is history. The boys have the family that was meant for them. Frankie's personality has blossomed. The family have two fabulous brother kittens in their family! Yeah!!
Maggie
Maggie started as a stray puppy at the Peninsula Humane Society seven years ago. A family found and adopted her but it was not to last. Maggie's caretaker asked CIW to help look for a great family that was meant just for this wonderful girl. Maggie is a spayed, micro-chipped, lab/hound mix. She loves people tall and short and gets along with dogs. She loves going for a walk, playing with her toys, fetching balls and just hanging out with her people. We found out that Maggie needed a relatively quiet home with lots of structure, where she could be the only dog.
Maggie met a wonderful couple who looked after her. She bonded to them and they fell under the spell of this great girl. It took a little while but a match had been made. How perfect is that?!
Lily
Two young sister kitties came to CIW in June 2006. Soon the sisters were adopted by a lovely family and for the next 2 years and a little, the kittens grew and were wonderful companions for the family. Then something changed. No one knows exactly what happened, but suddenly Lily was fighting with her sister and the family dog. Things were not good. In 2009, the family sadly brought Lily back to CIW. Lily wanted/needed some alone time and she got it. Although she came to the Adoption Fairs, she disliked being there. At home she loved getting attention, being with the resident cats was a total sweetie. Then one day there was an e-mail from a long time CIW supporter and super kitty mom, to say that she was ready to share her home with another kitty and she wanted to adopt a CIW cat. When she came to meet the cats, she was drawn to Lily who curled up in her arms. Lily has found her "forever" Mom and her Mom has found a wonderful companion! Eureka!!
Popo Mica
Four years ago, a healthy one year old Popo Mica was adopted from a rescue group in Delaware. In 2010, this same little cat turned up at the Atherton Police Station. We tried to trace her micro-chip but it was a dead end. When Popo was tested, we discovered that she had feline aids (FIV). Like human aids, feline aids is an auto immune disease transferred from an infected animal to a healthy animal through a bite wound. But aids kitties can live a long life with care. There are the questions - How did she get to California? How did she get aids? Who abandoned her? Popo is not telling. Otherwise Popo is a healthy, sweet little girl, but she needed indoor home where she is the solo kitty with someone who understands Popo can have a long happy life with a little care. Not easy to find! An angel appeared and fell under Popo's charm. Popo helps her Mom with her jewelry and Mom looks after her special little girl. Nothing could be more perfect!
Arnie
One year old Arnie was brought to Palo Alto Animal Services as a stray before Christmas 2010. He thought his luck had turned for the better when he was adopted, but it was short lived when a job change forced his new family to return him to the shelter. That was when his luck really changed! He became a TV star and very shortly thereafter, he met his new "forever" family. The boys in the family (and Mom too) were looking for a little dog that would be there for them; someone that they could love and who would love them. Boy did they find the right little boy! Arnie's body may be small but the quantity of his love is huge. Many happy years together!
Christy
In early 2004 CIW placed a wonderful female border collie mix little girl named Christy. She had already been rescued from a very rough shelter in northern California. Her young life had been a series of horrors and Christy had many terrors. She loved people. She loved to put her paw on your arm to let you know that she didn't want you to stop petting her. The family who adopted her were ready to help her with her fears and they did with many of them at the time. The worst was the fear of loud noised especially motorcycle noises but in June 2005 that fear became insurmountable when 3 neighbors bought motorcycles. It was reluctantly decided that Christy needed to again find a new home and she did in the Gold Country. In February 2006, we had a phone call to say that Christy had disappeared. No "found dog" reports came in and we all feared the worst for Christy. Then in Nov. 2010, just before Thanksgiving, Christy's first rescue Mom had a phone call to say that Christy was at Animal Control in Mariposa. She went and brought Christy home and this home is where she is staying! Thank goodness for microchips and good people. We thank the lady who took Christy in and loved and cared for her during those years. We know how upset she was when she surrendered Christy because she was no longer able to care for this special girl. We wish we could tell her that Christy is with the Mom who first rescued her and they are both so happy as are we all!
Astro
A little over half a year ago, a young (about 1 year old) miniature pinscher mix little boy was picked up as a stray and was taken to a shelter. No one came looking for him. He was rescued from the shelter by Min Pin Rescue and went to a great foster home with two other min-pins. He waited and waited but no family came forward to say they thought this little guy belonged with their family. Astro has a great personality, is playful and loving. He loves his toys, yet he can be calm and relaxed. A great friend to CIW came and told us about Astro and the fact that Astro still hadn't found his "forever family". Could we help him? We invited Astro to come to our final Adoption Fairs for 2010. At the very last Fair, a lovely lady saw him and realized Astro belonged with her family. Astro had found his "forever place".
We are delighted that CIW could assist Min Pin rescue in finding Astro's perfect forever family.
Bella
Bella was rescued when she was a tiny kitten. Her rescuer became her forever Mom. Twelve years later, her Mom became very ill. She knew she was terminally ill but she wanted to make sure her kitties were going to be safe. Several of her babies are safe in a sanctuary but 2 of her babies she felt would do well with a new family. Both came to CIW. One was a young female who found her forever family first. Bella was her other kitty. Bella was older. she had lost most of her teeth. She was overweight. Her first Mom had called her "my little balloon!" She is a little shy at first but is so very sweet and gentle. She loves attention and cuddles. When she gets over-stimulated, she drools! Her foster family tried hard not to fall under Bella's spell but it didn't work. They couldn't imagine her with any other family. So she's home to stay! She's at home with the other family kitties and dogs. Her new Mom and Dad say that now their family is complete. Isn't that perfect?
Daisy and Omar
Mom, Lincey came into a yard as a stray feral kitten. She would eat and play but was very clever at not getting touched. Then she got pregnant. She had her 5 beautiful kittens about July 2nd or 3rd. The family kept feeding and working with her until they found the kittens and brought them and Mom inside. Mom is now spayed and is with her forever family. Her kittens are spayed/neutered and micro-chipped. Omar is the leader of the pack, very inquisitive, quick and is not afraid to venture. Daisy is fun and playful. She keeps up with her brother. The kittens were waiting for their "forever" family. Then it happened. A mom and her son came in and saw the kittens. They knew that Omar and Daisy were meant to join their family. Mom had a plan. It was to be a surprise for her son just as her parents had planned a surprise for her when she was a girl. The kittens arrived at the home while Dad and son were away. The young man came home to find a note attached to a ribbon he had to follow to find his surprise and what a surprise it was! Now just like his Mom, he has a memory he will never forget. How magical is it to be part of making a memory!
Peppi
Peppi was surrendered to Palo Alto Animal Services late in '09 when his elderly owner couldn't care for this 9-year-old any longer. He was a pug/chihuahua mix, neutered, current with his vaccinations and microchipped. He had been spoiled. He was curious, energetic and just a real sweetheart who wanted to know where his forever family was and what the rules are. He waited at the shelter for many months but the right family never came for him. CIW "borrowed" Peppi for an adoption Fair in May. We realized that for Peppi to have a successful adoption he needed to learn that he was not the boss in the household and he needed some indoor good manners. So he came to CIW. He soon learned to be a great little companion but still his family never came. He tried his very best and charmed many folk but none were the right ones for him. Then one day, a lovely lady saw Peppi. She came back several times to see him that day. Her husband met Peppi and liked him too. They invited him to come for a play date. They were very careful that their home was the right one for this wonderful little boy. We all agree it was and so finally Peppi found HIS "forever" family - the family that was meant just for him! Yahoo!!
Patti
Five year old Patti was surrendered to Palo Alto Animal Services when she was found in the Walgreen's parking lot. We don't know what became of her first family but they never came looking for her. She is a great little companion. She loves being petted and held. She loves to go for a walk and she loves to play. Now she's also spayed and micro chipped. CIW "borrowed" her for our final Sunday Fair for the year in Half Moon Bay. The Fair had barely begun when a lady appeared and began asking about Patti. A little while later she came back but this time with her sister. As it turns out, she decided that it was time for her to find a little companion dog. She felt that Patti was just perfect and so did we! Patti never went back to PAAS. Now Patti has a new Mom to love and care for her and a little canine cousin to play with her. We think she might get a little spoiled. What could be better? We are so very happy for you all!
Palo Alto Animal Services have been so supportive of Companions In Waiting. We are all so excited when one of the dogs that came in to PAAS because they were lost or surrendered, finds a wonderful home. We at CIW are so happy when we can help.
Thomas
Thomas was living in a cardboard box with a man living on the streets of San Francisco. He was covered in fleas but the vet said that he was basically healthy. He was soon up to date with his vaccinations, was neutered and micro chipped. Thomas was a very energetic kitten! He loved playing. He loved being with people.
A wonderful lady was looking for a kitten to join her family. Her oldest kitty was ready to raise a kitten and Thomas was the one! After a rather wild beginning, Thomas, his Mom and Joe, his mentor and the other kitty members of the family have worked everything out and now Thomas is a full member of the family. He's helping his Mom write a book! We can't wait to get autographs!
More Success Stories
This page features our most recently adopted animals. You can see even more CIW success stories in the archives!Rescued Dog
a poem for dog lovers all the way from ScotlandJust looking for a home.
I had no place to go,
No one to call my own.
I wandered up and down the streets,
in rain, in heat and snow.
I ate whatever I could find,
I was always on the go.
My skin would itch, my feet were sore,
My body ached with pain.
And no one stopped to give a pat
Or gently say my name.
I never saw a loving glance,
I was always on the run.
For people thought that hurting me
was really lots of fun.
And then one day I heard a voice
So gentle, kind and sweet.
And arms so soft reached down to me
And took me off my feet.
No one again will hurt you:
was whispered in my ear.
You'll have a home to call your own
where you will know no fear.
You will be dry, you will be warm,
You'll have enough to eat
And rest assured that when you sleep,
Your dreams will all be sweet.
I was afraid, I must admit,
I've lived so long in fear.
I can't remember when I let
A human come so near.
And as she tended to my wounds
And bathed and brushed my fur
She told me bout the rescue group
And what it meant to her.
She said, We are a circle,
a line that never ends.
And in the centre there is you
protected by new friends.
And all around you are the ones that
check the pounds,
And those that share their home after
You've been found.
And all the other folk
are searching near and far.
To find the perfect home for you,
where you can be a star.
She said, "There is a family,
That's waiting patiently,
and pretty soon well find them,
just you wait and see,
And then they'll join our circle
They'll help to make it grow,
so there'll be room for more like you,
who have no place to go,
I waited very patiently,
The days they came and went.
Today's the day I thought,
my family would be sent.
Then just when I began to think
It wasn't meant to be,
there were people standing there
just gazing down at me.
I knew them in a heartbeat,
I could tell they felt it too.
They said, "We have been waiting for
a special dog like you",
Now a very night I say a prayer
to all the gods that be.
Thank you for the life I live
and all you've given me.
But most of all protect the dogs
in the pound and on the street.
And send a rescue person
To lift them off their feet.
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