AWL

"Finding Nemo"

Port Charlotte residents Paul and Emily Josephs were looking to fill a void in their lives.  “We lost our cat about a year ago,” said Paul.  “We had to put him down, he was 16 years old.”

The couple had been familiar with the Animal Welfare League and had paid several visits to the shelter in hopes of finding a new family member.

“We came here many times to look at the kitties,” explained Emily.  “But we kept waiting for the right cat to come along.”

The Josephs were beginning to think that they may never find the perfect cat…until they found Nemo.

“I always wanted a black cat,” said Paul.

Nemo happened to be black with beautiful yellow-green eyes.  She also happened to be missing her front left leg.

“She took to me right away.  I picked her up, held her, and she snuggled right up to me,” explained Emily.  “We didn’t pick her, she picked us!”

Paul and Emily adopted Nemo.

At home, Nemo likes to play with string and various small toys.  She also seems to get around without any problems.

“We have a king size bed that’s pretty high off the floor,” explained Emily.  “She has no problem getting on or off.  She’s very good at jumping.”

“No matter what challenges they face, cats are athletic,” Paul added.

The Josephs could not be happier with their new cat, and they owe it all to the Animal Welfare League.

“We’re so happy we found Nemo!  We really like the shelter. We’re still going to come here and visit all the kitties,” said Emily.

If you are looking for a pet, consider visiting the Animal Welfare League shelter in Port Charlotte.  You never know who you just might find.

"Touched by an Angel"

When Angel first came to the Animal Welfare League shelter in Port Charlotte, she was not healthy and could barely walk.  Her rear hip was displaced and she desperately needed surgery.  Dr. Tulcan, the shelter veterinarian, took on the task and successfully performed the surgery.  It was only a matter of time before Angel would be healthy again – but she would need some rehabilitation before she could be considered adoptable.

The shelter sent out an email to everyone on their contact list in hopes of finding a temporary foster home for Angel.  Punta Gorda resident June Gile, who happens to be a volunteer at the shelter, was on the contact list.

“The first time I saw the email, I ignored it,” said June.  She and her husband Jay already shared their home with 3 Yorkshire terriers, 2 rabbits, a cat, and a parrot.  They never considered bringing another animal into their home, even temporarily.  But after no success in finding a foster home for Angel, the shelter sent out a second email.

“After I saw the second email, I just had to do something,” said June.  “If they were nice enough to do the surgery for Angel, I could be nice enough to foster her until she became healthy again.”

Angel was soon on her way to her temporary home with the Giles.

During her first night in the Gile home, Angel was kept separate from the other animals.  “She whined and yowled all night.  She wanted to be with everyone else,” June said.

The following day, June called Dr. Tulcan and asked if it would be alright for Angel to play with everyone else.  Dr. Tulcan gave her approval.

“Angel was so happy,” said June.  “She just wanted to be a part of the family.”

Angel’s recovery period had gone well.  She went from hopping on three legs to finally using all four.  She actually enjoyed going for walks.   Before long, Angel was deemed healthy.  It was now time for her to return to the shelter where she would be put up for adoption.  This wasn’t so easy for June and Jay.

“She was right there at the door with everyone else when we would come home,” explained June.  “She became one of the family.  She did everything we asked of her, we felt like we would be dumping her.”

The Giles knew what they needed to do.  They filled out the paperwork and Angel officially became a part of the family.

Angel now enjoys going for walks with her Yorkie siblings, and she loves to play.  “Her favorite toy is a squeaky lobster,” added June.

Jay and June travel frequently in their RV, and when they do, the entire family goes along with them.  “Angel really likes to travel with everyone,” said June.  “Everyone has their own space and they all get along so well.  We’re a family.” 

A family that has been touched by an Angel.

"Face-to-Face with Andy"

Port Charlotte resident Jinel Facey had been searching for the perfect dog for quite some time.  “I wanted a Pomeranian since, well, forever,” said Facey.

Facey knew that she wanted to truly make a difference in the life of an animal.  Buying a dog from a pet store was not an option.

“Anyone can get a new dog from a pet store.  But certain dogs need lots of love,” explained Facey.  “I wanted to give lots of love to a dog that really needs it.”

Facey began searching online for local pet shelters.  She was thrilled to learn that the Animal Welfare League was located in her hometown of Port Charlotte.  Jinel finally knew where she would be getting her dog, and the only task she faced now was finding a Pomeranian.

Facey checked the AWL website numerous times and made several visits to the shelter without any luck.  But she would soon find out that an old saying really does have meaning: Good things come to those who wait.

On a cool morning in October, Jinel visited the AWL shelter and found herself face-to-face with Andy, a 1 ½-year old male Pomeranian.   Soon after, Andy was officially adopted.

Jinel was pleased with her experience in adopting Andy, and she was excited as she described her time at the Animal Welfare League: “It’s pretty neat!  I really like it here at the shelter.  I’m so happy!”

At home, Jinel has big plans for Andy.  “We’re going to go for walks, car rides, and do anything he likes.  I’m going to give Andy a loving home,” explained Jinel.  “This is my first baby.  I’m going to love him and comfort him and make him feel wanted for the rest of his life.”

"Good Times for Sean and Zeek"

When Sean Stewart relocated to Southwest Florida, he found himself searching for a new best friend. 

“Once I moved to the area I did my research on rescue facilities for animals,” said Sean.  “I chose the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County because I believed in what they stood for and what they had to offer to the community.”

Sean was familiar with the Neapolitan Mastiff breed from having several in the past.  He knew that this type of large dog can make a great pet, and he was certain that his new dog would be of this breed.  The only problem Sean faced was finding one.

“After some patience and trips to AWL, there he was,” said Sean.  “Zeek had the face, the look, and the personality I was after,” continued Sean.  “I took one look at him and said ‘Let’s go home’."

Sean had finally found the perfect companion in Zeek.  But what he didn’t realize at the time was that he also found a mascot for his new business.

Sean, who owns Goodtimes Boat Rental in Port Charlotte, takes Zeek to work with him everyday.  “Zeek enjoys spending his days with me out at the marina and greeting customers before and after they go out on the boats, “continued Sean.  “Everyone knows and loves him.”

When Zeek is not busy at work, he enjoys frequent trips to the beach.  Zeek also takes pride in protecting his best buddy, Little Man, who happens to be a Dachshund.  “The two of them are quite the sight,” explained Sean.

Sean couldn’t be happier with Zeek and he had nothing but praise for the Animal Welfare League.  “The AWL has a great facility with a wonderful staff that takes the time to help you choose the right friend for you.  I think they are an awesome organization that does a lot for the community and I support them,” said Sean.  “I would definitely tell anyone looking for a new pet to visit the facility and the staff at AWL.”