Become a Pet Parent

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PARA / PIERRE

Para is a big handsome tuxedo cat who was adopted a few years ago from a sweet lady who loved him very much.  Sadly, a year after he was adopted, the owner could no longer take care of him due to medical issues, so Para was brought back to the shelter to find a new home.  AWL volunteer Jill Jones, who brings adoptable cats  to the Petco store in Benton every Saturday, took Para to the store, but he was the only one who wasn't adopted that day. Jill posted the information on the AWL Facebook  page, and when another lady saw Para, knew he was the right cat for her mother - and he was!  Para is new Pierre, is doing great in his new home, and once more is loved very much. 

DAISY - Love has no age limits!

Daisy was 13 when she came to the shelter after her owner passed away.  Sadly, months went by without a single adoption inquiry, application, or even a call.  Meanwhile, Catherine and Phil has lost their dog to bone cancer , and when they learned about Daisy, they decided to adopt her.  Now Daisy has a new family to share her love with!

NEWMAN - our Frequent Flyer Collegiate Cat!

Emma came to the Adoption Center on her Christmas break from Vassar College

last year looking to adopt her very first cat. An animal loving resident of the Village, Emma had shadowed at Waggin' Wheel, and wanted an older cat she could provide a good home for. She immediately bonded with 15 year old Newman, and when Emma returned to school, Newman was placed in his own backpack carrier for their 1,300 mile journey that took two plane rides, a several hour train ride, and an Uber ride.  Emma says, "Newman was such a good traveler during the whole ordeal. He has become my cuddle buddy."  Newman also provides Emma with emotional support, as she often felt isolated in her room at school.  Emma, a biology major, wants to become a veterinarian, so we know that Newman will spend the remainder of his days surrounded by love and good care!

Hannah R, one of Sky Kings new humans, updated us on how wonderfully he is doing at his new forever home! Writes Hannah: 

“He seems to love his new life- at times, I think he thinks it's too good to be true, and it has taken a lot of assurance for him to gain confidence and help him with his anxiety, but he's finally able to explore the house on his own. On his first days here, he could barely move out from under my bed, and he would cautiously follow me down the hallway a few steps at a time. Now, he loves running up and down the hallway and no longer fears the air conditioning vent (usually- anyway. Sometimes he seems to remember it's there and stares at it cautiously, but he is a cat, after all!) His favorite toy is his mouse wand, and if any family member isn't in the living room at night when we watch TV, he will go and find them personally to let them know the show is on. He loves The Sound of Music and will come running anytime he hears it. He reached a new milestone today in that he "conquered" his indoor cat tree for the first time (he was so proud of himself!) and finally realized that he is allowed to sleep on the couch. Thank you so much for taking care of him for us in his pre-adoption days. We love him so much!”

Louis, the Dog that Sparks Positivity!" - as told by Ashley & his new family

With the exception of my college years, I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t have a dog as a companion.   Just three years ago, this all changed when our family suffered the loss of our rescue dog, Glory, in a terrible accident.  Life without a dog in our home was different for me and for all of us!   During that time, we made the decision to remain dog-free due to the upcoming adoption of our son from Africa.  We thought the added stress of a puppy would be too much with the other major changes our family was about to experience.  

In May 2020, one year after bringing our son home, I drove to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, with my three children to visit my parents.  All of our children had been begging for a dog, and we thought it would be fun to visit the local animal rescue as a fun activity with their Nana.  Upon stepping into the shelter area for the dogs, all of the dogs erupted into loud, excited barking….except for ONE!  That “one” ended up becoming our family dog, Louie.   It was an instant match!  

Louie has enhanced and enriched our family in countless ways.  When I asked my children about Louie’s impact on our family, our oldest daughter stated, “He sparks positivity!”  This is most definitely true.  Louie brings life, love and his ever-wagging tail always commands a smile from those in his presence.  Our children cherish Louie “picking them up from school” each afternoon.  Louie is well loved by my children’s classmates, and he enjoys “holding court” with the children as they pet and talk with him every afternoon.  

Our family enjoys the way Louie encourages us to slow down and “stop and smell the roses.”  Louie seems to sit at attention as if he hangs on to every word we say.  Whether or not he understands us, he almost seems to beckon conversation and is always attentive to those who are engaged with him.  Sitting and talking to “Louie” is a therapeutic experience, and all parties involved always seem better for the time spent together!  

While our family has always been quite active, Louie encourages us to be outside more and take more walks.  The kids and I take him for a short one mile walk each morning before school, and we all enjoy playing around with Louie outside.  While I am home alone during the day with him, he has become a faithful companion as I work inside and outside the house, whether it’s gardening, collecting eggs from our chicken coop or cleaning, Louie is always by my side spreading joy wherever he goes!