Peyton D. & Axel

I adopted my dog Axel one year ago today! He has been a fantastic companion over the last year, especially with the pandemic. As an ICU nurse, coming home to his loving face every day has made a difference for me.

I work 12 hour days that sometimes turn into 13 or 14 hours. I had been looking for a dog for months when Axel’s picture popped up. It was in April of 2020 when everything was in lockdown.

We were hit hard with COVID from May-July right after I got him.

He helped me through the pandemic — no matter if I were gone 10 minutes or 12 hours, he would be just as excited when I walked through the door.

On my days off, we went to the park, swimming in the Eno River, running, and doggie training classes. He kept me busy on my days off and kept my spirits up.

Matthew S. & Ace

Being a member in the NC Army National Guard, I found it tough coming home and adjusting to my normal civilian life. Due to COVID-19 and classes being fully online I found myself depressed with no motivation at all. During the days I’d stay inside, do my school work, and everyday became a battle. I had gotten an email from a resource through the guard recommending me reach out to my local shelter where I met my best friend ACE. I read Ace’s profile where he was super active, loved like crazy, and was surrender by his owner. I decided to set an appointment up, and when I first met Ace, I took him home the exact same day.

Looking back at the professionalism, care, and support the SPCA had given Ace as well as me, I had full confidence in myself that this was the best decision of my life.

Now, two years later, I’ve made so many memories, received the care and support I needed, and feel as if I am constantly becoming a better version of myself because of Ace. Please give these animals a second chance since they deserve it. The SPCA of Wake County does a tremendous job in loving these animals as well as take the best possible measures to find an amazing home for them. Thank you SPCA Wake for giving the resources as well as taking care and giving Ace a second chance.

Hannah S. & Jake

My family adopted our dog Jake from the SPCA when he was just 6 months old. My parents took my sister and I for a car ride after school one day and had us guess where we were going. After many ideas, we pulled up at the SPCA to meet Jake!

It was love at first sight and we all instantly connected with him. My mom never had a dog growing up, so she was weary at first, but as time went on and Jake became a true member of the family, we all knew we made the best decision ever. Jake was a family dog and cared more for his family than I ever knew a dog could.

Being that Jake was our first family dog, we just couldn’t get enough of him. I think Jake really made us come together as a family and realize how special dogs really are. He knew when we were happy, sad or just wanted to give him lots of hugs and kisses. He always made us feel safe and protected too!

We got to spend an amazing 16 years with Jake. Rescue dogs truly are just so special and show such appreciation to their owners. We are so grateful to the SPCA for leading us to Jake and helping us find the dog that would touch each one of us forever. Without the SPCA, we wouldn’t have all found such special and amazing lifelong companions.

Chelsea O. & Holly

I never had a pet growing up but always loved cats. After years of petsitting and moving into my first college apartment, I adopted my best friend from the SPCA. Tuxedos were always my favorite and when I saw her for the first time I knew she was going to be mine.

I named my 10 week old kitten Holly and a year and a half later, I can't imagine my life without her.

She loves deli turkey, playing fetch with hair ties, and sitting in empty amazon boxes. Holly likes to be snuggled (but only on her terms), and laying on my computer (but only when I am trying to get homework done), and spends countless hours napping in the sun.

I am so grateful she is apart of my life and I can't wait for more of our adventures!

Connie S. & Nigel

We adopted Nigel last December from SPCA Wake. We were in a dark place after the sudden loss of our beloved cat. We went to the shelter in search of another small female kitten but didn’t quite connect with any of the ones there. As we were walking out, we decided to stop and pet the cats in the “young adult room”.

There we found this frightened cat inside a box. He had a fresh scar from having his left arm amputated as a result of being hit by a car. It was love at first sight for us. We told the front desk we would like to adopt him only to find out he had a pending adoption that day. We went home and decided to call the next day to see if he had been adopted. To our surprise, the potential adopters had turned him down after finding out he was missing a leg. I rushed over and bought a carrier from the SPCA gift shop and brought our boy home.

He has been our greatest blessing. He has helped our whole family heal while healing himself. Since then we have become cat fosters. Nigel has taken it upon himself to be the welcoming committee. He makes everyone that comes into our home feel safe and loved and seen. He has taught us that the only limitations we have are the once we set for ourselves. He climbs, runs, and plays along with all the other cats and dog. He also gives the best hugs. We could not imagine our life without him.

Lechan C., Baby Doll, & Francine

My mother brought Baby Doll home on January 31st, 2012. I had wanted a dog since I was two years old, had turned 15 only a few weeks before, and now finally, finally had one. I was so excited to meet the 2.5 month old puppy (who funnily enough shared a birthdate with my mother) who would go on to become my best friend and confidant for the next ten years.

Baby Doll had to be put to sleep on March 27, 2022. But before that day, we’d shared countless moments together. Baby Doll had seen me through my lowest lows and highest highs. She was there for me when I experienced the greatest loss in my life, and she was there for me both when I graduated high school and when I got my first job.

In the months following BD’s death, I eventually decided that I would go ahead and adopt another dog, a senior dog who was in need of a quiet home with no small children or other animals.

In September, I went back to the Wake County SPCA and adopted a ten-year-old eyeless dog named Francine. In the three months it’s been since her adoption, me and Francine have also bonded. There’s obviously no replacing a pet once they have left us, but Francine has been a lovely addition to my life and I’ve felt a whole lot better since being able to resume caring for another dog.

I’m very grateful to SPCA Wake for allowing me the opportunity to have not one but two meaningful relationships in my life.

Maya J. & Houston

I adopted my old man Houston at the beginning of September 2022. I’m a university student so he is my very first pet, and he’s been a legitimate lifesaver for me. He’s an 11-year-old chunky boy with no teeth, and he’s absolutely perfect.

Whenever I come home from being out he’s always really happy to see me and he greets me at the door with a jovial meow and some leg rubs. He’s also very chill which is perfect for my personality because if I’m not in class or at work, I’m at home. Not to mention he is also always down to play if I have the energy to.

I can’t really put into words how amazing of a pet he is. He’s my travel companion, my morning cuddle buddy, the perfect TV watching pet, and not to mention he is so friendly to any and everyone.

He has genuinely changed my life for the better, and I can’t imagine a life without him.