Adoption Success Stories

Jackson

Hi! Thought we would give an update on our handsome boy Jackson (formerly "George"- adopted on Nov 8, 2018). Sorry it took so long for an update, he keeps us very busy. He is now almost two years old, 63lbs and healthy! Jackson fell in love with his home in Annapolis, MD and was house-trained in no time. Fun Fact: Lands End used Jackson as a model in their Fall 2019 shoot in Downtown Annapolis. Now we are in Salisbury, MD and he loves it. Jacks loves anything outdoors - walks, runs, beaches, and his favorite - hiking. He's a big snuggler and enjoys curling up under the blankets when it's time for bed. Jackson is so friendly to everyone, especially kids and other dogs. He loves going to the dog park to see his friends and run around and wrestle. Thank you Small Miracles.

Bobby and Kaleigh, Salisbury, MD

Leeloo

Good morning! I thought I would send in an update for "Zoey" who is now our beloved Leeloo. We adopted her on January 23rd and she has melded seamlessly into our family. She loves to play with her "big sister" Penny, cuddles her humans big and small, and is the sweetest floppy bundle of love. She even does great with our free ranging chickens, and loves being outside as long as we will let her. We did get a few surprises, as she was reported to be 4 months old by the person who surrendered her, but our vet aged her at only 10-11 weeks. This means that she has a LOT more growing to do than we expected, and is already edging close to 40 pounds at 5 months! But it's just more of her for us to love. We could not have asked for a better companion, and I am so grateful that she locked eyes with me and told me she needed to be my dog. Thank you Small Miracles!

Jaimie, Ian, Madelyn, and Charlotte, Sykesville, MD

Lily

We adopted little Cotton Ball, a pretty 6 pound Maltese, on March 2nd, 2019 and she now is Lily. She has my granddaughter, Rachel, to play with; my daughter, Noelle, to walk her; and me, grandma Elli, to feed and brush and lay around with all afternoon. AND all of us to kiss, hug and LOVE her all the time! We are so happy Lily joined our family and here's a picture of Rachel and our little Lily!

Update (2/28/20)

One year ago we adopted a tiny Maltese girl from you and we just celebrated her 4th birthday and next week will be her Gotcha Day!! We just love our Lily and are so thankful for your rescue organization. We take her everywhere and dress her up pretty. She's the very sweetest and loving little girl. Here's an updated picture of Lily in her birthday dress.

Rachel, Noelle, and Elli, Timonium, MD

Baby

Ten years ago this week (January 2010), in the middle of Snow-pocolypse, an abandoned cat named Polly gave birth in a foster home (Wolter family) to five kittens named for The Simpsons. I adopted the one named Homer who subsequently chose to answer to Baby. Here is a recent photo of him. He is such a good boy, alive and well living at Dupont Circle in DC.

Victoria, Washington, DC

Zin and Shiraz

Our long term success story: We adopted two tuxedo kittens in March, 2013, litter-mates Zin and Shiraz. Today is their seventh birthday. We love them without limit. They brighten our lives in so many ways: their antics at play make us laugh, we cherish snuggle time, and can't do anything but smile at them when they snuggle with each other. We call that their "cuddle puddle". We've learned not to buy fancy cat toys -- they prefer the boxes and bubble wrap more than the toys! We're so grateful to have them that every Christmas we make a donation to Small Miracles on their behalf in loving memory of their predecessor, Jazz, a tuxedo who lived to be 21 years old.

Zan and Gordon, Catonsville, MD

Murray

I adopted Murray (formerly Ranger) in June of 2016 - he and his brother Ripley were an owner surrender in WV. I don't even have the words to describe how adored my little dude is - everyone he meets is immediately charmed by his adorable face and quirky persona. I call him my "circus dog", because from the day I brought him home, he's always doing all sorts of jumps, twists, and twirls! He loves turkey, toys that make animal noises, and he snores louder than anyone in the house. He's quite the little traveler: he's gone on several family vacations (he's an experienced hotel pup!), lived in NYC, and even charmed the conductors on Amtrak. Murray's a happy little guy and I love him with all my heart. I can't thank Small Miracles enough for bringing us together.

Cheney, Ellicott City, MD

Willow

We adopted Willow (previously Indigo) on Dec 7, 2019 and we are happy to say she is thriving in her new home. In the 3 weeks that we've had her, she has gained 11.3 pounds, she has learned the "sit" command, is quickly learning (yet hasn't fully mastered) the "down" command, and we are currently bell training. She is doing great with crate training as well, and while she is still a little fearful of the outside world, she LOVES being inside with her family. She is such a sweet puppy, and we are so grateful to Small Miracles for rescuing her, and allowing her to be a part of our family.

Cindy

Moira

We adopted Moira in February of 2019. She is a 10 year old lab with Cushings disease. We just wanted to give her a peaceful end of days as she was not expected to live a normal lifespan. She was tested at our vet and the Cushings was confirmed. We fed her whatever she would eat. When she stopped eating altogether we made brown rice and boiled chicken for her. She ate that and when she began going to the bowls of the other dogs in our home and eating the leftover dog food we gradually put her on a normal diet. The vet then discovered that she had lymphoma and had 2 months to live. That was in April. At her last visit to the vet in August she showed no signs of Cushings or lymphoma. The vet has no explanation and just said keep doing what you are doing. She is a treasured member of our family. She has learned new tricks and has a true sense of humor! She is wicked smart and loves to play with our boxer rescue. We only meant to give her a peaceful end but what we got was a wonderful dog who gives us great joy and laughter. I did not plan on falling in love with this animal but we all have and will enjoy her for as long as God gives her.

Steve

Scout and Bean

We adopted Bean (the puppy formerly known as Siena) the week before Halloween. We got her to help Scout (formerly Helena) who we adopted in February and needed a friend. Both babies are amazing and we love them so much!

Nicole, Mark, Scout and Bean, Havre de Grace

Ollie

I adopted Ollie in September 2019. We fell in love at first sight and from day one he has fit in perfectly at home! He loves sleeping on me, sitting on his window perch while watching squirrels, playing with his toys, and giving kisses. He is the most gentle, loving boy. Both of us could not be happier. Thank you for helping Ollie and I find each other!

Stephanie, Baltimore, MD

Jayda

Jayda (aka Reenie) arrived at Small Miracles 10-14-18. We took Jayda home on 11-02-18. She is the best, most caring dog I have ever had. Her previous owner abandoned her on a hill with her litter of pups in VA. Small Miracles saved her from a kill shelter, and I can't thank the Small Miracles team enough. She made herself right at home. She sleeps with us, but doesn't mind sleeping on her bed in our room. She is great with kids and other dogs; squirrels on the other hand get her undivided attention lol. I think she is just curious and wants to play with them. She feeds off of people's personalities. My niece is very outgoing and energetic, therefore Jayda will jump and lick her. Our friend's son is afraid of dogs, and Jayda will walk up to him and sit to let him get comfortable with her. It might sound crazy to some people, but that's how amazing she is. She is a blessing to our family and we will continue to match her love. If you are considering getting a pet please, please check out Small Miracles or any other adoption center. Thanks again to everyone at Small Miracles.

Joe and Nicole

Bruno

We wanted to pass along that we are so happy with our rescue pup from Small Miracles! We adopted Bruno (formerly Jacob) in October 2018. We were sure he was going to be a big dog, but it turns out he is only 30 pounds - we are constantly trying to guess his mix of breeds and have settled on some sort of long-haired dachshund mix. He's full of personality and always has us laughing.

Mary, Baltimore, MD

Bandit and Patch

I adopted Bandit and Patch (formerly Rob and Ray Ray) in August 2018. They are brothers and have been inseparable since I brought them both home. They are 1 year old now and they enjoy playing together and watching the birds through the windows. They have brought so much love and I am so glad I decided to go to Small Miracles Rescue for my new family members. I first saw Rob at the Petco in Columbia MD, where I work, and wanted him to come home with me along with a playmate from the shelter. Everyone at Small Miracles is helpful and friendly and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a new pet.

Christi, Dulles, VA

Camden

I adopted Camden (Sir) on June 25, 2019. I fell in love with him the moment I saw his picture on the Small Miracles website. It was the best decision I have ever made because he has brought me so much love. His fur sister Sadie adores him and thinks he is her baby. Camden is a sweet boy and is loved by everyone he meets. I look forward to loving him for many years to come. Thank you Small Miracles.

Linda, Glen Burnie, MD

Molly

My fiance, Gary, and I adopted Molly, a beautiful chihuahua mix, from Small Miracles two months ago (April 2019), and she has brought so much joy to our lives! We saw Molly online when we were looking to add a dog to our family, and fell in love with her at first sight. She loves to go for walks around our neighborhood, chew on her toys, and just hang out with us! Her favorite spot in the house is between us on the couch watching TV. I can't say enough good things about the care she received at Small Miracles and she has adjusted so well to our home. Thank you again for bringing our best friend into our lives!

Carrie + Gary, Columbia, MD

Leilani

We adopted Leilani (formerly known as Sara Lee), a beautiful tortoiseshell domestic short hair two months ago and it's been a joy to have her as part of our family. After losing our kitten we thought we would never be able to love another pet, but Leilani came to our lives and stole our hearts in a second. She spends the day playing with little fur balls, climbing the cat tree and biting my daughter's homework! We currently live in Ellicott City, MD, but we are getting ready to move to Kentucky. Thanks Small Miracles for bringing Leilani to our lives!

Katty Lora, Ellicott City, MD

Pumpkin

We adopted Pumpkin, a beagle mix, from Small Miracles in February, 2019. We had recently lost our 17 year old cat, and wanted to expand our household with a rescue dog. We met Pumpkin at an adoption event and immediately took to her. A week later, she was in our home! She has made friends with our Maine Coon mix, and loves all people, big and small. So far, she has been to the Bay, the Ocean, Virginia, and to other fun events. She loves going for rides and exploring her neighborhood. We love her so much, and she adds tons of joy to our lives!

Jodie and Erin

Maximo

Over a year ago I adopted my dog from Small Miracles and he is my miracle indeed. I just wanted to provide some pictures! I lost his foster mom's contact information. He was known as Stanley at the time and adopted February 1, 2018! His name is now Maximo (Max for short). He loves running around and chasing birds on the yard. He knows a lot of tricks too like paw, high five, roll over, play dead, speak and lay, he also understands them in Spanish! We love him so much and it�s exactly what our family needed.

Gayle

Scout

We adopted Scout (formerly Helene) on Feb. 4, 2019. She is absolutely amazing! We live in Havre de Grace so we walk her by the water and she loves it. We love her so much! She started puppy class today. Thank you, your organization is wonderful!

Nicole, Scout, and Mark, Havre de Grace

Ella

We adopted Ella just before Christmas this year (2018) and she has been an absolute joy! She fit right in with my other 2 dogs and has adopted my female, Becca, as her older sister. She�s very caring toward my blind and nearly deaf male dog, Smokey, as well. She�s adorable in her own right and I can�t say enough good about her. Our adoption experience with Small Miracles was also problem free. They worked with us to find just the right dog.

Debbie, Shane, Ella, Becca and Smokey

Coco

We adopted Coco (formerly Missy) just 10 days ago (11/30/2018) and couldn�t be more pleased. Coco is a bright, fun-loving, active young Beagle mix that is a welcome addition to our family and a great companion for our other Beagle mix dog. Small Miracles is a great organization that is well run and with a knowledgeable staff. We were able to complete the adoption process within 24 hours of first meeting Coco. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to adopt a rescue pet.

Frank and Xiaolin, Middletown, MD

Ellie Mae

I'd like to tell you about my success story with "Adele". Her name is Ellie Mae now. Adele wasn't country enough. This good girl is the best little spoon a cuddler could ask for! And too hot for a personal heater! But, I can't go to bed without her. She was also my inspiration for a painting. She's definitely my best friend - thank you Small Miracles. (November 2018)

Danielle

Buck

Our family adopted Buck (formerly Louie). He�s become a big part of our family and fits in so well! Buck is growing fast and getting bigger every day. We love him and are so happy we adopted him! (November 2018)

Maria

Dewey and RO

I adopted brother and sister, Dewey and RO (formerly Puff and Pandora) in August 2018. It didn�t take long for them to feel comfortable in their new, forever home. Dewey and RO are very playful and in between their many cat naps they love to chase each other around the house, playing with their toys. I couldn�t imagine my life without them. Small Miracles was absolutely wonderful to work with. They take in so many precious animals who need loving homes and handle them all with such care. Thank you, Small Miracles. Not only do you rescue them, they also rescue you. <3

Taylor, Ellicott City

Dinah

My husband and I adopted Dinah (Courtney at the shelter), a brown tabby cat, a few weeks ago (September 2018). At first, she was afraid of our cat, Darcy, but she learned that all he wants is to play. Now they spend their time together, and they seem so happy! Dinah is rambunctious and curious, a sweetheart who loves to eat, play, and cuddle. Everyone at Small Miracles was working so hard and so kindly to help the animals find homes when we visited. Thank you for helping us welcome Dinah into our lives!

Jennifer and Tony, Laurel

Calix

My boyfriend and I adopted Calix (formerly Charlie) in June 2018. He is a very friendly, energetic 8 month old puppy who is still growing into his ears. According to his Wisdom Panel he is a Boxer/Collie/German Shepard/Chow/Lab/Coon hound mix! He is incredibly intelligent and therefore always getting himself into trouble! He helped fill the puppy shaped hole in our home after my boyfriend's family lost their long-time family dog. Small Miracles was incredible to work with and we recommend them to everyone who is looking to adopt!

Grace and David, Columbia

Trixie

We adopted Trixie (formerly Salomey) in July 2015. It was love at first lick! We fell in love with her and her tricky ways. Since we picked her up from Small Miracles, she has been fun and very energetic. She definitely keeps us in shape! She loves to chew everything, so we keep an eye out on her! The staff at Small Miracles were very informative and helpful with the process. She has found a forever home, and we can't be happier! Thank you again, Small Miracles!

Chris and Janet

Captain Jack

I adopted Captain Jack Sparrow in 2012 at Macy's Annual Shop For A Cause. Moira just happened to have him with her, and it was instant love at first sight. Jack is a special needs kitty, blind in one eye and half deaf. He is the light of our lives and one spoiled kitty. We love little Jack! Thank you, Moira and Small Miracles.

Linda Ingram

Bruce Wayne

We adopted Bruce Wayne (formerly Coal) in the beginning of June 2013. He is a black Lab mix and loves playing, playing and more playing. Bruce already is friends with everyone and is the most popular member of the house. He has started puppy kindergarten and is learning very fast. Thanks for helping us find a new family member.

Cynthia G. Langford, Columbia

Frankie

We adopted Frankie (formerly Bubble) in May 2013. We had recently lost our 14-year-old calico, and my daughter convinced me to "go look at" the cats at the rescue. The staff could not have been more helpful. When my daughter and I sat down, Frankie came up between us, curled up, began to purr and went to sleep. He truly adopted us. Frankie has made friends with our 100-pound Lab, our husky mix and our 13-year-old female cat who likes no one. Our sincere thanks for rescuing this sweet boy and allowing us to make him a perfect new member of our household.

The Brooks Family

Daisy

I just wanted to say that Daisy has settled into her furever home quite nicely. Her best bud is a 149lb rotti, who she rules, and her favorite place is on the arm of the sofa, looking out the window. At least twice a week, she goes to work with me, where she has appointed herself sentry to my cubicle. Yes, she is definitely momma's baby girl!

Kimberly Collins, Catonsville

Leo, Teddy Bear and Vinny

In January 2010, I fell in love with Leo (formerly Ginger), and he immediately bonded with my mom's cat, Joey. When Joey passed away in November 2011, I went to Small Miracles again. We brought home Teddy Bear (formerly Gordon), and my mom and I both fell in love with him! When my mom moved out, she took Teddy with her, and I wanted to find my own Teddy! I adopted Vinny (formerly Reese, pictured) in June 2012. He is such a joy to have around, and he loves to wrestle with Leo. Any time I know someone looking for a new fur baby, I always tell them to check out Small Miracles!

Samantha Haugh & Michael Myers, Ellicott City

Valentine

Valentine (formerly Sheba) is my young Norwegian Elkhound mix. I was smitten by Small Miracles' description of her: a small, quiet girl in need of a little exercise and attention. So, I adopted her in March 2013. I had no idea how big and wonderful her personality would be once she came out of her shell! She arrived housetrained, well-mannered, incredibly sweet and eager to please. She's loving our daily runs and is learning new tricks faster than I can think them up! We've been inseparable since the car ride home from Small Miracles (she spent it curled up in my lap), and I can't imagine why this sweet girl was ever given up. Thank you so much for helping me find her!

Michael Scuderi, Damascus

Cinnamon

The hardest moment for me was letting go of my sadness after my 23-year-old cat, Nala, passed away. I wanted a fresh start, a new kitten to love and grow into my home. I searched for weeks, contacting many rescues and shelters, but had no luck. Luckily, my friend Kim referred me to Small Miracles, and there I found my precious baby, Cinnamon. I drove 40 minutes to Howard County. Cinnamon was well worth the trip! She makes my heart happy! Thank you for helping me find Cinnamon. She is such a loveable kitten!

Susan Boehm, Gaithersburg

Sanchez

We hit the KITTEN JACKPOT when we adopted in March 2013. Brother Hunter Sanchez Thompson (Sanchez for short) is amazingly sweet, funny, cute, mellow and tolerant of my kids :) We have twins in kindergarten who carry the little guy around in their arms, in baskets, whatever, and he rolls with it. My husband works from home, so he gets constant company and attention. I have always had cats and am a big animal lover, so I can say with some authority that he is way cooler than your average cat. As I wrote this e-mail, he is in the (dry) bathtub chasing his tail. Oh, and he spends the overnight hours in bed with us licking my husband's beard. We are totally smitten.

Thompson family

Sabrina

We adopted Pebbles in January 2013. Her name is now Sabrina. She is the sweetest little dog, so affectionate and friendly, and she gets along with her new sister really well. Now, she is just one of the family. We also had her groomed; she looks like a new dog, and I want to thank you for saving her. She is bringing us a lot of joy, and she really thinks she runs the household now. Sometimes this doesn�t set to well with Sheba, but they are learning to share. She has a forever home now.

Mary Moser

Jasmine and Serena

Losing my beloved kitty companion, Martini, after nearly 18 years left a big hole in my heart. In July 2012, I found my two precious little kittens, Jasmine (formerly Micayla, on the left) and Serena (formerly Kyla) at Small Miracles. Their personalities are amazing, and I fell in love with them the minute I saw them! They give me so much joy and make me laugh with their kooky antics! Jasmine enjoys sitting in front of the sliding glass door "birdwatching," and Serena likes to place her favorite toy in her water dish after she finishes playing with it (for safe keeping)! I can't say enough good things about Moira and her staff for all they do for the beautiful babies they rescue. Thank you SO much!

Suzanne Van Order, Columbia

Snickers

Here's a current photo of Snickers (formerly Adam), who I adopted in January 2011. He has adjusted to his new home and is a wonderful addition to my family.

Barbara Barrick

Dexter

When my cat of six years died suddenly in November 2011, I didn't think I would ever have another cat as amazing as he was. Soon after, I decided to adopt Dexter (formerly Clyde) in January 2012. He is amazing and has the best personality ever! He bonded with my dog, Penny, within the first week of the transition. Now, they play, wrestle and even take naps together! He is a super love bug and is not afraid of anything. I never thought I would find another cat so loving and people-friendly. Dexter is all I imagined and more. Thank you!

Heidi Shullenbarger, Columbia

Ruckus and Riza

In September 2011, I adopted two beautiful bi-color kittens, Ruckus and Riza (formerly Christian and Dior). They were brother and sister, and I couldn't stand separating them after seeing them snuggled up together in that little cage. Ruckus and Riza have grown into happy, healthy, clingy cats. Ruckus loves to be held over the shoulder and loves to play with his mousie toys. Riza is much smaller and is such a sweetheart. She doesn't like to be held as much as her brother, but she loves to snuggle and bury her little nose into you. Thank you, Small Miracles, for my two little blessings.

Robyn Stewart, Baltimore

Aset

This is a picture of me with my sweetheart, Aset (formerly Mystique). I adopted her in June 2011. She has the biggest personality, and everyone she meets falls in love with her. She has been an absolute blessing! Thank you, Small Miracles!

Arionne Carroll, Silver Spring

Missy

Here is a picture of Missy, formerly known as ButterCup. We lost our 18-year-old Shih Tzu in early 2012. We still have another 8-year-old Shih Tzu named Lucy. We decided to adopt a rescue Shih Tzu in March. We found ButterCup on Small Miracle's Petfinder website. The next night, we made a visit to Ellicott City and met the Moira, the shelter president. We fell in love with her immediately and took her home that night. Now, Missy is a part of the family. She is a little chow hound that loves her treats. She also loves going to the groomer and traveling to Nana's house, where she is a hit with all of her new family. Thanks to Small Miracles, especially Moira, for all of your efforts.

Dan and Colleen Thomas, Elkridge

TJ

We are so happy that TJ has joined our family! He was an older kitten when we adopted him from Petco in Ellicott City in February 2012. I had just lost my beloved cat of 16 years and was looking for a cat to try and fill the void. TJ has stepped right in. He's so much fun, and really loves to play with the kids. I've never met a cat who likes kids as much as he does. He doesn't even mind the bear hugs he gets from them. Small Miracles made it very easy, and since he already had all his shots, he was ready for adoption that day. Thank you!

Gawthrop family, Ellicott City

Teddy

This is Teddy, who used to be Noah, a cockapoo we adopted in January 2012. He is joined by his beloved extended family at a family event in Virginia. He loves to ride in the car and go places with us, and everyone loves him. We also have four rescue cats from Small Miracles!

Bandel family, Glenwood

Buddy and Savannah

We adopted Buddy (formerly Talc) from Small Miracles in April 2011. Our family had adopted a girl kitty named Savannah six months earlier, and we were not entertaining enough for her. Buddy was so named to represent his intended purpose: to be Savannah�s buddy. What a HUGE success. They are the best of friends, and you will never find them apart. They are entirely different in personality. Savannah is high energy and always creating mischief. Buddy, on the other hand, is the more quiet type who would rather relax the day away. They are the perfect couple. Savannah pushes Buddy to get moving. Buddy successfully calms Savannah down. They balance each other just the way we had hoped!

Solomon family, Westminster

Gracie

We adopted Gracie (formerly Primrose) from Small Miracles in April 2012, and she has come a long way. She is overcoming her fears of noises and stairs, and we are working on it together. She and my other three dogs get along wonderfully. She has gained 6 pounds! She knows where her treats are, props her head up on my legs at bedtime and loves to snuggle. She is a pleaser, and she gives high fives! No doubt she wasn't treated very well in her former life, but she is absolutely loved now.

Debbie Kline, Mount Airy

Gingerale and Cinnamon

We adopted our orange tabby Gingerale (formerly Ginger, pictured) in March 2009. We adopted a torbie sister for her—Cinnamon (formerly Tigger) in February 2011. They are the light of our lives. Gingerale is a ball of energy and is very sociable. She loves being around people, and she is my 10-year-old son's best friend. Cinnamon is a shy girl and listens well. She is a very good girl and has really come out of her shell. Thank you, Small Miracles, for our girls! Our family would not be complete without them.

Whatley family, Sykesville

Percy and Sheena

We adopted Percy and Sheena in 2009. Percy was at Small Miracles for about three months before he telepathically got a message to us to come and meet him. I am so glad no one else adopted him before we got to know him. He will jump up and catch a ball and bat it back to us, and if we toss a pipe cleaner downstairs, he will play fetch with it. Sheena is a lovely black kitty who likes to stand on her back legs when she is waiting for dinner. When my husband sneezes, she always says something which must be her way of saying "Gesundheit." She also likes to be combed. We are so happy to have them as an essential part of our family.

Kira and Tom Lis, Columbia