Our Favorite Adoptions of 2024 

Our Favorite Adoptions of 2024 

Finding homes for pets is one of the most important things we do at Oregon Humane Society. Although we facillitate more than 11,000 adoptions per year, each time an animal leaves our shelter for a new, loving home is a special moment for us.  

So many adoptions made 2024 memorable, but there were some that truly stood out. Here are some of our favorites.

Desti-Ann, now Lemon 

Desti-Ann, now named Lemon, arrived at OHS thanks to a partnership with Greater Good Charities. Even before her flight touched down, we knew she was special. She’d survived on the streets near New Orleans for weeks, then endured the pounding rain and wind from Hurricane Francine. It was only after she sustained a devastating leg injury that she let people get close enough to help her. She received lifesaving care at a nearby shelter, including a leg amputation. Local school children even wrote her get-well cards after her surgery. As she recovered, Desti-Ann blossomed into a wonderful, loving dog. And yet, she waited for months for a home in a Louisiana shelter.   

After arriving at OHS, it only took four days for this wonderful, wiggly, three-legged pittie to find her perfect match with Emily.  Lemon and Emily now share a special bond that grows stronger each day.  

In a recent update, Emily writes: 

Things with Lemon have been great so far! She’s such a sweetie and loves being with her people! She’s opening up more each day and it’s fun to see the pieces of her personality come out.  

 Her favorite places are cozy beds and being as close to me as she can possibly get. Lots of head/nose butts for attention. She’s an expert at pibble nibbles and it’s so cute to see her nib nib on her toys and us! It took her a few days to master going up the stairs. Still working on going down, for now she gets carried! Short frequent walks are her jam as well. Being from Louisiana, the rain doesn’t seem to bother her too much, which is great! 

We had been looking for a dog for a few months. I had been intent on a senior/special needs dog. We were just waiting until the right dog, and we weren’t planning any trips away.  

I feel so honored to be able to give her a special home that she deserves. It warms my heart that she’s had so much support from the community. 

Delorean, now Jasper 

The resilience of animals who suffer from neglect is always inspiring. Their ability to move beyond their trauma and live each day to the fullest reminds us why our furry companions are so special.  

OHS’ Humane Law Enforcement team was first alerted to Delorean’s situation after a local veterinarian was concerned about the condition of another dog in the home. Despite OHS connecting this pet owner with numerous resources, the neglect continued. OHS partnered with Multnomah County Animal Services to intake the dogs and charge the owner with Animal Neglect in the First Degree. The owner later pled guilty as part of a plea agreement.  

Once at OHS, Delorean proved to be a happy, silly dog. He spent time in foster care while his case was in process. Once Deloran was ready for adoption, he found the perfect home with another OHS alum.  

His adopter writes: 

Our first few days with Delorean, now Jasper, have been a joy to discover him and become a family. He’s truly a good dog. He’s so adaptable—we can’t get over how agreeable he is. He’s up for several bouts of rowdy play with our 8-month-old Sheepdog (adopted from OHS in July) and easily communicates non-verbally when he’s ready to chill. He’s very smart, and we can tell he’s had to be resourceful. 

After these two adoptions, I’m sure that there’s no “perfect fit” dog to wait for. While temperament and age need to be considered for each household, a dog will find its place in your heart and home, and it becomes a perfect fit. 

Thanks for all you do! 

Moose  

Moose came to OHS’ Salem Campus as an active labrador in need of an adopter who could give him plenty of exercise. In no time, staff and volunteers learned that he was very social, and belly rubs were the key to his heart. A game of fetch would also do the trick.  

When Moose’s energy was at an all-time high, he struggled with puppy habits like mouthing and jumping up. Over time, staff and volunteers learned what he needed, and he began to settle. He eventually became a star at OHS’ Summer Camp. Moose showed off his good boy skills by staying calm around high-energy kids, which can be challenging for a friendly and active dog. He was even nicknamed ‘King Moose’ and let the kids give him a crown. 

Now, Moose is living an action-packed life with his adopter who writes:  

He is an amazing dog! In the last month since his adoption, he has come so far. He now loves car rides and adventures, he is getting more playful and goofy every day. He loves to swim, and we had a blast at the coast last weekend. He has my heart, and I’m so blessed to be his caregiver and companion.  

Just Ken, now Ken 

Just Ken is anything but “just a dog” and his long journey to his new home makes his more than “just an adoption.” 

Just Ken was transferred to OHS from a shelter partner in Southern Oregon and typical of a lot of dogs currently struggling in shelters around the country—he is big, young, and very energetic. At OHS, he spent several months waiting for an adopter. Despite receiving lots of activity and love from staff and volunteers, the stress of shelter life was getting to him. 

Just Ken was selected for the Behavior Modification Program and moved to a quieter space at the Behavior and Rescue Center. He worked one-on-one with trainers to learn new skills and even became part of a fun social media campaign tied in with the popularity of the Barbie movie.   

Finally, it was Just Ken’s moment to shine when he found the perfect match! 

While his adoption was technically at the end of 2023, we received the most heartwarming update that made his adoption one of our favorites of 2024 too! 

Ken’s adopter writes: 

It’s been a year since I adopted Ken! All I can say is he is the best thing that has ever happened to me. We are working on learning new tricks and commands. He is doing amazing. He didn’t cuddle before but now has to sleep next to me or on top. It is the cutest thing because he thinks he is a small lap dog. He is a total diva and doesn’t like to get wet or dirty, which I find super cute and funny. He really enjoys sitting on the paddle board. He is beyond spoiled and loved.

I’m really glad we had the chance to adopt him. We love to play and also chill. He has made a new best friend named Kiah and they just love each other’s company so much it’s so heartwarming. Ken is very energetic and loving. We have gone on so many adventures this year and can’t wait to go on more. 

Dot  

Dot arrived at OHS as a tiny kitten who then spent several weeks in a foster home. During that time, he developed an unusual habit of choosing a sink instead of a litterbox to pee and poop. 

This unusual behavior would need to change before he would be ready for adoption, so Dot entered the Behavior Modification Program. His training plan included having no access to a sink and a smaller space to encourage consistent litter box use. After a few short months, Dot “graduated” from BMOD and found the perfect home where he enjoys endless playtime with his new kitty friend. 

His adopter writes:   

Dot is doing very well!! We haven’t had a single litter box issue so far, and Dot and Bean are getting along splendidly. So far, Dot really loves being able to sprint all around the apartment, as well as chase/hunt something moving under a blanket. He’s also got a favorite blanket that he loves to knead. He’s absolutely perfect, and I’m really glad that I adopted him 

Colin  

OHS volunteer Joanne Hodgdon spent many years working in the cattery, helping with Second Chance cat and kitten intakes, and spending countless hours doing laundry. When her health took a turn and she needed to move into assisted living, she would only be able to keep one of her six beloved cats. Thankfully, Joanne had enrolled her pets in OHS’ Friends Forever™ program. This meant that if Joanna was ever not able to care for her cats, they would be welcomed at OHS to find new, loving homes.  

Colin was among five of Joanne’s cats who came to OHS and needed some additional help with their fearful behavior. He became part of the Behavior Modification Program and worked with the team to learn to trust and be comfortable around new people. Colin also became friends with another cat in the program named Cilantro. Although they came to OHS from different homes, Colin and Cilantro became inseparable. 

They were adopted together right after Christmas, becoming the 101st and 102nd cats adopted from the Behavior Modification Program this year.  

If you would like to know more about making a plan for your pets, please contact our Legacy Team.

Scooby Do, now Zelda 

Scooby Do, now Zelda, arrived at OHS as a tiny kitten from Multnomah County Animal Services. She and her siblings were less than four weeks old, so they spent about a month in a foster home until they were ready for adoption.  

Zelda may have been small, but she held an enormous gift. She is helping her adopter heal from trauma as their relationship blossoms. 

Thousands of kittens find homes at OHS each year, and Zelda’s special connection to her adopter makes this story particularly memorable.  

Her adopter writes: 

Zelda is doing very, very good. I changed her name to Zelda because it’s my favorite game of all time, and because she does act like a princess. We get along like two old hillbillies playing chess who’ve known each other for 50 years. Everyone here loves her and they’re always wanting to pet her. Every time somebody walks by my window and she’s in the window, they stop and either tap on the window or make faces at her. She really is the princess of this place. 

She is extremely smart to the point that she likes to problem solve.  

I cannot thank you all enough for such an amazing cat and, to be honest, my fur baby. Thanks to God, her and you all, my PTSD from the Army has decreased significantly. Thank you all again and God bless you all!!! 

Arrow, now YoYo  

Arrow, now YoYo, was transferred to OHS Salem Campus from a shelter partner in Grants Pass with fewer resources and a limited community of adopters. Our commitment at Oregon Humane Society is to help animals all across the state. 

In many ways, YoYo seemed to be an average cat—adult, brown tabby with short hair. In reality, every animal is special and there are no average adoptions. Every time a potential adopter walks into our shelter, it’s an opportunity to create a unique connection and make a family complete.  

YoYo found the purrfect home, while his adopter felt that he had the support and resources to make his family complete thanks to Pets for the Elderly and OHS’ Friends Forever program.  

YoYo’s adopter writes: 

Last December I was excited to go to the OHS Salem campus to adopt a new cat as I recently lost my Petey, a beloved 13-year-old, who passed away in April. I still have two cats but felt a third cat would be a good addition. As a 76-year-old widower living by myself in a retirement community with no local relatives, I was hesitant to adopt another cat, as I was concerned my cats would outlive me.  

Fortunately, my cats are enrolled in the OHS Friends Forever program, which gives me peace of mind knowing that OHS will find good homes for them should they outlive me. 

Adopting Yo-Yo (formerly Arrow), a 4-year-old tabby, was a perfect fit. He rapidly joined the cat family and became a playmate for one of my cats, while giving the other the space she needs.  

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that YoYo’s adoption fee was paid for by a grant from Pets for the Elderly, who wanted to encourage people over 65 to have pets. 

I thank OHS for their wonderful programs. My brother has noted that I am much happier because of YoYo’s adoption. He’s right. I encourage other seniors to consider adopting a pet to brighten their life. It’s not only humane, but a healthy thing to do.