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HAPPY TAILS
Do you have a Cape Ann Animal Aid adoption success story you'd like to share? If so, please submit it here. Adoption stories are posted to our Happy Tails webpage. We may also share your story and uploaded photos on our social media pages or in Cape Ann Animal Aid communications. (If we share your story, we will never publish your full name. Stories may be edited for clarity/content/length.)
CLICK ON A PHOTO BELOW TO EXPAND AND READ THE FULL STORY. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR HAPPY TAILS WITH US!
Sampson and Delilah (FKA Achoo and Thistle) Adopted August 2026
Although not litter mates Sampson and Delilah have become the best of friends. They search for each other when both are not in the same room. Their favorite game is chase your sibling throughout the house.
Junie (FKA Junie B) Adopted June 2026
We are so obsessed with our sweet Junie! She is fitting right in with her big brother Frankie, playing toys, enjoying her window seat, and following us all around the house! We’re in love.
Georgia Peach (FKA Bella) Adopted February 2025
It started when I was at home one day and my girlfriend saw this beautiful doxie on the website and she called me right away and asked if we could adopt it. We were super excited to see her. We called the shelter and they let us know that we could come visit and see if we would want to take her, and of course we were willing to take her and give her a better life than she was living, being abandoned at a hotel in the middle of winter in Georgia in 2025. When we got there the staff let us know that Bella had another family visitation scheduled at 3pm. We were bummed out because we knew she would get adopted just by how cute she is. Her picture was taken down from the website and we were so sad and silent on the way back home. We prayed that somehow that family would not take her. And at 4:30 pm, we saw Bella was back on the website and we were shocked the other family did not take her. We called the shelter and they told us that they were trying to reach my landlord and that we were up next to come and have a visitation with her. We could not believe it and we rushed there, right before the Shelter was about to close and she was there waiting for us and within 5 minutes we said "yes, we'll take her". We named her Georgia Peach, and the rest is history. Thank you to Cape Ann Animal Aid staff and the whole organization for brining us to our first puppy together.
Walter (FKA Ernie) Adopted July 2025
My husband and I were in Gloucester on the last day of 3 in July 2025. It’s always difficult to drive home because we are so relaxed near the ocean. We walked slowly by the waterfront before planning to grab a coffee and fill our tank for the 3 hr ride home. We love to see all the dogs and often ask to pet a few. We approached a woman walking a large puppy and learned that she was a volunteer from the local shelter. There was something special about this guy and I had a difficult time walking away. After getting a coffee at The Gull (and asking people there if they knew where the local animal shelter was. They did) and filling our tank, we decided to drive there since it was a short ride from where we were. We were welcomed in by the kindness staff member and were asked to take a few minutes to fill out an application to meet ‘Ernie.’ Less than 2 hrs later we were driving home with our new buddy in the back seat. It’s been a busy year with Walter. There was a few months of cancer treatments for my husband and he slept by his side often. We’ve had lots of adventures on our daily walks and a new baby in the family to meet. He’s grown into a big boy but he’s still a goofy lovable puppy in his mind. He loves everyone and everyone loves him. It’s been a year of Walter love. Thank you to everyone at Cape Ann Animal Aid for trusting us with him. ♥️
Heather, Adopted July 2026
Happy gotcha day Heather! She has stolen our hearts. So energetic, smart, funny, and loves to play. We never thought we would actually adopt a puppy, but from the first time we saw her, we were hooked.
Benny (FKA Mufasa) Adopted February 2026
We adopted Benny on snowy super bowl weekend. In his adoption photo he looked so scared but he has grown into an absolute HAM soaking up all the attention. He loves playing with his siblings, and climbing up our cat wall. He has such a HUGE personality which is equal parts mischievous and loving- as well as SUPER chatty, and he truly loves anything to do with shrimp and cheese! We’re so lucky to have him <3
Waylon, Adopted June 2025
We first heard about Waylon through a college friend who was fostering him. Within a day of seeing his photo, we drove two hours south to bring him home. From the moment he arrived, our house has been filled with the joy of the happiest, most fun-loving, and sweetest boy. He brought exactly what our family needed. Lots of love, laughter, and companionship. His brother Kit-Kat and sister Phippsy agree that life has been better ever since Waylon became part of the family.
Darby, Adopted January 2026
We went to CAAA on January 18th and fell in love with Darby. On January 21st we took her home. She’s filled our hearts with so much love. She adores every dog and human she meets. She loves to play, go to the dog park, eat treats, learn tricks, and loves pup cups. Darby made our family whole. We love our little sweet girl more than anything.
Tina, Adopted October 2025
After losing our dear cat, Daisy, Zafi (adopted May, 2017) and I were a little lonely. I work outside the home all day and Zafi needed a companion. Tina came to live with us in October and immediately brought a lot of love and fun to the household. She’s a young cat and performs a lot of “kitten tricks.” She is also cuddly and lovable and gets along very well with Zafi. She shares toys, treats, and sunny spots. We are very happy with this affectionate new addition, and I can tell she likes us too. She follows me around and we love sharing the house together.
Cornelius, Adopted January 2026
I volunteer with the dogs weekly and have done so for years. I’ve always considered myself more of a dog person, but when I met Cornelius, I fell in love immediately. Honestly, he’s basically a dog — he loves belly rubs and will even chase his tail sometimes.
But in all seriousness, Cornelius is the perfect love bug: playful, curious, funny, and incredibly loving. I am so happy, and I’m pretty sure Cornelius is too.
But in all seriousness, Cornelius is the perfect love bug: playful, curious, funny, and incredibly loving. I am so happy, and I’m pretty sure Cornelius is too.
Ruffy (FKA Rufus) Adopted March 2025
I told Ruffy the wonderful people at the shelter were wondering how he was doing after being with us for one year. Here is what he said:
Please tell the kind people at the shelter that I'm the bestest boy. And the silliest. I love playing bitey mouth with Rudy. I can fit his entire head in my mouth. I know, very impressive.
And I enjoy Fuzzy cleaning my ears. Sometimes he tickles my brain with his tongue.
Every morning at 5:30 I run outside into the back yard and bark into the void. It's the best way to start my day. Then we all go morning walkies together. I love morning walkies.
I also love nature walkies. But my daddy says there's too much snow for nature walkies right now. That's why I'm looking forward to spring. But I also love snow, even though it's confusing. Sometimes I can walk on top of it, and sometimes I can't. So weird.
I love peanut butter. I don't ever drool. Never. Except for peanut butter. I will drool for peanut butter.
When I get really excited, I go tornado. Nobody does that better than me. My mama says I'm the best tornado ever.
My favorite hobby is cuddling. And snuggling. Mama says my noggin is so big to give her more space to plant kisses. And I agree.
Sometimes my daddy makes a little fun of my jowls. But I think he's just jealous. My jowls are exquisite.
On the couch I always sit in my corner. If somebody already sits in my corner I will sit on top of them. Mama says I don't understand the concept of personal space. I have no idea what she is talking about.
I'm a happy boy.
And please tell the kind people at the shelter thank you for taking such good care of me while I was there. I miss them. Life is good. But there could always be more snackies. I love snackies!!
Please tell the kind people at the shelter that I'm the bestest boy. And the silliest. I love playing bitey mouth with Rudy. I can fit his entire head in my mouth. I know, very impressive.
And I enjoy Fuzzy cleaning my ears. Sometimes he tickles my brain with his tongue.
Every morning at 5:30 I run outside into the back yard and bark into the void. It's the best way to start my day. Then we all go morning walkies together. I love morning walkies.
I also love nature walkies. But my daddy says there's too much snow for nature walkies right now. That's why I'm looking forward to spring. But I also love snow, even though it's confusing. Sometimes I can walk on top of it, and sometimes I can't. So weird.
I love peanut butter. I don't ever drool. Never. Except for peanut butter. I will drool for peanut butter.
When I get really excited, I go tornado. Nobody does that better than me. My mama says I'm the best tornado ever.
My favorite hobby is cuddling. And snuggling. Mama says my noggin is so big to give her more space to plant kisses. And I agree.
Sometimes my daddy makes a little fun of my jowls. But I think he's just jealous. My jowls are exquisite.
On the couch I always sit in my corner. If somebody already sits in my corner I will sit on top of them. Mama says I don't understand the concept of personal space. I have no idea what she is talking about.
I'm a happy boy.
And please tell the kind people at the shelter thank you for taking such good care of me while I was there. I miss them. Life is good. But there could always be more snackies. I love snackies!!
Mitzy (FKA Alexa) Adopted March 2025
We were heartbroken when we had to put our 8 year old dog down due to cancer . After 3 months we decided we would rescue again. Little did we know that Mitzy was born on the day we put Cora down. I feel that Cora sent her to us. Mitzy came very scared and timid but has come so far. Her favorite thing to do is run free at the beach! She is so smart and listens so well. She is the perfect addition to our family.
Shadow, Adopted March 2025
We had a 4 month old kitten we had already adopted and were totally in love with her so we decided to adopt a playmate.
Lady (FKA Barbie) Adopted March 2025
I thought I was the one providing the kibble, the soft bed, and the vet visits. But Lady provided the grounding.
On the days when the world felt a little too loud or a little too heavy, she’d just lean her weight against my shin or nudge my hand with her wet nose. She didn't need a mansion or a fancy life; she just needed me. And in meeting that need, she taught me that I was enough.
She wasn't just an "addition" to my life—she was the missing piece of the puzzle I hadn't even realized was incomplete.
On the days when the world felt a little too loud or a little too heavy, she’d just lean her weight against my shin or nudge my hand with her wet nose. She didn't need a mansion or a fancy life; she just needed me. And in meeting that need, she taught me that I was enough.
She wasn't just an "addition" to my life—she was the missing piece of the puzzle I hadn't even realized was incomplete.
Daisy (FKA Dazzle) Adopted March 2025
Our house was so sad after the passing of our 12 year old adopted cat, that I went and adopted Dazzle aka Daisy. She has become the best friend of our 8 year old black lab. They go everywhere together, even take turns at the water bowl! We are so happy to have adopted Daisy from the Cape Ann Animal Aid.
Milo James, Adopted March 2025
Milo James continues to thrive in our home and is the perfect addition! He did have another surgery this summer to remove more of those pesky bladder stones and more were recently found but, after a consult with a specialist, adding some new medicine to his food we’re hopeful to avoid any future surgeries. Other than his surgery, Milo James is a happy boy who loves to curl up on our lap, find his way to a warm spot under the covers, hang out with his bother and keep us laughing with his silly personality.
Scout (FKA Bear) Adopted January 2025
Scout is a beautiful, funny and smart boy. He loves to cuddle and play; he is such a love! I can’t imagine my life without him. He is very social and loves everyone. He just had his first year check up and is super healthy!
Thank you for such a wonderful boy. His foster family and CAA did a great job as well as his mom Raven!
Thank you for such a wonderful boy. His foster family and CAA did a great job as well as his mom Raven!
Fig (FKA Chicken) Adopted September 2023
We met Chicken (now known as Fig) in early September 2023. Cape Ann Animal Aid rescued her not long after she gave birth to six kittens in the vicinity of a fast food chicken restaurant near Briggs Street in Gloucester (hence her name). Fig has a Zen-like shyness but has learned to trust us and is affectionate. She is an elegant silver mini-panther! Thank you, CAAA for rescuing her and her kittens. We feel blessed to have her in our lives.
Rosie and Lily, Adopted February 2025
A year ago this month, after the painful loss of my dog, I adopted Rosie and Lily, Maltese/ShihTzu mix 6-year-old littermates from the WONDERFUL Cape Ann Animal Aid! Every day with Lily and Rosie has been filled with laughter because they are such comedians, love because they are so affectionate, and happiness because their companionship has been a real rock for me through so much. Amazingly, I also gained a wonderful friend in Rosie and Lily’s former owner who made the greatest sacrifice in rehoming these two because of her medical challenges. Now I not only have two perfect pup companions but also a dear friend! She even sent them Christmas presents!!!! I’m so grateful to Cape Ann Animal Aid and to Rosie and Lily’s first mom who made this possible! Thank you!
Marley (FKA Emmy) Adopted January 2026
After the loss of our cat Governor, our house felt empty—too quiet. At first, I truly didn’t think I could ever open my heart to another animal. We were so devastated. But then I realized that adopting an animal in need and giving them a loving, safe home was the most meaningful way to honor Governor’s memory.
That’s when we went to Cape Ann Animal Aid and met Emmy—now lovingly called Marley. She is the perfect mix of sass and sweet that our hearts and home needed. She’s adjusting beautifully, and as the days go by, her true personality continues to shine. We are completely in love with her.
Adoption matters because it saves lives and gives animals a second chance at the love and security they deserve—and in return, they give you more love than you ever imagined possible. We are so grateful to Cape Ann Animal Aid for the incredible work they do and for bringing Marley into our lives.
And yes… we may or may not be stalking the page already, looking for her future fur brother. 🐾💙
That’s when we went to Cape Ann Animal Aid and met Emmy—now lovingly called Marley. She is the perfect mix of sass and sweet that our hearts and home needed. She’s adjusting beautifully, and as the days go by, her true personality continues to shine. We are completely in love with her.
Adoption matters because it saves lives and gives animals a second chance at the love and security they deserve—and in return, they give you more love than you ever imagined possible. We are so grateful to Cape Ann Animal Aid for the incredible work they do and for bringing Marley into our lives.
And yes… we may or may not be stalking the page already, looking for her future fur brother. 🐾💙
Jaxon (FKA Jaxson) Adopted January 2018
We’re celebrating our 8th year with Jaxson. They have been the best years of our lives. He has a BIG personality and is the most AMAZING dog we have ever owned. He is truly truly loved maybe even too much if that’s possible. Happy Anniversary to Jaxson!
Nyx/Nicks (FKA Vineyard) Adopted October 2025
My 7 year old daughter fell in love with Vineyard as soon as she saw her, and now she is enjoying being spoiled in her new forever home with her two big brothers!
Cody, Adopted in 2011
We had Cody for several years. Unfortunately he passed away Thanksgiving Eve. Our hearts are broken but what an amazing life he lived. Helga & Paisley are missing him too! We have been blessed with these little angels 🙏❤️
Jazz (FKA Mossy) Adopted November 2024
Jasperella "Jazz" formerly Mossy has been with me for a year. Maybe a bit of a diva Jazz loves to play and still has a toy or two she came home with. Milk caps and rings are her favorites. She loves to play fetch and also loves Churu treats.
Crash, Adopted November 2024
We adopted Crash at year ago he has been a big addition to our family since he arrived. Big boy and a playful boy.
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