ARE YOU TAKING THE CAT, TOO?

By Sharon Schultz

While I was researching the content for my article, “The Healing Power of Pets” (OutLook by the Bay, Summer 2025), in my mind’s eye, I knew I would use the information at a later date for my own purposes, particularly the bit about animal adoptions. My family got our first puppy when I was eight years old. Consequently, I have been a pet mom to dogs and/or cats consistently all my life, until I wasn’t. Earlier last year, the last of my four Bichon Frise’s I’d spent more than a decade with, crossed the rainbow bridge and joined the others. My two ancient cats followed shortly thereafter, and I was no longer a pet mom.

Writing “The Healing Power of Pets” definitely had my wheels turning. I decided that as soon as I returned from vacation that summer, I would actively begin looking for a small dog to adopt. I had kept information I’d found on the local rescue agencies and their adoption policies so all I needed to do was to start looking. 

The Senior Dog Sanctuary in Severn, AA Co Animal Control in Millersville, the SPCA in Annapolis, and BARCS in Baltimore were my go-to pet rescues. Almost immediately upon my return from vacation, I began scrolling through websites, spending days searching hundreds of photos looking for the perfect little dog. I felt confident I would find the right animal from the photograph and description online – and I did!

I first saw little Rosie (renamed from Harlow) on Anne Arundel County Animal Control’s website one Monday afternoon in August. The picture of the 8-pound, 6-year-old female Pomeranian jumped right out at me from an ocean of large pit bull, retriever and shepherd mix photos currently up for adoption from Animal Control in Millersville. When the facility opened for business that Tuesday morning, I was there, waiting.

Rosie was mine within the hour! That’s how long the whole process took from start to finish. The first order of business was to meet the candidate for adoption and forgive the cliché, but it really was love at first sight, no hesitation at all.

To be honest, the application process was made a lot easier because my information was already in Animal Control’s database from previous adoptions. As I said, I’ve been a pet mom.

After all the necessary verifications were made, documents produced and signatures obtained, I was delighted to learn that in addition to being “chipped” and receiving all the appropriate vaccinations due, because I am a senior citizen here in the County, all adoption fees were waived!

Happy as a lark, new companion in my arms, I turned to leave as one of the volunteers came over to bid Rosie adieu and asked, “Are you taking the cat, too?”

There was dead silence for several long seconds before I responded, “What cat?”

As the tale unfolded, I learned that Rosie had been turned in by her previous owner along with the 2-year-old female cat that grew up with her. The fact that Rosie and her cat, little 6-pound Susie (Pattie, also renamed), were a “bonded pair” was inadvertently left off the website – an important omission! The reason the bonded pair were not together the morning I arrived at the shelter was because Susie was in surgery, being spayed. 

I took little Rosie home that morning and she settled in. The following morning, I was back at Animal Control when the doors opened – again. Once reunited, Susie was headed to her new home with Rosie 45 minutes later, senior discount in place! 

Animal Control ensures that every animal that leaves their facility is up to date with required vaccinations and has a chip placed under the skin for identification. In just one week’s time, I would learn firsthand, just how important those chips can be, when Susie was catnapped!

Friendly little Susie was in the front yard with Rosie when she was coaxed into a vehicle occupied by two young ladies driving down the street, as we learned from neighbors later. Susie was missed immediately. I couldn’t understand where she went or what happened to her. I was heartbroken that night when Susie didn’t come home, and the next morning when there was still no sign of the little cat. By evening, hope was fading, and then my cellphone rang. 

The local veterinarian clinic that cared for all of my previous pets for decades was calling. Unbelievably, they had Susie! They’d found me through her chip, and her adoption records! Apparently, two young women brought her to the clinic. They said they found the lost cat and were unable to find her owner – and they couldn’t keep her. Thank goodness! Susie was reunited with Rosie once again, no questions asked.

Rosie and Susie bring joy into my life every day. I can’t look at them without smiling. They are playful, smart, and well-trained, which I can’t take credit for. The previous owners did all the work. I just get to reap the benefits. It’s great to be a pet mom again!

For more information on how you can become a pet parent, please contact:

• AACO Animal Control – 411 Maxwell Frye RD, Millersville MD, 410-222-8900 www.aaco.org.

• SPCA of Anne Arundel County – 1815 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis MD, 410-268-4388 www.aacspca.org.

• BARCS Animal Shelter – 2490 Giles RD, Baltimore MD, 410-396-4695 www.barccs.org. 

• SDS of Maryland – 8336 WB&A RD, Severn, MD, 443-742-0270 www.seniordogsanctuary.com.

Sharon Schultz is a retired freelance photojournalist and proud Bay Boomer.