ADOPTION LOVE STORIES

We’re excited to announce the winners of our Adoption Love Story contest! After reviewing submissions, we couldn’t pick just one–we have three adorable adoption stories to fill your heart with love this Valentine’s Day 💕

Winner 1: June

After a heartbreaking divorce, the unexpected loss of her sister, and a big move from Nebraska to Austin to start fresh near her kids, Lori wasn’t sure she was ready to love another dog. When a long, painful adoption attempt elsewhere fell through at the last moment, her heart broke all over again.

Then, on a whim, she made a u-turn into Central Texas SPCA — and met Shortcake, now lovingly known as June (aka Junie Bear, Junie Bird, Junie Dog 🐶). From the moment June came to the front of the kennel, she just knew.

Four months later, they’re inseparable — dog park adventures, Jeep rides, joyful reunions after work, and a whole lot of healing on both sides.

“She needed me, and I needed her.” 💛

Congrats, Lori and June! Central Texas SPCA is proud to have made this perfect match possible. Adoption truly saves both lives.

Winner 2: Pongo

After moving to Austin alone, Deion kept finding reasons not to adopt — even after spotting the perfect dog, Pongo, at an event months before ever stepping into the shelter. When he finally decided to visit Central Texas SPCA, Pongo was still there, anxiously running back and forth, waiting for his chance.

Labeled a “red tag” dog, their first meeting was cautious — but thanks to the incredible volunteers, it quickly turned into something special. The moment Pongo looked back one last time before being taken away, it felt like a scene straight out of a movie. It was clear they were meant to find each other.

On December 31, 2024, Pongo officially became family. Today, he’s the definition of a best friend — sweet, attentive, playful, and absolutely irresistible (those ears!).

Pongo just needed someone willing to give him a chance — and together, they’ve changed each other’s lives for the better. 💛

Congrats, Deion and Pongo! Central Texas SPCA is proud for making this love story possible.

Winner 3: COSMO

In 2007, a little red weenie dog named Rumplestiltskin was spotted at a PetSmart adoption event. They said hello and went on with their day — but that night, they couldn’t stop thinking about him. By the next day, they called, introduced him to their other dogs, and brought him home. He became Cosmo.

Cosmo had been returned before for being “unsocial,” and at first, he kept his distance. For nearly a year, he quietly chose space over closeness. His family gave him exactly what he needed: patience, safety, and time.

Then one night, Cosmo followed their son into his room — and everything changed. From that moment on, they were inseparable. Car rides, late-night Whataburger runs, drive-through treats, shared joys and sorrows — Cosmo was always there.

Cosmo passed away on January 6, 2016, but he never truly left. His portrait still hangs on the wall, his name is still spoken, and his love still fills their home.

That little dog, once overlooked, changed a family forever. Central Texas SPCA is proud to have given him the chance that made it all possible. 💛