Submitted by the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor

Many of you in the community know about Cowboy, but for those who dont, he has been a long-term resident at the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor. Cowboys journey home has taken almost two years. He was originally brought in as a stray, with no information about his history, to a shelter in Modesto, California, where shortly after he was scheduled to be euthanized. Around this time, Lead and Love Dog Rescue in Bend, Oregon, saved over 10 dogs from euthanasia at that shelter, Cowboy being one of them. On March 27, 2018, he was transferred to APS-FH through connections with Becky Pohlad, one of our Advisory Board members. Cowboy has been at our shelter since. Although he had been labeled an intimidating dog, everyone who took the time to get to know Cowboy couldnt understand why such a wonderful dog was overlooked time and time again. Eventually, he became an honorary staff member and won many hearts along the way, but none-the-less he sat. And waited.

Little did we know Cowboy had a secret admirer all along, and it started with a kiss. Cowboy was out on a walk one day and was introduced to Susan Mazzarella, APS-FH board president. When she put her hand out to let him smell her, he reciprocated with a gentle lick. After that she was a solid member of his fan club. Time went by, and soon Susan was ready to add to her fur family. She immediately turned to Cowboy. They started things off slowly, with gentle walks and many treats, which eventually led to an overnight stay. Cowboy never came back from that overnight visit. Susans family welcomed him in with warm arms, cozy couches and lots of love. The adoption was made official, and Cowboy had found his perfect home just in time for the holidays.

The APS-FH team would like to thank everyone who believed in Cowboy and provided the support to make his holiday wish come true.

Our mission is to provide compassionate care and brighter futures for homeless animals, with a commitment to providing a safe haven for homeless and lost animals; reuniting lost pets with their owners; placing animals in our care into qualified and loving homes; reducing pet overpopulation through spay/neuter education and assistance; advising and advocating for the protection of animals; networking with other shelters and pet rescue groups impacted by overcrowding or natural disasters to decrease euthanasia rates to save lives; advocating for animal welfare through education, outreach and assistance; promoting a stronger sense of the animal-human bond; and always adhering to our no-kill philosophy for adoptable animals.

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Home for the Holdiays - Journal of the San Juan Islands