Beckwith (know known as Willis) is doing very well. He’s adjusted to life in the city and loves going for walks or car rides to the dog park. He has become very adept at retrieving and seeking out his toys when they are hidden. He’s also a big old lover boy and wants to be a lap dog even though he weighs 95 lbs! Overall he’s very happy and his tail is constantly wagging.
Thanks!
-Jason
Willis (Formerly Beckwith)
My name used to be Diesel & after being taken home by at least 4 or 5 different families, I was taken back to 2 different shelters. I was beginning to think that I was not worthy….. I was also taken away from my own sister the last time I went back to the shelter. For some reason they decided to keep her & get rid of me, so I waited at the Vinton Animal Shelter for someone, anyone that could give me a home where it was not noisy all the time & where I could be with people. I was so lonely, I wondered if it would ever happen.
Then all of the sudden, these people looked at me (they must have felt sorry for me because I was really shedding & skinny- not the most handsome time in my life) and decided to foster me for a couple of days. I knew I didn’t have much time to convince them to keep me, so I went to work on them right away. My story now is that my name has been changed to Dexxter (my mom says it’s because I am “extra extra” special, I think it’s because I’m “extra extra” cute) & I have been in my forever & ever home for 2 years! I get to go to the nursing home & visit all my friends, pull my dad around on the bike down the bike trial, & I get to go on family vacations! I even have a little brother that I get to pal around with. His name is Howie & we are best buds!!! (By the way, I’m the devilishly handsome one with the big blue eyes)
Please, please do your part in helping all of my other buddies who haven’t been as lucky as me to find their forever homes. Even if you can’t adopt one of my friends, please give money or food which helps the volunteers keep my friends safe & warm till they find their forever homes. Love, Dexxter H. Frank
This is our Beautiful Bailey. We adopted her from the Vinton Animal Shelter in 2006. She fit in with our dogs immediately & made herself right at home. One cute thing we found out about her; she loves to sleep underneath the blankets! That’s what we love about adopting from the shelter; a dog (or cat) will always have something special to share with you. – Jared & Regina
I adopted “OBE” from your shelter almost 3 years ago. And I just wanted to write and tell you that He is sure a wonderful boy. He was 8 years old when I adopted Him. He is a Border Collie Mix. He loves to play frisbee, and go for walks, and I noticed that when He hears a siren He howls like a wolf. (Ha Ha). He also loves music. When I sing, he always sings along. I am sure happy that I have Him. He can really run fast when I go to play frisbee with Him. I usually go to the park where there is pleny of room to throw. He can jump up and catch them, or just run and get them. But He always brings them back. I have a cat, that still after three years “hisses” at Him. She does not like Him, but He just ignores her and goes on. He could care less. But my cat thinks She rules the house anyway. She is just a fussy little prissy girl. Well anyway, I just wanted to write and give you an update on Obe. Thank You so much for having Him to adopt to me. I couldn’t ask for a better boy.
Mike
Titus with his Christmas present
He is such a sweet boy; he rarely barks. We noticed his ears seem a bit long for a lab and are guessing that he might have a little hound in him, too. He and Reggie play hard together when we let them out in the back yard. We are surprised that Titus likes the snow so much (in light of his short coat) and doesn’t seem to be bothered by the cold (although I have been putting a coat on him when I walk him and the temperature is quite cold). I plan to leave the office early today so that I can take him on a long walk. Helena
When we first met Chaya at your shelter, she was a terrified, shy little girl who didn’t seem to trust people or new places. We immediately set out to prove to her that we loved her and that she could trust us. To help the bonding, we cuddled her constantly, brushed her every day, spoiled her with treats, toys, a very comfy crate, and two doggy beds, and started teaching her some basic commands. To socialize her, we started taking her to the Iowa City dog park (we still go there at least 4 or 5 times a week), we had friends over almost everyday, and we let her explore her world by walking her for (literally) hours a day. Over the past six months, she has blossomed into a dog who knows that she is VERY loved, who likes to play with any dog she meets, who loves to cuddle, who loves to go for hikes with her backpack on or–now that it has snowed–pulling a sled filled with snow, and who likes to show off all of the things she knows (including sit, lie down, stay, shake, kisses, drop, fetch/bring it, mush, crate time, and go to bed). She has completely changed our lives and brought a happiness to it we did not know we were lacking, and we want you to know how much we appreciate your facility for bringing her to us and trusting us with her life! Chaya is our world, and we feel so blessed to be her people!
Thank you so much for introducing us to the world’s sweetest, cutest, bestest doggie,
Pat and Cerisa (and Chaya)
Boone (Tip)
I thought you might like to know how Tip is adjusting.
He is doing better than we had hoped. Last night we put in a crate in our bedroom and turned the front so he could see me. We figured that would help him feel safe and secure in a strange environment. He cried a bit, but we talked to him and he settled down. He had to do his business at 3 a.m., and naturally his new doggie brothers thought that was a GREAT idea!! But overall it was a better night than I thought we’d have.
He’s already starting to get “let’s go outside!” but there have been a few accidents. Nothing we didn’t expect. That’s why we have paper towels and cleaner.
He’s been off leash around the house with Lupin and Duke, and that is going very well. We let them hang out for a bit, then we separate them to let everyone just sort of chill, then we let them hang out again. They don’t really do anything to warrant being apart. We just figure it’s better to let Tip ease in to what is going on and don’t let him get overly stressed. Duke barks at him sometimes out of excitement, and Tip is finally realizing that it’s not something to be scared of, it’s just Duke’s way.
The funniest thing that happened was our cat Dave’s reaction. If a cat could do a double take, he did one. He just came strolling into the livingroom yesterday when we brought Tip home like nothing happened, and then he spotted Tip. He had a look on his face like, “What the HELL is that??????” It was hilarious. However, after a few hisses, he’s fine with Tip. Our other cats gave him a look and were completely uninterested.
Jessie came running out of her room when we got home yelling, “Tip! Hi Tip!” She hugged him and he wagged at her. They are already fast friends. He follows her everywhere.
His oddest reaction came when I turned on the TV. Apparently he’s never seen TV before, because he looked at it and tried to get into the TV. We told him not to worry, that he’d like it, and now he’s fine with it. I really do think Tip is fitting in better than we ever expected. I’m sure there will be ups and downs, but that’s part of rescue.
Thanks again for everything! You were really great to work with!
Barb
Hello Friends of the Shelter-
Just wanted to check in with you and let you know how “Heath” is doing. First of all, our family voted and we changed his name to Roe. (long story) He is doing very well. He is pretty much potty trained. He loves to cuddle up with the kids in front of the fireplace. He is also fun to play with outside in the snow. He digs and digs with the kids. He is a very good boy. He likes to go places with us in the Suburban. He usually goes to work each weekday with Jeremy. Roe likes to sleep in the truck or at the jobsite.
Thank you so much for letting us adopt such a wonderful pet. And thank you for all that you do!
Thank you,
Shelly & family
Do you remember this BIG Boy ?
We adopted Mr. Big in May 27, 2009. Rest assured this big boy is the most loved dog in our world.
Your Mr. Big, unfortunately didn’t respond to us upon calling him Mr. Big.
I sat down and started pitching out names: Sampson, Joe, Barney, Fred, Davey, Kip, Daniel, Billy, Hank, Harley etc. I realized he is a BIG boy and thought he was big like a tank. I said, “Tank.” He cocked his head and alerted.
When his Daddy came home from work I asked him to say this name as I spelled it. T a n k Guess who changed his own name ? So the Mr. Big you all loved and looked after is now known as, Tank. As I took him home on adoption day, your elementary school was letting out for the day. I had to put up the windows so he wouldn’t jump out to greet those children.
This is when Tank had my heart and we still had 2 hours to drive to our home in Van Buren County.
Just wanted to keep in touch and let you all know Tank is doing well and he is just fabulous !
Lots of Love,
Tank’s Momma aka Pamela
I adopted Storie in April 2010 and wanted to share some photos of her with our other dogs for your website. She is a great dog and we are all very attached to her. I never really understand why someone gave her up. How was she found? Abandoned on the road. My father thinks she must have gotten lost because why would anyone give up a great dog and she is so well behaved and knows paw, sit, lay down, etc. He says she was trained.
Leslie
Just thought I would touch base with you on Reese since it has been forever! She is doing very well! She likes to play run around with Sugar and Oreo and chase the cats. She has become quite a cuddler too. She lays on the bed for a little every night and lays with Samantha and I on the floor in the evenings. She still does not jump on the furniture, she gives a confused look to you when you try to get her to HAHA. Her nickname for now is Plumpy because we did not get on many walks this winter. She liked laying on the deck in the snow and watching people in the cold. She never wanted to come in. She has started to play tug of war with the other dogs too. Her interaction is very good. ~Heath
Hi! We are in love with Molly( Carmella). I will send you some photos of her at the beach with Calley…. We go everyday for 1-2 hours… She has had some seizures and I am keeping her on medication ….It is very disturbing… I am working to keep it at bay !
She loves her new family and she likes Calley… All is good! Hope that all is well with you….
Best gayle and Dan
We adopted Portia yesterday out at the Tour of Hope. I just wanted to give you an update of her first day and night with us. She is doing wonderful!! She fits in perfectly and our other dog and our cat love her and love to play with her. She is just perfect. Her favorite thing to do right now is lay on the couch. We could not even imagine a better dog than her. She’s amazing. We will send more updates and I will email you a picture from last night of her and our other dog Addie. She did wonderful through the night. Slept all night and didn’t even need to go out to potty! She’s a dream come true for us!! Thank you so much!!
Candie
Just wanted to update you on Cheyenne. She is the perfect dog for us!! She warmed up to me within minutes and won’t leave my side. Hemi (the beagle) & cheyenne are already best of friends. As soon as my daughters got home from school she took to them as if she has known them since birth. She has been extremely happy and playful and is eating well. Thank you.
Marty
Gigi 
Guess who found her forever home today? She went home with a pilot and flight attendant. They lost their last dog at 13 to lymphoma, and have been missing having a pup around the house. I’m not sure who fell in love first, but I can tell you they all liked each other fast!
Here she is in her new home. Thank you for everything you’ve done for her- I have no doubt she will be spoiled and loved as much as can be.
Our family adopted Oliver (formally knows as Donnie) & it was by far the best decision we ever made! He is a joy to be around & a wonderful addition to our family. Oliver loves to run, jump & play but he also loves to snuggle & cuddle too. And he gives the best kitty kisses in the world! Oliver enjoys being around people & always wants attention. If you’re not giving him any he will definitely let you know! We love our sweet little Oliver w/ all our hearts & we are so grateful to the Vinton Animal Shelter for introducing us to him!
With Love & Thanks,
Oliver’s Family
Trinity (Marie) became part of our family after she was found abandoned by her mother just days old. We all fell in love w/ her immediately. She had a lot of kitten in her & wants to play all the time! Friends of the Shelter are wonderful & we can’t thank them enough for bringing Trinity into our family.
We adopted Brenda, but renamed her Sheba Jo. She is the sweetest dog we have ever had. She always lets us know when she needs to go out side and always enjoys her treats when she gets done with her walk. We usually keep her in her kennel when we go to work, and she just lays down and goes to sleep. Once in a while we let her have the run of the house and she is so well behaved she just lays down on the bed or sofa. We feel so lucky to have found Sheba as she does what ever she can to make us happy. She always greets us and is so affectionate. We thank you for introducing us to her.
Jim &Mary
Hi. It’s me. Titus. I love my home.
Helena, Terry & the boys are lots of fun.
I am writing this update regarding my new companion, Sammy a.k.a. Jake. I met Sammy at DogAFair 2011 and remember the times when people walked up to me and asked me how much he cost to adopt, and I found myself telling these random people that he wasn’t for adoption. It seems crazy now that I think about it, telling people he wasn’t for adoption, because I had already secretly claimed him as mine. Enough rambling though. Sammy and I have had our fair share of fun since that faithful day. The best part about this story, believe or not, is that this dog drove me nuts when I first got him. I couldn’t figure him out at all. He was always barking for no apparent reason, and it was around this time my dog’s true nature came to life. I was randomly watching a YouTube video of some cats when I realized my dog thought there was a real cat in the speakers. That’s when I got an idea and I turned on some wolves howling…. Sam joined right in. Through all those days of him driving me crazy, somehow I found peace in him howling and making all the noise he could. I guess to sum up; getting a pet was nothing like I thought it would be. It turned out to be more. About a month after I got him, I looked at him as if I had saved his life from the shelter. After awhile I realized, I gained a friend, even if he does use the bathroom on my lawn and not pay rent. Some days I don’t know what I would do without him. -Rodger
Hi my name is Krystal. In October 2011, I adopted Mathis & Matai. Here’s a picture for you. Matai was supposed to be my trouble maker
however, he became my cuddle kitty. Mathis, on the other hand, was supposed to be my cuddle kitty & he is now my trouble maker. Anyway, they are doing good& just wanted to send you an update.
I just wanted to let you know that Novia has adjusted well and has not missed a beat of making himself at home! He loves to sit under our ping pong table and air hockey table. If one of us sits down with in a few seconds you can expect to have him on your lap. He even did rounds this morning and woke up the kids for me. Apparently when he heard my alarm and seen me up he decided everyone should be up. They thought that was pretty funny. We are very happy he picked us!!
Thanks again,
The Karrs
My name used to be Diesel & after being taken home by at least 4 or 5 different families, I was taken back to 2 different shelters. I was beginning to think that I was not worthy….. I was also taken away from my own sister the last time I went back to the shelter. For some reason they decided to keep her & get rid of me, so I waited at the Vinton Animal Shelter for someone, anyone that could give me a home where it was not noisy all the time & where I could be with people. I was so lonely, I wondered if it would ever happen.
This is our Beautiful Bailey. We adopted her from the Vinton Animal Shelter in 2006. She fit in with our dogs immediately & made herself right at home. One cute thing we found out about her; she loves to sleep underneath the blankets! That’s what we love about adopting from the shelter; a dog (or cat) will always have something special to share with you. – Jared & Regina
Titus with his Christmas present
Hello Friends of the Shelter-
Do you remember this BIG Boy ?
I adopted Storie in April 2010 and wanted to share some photos of her with our other dogs for your website. She is a great dog and we are all very attached to her. I never really understand why someone gave her up. How was she found? Abandoned on the road. My father thinks she must have gotten lost because why would anyone give up a great dog and she is so well behaved and knows paw, sit, lay down, etc. He says she was trained.
We adopted Portia yesterday out at the Tour of Hope. I just wanted to give you an update of her first day and night with us. She is doing wonderful!! She fits in perfectly and our other dog and our cat love her and love to play with her. She is just perfect. Her favorite thing to do right now is lay on the couch. We could not even imagine a better dog than her. She’s amazing. We will send more updates and I will email you a picture from last night of her and our other dog Addie. She did wonderful through the night. Slept all night and didn’t even need to go out to potty! She’s a dream come true for us!! Thank you so much!!
Just wanted to update you on Cheyenne. She is the perfect dog for us!! She warmed up to me within minutes and won’t leave my side. Hemi (the beagle) & cheyenne are already best of friends. As soon as my daughters got home from school she took to them as if she has known them since birth. She has been extremely happy and playful and is eating well. Thank you.
Gigi 
Here is a picture of Max (Moose) at 8 months! He has been the best puppy we have had-he is really mellow and hasn’t chewed up much. He is around 65lbs and is a good 3 feet tall. Loves to look out the front door. Thanks again,DeAnn Coon and family
Hi. It’s me. Titus. I love my home.
