Senior Pup With Arthritis, Cat With FIV Look For Loving Homes

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Patch recently partnered with the SPCA/Humane Society of Prince George's County. Each week, we will bring you the cutest pets looking for homes. Here are this week's adorable adoptables.

Samson

Samson is loving his do-over life. Two months ago, he was a sad sight … every short, unsteady step seemed painful … open wounds on both ears from relentless fly-strikes … a tail that was hairless at its last 6 inches … and a coat that was caked with urine and feces.

Samson spent his life outside in a backyard pen, with his daily meal of leftovers usually the only contact with his owners. He was never taken on a walk. He didn’t pay much attention to people and when he did, he was pretty wary.

We worried that Samson might have given up on life … but you can’t keep a good dog down!

Every day since his arrival at his foster home has been another step on Samson’s journey to recovery. Every day, the medicines, supplements and good food have helped heal his body. The affection and constant company of his foster mom and dogs have gone a long way to heal his spirit.

Life outdoors exposed to the elements has made Samson super-appreciative of his new life indoors. He loves the comfort of a dog bed and house “training” came natural to him — he has never had a lapse! Samson’s started doing happy dog stuff like rolling around in the grass, chomping on his favorite toys and leaning in to his foster mom for head rubs.

He loves to chew; tree branches are a favorite outside, and indoors he channels the puppy in him by munching on Kongs and rubber toys, as well as hefty rope toys. He’s never happier though than when he’s quietly lying beside his foster mom, whatever she’s doing.

Samson loves other dogs but starts out a little over-excited with them. This usually passes quickly and he has become pals with his foster home’s little dog.

Samson sight and hearing are fine, and he only barks at stranger-danger. Since he does have arthritic hips, keeping his weight in check is important. At the moment he can climb stairs, though with some effort. Samson is receiving a number of medications and supplements that have greatly improved his mobility and comfort and he may well benefit from being on those for life. Short walks several times a day will also help keep Samson mobile, although he does love to stop and sniff as much as walk.

Samson has blossomed so much in just a few months! All he needs is a kind owner to live his happiest life.

If you can’t adopt Samson, but would like to support his ongoing care, please send donations to PGSPCA.org/donate and add a note that it’s for Samson.

Bailey

Personality: I’m a total teddy bear! I love to be held and scratched. I tolerate other animals, but really I just want to spend all my time with my human. I love to eat, and drink by scooping water up with my paws. I love to talk and I have a lot to say, so I hope you’re ready to listen to my stories!

Hobbies: Lounging and cuddling.

Favorite Toys: I love the laser light and the bird on a stick.

Favorite Napping Spot: Right next to my foster mom or better yet, on her lap.

Special Needs: The vet said I’m FIV+. I feel perfectly fine though, and studies show I can live a normal, long life. I won’t make anyone sick. I won’t even make other cats sick as long as we don’t fight and wound each other.

How I Came To The SPCA: I wandered outside for about a year with my front leg caught in my collar, until a Good Samaritan contacted the SPCA and I was rescued. I was weak and sick, with a very large infected wound under my arm. After multiple surgeries to fix the wound and amputate my damaged tail, I’m healthy, fat, and happy – and I’m ready to find my forever home!

Dream Family: I want my new family to love me despite some battle scars and this FIV disease. I don’t think I like small children, and dogs scare me a bit. But another cat would be ok. As long as we don’t fight, I promise I won’t make him or her sick! I just want my humans to adore me and give me all the love and attention I deserve!

Meli

Personality: Do you like to have things your way? So do I!! I am not interested in kisses and cuddles, but will let you know when I’d like to be petted. I’ll also let you know when I’ve had enough. I like to be near my people all day, and will happily sleep next to you while you work or watch TV. When I’m awake, I like to play and eat, and will stare at you until you comply with my demands. I’m very scared of other cats and will growl, hiss, and try to hide from them. I love playing with my string toys, especially when they go under a piece of tissue paper. Also, sometimes my tail won’t stop moving and that annoys me, so I try to catch it. I’m full of sass, but my foster mom says that’s why she loves me so much.

Hobbies: Giving disapproving glares when my food bowl is empty, playing with toys.

Favorite Toys: Feathers, string toys, and tissue paper.

Favorite Napping Spot: Next to my foster mom.

How I Came To The SPCA: I went into a humane trap that had been set for another cat. I was very upset in the trap, but I was also very eager to be petted. The trapper debated on releasing me, but decided I should go with her. I’m very glad she did, because I was very sick with a blood infection. I’m healthy now, and ready to live my best life with my own family.

Dream Family: I would like a quiet home with a family that has a lot of time to spend with me, and will adore me despite my cat-ish personality. I don’t like other animals, but I like my people and I get lonely when I’m left alone. I would like a spot next to you on your bed to sleep at night, and a soft space to nap near you during the day.

Colin

Personality: It takes me a bit to get used to a new person, but I am fond of my foster mom, and I am very affectionate and playful. I like to roll around and show my stomach and be silly. I very much like company and attention. I have gorgeous green eyes and am quite handsome. (Not to be too braggy, but it’s true).

Hobbies: Lounging and cuddling.

Favorite Toys: All toys with feathers!

Favorite Napping Spot: Right next to my foster mom or better yet, on her lap.

How I Came To The SPCA: I was wandering around my foster mom’s neighborhood, and was very cold and hungry. I was being fed outside, and soon got comfortable enough that I was able to be picked up and brought inside to be toasty and warm and enjoy wonderful food.

Dream Family: I want a family that will be a little patient while I get used to a new setting and new people. I warmed up pretty quickly in my foster home, so I would just need a little space to feel extra comfortable. I love attention and playing with my feather toys. I am super fond of my little cat condo. I am really enjoying moving my toys around the room and hiding them in different places. I like to look into your eyes and sometimes I will head-butt you in a cute way!

Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.