NBC 5 & Telemundo 39 Share Shelter Pet Love Stories
Clear the Shelters is on August 17, 2019
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Thousands of animals in our area are in need of homes. That's why NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 are partnering with 69 animal shelters and rescues from Dallas-Fort Worth to Clear the Shelters.
Finding forever homes and clearing overcrowded shelters has been a nationwide effort for five years, but it all started at NBC 5 in 2014.
Brian Curts
I adopted Nala two years ago from the Humane Society of North Texas during Clear the Shelters 2016. Nala, a Great Pyrenees/cattle dog mix, had two sisters who had already been adopted, so she was sad and alone when we found each other. As soon as I scooped her up, she gave me the first of a million kisses, and it was a done deal! -Brian Curtis, NBC 5 News Anchor
Brian Curtis
Over the past three decades, we have rescued a total of eight dogs. Ocho, our eighth rescue, hence the name, was also adopted during Clear the Shelters 2016. My first sweet little boy came from the SPCA of Texas. -Brian Curtis, NBC 5 News Anchor
Peter Hull
My daughter McCall had begged us for years for a dog and when Christmas came around (2017) we decided she was finally responsible enough for one. I called the SPCA of Texas in Dallas and asked if they had any small dogs. They didn’t at the time, but said they would keep me in mind for future rescue dogs. Weeks later, they called to say they had rescued a mama Yorkie from a puppy mill and she had a litter of three. I said, ‘We’ll take one!’ and a week later we brought home, 'Tiny Teddy.' I’ve always wanted to add a rescue animal to our family because I felt it would teach my children about caring for the helpless in our community. Tiny Teddy has been a wonderful addition to our family! -Meredith Land, NBC 5 Anchor
NBC 5 News
"Because my wife and kids saw soooo many #ClearTheShelters stories on NBC 5. I decided to get Rosie the boxer." - Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports Director
Montgomery County District Attorney's Office
Not a rescue but I love him with all my heart, plus he likes soccer and he cheers for México. -Norma Garcia, Telemundo 39 Anchor
Getty Images
This is Sawyer; I adopted him from the SPCA in Lakeland, Florida after graduating from college. It was important for me to get a shelter dog, because so many great animals need homes and it’s heartbreaking when they are euthanized due to overcrowding. Sawyer survived a Florida summer in the wilderness. He was microchipped, but no one ever came to claim him. After he was well enough to be adopted, he was put in the puppy room at the SPCA where I was lucky enough to find him an hour after he was put up for adoption. We’ve been together 8 years. Sawyer has traveled with me from Florida, to New York, to Nevada, and to Texas. He has so much love to give and he’s the best thing to ever happen to me! -Thomas Holt, NBC 5 Producer
Weston Swim
My wife and I adopted Lorelai from Petsmart through HART (Humane Animal Rescue Team). We were instantly in love with her odd-eyed colors and playful demeanor. Lorelai was found inside the engine of a car when she was about 3 months old by the HART foundation which clearly labels why adoption was important to us: there are so many animals on the street or elsewhere that need help and a happy home to live in. -Weston Swim, NBC 5 Editor
Dominga Gutierrez
Chuck was rescued from the streets of Arlington 8 years ago and I decided to let him be my new roommate instead of taking his chances at the shelter. Chacho was adopted from Arlington Animal Services in 2006 and was my best friend 'til he passed away in 2015. He was such a bright, smart and loving dog. He’s a perfect example of the kind of awesome animals you can find at your local shelter. -Dominga Gutierrez, NBC 5 Digital Producer
Holley Ford
I adopted Sibby from a dachshund rescue group in June 2016. My first rescue, Ozzey, died more than two years prior and I was heartbroken. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to love another dog again like I did Ozzey. But when I saw Sibby’s eyes in a photo, I knew I had to meet him. A few days later, we met and I just knew. Sibby healed my heart. He’s sweet, smart and so mischievous. I can’t imagine why someone would send him to a shelter, but I’m so glad he’s with me now! We go everywhere together. He makes my whole family so happy. -Holley Ford, NBC 5 Digital Producer
Roderick Peña
Six years ago, when I visited East Lake Pet Orphanage (ELPO) looking for a kitten, they brought out Pepper and we connected immediately. He was four months old when I adopted him. I live in a small apartment so for his excercise we go for walks with his leash or go to pet friendly stores. He is more like a dog which is why I call him my 'Pepper Dog.' He does dog tricks like, sit, shake, high five, lay down, roll over, ring the bell... to name a few. - Ames Meyer, Texas Sky Ranger
Suministrada
Here is a picture of my new rescue, Margo Rita. We adopted her from the Lone Star Bulldog Rescue last July. Margo was a puppy mill dog that came from St. Louis. Margo had a tail infection and her owner took her to the vet to have her put down. The vet took her, removed her tail, and contacted the Lone Star Bulldog rescue. A volunteer with the LSBR drove up to St. Louis to pick her up. She was in a foster home for one month before we adopted her. Funny thing – she is our third bulldog and the other two didn’t want to lay on our lap. Mike told me that all he wanted was a dog to lay on his lap. Well – we got her! -Martha Stallard, NBC 5 Human Resources Manager
Jocelyn Kaspar
We rescued Bauer from a Dallas rescue group. After a long application process and calling daily to see if we were the chosen family, the lady said, “He’s yours! It’s clear that you really want him and I know you’ll give him a good home!” 9 years later, he still makes us laugh every day with his funny personality and those cute little eyes. We’ve had two daughters since rescuing Bauer and he is the best big brother and loves giving them kisses. Bauer is the best dog I’ve ever had and probably will ever have. My motto, adopt, don’t shop. -Jocelyn Kaspar, NBC 5 Sales Marketing Planner
Amanda Dixon
Pretzel, the minpin mix, is our rescue dog. She was wandering the streets of Fort Worth, very scrappy and skinny and my nephew’s friend took her in. My nephew took her, but he had 3 other dogs and so I asked if we could have her. We’ve had her 2 years and she is the funniest thing ever. She is a major snuggler. She also likes going on boat rides. - Amanda Dixon, NBC 5 Account Manager
Amanda Dixon
Macee is not a rescue, just a loved member of the family – I would say she rescued us. She is a maltipoo and is 8 years old. She likes walks and naps and playing catch with her toys. She thinks she is one of the girls (I have 2 daughters). -Amanda Dixon, NBC 5 Account Executive
Don Tapani
Skye is a 10-year old Australian Shepherd who loves going on hikes, taking car rides and swimming at the lake. His favorite treat is an ice cube. ;) -Don Tapani, NBC 5 Account Manager
Marya Woyciesjes
My husband and I adopted Rocky in 2008 after seeing a YouTube video about him. He had been hit by a car and also was heartworm positive and was sent to be euthanized before a rescue stepped in. It was a long road for him to be regain use of his back legs and to get the all clear that he was heartworm negative. We are so glad we rescued this boy. -Marya Woyciesjes, NBC 5 Traffic Coordinator
Lisa Hernandez
My sister found Kitty when he was a kitten, roaming around the campus at UT Dallas. But she already had a cat that didn’t like other cats, so she brought him home and he took to me. 14 years later, he still follows me around and meets me at the door when I get home from work. Growing up, we always brought in stray cats and kittens, so it was only natural to take in this one. Our family was just very nurturing to all creatures – 4 legged and 2 legged. -Lisa Hernandez, NBC 5 Sales Fulfillment Specialist
Lisa Hernandez
When my husband and I were dating, he got Landri from DFW Humane Society in January 2011. She’s moved with us to 4 different homes and welcomed her 2 human babies into the family. Now, she even shares a bed with Daniella (4). Adopting was important to us because there are so many dogs that need a home and we knew we could give her a good home. We couldn’t imagine paying a lot of money or driving super far to buy a pet, when there are so many in need right here. -Lisa Hernandez, NBC 5 Sales Fulfillment Specialist
NBC10
Dottie Love was found at “guestimate” of 10 weeks old in the middle of Highway 84 in Palestine, TX. We rescued her from being hit by an 18 wheeler. We were able to grab her and put her in our car and she promptly threw up (in my brand new VW). We drove her to the Palestine Animal Shelter but they had just closed for the evening. We decided to take her to our ranch house for the night, and return her to the shelter the next morning. That was six and a half years ago. Now she has traveled from coast to coast and is a true hotel dog (here she is partying it up at the Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas for New Year's Eve)! She is named after a friend we know that is an animal rescuer, so there really is a Dottie Love that’s a person -Sandy Emmons, NBC 5 & Telemundo 39 Account Executive
Sandy Emmons
Henry Ford almost did not make it very far in this world. He was part of a litter of feral cats that were dumped out in the country, or at least we think that’s his story, we have no idea where he actually came from. I had just taken a job in Dallas for Time Warner Media and we were moving some furniture to my new temporary home in Dallas with my husband’s Ford F1-50. We had driven away from the ranch going up to speeds of 75 and had stopped on the way out of town to say goodbye to some family members. When we got out of the truck I could hear this loud meowing coming from the front tire area of the truck. Upon further inspection, there was this tiny 4-week-old kitten clinging to the right bottom axle of the F-150. Didn’t think little guy would make it, he was burned a bit, traumatized, and itty bitty. I scooped him up, again with the intent on getting him adopted out once I arrived in Dallas. That didn’t happen. He is still with us 5 years later. He is a fan of “Puddles” the Clown from America’s Got Talent. Here he is wearing a “Puddle” crown, doesn’t he look ecstatic? -Sandy Emmons, NBC 5 & Telemundo 39 Account Executive
Sandy Emmons
This is Bleu. He is the best, smartest, most handsome dog ever! If I could have a dog forever, this would be the one. He is a mix of Great Pyrenees and Australian Shepherd. A friend had taken in the litter (from dogs that were running free in rural Phelps). As we were visiting, this puppy came up and laid at my feet. He stayed there the entire visit while his brothers and sisters were running around the yard being puppies. When we were leaving our friend joked “aren’t you going to take your puppy with you?” We never intended to get another dog (we had 4 at the time), but he came home with us and has been our constant companion since. This is a picture of us at the ranch. Now he just watches Westerns on TV while lounging on the couch in Dallas. -Sandy Emmons, NBC 5 & Telemundo 39 Account Executive
U.S. Marshals Service
Did you adopt a pet at a Clear the Shelters event? We want to hear from you! Email your rescue dog stories to iSee@nbcdfw.com, please include #ClearTheShelters with the information on why your pet is important to you!
NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 employees have been involved in the effort to Clear the Shelters from the beginning, not just telling stories of pets needing forever homes, but also choosing to adopt pets to add to their family. Here are their stories:
"I adopted Nala two years ago from the Humane Society of North Texas during Clear the Shelters 2016. Nala, a Great Pyrenees/cattle dog mix, had two sisters who had already been adopted, so she was sad and alone when we found each other.
"As soon as I scooped her up, she gave me the first of a million kisses, and it was a done deal. Nala has been the perfect addition to our family that includes two other rescue dogs, Wheeler and Ocho.
"Over the past three decades, we have rescued a total of eight dogs. Ocho, our eighth rescue, hence the name, was also adopted during Clear the Shelters 2016. My first sweet little boy came from the SPCA of Texas."
NBC 5 Anchor/Reporter Meredith Land & Tiny Teddy
"My 10-year-old daughter, McCall, had been asking for a dog for at least three years. With two full-time jobs, a younger son and strange hours (me), we put the furry friend off. I always said, 'When everybody is out of diapers, we'll get one.' Every Christmas, McCall would ask for a dog, and Santa always brought her a stuffed animal dog.
"In 2017, McCall broke me down and I went to visit the folks at SPCA of Texas in Dallas. I told them that my daughter really wanted a Yorkie. They said they would keep their ears open, but it wasn't too likely.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA of Texas
NBC 5's Meredith Land adopts a rescue puppy from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas to surprise her daughter for Christmas.
SPCA of Texas
NBC 5's Meredith Land adopts a rescue puppy from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas to surprise her daughter for Christmas.
SPCA of Texas
NBC 5's Meredith Land adopts a rescue puppy from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas to surprise her daughter for Christmas.
SPCA of Texas
NBC 5's Meredith Land adopts a rescue puppy from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas to surprise her daughter for Christmas.
SPCA of Texas
NBC 5's Meredith Land adopts a rescue puppy from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas to surprise her daughter for Christmas.
SPCA of Texas
NBC 5's Meredith Land adopts a rescue puppy from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas to surprise her daughter for Christmas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a puppy she adopted from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA of Texas
NBC 5's Meredith Land adopted a puppy for her daughter from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA of Texas
NBC 5's Meredith Land adopted a puppy for her daughter from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA of Texas
NBC 5's Meredith Land adopted a puppy for her daughter from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA of Texas
NBC 5's Meredith Land adopted a puppy for her daughter from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA of Texas
NBC 5's Meredith Land adopted a puppy for her daughter from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
SPCA of Texas
NBC 5's Meredith Land adopted a puppy for her daughter from the SPCA of Texas in Dallas.
Meredith Land
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a rescue puppy for Christmas.
Meredith Land
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a rescue puppy for Christmas.
Meredith Land
NBC 5's Meredith Land surprised her daughter with a rescue puppy for Christmas.
"Weeks later, I got an email from Maura Davies at the SPCA saying a pregnant female Yorkie was one of 117 animals seized in October from a puppy mill in Hunt County. After two boys and a girl were born, I went to the SPCA, held all three and my heart melted when one of the boys clung to me and snuggled me with his fluffy fur.
NBC 5 anchor Meredith Land surprises her daughter with a rescue puppy for Christmas.
"Tiny Teddy has filled our hearts with so much puppy love.”
NBC 5 Anchor/Reporter Kristi Nelson & Nicky and Kenzie
"Both of my dogs are rescues, and they have lived long, healthy lives.
"I found my first dog, Nicky, at the SPCA in Dallas. He actually picked me. With a roomful of people milling about, he looked straight at me and started barking. When I took him out of his pen, he jumped onto my lap and curled up. I had to take him with me.
"I found Kenzie, my West Highland terrier, online. She was in the care of a local rescue group, they'd saved her from a kill shelter — reportedly on the day she was set to be euthanized. She was malnourished and very skittish, but she's become a very loving, devoted pet, and I love her so much!"
NBC 5 Sports Director Newy Scruggs & Rosie
NBC 5 News
"Because my wife and kids saw soooo many #ClearTheShelters stories on NBC 5. I decided to get Rosie the boxer." - Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports Director
"After the passing of my dog of 13 years I knew my kids wanted another dog, but I couldn't bring myself to get another one for over a year. My daughter, Sienna, saw all the Clear the Shelters stories on NBC 5 and declared she wanted a new family dog. I was not real excited to take my three daughters to the event. Considering they can't agree on a place to eat I thought, 'How were we going to pick out one dog together?'
"I was at work and happened to notice pets coming out of one of our news studios. This cute skinny boxer was one of the shelter pets they just featured on TV promoting Clear the Shelters. I asked if she was available and was told that she was. I said 'I want her, just let me send a picture of her to my wife first.' I knew she and my kids would want her because they like boxers. My wife called crying, happily; and they immediately went to the Irving Animal Shelter to fill out the pet adoption paperwork.
NBC 5 Sports Director Newy Scruggs' family shares how they met their rescue-dog Rosie and how she's been a great addition to their home.
"We brought Rosie home two days later. Irving Animal Shelter informed us she was a 'bait dog' with almost a dozen scars. Now, she is our beloved family member. She is friendly with kids; and I call her my wife's security dog because she follows her around like she is doing security detail for the governor."
Texas Sky Ranger's Ames Meyer & Pepper
"Before I met Pepper he already had his name. My Grandma and Grandpa had a farm in Indiana and I would stay with them during summer break. They had a dog named Pepper. We were best buds. I followed him and he would follow me. One of our favorite things to do was swing for hours on an old wooden swing. I knew I wanted another Pepper.
"Six years ago, when I visited East Lake Pet Orphanage (ELPO) looking for a kitten, they brought out Pepper and we connected immediately. He was four months old when I adopted him.
"I live in a small apartment so for his exercise we go for walks with his leash or go to pet friendly stores. He is more like a dog which is why I call him my 'Pepper Dog.' He does dog tricks like, sit, shake, high five, lay down, roll over, ring the bell... to name a few.
"He even has his own hat with his face embroidered on it that we are selling. All the proceeds go to the orphanage where he was adopted from. Giving back to the ones that took care of him. You can follow his daily activities on Instagram @the_only_pepper_the_cat."
"Khaleesi was surrendered while we were doing Clear the Shelters last year. She was not ready for adoption yet but I asked to hold her because she looked very sad. I used her in our last live shot as an example of the many beautiful dogs that needed homes. She held on to me with such tenderness that it was impossible to let go.
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"My husband was on the fence about adopting a puppy so my co-anchor and the production team FaceTimed him to show him the puppy and persuade him. It worked!
"I filled out paperwork for her adoption that Saturday and the adoption was finalized three days later. She recognized me immediately when I went to pick her up. In essence she adopted me and it was love at first sight.
"Khaleesi just finished obedience school. She responds to 'besito' and gives me a kiss."
Telemundo 39 Anchor/Reporter Carlos Zapata & Pandora and Vanjie
"We met this mother-daughter duo at an adoption event hosted by Paw Support, an animal rescue organization in DFW. Don't tell 'The Girls,' but we were actually going to meet another dog available for adoption at this event, but these two caught our eyes and quickly captured our hearts.
"We found out that a year earlier, their previous owner was unable to take care of them and abandoned them at a local animal shelter. Paw Support placed them in foster care, and it was very apparent that they were strongly bonded to each other, so the rescue organization would only allow them to be adopted together. And anyone who has met them can see that instantly—they are each other's best friends and ultimate protectors.
"Motherly Pandora is very sweet and patient with the younger, rambunctious Vanjie, who is always ready to play or steal whatever toy Pandora has at the time. Pandora puts up with this for a while, but at a certain point, she has had enough. Then, in what must be a universal language between parent and child, Pandora gives Vanjie the look, and she quickly leaves mom alone and finds something else to do."
Telemundo 39 Anchor/Reporter Nancy Leal & Fina, Milly and Filemon
"I adopted my 'family' of donkeys four years ago during the Clear the Shelters campaign. Another anchor/reporter was doing a story about donkeys that were from the border. There were 170 donkeys from the border that were going to be slaughtered for their hides and meat. They were saved by a rescue group that then was able to distribute them to multiple shelters. Twenty of the donkeys made their way to North Texas.
"I was looking for an animal to add to the family and enjoy the high grass our land had to offer. I went in to adopt a young donkey to raise and when I arrived I was informed that the baby donkey came with not one, but two mothers; and they couldn't be separated because the baby was still nursing and the second mother was providing supplemental nourishment (most likely because she lost a baby during the trauma of the ordeal). I couldn't turn away then and had an instant donkey family.
"They all have their own personalities and, as you might suspect, they are donkeys so they often are stubborn, but they will do anything for carrots and apples. I love them so much and have helped raise Filemon with his two mothers the past four years.
"They are getting ready to move to a bigger space so they have more land to roam and rule. I have a great college friend who is re-homing them on his ranch this fall. I will still be able to visit them and go hang out with them during my time off, but this will give them more space to roam and enjoy life."
