This New Year's Eve, make amazing happen!

Trudy, a one-eyed beauty, found a wonderful home last weekend at the Rockwall Petco.

This New Year’s Eve, I’m reflecting on something that may seem utterly mundane to you. Every week throughout the year, a photo appears on this blog along with others in publications throughout our area. And every week throughout the year, that photo of an adoptable dog or cat results in an adoption.

But for something so subtle, it’s the culmination of a complicated process. To be precise: You make amazing happen every week.

To start at the beginning, our mission at Rockwall Pets is to stop the killing of healthy and treatable pets by municipal animal shelters. Shelter killing is the number one cause of death for healthy animals in the United States, according to the American Humane Society. When Pam and I first started working with shelters a few years ago, it irked us that our tax dollars were being used to kill innocent animals instead of “sheltering” them. 

We decided to cut through the forest of excuses in order to find solutions. When we began, over 1,500 pets lost their lives every year in the Rockwall and Royse City shelters. That number is now less than 100 each year.

How do we do it? Our preference is to lead by example, but we’ll beg, plead and fight each shelter if we have to. That’s where it begins to get complicated.

The process begins when a shelter decides it doesn’t value the life of a homeless dog or cat. Sometimes the pet has a serious illness or injury, but in the great majority of cases, the dog or cat is perfectly healthy. After one of our volunteers agrees to act as a foster home for the pet, another volunteer goes to the shelter to fill out any paperwork necessary to rescue the pet.

The pet then goes to our veterinarian, usually Dr. Keith Webb at Pet Doctor in Rockwall, for a full round of vaccinations, a medical exam, a spay/neuter surgery and a microchip. If the pet is ill or injured, we schedule a round of medications or even a major surgery. There’s a tremendous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, from paperwork and data entry to bill paying and food management. It’s not an exaggeration to say that each pet is backed by a virtual army.

Our team of incredibly hard-working volunteers then brings each adoptable pet to weekend events at the Rockwall Petco and at fete-ish in the Bishop Arts District in Dallas. Some of the pets get extra recognition through photos on this blog and in area publications.

And then each pet goes home to make a family very happy. It’s obviously a long and complicated journey from death row to a loving home. Amazing, isn’t it?

But that’s why we can’t do it without you. We need you to adopt our pets. We need you to join our amazing team of volunteers. And we need your financial assistance. None of us gets paid to do this. We do it because we love animals and we believe in them. We don’t have a building, so we keep these pets in our homes. We don’t receive any government funding. None of us is rich (darn it). We manage to do this strictly through individual donations from caring people like you. Our dedicated volunteer team supplies lots of effort, caring, muscle, love, time, tears and good ol’ hard work. So we need you to help with the one thing we don’t have: The necessary funds to make sure each pet is healthy (nearly three-fourths of our annual budget goes to medical care for our pets).

We think we’re upholding our end of the bargain. Leading by example, we’re demonstrating an effective way to get pets off death row and into homes. We’ve increased the number of pets we’ve adopted out by 90% over last year. And we want to do a lot more. But we need your help.

When you see a weekly photo of a pet sometime during 2014, you’ll know the whole story. We need you to help us make amazing happen.

Michael Kitkoski
Executive Director

Rockwall Pets

Penny Lane is in my heart

Cuteness alert! Your New Year will never be happier when you have this adorable young dog by your side. Penny Lane is a boxer mix with a winning personality. She may look like pure sugar on the outside, but she has plenty of steely resolve inside. She suffered a broken hip, so she recently had surgery to repair it. Even though the scar is still plainly visible, Penny acts like nothing had ever happened. This brave - and cute - dog is ready to make this the happiest New Year ever! She's your Adoptable Pet for the week of December 30, 2013.

Merry Christmas!

Waiting for Santa!

A special dog for a special year

When the New Year rings in, Mandy's wish is to be by the side of a very special person. This sweet dog deserves a new year of love. She's 11 years old, deaf and partially blind. She eats soft food only because her teeth are so bad. She had heartworms, but we're about to give her the second and final treatment for those. And because she can't hear, she's easily startled by sudden movements near her face. To make a long story short, Mandy has spent all 11 years of her life without any love. That's why she's hoping to ring in 2014 with a new lease on life and a very special person. Could that be you? This special dog is your Adoptable Pet for the week of December 23, 2013.

High wattage good looks

If you think your home is ready for the holidays, think again. Your season won't be complete until you add this handsome young dog to your family. There's no better way to impress your neighbors than by parading Petey down the street. He's only a year old, but his studly good looks are already operating at full wattage. And he's much smarter than any of Santa's elves. At 55 pounds, he's way too big to be a lap dog, but you'll want to get as many kisses as you can from this gorgeous boy. Petey is ready to make your Christmas complete. He's your Adoptable Pet for the week of December 16, 2013.

Putting on an act

Don't be fooled! Buttons will put on an act and pretend to be scared out of her wits when she first meets you. But she's as sweet and loving as they come. She's easy on the eyes as well! Buttons is declawed on her front paws, so she must be an indoor-only kitty. But you'll want her next to you at all times once you discover how incredibly wonderful she is! Meet her today at the Rockwall Petco. Buttons is your Adoptable Pet for the week of December 9, 2013.

Fighting for his life...and winning!

This little dog is a warrior. Vincent has an incredible will to live. He lost most of his left ear when he was hit by a DART train in Dallas. He survived that scare only to find himself within a whisker of being put down at the Dallas shelter. He's not only safe now, he's happy, sweet and very loving. The only thing that's been missing from Vincent's life is care and compassion. He's been fighting so stay alive so he can be a loving member of your family! Vincent is your Adoptable Pet for the week of December 2, 2013.

Apple wants to be thankful for you

Apple is a happy dog, so she's thankful for a lot of things. But she's not able to give thanks for a loving family. She doesn't deserve to be lonely, because she's so much more than just a pretty face. Her border collie heritage means she's as intelligent as they come. Toss in her sweet nature, and you have the foundation for an incredible family companion. This young dog is ready to be the Apple of your eye. You'll be thankful for beautiful Apple once she's a member of your family. She's your Adoptable Pet for the week of November 25, 2013.

If I only had a home

If you follow the yellow brick road, you may not end up in Oz, but you'll be at the doorstep of this happy little dog. Toto is simply a delight. Her happy nature means she gets along just fine in any situation. She'll ignore any witches or flying monkeys that come her way. She's just interested in your love and attention. The poor little dog wasn't well taken care of in her previous life, so she had some skin issues when we rescued her. But Toto is recovering nicely. She's patiently waiting for you to make her wish come true. As Toto believes: "There's no place like home." She's your Adoptable Pet for the week of November 18, 2013.

Scrappy needs your love

You can tell from this photo that Scrappy needs you. He's a little shy, but it doesn't take long for him to come out of his shell if you're loving and patient. He was one of five terrier mixes recently abandoned in a busy parking lot at a Dallas apartment complex. So his shyness is completely understandable. Scrappy is looking for someone like you, who can give him the love and the happiness he deserves. If he looks adorable now, imagine his face once he's overjoyed to be a member of your family! Scrappy is your Adoptable Pet for the week of November 11, 2013.

Our new store is online

Browse other gifts from Zazzle.

Just the right amount of sass

This little dog is a true delight. Her chihuahua heritage gives her just the right amount of sass. But the Italian greyhound in her gives Sassy a sleek beauty. She has a lot of brains to go with those good looks. If you're looking for an intelligent family dog who can take care of herself, Sassy is ready to go home with you. She's your Adoptable Pet for the week of November 4, 2013.

Mr. Dependable

Meet Mr. Dependable. There's not a whole lot that bothers Rusty. He's a six-month-old with a sunny outlook on life. He's so accommodating that he doesn't mind fitting in with any activity or lifestyle. And his happy personality is simply infectious. With such a confident air at this young age, Rusty is going to grow up to be an intelligent, well-rounded and handsome adult dog. He's your Adoptable Pet for the week of October 28, 2013.

No tricks. Just treats.

Just in time for the season, you'll receive a bounty of goodness if you make Tasha a member of your family. There's nothing scary about this loving kitty. In fact, it often works in reverse with Tasha. She may be a little cautious when she first meets you. But she's telling you that she wants you to protect her from all those ghosts and goblins. You'll get many more treats than tricks once you fall in love with Tasha. She's your Adoptable Pet for the week of October 21, 2013.

A true joy of living

Now this is a positive attitude! Kate comes by her sunny disposition naturally. She was apparently hit by a car and suffered lacerations on both rear legs. In fact, her left hind leg is still pretty sore. But that doesn't stop this adorable dog from smiling constantly. Her joy of living is positively infectious. Her only fault? She wants you to adore her as much as possible. But once you see that smiling face, you won't have any trouble giving Kate all the love and attention she deserves. She's your Adoptable Pet for the week of October 14, 2013.

This is one happy boy!

Lenny is usually smiling because he's proud to be unique. With that wiry coat and that happy face, he's very much a terrier mix. But he's not your usual little lap dog. Lenny weighs nearly 60 pounds, so he has more of the laid back traits of larger dogs. You get the best of both worlds with this unique dog: His size makes him the perfect exercise partner or family companion. But his terrier heritage makes him look happy and - dare we say it - cute! Lenny is your Adoptable Pet for the week of October 7, 2013.

Ready for action

Whee! Lily likes to feel the wind through her floppy ears as she darts around the yard. This adorable two-year-old loves to romp. But once she's tired, she'll roll over for some well-deserved belly rubs. She needs a fenced yard, because she's attracted to moving things. A car going down the street will get her immediate attention, and you don't want her chasing after it! Just make sure Lily gets plenty of exercise (a run or a long walk around the neighborhood is perfect!), and she'll be ready to give you lots of love. Lily is your Adoptable Pet for the week of September 30, 2013.

Bolt is all ears

Can you hear me now? With those magnificent ears, Bolt can probably pick up some intergalactic transmissions. But when those ears are at full staff, that's when Bolt is at his cutest. He's a tiny dog with an oversized personality. Everyone else may focus on those gorgeous ears, but you'll know the whole story: Bolt is a loving little dog who's ready to please you. He's your Adoptable Pet for the week of September 23, 2013.

What a positive attitude!

This youngster is a happy boy. Shaggy prefers to look on the bright side of things. Want to go for a walk? Want to play? Want to take a nap? He'll be more than happy to participate. You can tell from his smiling face that his goal is to enjoy life. Shaggy is one of five terrier mixes recently abandoned at a Dallas apartment complex. Read their story at Blue Ribbon News. If you're one who always tries to maintain a positive attitude, meet your perfect companion. It's especially amazing considering what Shaggy has been through! He's your Adoptable Pet for the week of September 16, 2013.

Abandoned dogs escape troubled past

Shaggy was one of five dogs abandoned in the parking lot of a Dallas apartment complex.

Shaggy was about to abandon hope. The seven-month-old terrier mix was completely disoriented when he discovered he was marooned with four similar puppies in the parking lot of a Dallas apartment complex. Some of the dogs, like his friend Thelma, had been stuffed into a recycling bin.

Before they could get their bearings, Shaggy and the rest of the confused young dogs were whisked away to the Dallas animal shelter. Danielle Fry, the shelter’s rescue coordinator, sent out an urgent call for help. She felt the petrified dogs would fare poorly in the shelter environment.

Within minutes, Christina Arriaga, who manages the rescue operation for the nonprofit Rockwall Pets, was busy arranging foster homes for the frightened puppies. Rockwall Pets quickly notified the shelter that it would take Shaggy, Thelma and the other three abandoned dogs.

Just two days later, the smile had returned to Shaggy’s face after he discovered he and his friends were safe. Rockwall Pets is a nonprofit rescue organization dedicated to ending the killing of healthy and treatable shelter pets in north Texas. Shelter killing is the number one cause of death for healthy dogs and cats in the United States, according to the American Humane Association.

After leading local efforts to achieve No Kill status for the Rockwall and Royse City shelters, Rockwall Pets set its sights on saving the lives of shelter pets throughout north Texas, especially in Dallas. The nonprofit estimates an average of 50 healthy and/or treatable dogs and cats are killed every day at the Dallas shelter. Rockwall Pets has saved the lives of nearly 300 pets from the Dallas shelter during the past 12 months.

Dallas Animal Services conducted an investigation into the abandonment of the dogs but could find no leads.

Within a couple of days of his rescue, Shaggy was attending his first Rockwall Pets adoption event. His ever-present smile offered no clue as to the horrors he’d witnessed the previous week. He was a long way from a filthy recycling bin in the middle of a crowded parking lot. For what could be the first time in their lives, Shaggy, Thelma and the rest of their friends are experiencing the love and joy of being a puppy.

Donate today to help the abandoned dogs.

Stevie is cute

We know the word "cute" is often overused. But when it comes to Stevie, there's no way to avoid it. Everything about this young dog is cute. She has a cute way of tilting her head when listening to strange sounds. She has a cute way of walking. She has a cute leap when chasing grasshoppers. Just face it. Stevie is cute. Don't miss your chance to adopt this certified cutie! Stevie is your Adoptable Pet for the week of September 9, 2013.

A Labor Day salute...to you!

This Labor Day, we want you to know how much you're appreciated. Your work and your dedication pays off in hundreds - and soon thousands - of lives saved.

It is truly a labor of love.

Whether you adopt, donate, foster, volunteer or just urge us on, you're working to help make north Texas a true shelter for homeless pets. Sure, we have a long way to go. But we promise you that we won't stop working until every healthy and treatable pet can look forward to a happy and loving life. Your tax dollars should not be used to kill healthy and treatable pets in your municipal shelter. You deserve nothing less. The pets deserve nothing less.

Thank you for supporting our No Kill effort. Your work, your donations, your home, your love and your support means everything to these pets.

Donate today to help save even more lives. It is truly a labor of love.

Steady as she goes

They call her mellow yellow. That's because this six-year-old beauty prefers to stop and savor the finer things in life. Sandy wants nothing more than a meaningful relationship. That means lots of love shared between you and her. You have to meet her in person to appreciate the calm, steady and confident air of her personality. If you're looking for a low-key but inspiring relationship, Sandy is ready to be your partner in life. She's your Adoptable Pet for the week of September 2, 2013.

On the trail of a loving family

Cleo is already picking up your scent. She's a five-year-old basset mix who's been sniffing around for a family to call her own. She may be a tad shy at first, but like any basset hound, she's friendly, outgoing and playful. And because she's so intelligent, daily exercise and mental stimulation are part of her routine. If you've been looking for a wonderful family companion, Cleo has been trying to pick up your trail. She's your Adoptable Pet for the week of August 26, 2013.

A magical attraction

Prepared to be charmed. When you're in the presence of this delightful dog, you'll feel an almost magical attraction. Buttercup is super friendly, very beautiful, unfailingly mellow and ultra-sweet. You won't find a more faithful partner in life. Once you meet this special dog, you'll soon see past her beauty to her loving personality. That's when you'll be charmed. Buttercup is your Adoptable Pet for the week of August 19, 2013.

Have a Lovely day

Perfect name. Take one look at this precious puppy, and you’ll think she’s Lovely too. She’s always happy and friendly, which means she’ll fit in well with any family. And she’s already showing signs of great intelligence, which means she’s easily trainable. Start your morning by looking at that cute face, and you’ll know it’s a Lovely day. Lovely is your Adoptable Pet for the week of August 12, 2013.

Small dog. Big personality.

They just don't come any cuter. And you won't find a happier puppy. Heidi is a Rottweiler or Min Pin mix who looks like she's going to be a relatively small dog. She's about three months old right now, and she only weighs 12 pounds. She may be small, but she has a big personality! Don't hesitate before you meet this sweet little dog. Once you discover how adorable she is, you'll fall in love with Heidi in no time! She your Adoptable Pet for the week of August 5, 2013.

Are you ready to live the Posh life?

Have you been looking for that perfect accessory? Does your outfit look really good on you, but something still doesn't seem quite right? Posh is here to help. Her neutral color complements everything in your closet. Her bright smile will make you look even better. And her happy outlook on life will make you feel like a million bucks. Ask any fashion guru. Posh is what you need to make your look complete. She's your Adoptable Pet for the week of July 29, 2013.

Show us your man card

If you'd like to enter this exclusive club, please show your man card at the door. Diesel has his reputation to protect. He can't be seen with just anyone on the end of the leash. When you're this ruggedly handsome, you deserve the right to protect your image. His posse is protective of him, because Diesel is a happy-go-lucky kind of dog. He prefers some playtime or some vigorous exercise followed by lots of time to chill. If you're man enough for him, apply to be Diesel's posse leader today. Just show your credentials at the door. He's your Adoptable Pet for the week of July 22, 2013.

A tiny warrior

Don't be deceived. Noodle may look like your typical adorable little dog. But this four-pound cutie is a true warrior. He was apparently hit by a car, and both his rear legs are badly broken. Yet Noodle doesn't complain, doesn't whimper, and lives life with stoic grace. His positive attitude is simply inspiring. Once he recovers from his injuries, Noodle will be ready for a lifetime of love. He's a little warrior who's a big inspiration. Please donate to give him the surgery he needs to walk properly again. Noodle is your Adoptable Pet for the week of July 15, 2013.

Spread the happiness!

Cabot is a generous dog. He invites you to share in his happiness. Why all the joy? Cabot enjoys life's simpler things: a cuddle in the evening, a long afternoon of lap sitting and a night of snuggling. He obviously enjoys life in the slow lane. He has a heart murmur, so he prefers a more relaxed lifestyle. His happiness is infectious. Snuggle with Cabot, and you'll soon be smiling too. He's your Adoptable Pet for the week of July 8, 2013.

Rockwall Pets reaches gold level with GuideStar

Rockwall Pets recently received the GuideStar Exchange Gold participation level, a leading symbol of transparency and accountability provided by GuideStar USA, Inc., the premier source of nonprofit information. This level demonstrates Rockwall Pets' deep commitment to nonprofit transparency and accountability.

"We’ve worked hard to showcase our progress toward our mission and our long-held belief in being completely transparent about our work to our adopters and donors," said Michael Kitkoski, executive director of Rockwall Pets. "As a GuideStar Exchange participant, we use their platform to share a wealth of up-to-date information about our lifesaving mission to our supporters along with GuideStar's immense online audience of nonprofits, grant makers, individual donors and the media."

In order to be awarded the GuideStar Exchange logo, Rockwall Pets was required to submit all nonprofit information on guidestar.org to achieve the Gold level of participation.

"I encourage you to check out our profile on GuideStar to see what we're all about," added Mr. Kitkoski. "We’re engaged in saving the lives of so many shelter pets in north Texas, and we’re thrilled to have another platform for communicating our advancement and progress."

About the GuideStar Exchange

The GuideStar Exchange is an initiative designed to connect nonprofits with current and potential supporters. With millions of people coming to GuideStar to learn more about nonprofit organizations, the GuideStar Exchange allows nonprofits to share a wealth of up-to-date information with GuideStar's many audiences. Becoming a GuideStar Exchange participant is free of charge.

To join, organizations need to update their report pages, completing all required fields for participation. The GuideStar Exchange level logos, acknowledged as symbols of transparency in the nonprofit sector, are displayed on all Exchange participants' nonprofit reports.

About Rockwall Pets

Rockwall Pets is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the killing of healthy shelter pets nationwide. Shelter killing is the number one cause of death for healthy dogs and cats in the United States, according to the American Humane Association. Rockwall Pets rescues animals at risk of dying in area animal shelters. The organization’s volunteers give the rescued pets full veterinary care and find them a permanent home.

The nonprofit recently joined the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce. Michael Kitkoski was a winner of the Henry Bergh Leadership Award from the No Kill Advocacy Center in 2011 for his work with the Rockwall shelter.

More information:

Rockwall Pets: http://rockwallpets.com

GuideStar USA: http://www.guidestar.org

Happy Fourth of July!

Come home, Snoopy!

If you're a Peanuts fan, you know Charlie Brown's Snoopy often thought he was a person (or forgot he was a dog). This Snoopy thinks he's Casanova, because he loves to give kisses. He's not picky either. When a face comes near his, no matter if it's a human or another dog, he's ready to give a big sloppy kiss. And like his Peanuts namesake, this adorable dog has a winning personality. Just say "Snoopy come home," and he'll be happy to oblige. He's your Adoptable Pet for the week of July 1, 2013.

Adoption events at Rockwall Petco begin fourth year

Jenny prepared to go home with the Terrill family from the Rockwall Petco.

A single trip to the Petco store in Rockwall changed Jenny’s life. The red dachshund/basset hound mix had been at risk of being put down at an area animal shelter because she had ringworm. Rockwall Pets, a nonprofit No Kill advocacy organization, rescued her and treated the fungus.

It took only one appearance at Petco for Jenny to find a new home with the Terrill family.

It was all part of an adoption program originated by Rockwall Pets volunteers three years earlier. Weekly in-store adoptions began on June 18, 2010, when Rockwall Pets took dogs and cats from the Rockwall animal shelter to Petco in the hopes of finding them new homes.

The nonprofit was the first group to attempt weekly adoption events at the Rockwall store.

Nicole Nickel admires a kitten during the first Rockwall Pets adoption event on June 18, 2010.

Three years later, the store often has as many as four shelters and rescue groups offering pets for adoption on weekend afternoons. Rockwall Pets just began its fourth consecutive year at the Rockwall Petco and now hosts adoption events every Saturday from 1-5pm and every Sunday from 1-4pm.

Several recent surveys indicate that many Americans avoid going to animal shelters because they find the facilities too depressing or too overwhelming. Rockwall Pets discovered that hosting adoption events in a friendly retail environment - “taking the pets to the people” - fostered a more positive interaction between the pets and potential adopting families.

Rockwall Pets has now adopted out hundreds of pets from the local Petco store. The adoption totals were so impressive that Petco’s corporate offices chose the Rockwall store as a host for its new cat habitat, which was installed in November 2011.

Paul the kitten checks the sign outside his kennel in the cat habitat at the Rockwall Petco.

Cats and kittens from Rockwall Pets are now available for adoption on a daily basis at Petco.

Not all pets are as fortunate as Jenny to find loving homes on their first attempt. But thanks to the partnership between Rockwall Pets and the local Petco, hundreds of dogs and cats will be snuggling with their new families by the end of this year.

Batter up!

With baseball season in full swing, your team could use some shoring up in the fielding department. Chewy is ready to take the field. There's no way a ground ball is going to make it past him. And he even handles fly balls with ease. He's the perfect teammate, because he's so easy-going and agreeable. Your games will enjoy an increase in attendance, because his face is a big draw. Add Chewy to your team, and you'll be playing in the big leagues! This team player is your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of June 24, 2013.

Hannah is a work of art!

Are you ready to unleash your inner creativity? Hannah is prepared to be your inspiration. After all, tortoiseshell cats are nature's idea of modern art. But Hannah is much more than a pretty face. Her loving personality is a work of art. And her calm demeanor will keep you on an even keel to make sure those creative juices keep flowing. You'll be able to admire your own masterpiece every day when Hannah follows you around your house. She's your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of June 17, 2013.

Annie's writing her own ad

We just discovered a piece of paper tucked behind Annie's doggie bed. It's apparently an ad she's been working on. "Wanted: a very special person. Needs a little patience and lots of love. Busy places and new people make me a little scared. But when I'm at home, I'm so happy. I love to play! But please be patient with me, since I can be pretty timid. If you're a very special person, please respond to the number listed below. I'm just looking for love and a serious relationship." Annie is your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of June 10, 2013.

An incredible young dog

This puppy has us under a full-fledged cuteness warning! And he has a winning personality to match. He's a very special young dog who's looking for a very special family. Smoochie has a broken back, a broken leg and a shattered pelvis, probably due to an auto accident. Since he's still growing, there's no way to repair his back without having to do the process all over again in another month. So he'll probably need surgery when he's about a year old. But that shouldn't stop you from falling in love with him right now. One look at that face is all it takes to fall head over heels in love with Smoochie. He's an incredible young dog! And he's your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of June 3, 2013.

Describe Harry in one word

You can easily get to know Harry in just a few words: Affectionate. Friendly. Happy. Active. Intelligent. Charming. Loyal. At five years old, he's well past the puppy stage. He's ready to be the most incredible family dog you've ever seen. Once you've met Harry, you'll be able to describe your feelings in one word: Love. He's your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of May 27, 2013.

Are you the special person for this special dog?

This special dog is looking for a special family. Delilah is still an excitable puppy in many ways, so she loves to run, play and go for long walks. It's incredible, because she only has three legs. Due to a birth defect, she recently had her front right leg removed. That didn't slow her down in the least. She's still very afraid around strangers and new experiences, but a loving touch soon calms her down. Delilah is already on her way toward becoming an intelligent, loving and gorgeous adult. She just needs a special family to take her the rest of the way. Delilah is your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of May 20, 2013.

Your adventure begins here

This adorable dog is ready to explore the fastest way to your heart. Since Cousteau is eight years old, he knows how to be a loving family companion. If you're a schnauzer fanatic, you know exactly what you're getting with this adorable dog: He's friendly, loving and energetic. If you've been on your own expedition for a wonderful family dog, you'll feel like you've struck gold with Cousteau. He's your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of May 13, 2013.

Cheyenne needs you!

Cheyenne has everything going for her. She's a three-ear-old Akita who's gorgeous, charming and mild-mannered. She's a big girl - she weighs over 75 pounds - but Cheyenne is a gentle giant.

She's everything a great dog should be. 

Except one thing. She was apparently hit by a car and suffered substantial injuries, including a badly broken femur and a torn ACL. After we rescued her from the Dallas animal shelter, her injuries presented a stark choice: We would have to choose between amputating one of her rear legs or giving her thigh replacement surgery.

Cheyenne is too special to face a future with only three legs. So please donate today to give Cheyenne the healthy and happy future she deserves. Find out more!

On a course for love

All aboard for the Love Boat! This Captain is ready to set sail on a direct course for your lap. There will be no wavering from the route, because this little cutie is on a journey for love. One look at this happy dog, and you'll be making sure that the two of you are the only ones on this voyage. Go ahead. Keep him to yourself. Captain will make sure you're always pointed directly to a destination of love. He's your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of May 6, 2013.

Life in the slow lane

With the Rockwall Farmers Market opening this Saturday and Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, it's going to be an excting week for this foxy little dog. Foxy has reason to celebrate, because she has style and glamor without the diva issues. Since she's eight years old, she's looking for a mellow relationship. If you need to relax, join Foxy in the slow lane during this busy week. She's your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of April 29, 2013.

A calm April

This cute little poodle may not be able to see very well - cataracts have affected her vision - but April more than makes up for it with unsurpassed sweetness. If you're looking for a calm, low-maintenance relationship, April is your girl. She's unbelievably gentle, quiet and friendly. Treat her with the kindness she deserves, and April will love you with all her heart. She's your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of April 22, 2013.

Dog park time!

It's spring, so that means it's dog park time. Imagine this handsome and friendly dog romping through your neighborhood park. Everyone will be coming up to you to compliment you on having the best looking dog in the place. Toss in Buddy's playfulness and outgoing personality, and you'll have one of the best dog park dogs in history. Don't miss your chance to meet this wonderful dog. Buddy is your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of April 15, 2013.

Three legs? So what!

So what? Daisy knows the first thing you'll notice is her missing leg. She knows people can't help but notice she has three legs. But she works really hard to make sure you'll first notice her unsurpassed sweetness. This loving dog can't wait to be your faithful best friend. She was recently run over by a truck and still has the scars to prove it. But three legs present no obstacle for Daisy. With her winning personality and her resiliency, she's ready for a lifetime of love. Daisy is your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of April 8, 2013.