Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for your support of Our Companions in 2011! It is because of your generosity that we are able to honor our promise to always do the right thing for animals, regardless of the challenge or the cost.

Recently, we invited Our Companions adopters to share updates and stories about their new family members. What we received was compiled and presented to our Helpline – our team of frontline adoption volunteers – as a tribute to their tireless efforts on behalf of the organization.

The anecdotes and photos we received were so moving and heartfelt, we wanted to share them with you, our donors.

Please know that we are funded entirely through the generosity of individuals, businesses and organizations in our community. It is because of your support that our 5 staff members and team of nearly 200 volunteers have the resources to go to extraordinary lengths to help animals in need today, while working to prevent animals from becoming homeless tomorrow.

Many of the animals you’re about to see had nowhere else to turn and were nearly denied a second chance. But because of you, they are now living that second chance! And they and their people couldn’t be happier!

I hope you enjoy it.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012!

Thank you,

Susan Linker

Chief Executive Officer

Bella

B is for our beautiful, bouncy Bella. E is for such an excellent addition to our family. L is for how much we love her! L is also for how much we love our volunteers - all of them for sure, but we got to know Gina & Marie & our doggie school teachers the best! A is from us to you filled with our admiration & appreciation. Thank you all for what you do! Bella, Sue, & Mike (Steve & Ali too!)

Buddy

From Buddy, Instead of looking for food and water out of unsafe places and not always eating everyday, I now have a full bowl of yummy food to eat and fresh water to drink EVERYDAY! Instead of hoping to find a shelter out of the rain and harsh snow storms, I now ALWAYS have a warm and dry place to weather the storms in. Instead of lying on a cold and hard ground, I now have soft, warm, clean beds, blankets and pillows to make myself so cozy in. Instead of being alone, I now have a companion who lavishes me with love and attention. Instead of being scared I will not survive, I now know am safe to live. Thank you to all the volunteers that help us homeless kitties find our forever homes!"

Chino “I adopted Chino in March of this year. He has adapted very well as a family member and loves his new brother Chico, which was also adopted 3 years prior. They both make our household much more pleasurable.”

Donna

Frank and Mickey (formerly Jeffrey & Oliver)

“Here is a photo of Frank and Mickey (aka Jeffrey and Oliver). We adopted

them in late August 2011 and they are now five months old. They're about

the sweetest, nicest, most fun loving boys I could ever hope for. They love us, love each other and love to meet

new people. We thank the foster parents they had from Our Companions for being such

loving people. It gave them a great start. Roger and I are so happy.”

Thanks again, Tracey and Roger

Cocoa

We adopted Cocoa last March. "Here is Cocoa doing one of her favorite things- hitting the books! (or rather, laying on them)"

Kelly

Bandit & Nugget

Attached is a photo of our adopted dogs Bandit and Nugget (center and right) with their cousin Guinness (left in photo). Guinness belongs to my daughter, and visits often - they're like the Three Muskateers when he is here.

My son teaches elementary school in Japan, and his students are always asking to see new pictures of Bandit and Nugget - their names are two of the first English words they learn! They're a lot of fun and

have been a great addition to our family.

Charlie (formerly Jesse)

I adopted Charlie (originally Jesse) on Thanksgiving. He is one of the many

things I am thankful for, he is such a joy to have around. He now has a brother named Max about the same age & they love to groom each other & chase each other around the house. If I'm not feeling well, Charlie will lay next to me, put his paw on my hand & purr. He's a great nurse cat! Thank you very much to Our Companions for giving me my furrever friend. Linda

Callie and Jessie

Our daughters, Grace and Carolyn, love their kitties, Callie and Jessie! They are a much loved part of our family!

Becky

Ned & Arnold

Ned and Arnold cuddling in the coffee table.

Odin my German Shepherd and Ned sleeping the day away.

Arnold as a kitten- he thought he was a lion.

Arnold on St.Patty's Day, he did not enjoy this!

Jen

Phoenix

I attached a few pictures of Phoenix, including one of him defending his scratch pad from his "little sister". We live in DC now, and my significant other refers to him as Mr. Whiskers because of his "majestic whiskers."

Heather

Moe We adopted Moe from O.C. when he was 8-10 weeks old. Moe had a difficult start to his life having to be separated from his Mom at 4 weeks. But when I first met him his tail didn't stop wagging. He is now a year old and loves to play with his toys, hunt for creatures, play with his housemate Dallas, hike in the woods and play soccer with his boys. He is very cautious when you first meet him but if you have the patience he will be your best friend. We love our mighty Moe.

- Deanne

Finn

(formerly Marlo)

Finn is the most wonderful dog as he brings so much joy into our lives every day. Even though he's a little guy, he carries himself as if he's the king of all he surveys, yet he couldn't be a sweeter and more loving dog with his family. We feel like we won the lottery when we think about how lucky we were to get Finn. We cannot tell you how much we appreciate all of the effort that you and your volunteers put into rescuing, caring and finding homes for these dogs.

Peter Finn and I are inseparable. He follows me into the bathroom for crying out loud! He sits on the bathmat as if to protect me from the toilet monster. We sleep in the same bed, we share Cheez-its together. When I get a fused double Cheez-it, we break it in half and share it. A year ago we lost our dog of fifteen years (also a rescue). The whole family was 4/5 of what they were, and we only laughed 4/5 as much. One day my mother was browsing Petfinder.com. She came across “Marlo”, a little dancing dog. That little dancing dog turned into our dancing dog! The minute I saw that picture, I knew he was the dog I would curl up with after a hard day. Ms. Sue King gave Finn a home, but she gave me a best friend. Anna (Peter’s daughter)

Hazel is a very loving kitty. She loves to stare out the window and she loves to snuggle with us. We are very happy that Hazel is in her forever home. We love her very much.

Sincerely,

Mike & Michelle

Charlie and Lisbeth (formerly Phil and Princess Sweetpea)

First Christmas Together

Charlie and Lisbeth, Summer 2011

Just one more of Lisbeth …with owl...

Ben

We adopted Ben at Christmas. We know because he peed on the Christmas Tree!

He has been a great addition to our family.

Dawn

Ginger Pie and Ernie

Two of the sweetest cats, the best foodies, most affectionate and almost like dogs. Anyone that comes over to visit me gets met by Ernie first with his big, big purr, and then Gingerpie, who insists on being petted every morning after breakfast. I was very impressed with the adoption process, the information I received about how to introduce these two to my other 4 cats and 2 dogs, and the medical information I got. Thank you all so very much for the care and attention paid to the adoptees and adopters to make sure each pet goes to a forever home.

Harriet

Kenney (formerly Kinnick)

Kenney aka kinnick loves just being a typical cat!

Hazel

Lola (formerly Sherry)

Lola, AKA Sherry Baby is settled in and very happy. Her favorite pass times are following her humans around, grazing to see what goodies she might find in the food bowl, sleeping in the living room in front of the picture window, being brushed everyday, stepping out on the porch to take in a bit of fresh air and chasing the laser light. (When we are watching TV she starts batting at the screen until we distract her with

the laser. She knows how to get us to do what she wants.)

Lola, has grown quite a bit and is developing a beautiful coat and a large mane around her neck that makes her look regal. She is well mannered, thanks to Kathi her foster mom. She has wonderful social skills, she greets company and enjoys being petted. Lola is even starting to tolerate being picked up. There is still hope that she will turn into a lap cat. We have discovered that she has a hearing disability, but we communicate well with certain sounds that she can pick up and body language. She is very intelligent. She brings us much comic relief and it's just a joy having her around.

Liz

Star & Alex

Star and Alex have only been with us for about a month! This is a typical day in the life! Not so bad. Thanks to Shonya and Kim!

Susan

Nala and Gracie

I love my two kitties so much. That we are together really "is" something to celebrate! I am grateful to everyone at Our Companions. In particular, Mara, the foster mother was very generous about giving me time to visit with them and think about whether I wanted to take them. I even took a brief vacation before

I took them. I probably would have had no vacation (for years) if not for Mara. I am grateful Mara was willing to give them to me when it was best for me. And Vanessa, the Our Companions representative, has responded to my e-mails on several occasions when I had to make decisions about veterinary care. She is always supportive and has helpful ideas.

Here in Windsor we had about six nights of no electricity and heat during the power outage. At night the kitties and I just go into bed and cuddled throughout the night. Don't know what I'd do without them. I often say that they make this house a home. They really do.

Michele

Lula

“I wish the owners put in wider ledges! I love all the windows in this house!”

We were so lucky to adopt her! She is such a sweetheart, so vocal! I wish I could get a picture of her sitting in the middle of my desk, watching the cursor as I type. It is so funny!

Roberta

Charlie (formerly Zeth)

Charlie was a gentle old soul when we adopted him. He was 14 years old and had some health issues due to his age. Unfortunately Charlie did not respond to the chemo therapy and lost his battle with bladder cancer on November 15th.

Charlie instantly fit into our family. It was like he had always been with us. He was gentle and loving. He became my two year old grandsons best friend. Brendan would lie next to Charlie on his bed and Charlie would give him kisses. We loved

the old boy and miss him terribly.

We are grateful to Marie and Daryl for giving us the opportunity to give Charlie a good and loving home for his remaining time.

Joe

Elbe

"I will never forget my special volunteer friends who helped me when I needed it most."

Mark & Heather

Olivia and Rudy

Bella

We adopted Bella about 6 weeks ago, she has fit into out family more perfectly than we could have imagined!

One dog, two kids, my husband and I were already in the house, but she is so easy going we never have had an issue! Thank you! Lisa

Peaches

Peaches was a sweet and loving elderly cat. Thanks to OC for rescuing her from euthanasia when her previous person chose not to keep her once she was diagnosed with diabetes.

I'm so glad that I was able to give her a good life for her last year.

Donna

Cooper (formerly Buddy)

Thanks so much for the opportunity to share some pics and a little about the past amazing year with Cooper (formerly Buddy). Having Cooper in my life for the past year and a half has been an incredible adventure. After rescuing him, he rescued me right back! :)

Having a life with my new best friend has been truly wonderful and I can't imagine a day without him. I'm fortunate to spend the day working from home with Cooper by my side, travel all around the Northeast with Cooper as my co-pilot. He's a loving and sweet pup that enjoys everyday in doggie luxury. :)

Thanks for Our Companions great work and the incredible staff and volunteers that made it possible for Cooper to come home with me and bless my life and days in such a special way. -Emma

Arthur

He's beautiful, soft and very shy. He loves to be combed (on our bed) and has been a very good teacher to a young male kitten we got a month after Arthur came to live with us. He loves treats and runs to get them. We have many friends and family who would love to see and pet him, but he's just not ready for that yet.

Lynda

Puttie

Here are a few pictures of Katie and her kitty "Puttie".

Puttie and Katie are getting into the Holiday spirit, but if Puttie could talk, I think she would say "Bah Humbug"!!

Puttie is so good about tolerating Katie's affections!!!

We love her!

Thanks, Jennifer

Tigger

Thank you!

Jay and Tina

Henry (formerly Spanky)

He loves his new home and we sure love him.

Thank you, Laurie

Mikey

We adopted Mike in April and we simply adore him! He's been a great addition to our home. He has a little trouble with his back legs, but we take

him for walks just about every day and play outside often, he isn't as stiff as he used to be and doesn't seem to be in any pain. We also recently

caved in to his desire to sleep on the bed with us!

Tera and Chris

Inky (formerly Katie)

Here is a photo of Inky (previously named Katie) who we adopted from you in July. She's the calico, and made fast friends with our other cat, Fuzz. Inky is energetic and fun but loves to curl up on the couch too.

Thank you very much for everything, Inky is doing great.

Chris and Amy

Smokey

After the loss of our first and only dog, we volunteered as Foster Parents for Our Companions after reading about the great things that were happening.

Smokey knew how to win our hearts the moment we met him at the kennel. He quickly went from the perfect house guest to the perfect companion for us. He is a lovable, funny dog who loves us as much as we love him. Peter

Timmy

I got to tell you, this little guy is a trip. Each day a little more of his personality comes through. He isn't looking into your soul, he is looking into your hand to see what he can eat next or your

mouth to see what he might be able to get.

We have turned him into a chow hound and we take the blame so I constantly have him on a diet which we break many times during the day.

Linda

Sox

I have a few pics of Sox alone, and a few of her with my dog Hailey. They are getting along great, and Sox actually comes out looking for Hailey. Linda

Lila

Tim

Here is a picture of Tim. He is our happy, playful, flirty, mischievous and loving boy.

He quickly became the best friend of our existing cat, Olive, and we are so thrilled he is part of our family.

Katie

Rascal

Despite a traumatic first year of life, Rascal has learned to trust, play and snuggle. He is such a joy and brings such love and humor to our lives. He enjoys a good sun nap in the middle of the poofy queen sized featherbed or on "his" chair! Thanks Stephanie!

Alexandra

Rescue Kittens

Since working with Our Companions to curb and care for the feral cat population at our office, we have TNR’d ten cats and rescued six kittens (all under seven weeks old). We were able to get the kittens cleaned up, to the vet (with the help of Our Companions!), and placed in loving homes. Here are four of the six...they only weighed 1.3 lbs each! From under a dumpster/pile of trash into safe, comfortable homes!

Thanks,

Alexandra

Aimee

Here is a photo of Aimee which we adopted from you in March. She is a huge love bug and extremely chatty. Always following me around and talking. We love her very much. We wish you and your staff a wonderful holiday season. Marie

Colby We adopted Colby, we kept the name given to him, in July. He was about 8 months old and was for sure a house dog. He is just pure LOVE. I had adopted him but I was living with my boyfriend, Ryan, at the time who has now become my husband as of 9/24/2011. Colby was thought to be afraid or shy with men well, that is not the case… He is a Daddy’s BOY and has made our house a Home. I had lost a dog after 16+ years in May of 2010 so I know the love of a dog but Colby is Ryan’s 1st dog. What a joy Colby has been. He had a very little adjustment period and now has a family of uncles and aunts and 2 set

of grandparents that ADORE him… He just loves people and wants to be loved back which with Colby is very easy to do! We are so grateful that we were chosen to be Colby’s parents as we know you had a tremendous amount of inquiries for him. He is thriving with us, he listens and just enjoys life.. He has become a mush and a very loveable dog. I was afraid I could not love another dog as much as I loved my 1st dog Dakota but Colby has shown me how wrong I was to think like that. He is precious and Ryan and I live for him. GINA

Sophie (formerly Minnie)

Sophie is quite the princess and loves her new home in the country. Best wishes Kate

Tucker

Now that Tucker is a part of our family our

family is complete. We can't imagine our lives without him in it.

We love him to death.

Thank you so much for bringing us

together.

Carolyn

Barn Kittens

Best barn kittens ever. Thank you Laura and Vanessa

-the Segalas

Maya

Here are some pictures of Maya. We adopted her in February and she has made herself quite comfortable in our home. She is enjoying long walks on the airline trail and snoozing with her kongs.

Thank you so much for bringing us this little love bug! Merry Christmas and happy holidays! The Pawlows

Gus and Bo (formerly Bobo and Gizmo)

I can't even begin to describe what a wonderful experience it was for us to work with the staff & volunteers from Our Companions.

Gus and Beau came into our lives in July. They were eight years old and had been raised together. We had been looking for two young Cairns, but we did happen to have two vacancy’s at our home….so. The dogs are inseparable (except for the walks- Gus strolls with my husband and Beau and I fly around) and we are so very glad we could adopt them. (I think they feel the same way!) Isabelle

Chapin (formerly Rodney)

“Chapin at Chapin Place in Hartford is wonderful! We got him a betta fish and bowl. He loves it and watches his “TV” constantly when he’s not sleeping. “Arthur” the fish has been with us for over a year. “

Carol

Henna

Yes, she is still quite content. I can pick her up now, and she has her toys, and will play some now...she especially likes to chase the laser beam, and roll around on her catnip filled 'boogie mat". Yes, I also adopted Gypsy, a mini dachshund shortly after adopting Henna, and most recently, a dachshund mix, Cody. She is not very fond of them, tho! Well, her weirdest thing is she loves to lick plastic bags...almost fanatical about it! She still won't eat canned food, but likes to lick up the gravy, so I get it for her. Thank you Lisa.

Jeanne

Belle (formerly Stowaway Susie) I adopted a tabby called "Stow-away Suzie". We renamed her Tinkerbell (and again to just Belle). Belle really is one awesome feline. She loves to 'hang out' and seems to snuggle in with our pack whenever she has the chance. I am almost positive she believes she is a dog. Belle and our actual dog Maggie are the best of friends. They romp and snuggle, antagonize and communicate in their own special way. Belle is not phased by activity or the herds of children who come through our house. She remains peacefully asleep on her chair, seemingly unaware of the chaos around her. She is in fact one of the lazier cats I've known.

Our family has been displaced twice from the storms this summer and fall. Both times Belle traveled with us to families homes. She was cool as a cucumber the whole time, happy to be with us, no worries about a new location. Thank you for all the work Our Companions does and the wonderful updates on your rescued animals. Happy Holidays. Corie

Nuki (formerly Ricky)

Nuki loves to go out with our dog Prancer, they are the best of buds. He is such a sweet boy, we adopted another younger black tiger male & Nuki grooms him & they play together, both boys have the extra toes.

It's so funny watching them play, sometimes they have a gentle boxing match with those mittens.

Nuki is the best role model, our new boy Beanie loves him too. It's because of the very generous people as you volunteers are that help these animals get the great start in life & in return they bring happiness to us too. Many thanks for ALL you do! Robert & Diana ENJOY!

Ruby and Charlie (formerly Peaches and Jinx)

Ruby is our little sweetheart who can entertain herself for hours with the most simple toy. She is a joy to spend time with and can shower you with love and kisses when she is in the mood to do so. Charlie is a big 'mama's boy' who wants his blankie...we should have named him Linus. His loyal, dog-like nature makes you look forward to the end of the work day when he will greet you at the door and help you forget your worries of the day. Nevertheless, I think it's important for you to know just how much we love both of our cats - Charlie and Ruby. Jessica and Vic