County Animal Shelter

240.773.5960

14645 Rothgeb Drive

Rockville, MD 20850

Hours to Visit

With the Animals

Mon, Tues Thurs, Fri:

noon-7pm

Closed Wednesdays

Sat & Sun: noon-5pm

Business Hours and Looking For Lost Pets

Mon, Tues Thurs, Fri:

10am-7pm

Closed Wednesdays

Sat & Sun: 10am-5pm

Directions

Happy Tails!!!

Stories, testimonies and tributes

to your adopted friends

November 2009
When I met Dolce (formerly Pretty Polly) a few months ago at the shelter, I never would have imagined she would be the loving and energetic dog that she is today. She was sick the first couple days after I brought her home but after a couple vet visits, she was doing great. The veterinarian even called me to say how she was doing and offered to take her home himself, I said “I don’t think so!” He said she was the sweetest pit he had ever met. She has such a personality and is so kind hearted, I swear she thinks she is human. I would recommend everyone adopting a dog from the MC Humane Society, giving a gift of life is very rewarding and I made a friend for life. I could not imagine my life without her in it.

Thank you again for all that you guys do to give these animals a chance at a good life. Dawn S

October 2009

I adopted Sabrina (Jan was her shelter name), a soft black bunny with a white spot on her nose, about a month ago.

Over the past twenty years I have taken in strays, rescues and fosters, but I have never seen a animal so happy to come home. On her first day living with me, she followed me around the house. She like to be in the same room with me and will frequently jump up on the sofa next to me. I have never had a bunny become so attached to me. She is also very attached to my older male bunny; they are the best of friends.

Thank you,
C.L., Germantown

August 2009

When we met Livvy, she could have been one of eight heads to an eight-headed cat. She and her brothers and sisters were so inseparable that all we saw when we first met her were their heads as they all crowded together.

We brought her home and for the first couple of days, she hid in the smallest little crawl spaces. Patiently and gently, we as a family took turns cooing to her from as close as we could get, and reaching our hands in to pet her. Slowly she began to trust us more and more, until one day I came home from work and she was confidently and curiously carousing around the whole house. She follows me around and hops into my lap and purrs whenever you pet her or play with her.

We had also adopted a kitten, Scooter, from MCHS a couple of weeks prior and we were worried at first, as Scooter hissed and batted at her, we would always have to keep them separate. They are best friends now!!

Livvy's still a little skittish around strangers, but around her new Forever Family she is unbelievably content, loving, and comfortable. She is, essentially, the sweetest and cutest little thing I have ever seen and I am so, so happy she's ours!

August 2009

I went to your website in search of a Boxer I heard was brought in but found out it was returned to the owner (thank goodness).

I saw a picture of a 6-year-old English Mastiff and he touched my heart from the start. I visited with him three times and put in my application to adopt him. I was actually second in line for him but the first applicant could not take him. I was so thrilled I could adopt this sweet fellow. He had some medical issues, but is on the road to recovery and is being spoiled by me, friends and family. He LOVES children and is a “Gentle Giant” with all people and very popular in my neighborhood. In the short time he’s been with me, I’ve grown very attached to him and just love him. I’m so grateful to the MCHS for taking care of Otis until I could. 

Thank you so much! Ellen S

July 2009

We adopted Callie from you back in Mid-March, and our family LOVES her so much. I can remember when we first saw her at the shelter. She had just come in an hour before we got there, and she looked so scared and was shaking. From that moment, my family and I knew we had to have this dog. 4 months later, she’s as happy as can be! She loves to be outside, running around the backyard, play with her toys, and go for walks with us around our neighborhood. Thank you all at the Montgomery County Humane Society

Thanks again! Jon E

June 2009

We adopted Ella (then Sadie) from you last weekend and our whole family is just in love. I am totally NOT a dog person and never wanted a dog. But when we saw her outside the theater at your on-site adoption last weekend I just HAD to have her.

She is wonderful with my little girl and the pair has become inseparable. They eat, sleep and play together all day long. A. has been BEGGING for a puppy and Ella is such a blessing. Thank you so much for all your help.

One of your volunteers offered to take her to get her last shot so my husband and I didn’t have to take a day off of work and that was such a generous gesture. We never really understood much about how the shelter worked until we worked with you last weekend to adopt our puppy and I have a new-found respect for what you do.

Thank you again. Melissa

May 2009

Just a note to update you on Ricky, whom I adopted from MCHS on April 2.  

Ricky had a rough first few days with us because he had caught an infection from one of his MCHS roommates, but as you can see by the attached pictures he bounced back pretty quick and is adjusting quite well.  

Lucy is also enjoying having a new playmate -- well, most of the time... When he isn't biting and/or jumping on top of her! It is truly a huge loss for whoever lost and didn't claim this little guy because he is the best puppy ever and my entire family is in love!  

Thanks again to all of your staff and volunteers who helped me on my many visits with him in the yard and with the adoption process. 

Thanks! Candi C

May 2009

Here are the 2 beagle puppies we adopted at the end of February.

We named the black male puppy, Brody and the brown female puppy, Brownie. My family is enjoying the puppies and loves watching them grow and learn new things everyday!
 
Sincerely, Jessica

May 2009

Well where do I begin?

These two dogs have brought new life not only to Honey our 13 year old lab ... but to the entire family. Each of the dogs have their own distinct personality which we love dearly.

Shadow (the Black and White) is our "little A.D.D. boy" as we call him. He loves to investigate everything. He has the happiest personality in the world. When he wakes in the morning, he loves to stretch and talk to us with his deep voice. We always say "now that is a big one" ... and he will reply with another. He loves to make those noises. He is very affectionate too. When he was little and my partner was sick, he wanted up on the bed and he immediately encircled his head to comfort him. He loves to pick, and play .... and is very food-motivated -- which has made it so easy to train him. He, as well as his brother, have been part of 2 separate dog studies for the local college .... and they really impress the task makers with their intelligence. There is no fooling these two. One of Shadows favorite things to do since he was a puppy is to find his body between someone legs. It seems to be a comfort zone for him ... and he loves to be there. When he was little, he used to pick on both Honey and Lakota until they would chase him and he would run immediately over to me and jump on my back for protection. He LOVES to give kisses and loves other dogs as well as humans.

Lakota (the Blonde) is my little thief. He loves to take socks and bring them downstairs and hop around it like a bunny rabbit. He does it for attention. One day we were busy cooking and cleaning and before I knew it he had 3 pairs of socks, some underwear and a hat down in the living room. All the while laughing and jumping. He has the biggest heart as well, and I have bonded with him the most. He lays by my bed at night, and anytime he is not feeling well, he comes to me to hold him.

They love to take walks. Actually when they hear that word, they grab their own leashes and are ready to go. They really have filled our home with love and joy and I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to adopt both. It was a big decision but I made the right one. They belong together. Anytime one or the other is not feeling well, the other immediately steps up to make sure the other is ok.

When they were little, Lakota showed he was the alpha male when the neighbors HUGE Mastif came running up to the fence barking. They were no bigger then my shoe, but Shadow went immediately behind my legs, while Lakota casually turned around and stared the mastif down. It was like he said "are you sure you want a piece of me?" He was there ready to protect me .... it was amazing.

Thanks, Gene

May 2009

I guess it's true what they say that time flies when you're having fun.  I've been meaning to write and thank the wonderful staff and volunteers at MCHS ever since I got Lucky in September 2006.  They were friendly and organized.  As a first time dog owner, I was nervous & excited and they worked with me.  They had so much information on my new best friend!  I really valued the time they spent with Lucky -- checking his personality, special needs, etc and of course the time they spent with me on finding a good match.  Even the home visit was welcome as I got lot of tips on how to welcome my pup.

Ever since that first day when he was the only dog not barking - he speaks when there's something important to say - we connected.  That's him on the car ride home, all buckled in and smiling.  He loves car rides, playing fetch, snuggling under covers, agility courses and long walks. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you for what you do every day for the animals and for their future "parents".

Audelle H & Lucky

May 2009

Thought I would update you all on Daisy --  

We adopted Daisy from the MCHS rescue in August 2008. The day we adopted her, she had been at the rescue for a full year. We still can't understand how anyone could have overlooked our sweet girl, but we're thrilled at our good fortune.

Daisy is the perfect addition to our little family. She loves her long walks, her many toys, beach trips, naptime and playtime. Whatever we do, and wherever we go, she's happy to come along. Our trainer says she's one of the smartest dogs she has ever met, and we believe it. She knew all her basic commands when she came to us and is now enthusiastically learning more advanced "games." She has a wonderful personality and is full of spirit, excitement and pure dog joy. She greets us ecstatically at the door each night and wakes us in the morning with kisses and her signature "talking" (lots of indignant moaning when we don't get up promptly). We give her walks, cookies and attention, and she returns the favor with endless entertainment, loyalty and love. We are sure she is the best dog in the world.

Our advice to adoptive dog parents: Don't ignore older dogs; our Daisy, who is five, was perfectly house-broken and already knew many commands, which made life for us a lot easier. Take the time to really get to know the animals at the shelter and ask questions. Our little girl had had heart surgery after being found as a very sick stray (which may have discourged other adoptive parents). But she's incredibly healthy now, with no limitations on her activity and boundless energy. Also, be patient when you bring your new friend home. The animals (particularly those who have been at the rescue for a while) need some time to adjust. The changes we have seen in Daisy as she has learned to trust us and grown more secure in her position in our family have been amazing. Finally, keep in touch with the MCHS folks and any foster parents who took care of your pet. These great people not only saved Daisy, but they were incredibly helpful as we got to know -- and love -- her.

Thanks to all the wonderful people at the MCHS who took care of our girl and brought her into our life!  

Peggy & CJ

April 2009

We adopted Tony (a Brussels Griffon) in Nov. 2008 from MCHS. My boyfriend wanted to adopt a dog, but I was not so sure we were ready. We went to the shelter 'just to look', but once I saw Tony, I knew we had to have him. He was a stray sitting quietly in his cage, his head down, with a look on his melt-your-heart face that said "Please adopt me." I just knew in my heart that he was perfect. We were lucky enough to be the first applicants and waited in angst to hear from the shelter if we would be able to adopt him.

But, boy oh boy, were we in for a surprise. I'll never forget the day I picked him up from the shelter to take him home. He came out from the back with his tail wagging and knew he was going home. Tony is the most energetic, loving and well-behaved dog who just loves to walk and play. He loves his toys (his goal is to break the squeakers of his new toys in under 24 hours, which he always does) and gets plenty of treats (and he knows the meaning of the word "treat"!).

He's a traveling dog and loves going to Washington, D.C. to walk around the monuments and take in all the sights and sounds. Tony gets a lot of attention from strangers! People come up to pet and take pictures of him (he just loves the camera). He also loves riding in cars and wrestling with his daddy. He makes sure his daddy is up everyday at 6am (even on weekends) to go for a walk and always lets us know when he wants to go outside.

Tony has been such a joy for us and we wouldn't trade him for anything. We can't imagine our lives without him and he has been more than we could have hoped for. Every day I look at him and cannot believe he is ours. Our first adoption will lead to many more in the future. And, Tony never has to worry about being a stray again!

Tony at home

Tony takes in the sights

April 2009

My name is Emily, and in October of this year my family and I adopted our dog, Pixie, from the private rescue. From the day we brought her home, she "chose" me as her person. I was the only person who could pet, or even approach her. Of course, she gets along well with everyone now, but she's always been my special buddy.

We love Pixie so much! She did wonderfully in puppy classes, and has adjusted very well to home life, as she was a New Orleans rescue. She is still very shy with people she doesn't know, but isn't doing alot better than when we first got her.

We just love Pixie so much and can't thank all the staff at the Rescue enough. They were so friendly and helpful! Thanks guys!  

Much love, Pixie and her adoring family  

April 2009

Hi - I thought I would update you on Bergman and Geri Lee.  I was able to adopt them from their foster mom Laurie. She trained them well as they are great cats.  Bergman follows me around like a dog -- he turned out to be a really big boy at 15 pounds. Geri Lee is fearless -- always the first one to get her nose into something with her brother not far behind. My friends call Geri Lee Cleopatra at times because she takes lays around like she is a queen. Both of them know how to play fetch with either a mouse or a ball. 

In this photo -- I had just brought home one of those hampers that fold down and had thrown it on the bed. When I walked back in the room - there they both were squeezed inside like it was their new toy.

I wasn't sure I wanted to get another cat because my good pal Robbie had just died. But I saw these two and fell in love all over again.

Thank you for all the good work you all do!  Kathy

March 2009

I was on your website this evening and thought I would update you on the two cats my husband (then boyfriend) and I adopt from you in September, 2006.

Damask, whom we now call Parker, and Angora will turn 3 in May, have added so much joy to our home. Parker is our explorer, always wanting to see what is new, who is visiting, and when dinner is! Out vet swears he is a puppy in cat's clothing. Though he can be quite a chewer, he loves hunting for his toys under the refrigerator and playing on his tower. He loves sleeping in "his" spot on top of mommy's feet at night! Angora is far more cautious around new people but has come a long way from her first days with us. She is a reliable wake-up call and an expert at hunting flies. Without a doubt, Angora is our cuddler, though she loves her sleeping spot on the bedroom window ledge. She is fascinated by snow, rain, and particularly windy days. Parker and Angora love snuggling together in the laundry basket or large Costco boxes. We are so happy we decided to adopt both of them. We can't imagine what our life would be like with only one of our loving kitties! Thank you so much!

Carolyn and Patrick

March 2009

I adopted Tucker just before Thanksgiving 2008. He has been nothing but a sweetheart -- he’s a better dog than I ever could have asked for!

I no longer need an alarm clock since I get ear kisses every morning, and his joy when I walk through the door always makes me want to get home sooner. He’s gained a little weight since his adoption, and he’s very healthy and (I hope) happy. This picture really sums up his disposition -- love bug. He is excellent with other dogs, and while he is a “chewer” he has never once chewed anything other than his toys. (He farts a lot, but I think he does it so I won’t forget he’s there!) His unbridled excitement as I put on my tennis shoes for our walks often hinders the process, which always makes me laugh. He just always makes me laugh, period.

I can’t believe anyone would have turned this dog in to a shelter, never mind twice. But he’s mine now, and I wouldn’t give him up for anything in the world. Please consider giving a wonderful dog a loving home; they give back so much more than they ask for.

Dorothy O

February 2009

We love, love, love our new pet cat, Valentino!!! He is the sweetest, most affectionate cat we have ever met. He just loves all the kids and us and immediately made himself right at home and part of the family. We are so happy he is all ours to love forever. 

Poor little guy started life as a stray, was brought into a home who's own cat did not get along with him and so ended up at the shelter. We couldn't be happier to give him his forever home. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Montgomery County Humane Society!

Lucia P. from Clarksburg, MD

February 2009

Tako is safe and sound and I just had to email to tell you how absolutely adorable she is!!! I know you said she was small, but I really didn't expect her to be that small.

The people who are fostering her are amazing and they had a new dog bed and bones waiting for her when I stopped in to visit. Tako was sleeping soundly toward the end of my visit. Since she wasn't eating any dry food, they made her chicken with peas and rice.....this dog is never going to want for anything again! ... Thanks for sending such a cutie...I attached a few pictures of her.

Tako and friend

February 2009

Hi,

I was checking out your website and thought to send you a couple pictures of Kitty. I adopted him from MCHS back in 1999. It was sad to see so many cats there and as I walked through your facility I wondered how in the world I was ever going to be able to pick one ... how would I know which one was right for me? I turned a corner and looked down at a cage and there he was, staring back up at me with those big green eyes ... He’d just been brought in the night before and I could tell he was very confused and scared, and I was completely smitten. I found that it’s completely true that you don’t have to worry about which one to pick … they totally pick you.

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love him … but I’m sure you know what I mean. He’s got such a great personality and he makes me laugh all the time. He runs to greet me at the door when I come home from work and wherever I go in the house he follows to keep me company. He sleeps at my feet every night (or tries to get under the covers next to me if the thermostat is set too low for his comfort) and loves to play and run from one end of the house to the other. He’s such a good boy and I’m so glad I went to the shelter that day and found him. He’s the best little buddy anyone could ever have.  

If anyone out there is thinking about adopting a cat I hope they seriously consider adopting an adult cat. They are just as cute, as funny and as sweet as a kitten …

Sincerely, Amy (Kitty’s mom)

February 2009

Dear MCHS,
My family and I adopted Honey Bear (Bear for short) around 5 years ago in November. We weren't really planning to adopt a dog when we visiting the shelter, but it's what we did, and we have never been happier.

It was the first dog I ever remember having, she has paved the way to so many new things for me, I compete with Bear in 4-H and NADAC Agility competitions. She is just the best dog, so sweet and calm, she adapts so well to every environment and situation.

From day one she has bonded with me more then most of the other people in my family. My family and I had such a wonderful experience adopting Honey Bear. She is a wonderful dog, and we are proud that we took in a homeless animal instead of going to a pet store or a back yard breeder.

Whenever my friends ask me for advice about where to go to get their new puppy I always recommend MCHS! Everyone was really helpful at the beginning when we go Bear, and it was a really good experience, I hope to adopt another dog from there in the future!

Thank you for one of my most dear friends, Diane T