Happy Tails | Savannah

Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Savannah came to the VBSPCA along with her six young puppies in January 2023. The family of Terrier mixes had been transferred in from a shelter in rural North Carolina. In addition to being a mom, Savannah had heartworm disease and needed treatment.

Once Savannah’s puppies were healthy and strong, they were quickly adopted. Unfortunately, Savannah had to wait longer for her second chance. That opportunity came when she met a woman named Colleen at the VBSPCA Wags and Whiskers Gala in April 2023. We recently caught up with Colleen and her husband, Ben, to hear about how Savannah finally found a home of her own.

How did you find Savannah? 

Colleen met Savannah at the VBSPCA Wags and Whiskers Gala. It was love at first sight. The deal was sealed when Colleen brought Ben to meet Savannah at the shelter and she crawled right into his arms. We weren’t looking to make the addition to our family at the time, but after learning that Savannah was one of the longest residents, that she already had puppies at just two years old, and that she was heartworm positive, we knew we could provide her with a nurturing, loving home. We adopted Savannah on May 23, 2023.

How is Savannah doing in the home?

Savannah is doing great. She loves her big back yard, cuddling up on the couch, and trying to play with her sister, Bailey Rae, a 16-year-old Jack Russell Terrier/Beagle mix. 

Savannah had another big sister, Anna, who unfortunately passed away suddenly due to lung cancer in November 2023. Anna showed Savannah the ropes on how to be a good girl, how to catch treats in the air, and, most importantly, that “ball is life.”

What sort of activities do you do together? 

Savannah continues to play ball in her big back yard – her favorite being her soccer ball, which tracks seeing as her dad played soccer in college. She also loves her squeaky balls but finds they serve no purpose after she has successfully retrieved the squeaker. Savannah also loves to go on walks around the neighborhood and curl up by the fireplace, but she always makes time to remind the Amazon drivers whose turf this is. 

Does Savannah have any funny quirks?

Savannah loves to show off her new toys to anyone who comes for a visit. She also quickly learned to let herself out the back storm door (when unlocked) to use the bathroom and chase squirrels in her backyard. 

How has Savannah enriched your lives so far?

Savannah has enriched our lives by keeping us on our toes and making us laugh with her puppy mannerisms and charisma. She was the perfect addition that we never knew we needed.