Pet Rescues of Shift Digital by Maddy Weinert

It’s no secret that Shift Digital is a pet-friendly office. Our employees constantly bond over their shared love of animals and are always sharing photos of their furry friends. As we’ve shifted to a remote work environment over the last year, our pets have become an even bigger part of the Shift family, with cameos and some poorly-timed snores during virtual meetings. As much as everyone loves their pets, the employees that have rescued their animals sometimes share a different bond. Whether they were found in a shelter, through an independent adoption organization, or rescued off the streets, any rescue animal parent knows the joy of bringing their newest member of the family home and giving them the life they deserve.

Some employees have shared their adoption stories below and have included photos of them with their furry friends.

Wade, Digital Strategy Associate

“A little under two years ago, my family cat was really declining at 19 years old. I knew this was going to be a devastating loss as he was our oldest & longest pet. About a week later, I went to the local animal shelter in Lansing, MI, with my boyfriend to visit the rescues. I had no intention of adopting that day, as we frequented the shelter just to visit with the animals. I walked into the cat room and saw a very fat black and white shorthair, who seemed in need of attention. I walked in and let him come to me when he felt comfortable. He sniffed me for a bit and then plopped right into my lap. My boyfriend came in and saw what happened, and we agreed to take him home. At a whopping 19 pounds, we brought home Jack. My older cat passed away a few days later, and Jack knew it was his job to man the house. He became a very boisterous, crazy kitty that we love every single day. Unfortunately, he fell in love with my dad, so he is no longer the family cat, but my father’s. He was also the first animal we have ever adopted from a shelter, and I know he won’t be the last.”

Laura, Certified Product Manager

“When Mugsy arrived at Little Traverse Bay Humane Society in 2019, he was approaching his fourth birthday. During the first few years of his life, he had three different living situations and was looking for his fourth and final home. After working his magic during our meet and greet, a few weeks went by and we noticed Mugsy’s rough past had caused some aggression issues. Instead of giving up on him, we sought out a well-known trainer and dropped him off at ‘summer camp’. After 12 long weeks, Mugsy received the training he never got, but needed. After his return home, he quickly became our family’s favorite ‘child’ and is spoiled daily. Our rescue story doesn’t stop there! To keep Mugsy on his toes, Ziggy recently joined our family. Ziggy’s mother was rescued from a puppy mill down in Louisiana this past winter. After Ziggy’s mother arrived at LTBHS, they noticed she was pregnant. Ziggy and his 11 littermates were born on Valentine’s Day. Since adopted, he is loving life and exploring all the world has to offer with Mugsy to show him the way!”

Maddy, Team Lead

“The day we met Lilly in 2012, we were not looking for a dog- we were out buying fish food. We stumbled upon an adoption day at the pet store and knew that we couldn’t leave that day without her. In the last nine years, Lilly has become the most important part of the family and everyone’s favorite child or sibling. She enjoys being the center of everyone’s attention and has loved the switch to work from home this last year. On any given day, she can be found lounging in different sunny spots throughout the house, begging for treats, and convincing anyone and everyone to give her belly rubs all day long.

As if one rescue was not enough, in February 2021, we found a social media post about another elderly Shih Tzu named Harold who had recently been surrendered for the second time. He looked remarkedly like Lilly, so we were instantly intrigued and called the organization to set up a meet and greet to see her long-lost twin. That night we brought home a new member of the family, and I am happy to say that Harold has adjusted to his new life very well. He is 13 and has quite a few health issues, but he is the happiest dog I have ever met and loves every single new person that he meets. He loves to spend his days switching between his three beds napping, playing fetch with his favorite toys, and snoring loudly in the background of any and all meetings we have. Harold and Lilly have become best friends in the few short months they have been together, and our entire family loves them more than life itself.”

Chad, Regional Digital Consultant

“Our first rescue happened seven years ago! We decided it was time to find a puppy and started scouring the rescue sites and pages looking for a pug. We were determined that was the breed for us! I found several, but every time we would contact the foster or rescue it would be too late. I was traveling home to Chicago from a dealership in Georgia where I was to meet up with some staff members from another dealership to attend a workshop together. While on a delay between connecting flights, I went online looking again and found a pug listed at an animal shelter in Chicago. There was no picture, so I called. They said he was in fact available still and could be seen. As soon as I landed in Chicago, I rented a car and forced the unsuspecting dealership staff members waiting for me to arrive to jump in the rental and we rushed across town to the shelter where to my initial disappointment found that the pug that was listed was not a full pug. Instead, I met Spike the puggle (pug/beagle)! The shelter was so overcrowded, and he was so sad, but my determination to get a pug was pulling me another direction. I asked if they would hold him overnight for me to think. They reluctantly agreed. I snapped a couple photos and found myself looking at them all night and the next day. That day my partner and I agreed that Spike needed us! We returned and adopted him. He has been the best thing in our lives and led us to seeking out another puggle three years later. Because of Spike, we found Flip, another puggle from a rescue out of state, being fostered near us. Spike and Flip have taught us that Puggles are the best!”

Emily, Recruiting Coordinator

"I saw Amos at the shelter, and when I went back to adopt him later that day he was being adopted out by another person. I was devastated, but knew things happen for a reason. I went to visit the shelter again four days later and he had been returned! He went home with us that day and while technically he lives with my mom, he stays with my fiancé and I half the year.

We adopted Rosier two months after Amos. Found as a stray, she was very emaciated and needed some TLC. She is still learning to trust humans, but in her new home she is learning all the fun things about being a dog!

Their favorite things include:

• Barking at everything. Usually too much, but they are dogs and deserve to have a little fun during the day.
• Stealing things they shouldn’t. Amos’ favorite thing currently is stealing painter’s tape and any kind of paper he can find.
• Snacks! Rosie has a schedule of snack times now that we work from home, and she will let you know when it’s time for her next meal, usually within 5-10 minutes of the time frame."

If you are interested in rescuing an animal or donating to an organization in need, there are several resources included below: