In just over one year’s time, Cassandra and Tony went from having one dog, Kelso, a 12-year-old long-haired Chihuahua, to being the proud pet parents of five dogs, having adopted all four of their new furry friends from the ASPCA in the span of just a few months.

“We’ve added on quite quickly,” said Cassandra, who initially told herself she wouldn’t adopt more dogs after Kelso. However, in August 2022, her plans changed.

In mid-August 2022, we assisted with the rescue of more than 50 cats and dogs from a property in Lake Butler, Florida. When investigators arrived at the property, they discovered the animals living in filthy conditions amongst their own feces and urine and exposed to elevated levels of ammonia. Some of the animals were underweight and appeared to be suffering from untreated medical conditions.

Many of the animals removed from the property were brought to the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC) for much-needed care.

Dogs being removed from the property in Lake Butler, Florida.

Cassandra saw a post about the case on Facebook and, having always loved Chihuahuas, knew she wanted to adopt one of the many brought to the CRC from this case. On October 25, 2022, Cassandra and her mother drove from their homes in Cleveland, Ohio, to the CRC in Columbus, Ohio, and fell in love. Cassandra’s mother adopted two Chihuahuas, while Cassandra adopted one, whom she later named Fez to continue the "That '70s Show" theme she had with Kelso.

Fez, the black-and-brown Chihuahua, during the removal of the dogs.

Though not thrilled at first by adding a new dog to the family, Kelso quickly warmed up to Fez.

“Kelso and Fez are like our yin and yang,” explained Cassandra. “Kelso is white and brown, and Fez is black and brown, and they always sit in a little circle together – it’s the cutest thing. They’re best friends and love each other.”

It’s the way that Kelso and Fez loved each other, and the way Cassandra and Tony loved Fez and Kelso – and vice versa – that lead to them growing their family once again.

“As soon as we added on Fez, seeing how much light they bring to us and watching how we can also change their lives for the better and give them what they deserve, we quickly multiplied,” said Cassandra.

Less than a year later, in June 2023, we were on the ground in Wisconsin assisting with the rescue of nearly 90 dogs and puppies from a breeding operation.

When investigators arrived on scene, they found dogs of varying breeds and sizes, including puppies and pregnant dogs living in unsanitary conditions. Some of the animals had dirty hair coats and appeared to be suffering from untreated medical issues requiring immediate veterinary treatment.

Dogs rescued from the scene in Wisconsin.

Of these 90 dogs, were 3-month-old Golden Retriever littermates Jackie and Penny.

Both Jackie and Penny were brought to the CRC where it was discovered that they had Giardia – a parasite that can cause diarrhea in dogs. To keep it from spreading to other dogs, they were put into quarantine.

Penny, on the right, has a white stripe on her head, while Jackie, left, has a white dot on her head.

During this time, Cassandra and Tony had been talking about adopting a bigger dog. Serendipitously, that’s when they heard about Jackie and Penny and received a picture of Jackie.

“I couldn’t say no,” explained Tony.

Because the girls were still in quarantine, Cassandra and Tony couldn’t foster or adopt as soon as they had hoped, but in July 2023, Jackie and Penny made their way home, where two dogs had now become four.

Jackie and Penny were given their on-theme names but, in keeping with the sitcom trend, are also lovingly referred to as “The Golden Girls.” 

“They’re both similar and so different with their personalities, and they are just absolute best of friends,” said Cassandra. “It’s been so great watching them grow together.”

But that’s not where Cassandra and Tony’s adoption story ends! One more dog would make their way into their hearts and home before their family was complete. 

Just three months after our rescue in Wisconsin, we were on the ground again in Louisiana assisting with the rescue of nearly 200 dogs and cats living in filthy and dangerous conditions.

Dogs on scene during the Louisiana rescue.

When investigators arrived on scene, they discovered most of the animals, including puppies and pregnant dogs, living in an extremely crowded mobile home with an overwhelming odor of ammonia. Many of the dogs were living among their own feces and urine with soiled coats and some were found suffering from untreated medical issues that required immediate veterinary attention.

Donna, a now 3-pound chihuahua, was found on scene as a singleton puppy. Like many of the dogs from the case, Donna was brought to the CRC for care.

Once again, Cassandra and Tony had learned about our case. With little Donna tugging at their heartstrings, they were ready to open their arms to yet another pup.

“I fell in love immediately knowing that this Chihuahua was a singleton and I felt that we could provide her with a good home and give her the socialization dogs need at that age,” explained Cassandra. “So, I inquired about fostering her as soon as possible with the intention that I would adopt her as soon as we absolutely could.”

When Cassandra went to the CRC to pick Donna up for foster, she couldn’t believe how tiny she was.

“It was crazy fostering a dog that young, it’s like taking care of a baby” remembered Tony. “She was about 5- or 6-weeks-old.”

“As I learned about singleton puppies and their different needs, it was very fun growing with Donna and watching her open up with the other dogs and taking quickly to them as if she’s always been socialized,” said Cassandra.

On December 22, 2023, Cassandra and Tony were finally able to adopt Donna, making her the fifth and final member of their beloved cast.

Though Fez was shy when the couple first met him, over the last year and a half, he has “the world’s biggest personality” and has become the boss of the house. Meanwhile, Jackie and Penny are the goofballs of the group — always being silly, wrestling with each other and playing with toys. Donna is much tinier than the rest of the pack, but she thinks she’s a big dog. She has a big voice, is really fast and plays with all of her canine siblings – even The Golden Girls.

“They all have their own relationships with each other which is funny to watch,” explained Cassandra. “Jackie and Penny will roughhouse but Jackie likes to play with Fez as well. She’ll go down to his level, so she knows to adapt. Jackie is also calmer around Donna than Penny is. Penny wants to play with Donna, but Jackie will respect her space a little more. Kelso just stays to the side and watches from a distance. And Fez wants to be in the middle of Jackie and Penny playing – and him and Donna are like magnets. Donna always wants to lay next to him on the couch or play with him or grab different toys and lure him to chase her.”

“They all have such a unique bond with each other, and I love the chaos of what our house is – and they’re happy and that’s what makes me happy,” she added.

With all the experience they’ve gained from adopting four dogs from three different traumatic backgrounds, Cassandra and Tony offer some advice for anyone thinking about adopting a dog.

“Bringing a dog home from a rescue or shelter, it’s really important to allow them to open up on their own time,” said Cassandra. “They’re coming from various situations and aren’t used to having a loving home, so just allow them to realize that we’re here to provide a good life for them as second chances and what they deserve. Let them explore and have the time to adjust to new routines, a new home, new people or other pets.”

She continued, “And just have the patience to work with them as they’re learning. Understand that it is going to take time and there might be some unsavory behaviors at first but then just learn how to work through those and build trust with your dog. That way they know that we’re here to support them and love them and provide them with a good home.”

“It’s a fresh start for them and a fresh start for you at the same time to really build a bond with them,” added Tony.

After multiplying their fur family by five, Cassandra reflects on how big of an impact her dogs have had on her life in such a short amount of time.

“Each of the dogs have changed my life. Every single one of them has such a different personality and brings so much joy to our lives. Being able to watch them experience different things and have so much joy just makes me happy. I don’t want to miss a minute of their lives; I just love them all so much. We couldn’t have picked better pets to bring together.”