The Kelleys

The Kelleys have had a special place in the heart of the Austin Humane Society since 1994. Their story is as remarkable as the five pets they’ve adopted from us since then. The love, medical attention and second chance they provide these pets is the reason they’re not only the Adopter of the Month, but heroes in the eyes of pet lovers everywhere.

Michelle and Michael Kelley have three dogs. More accurately, they have three kids—each with a distinct personality and each an alumnus of the Austin Humane Society.

The Kelleys started their relationship with AHS way back in 1994 when, shortly after moving to Austin and getting married, they adopted Tama, a Chow mix whose independent streak was obvious even as a puppy. While her siblings all pawed at their kennel door, licking the hands of passersby, Tama relaxed quietly in the back. Michelle noticed her right away. “Tama’s always been independent, always been her own dog,” she explains. So Tama became a Kelley.

Fast forward to 2002, when Michelle and Michael were strolling through the Pecan Street Festival downtown and came across an AHS Adoption Booth. That’s when they met Mandie, whose exuberance was a strong counterpoint to Tama’s relative calm. So, on a bit of a whim, the Kelleys applied to adopt Mandie and, one week later after getting her spay surgery and vaccinations, she joined the growing family.

And here’s where the story gets a little sad. Shadoe, whom the Kelleys adopted just before Tama and who was just about the sweetest Chihuahua you’ve ever met, passed away in November 2009. After mourning her passing, the Kelleys decided to once again return to the Austin Humane Society to maybe find a new dog. It didn’t take long. Once they saw Sandie, it was love at first sight. Her energy and playfulness was too good to pass up. So after a dog introduction with Tama and Mandie, Michelle and Michael quickly snatched Sandie up and added her to their canine crew.

And now? “Each of our dogs is her own special lady,” Michelle explains. “Each one has their own personality, but they love each other.” Tama is the older, more stubborn one. Mandie is the older sister, with endless energy and a penchant for sleeping on the bed. And Sandie, the newest addition and still a young pup, is the ADD dog—with a short attention span and a bottomless capacity for affection.

We’re proud to count the Kelleys among our adopters. Their care and attention for their animals (including their adopted cat, Natasha!) is unsurpassed. When Mandie had an embolism and couldn’t walk for several months, Michelle nursed her back to health. As Tama gets older and begins to slow down, they take great pains to make sure they maintain her routine. And now Sandie, the baby of the group, is being carefully housetrained.

We wish Michelle, Michael, Tama, Mandie, and Sandie the very best. And when they get the urge to add another dog to their family, we’re confident they’ll once again turn to us. “What I love most about the Austin Humane Society,” Michelle says, “is how obvious it is that you care deeply for the animals. We have supported you since 1994 and will continue to, because you are doing great work for these dogs and cats. And we know you will continue to do so.”

We certainly will, Michelle. Thank you.