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THE MAGICAL SULLY
Kris Pottharst and her husband Grant Cooper have welcomed many
dogs into their homes over the years, but when they were looking
for another animal companion after the death of their beloved
Daisy, they made the decision to adopt a large, black dog. They
learned that large, black dogs were less likely to be adopted
than smaller dogs with lighter coats, and they wanted to make
sure they gave a home to an animal that may not have a chance
otherwise.
 They
began their search via the Internet, which took them to homes in
Baton Rouge and Plaquemines Parish where they met many dogs.
However, in those initial searches they had yet to meet the one.
Ultimately, Kris decided to go to the Louisiana SPCA. A native
New Orleanian, she was a frequent visitor to the Japonica Street
shelter and had even adopted another dog there years ago,
Caiyoux, who was as wonderful as their Daisy. But not having
been to the temporary shelter since Japonica Street was
destroyed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Kris wasn’t
sure what to expect. But she was blown away by her experience
and what she found was “an unbelievable rebirth.”
And it was at the LA/SPCA that she found the one. Kris looked at
many of the adoptable animals that were large with black coats,
including “Deuce McAllister” and “Sasha” but there was one that
was magical and kept coming back to Kris each time she came back
to the shelter. Sully – named Wizard at the time – captured her
heart and on the third visit she returned with her husband Grant
and they both agreed that he was indeed the one they were meant
to adopt. (Kris did keep checking on Deuce and Sasha and was
elated to learn that they also found homes).
No one really knows Sully’s history before he came into the
LA/SPCA as a stray, but he showed some hesitancy and fear in
approaching new things and new places and needed love and
special attention to calm his fears.
 Kris
and Grant have always made their animal companions a complete
part of their home life with the dogs having full access to
every part of the house, so they were surprised when Sully
didn’t immediately find comfort in jumping on the sofa. What
they have learned is that Sully likes a sense of order. He
prefers a world that is not chaotic. For example, along with his
walks in the dog park along the levee, Sully enjoys just as much
being on a leash. Kris said it seems to give Sully a needed
sense of security. Kris suspects it’s a sign of what Sully may
have been through in his past, but nonetheless he’s adapted well
to his new life in his Irish Channel home, and has become a
wonderful, loving companion.
Along with being introduced to the magic of Sully, Kris said
what has made her life with Sully so special is the care and
attention she saw Sully receive from the LA/SPCA staff and
volunteers. “Every visit I made to the shelter Sully was out
being walked or about to be taken for a walk.” Kris was
also impressed with the one-on-one attention that all the
animals were receiving, from Sasha to Deuce and all the animals
that the LA/SPCA cares for.
 Kris
also credits staff and volunteers, including Carolyn Kerner, who
evaluates all the animals that enter the shelter, with taking
the time to explain Sully’s needs and characteristics and what
it would require to make Sully’s transition into a forever home
a success. “I love the whole atmosphere at the LA/SPCA. I’m just
amazed by the unbelievable rebirth the organization has made and
the wonderful staff.”
Kris also took advantage of the LA/SPCA’s obedience classes, and
although she and Sully were unable to complete the class due to
a family medical emergency, Sully is reaping the benefits of the
few sessions he did attend. At Carolyn’s suggestion, they also
got a crate for Sully. He has access to come and go, of course,
and the door is always open, but they’ve found that Sully also
finds security having a little, quiet place of his own. “He is
absolutely adorable and having a great life.”
- Gloria Dauphin
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