Meet Penny: This sweet rescue loves people, goofy hats and is ready for a fresh start | Forgotten Friends

SAN ANTONIO — Our “Forgotten Friends” series showcases a dog or cat each week that has spent a lengthy time at an area shelter, just waiting for someone to notice them and bring them home to love.

Penny may have had a rough start, but you’d never know it by the way she greets people, tail wagging and ready for attention.

The 1½-year-old terrier mix is the latest Forgotten Friend waiting for a forever home at City of San Antonio Animal Care Services.

Shelter staff say Penny arrived at ACS on Jan. 29 as a victim of neglect. She was very thin when she first came in, but after a month of care, regular meals and lots of love, she’s gained a healthy amount of weight and is thriving.

These days, Penny is being cared for in an administrative office at the shelter, where she’s become a bit of a staff favorite.

And there’s one thing everyone quickly learns about her, she loves people.

Penny happily greets every person she sees and is always ready for pets, belly rubs or a tasty treat. Staff say she’ll even sit politely when snacks are involved.

She’s playful and energetic but also knows how to relax, especially when she’s surrounded by her favorite humans. Penny thrives with routine and seems comfortable in just about any environment.

She’s also great with other dogs, though she hasn’t been tested with cats yet.

As for families, shelter staff say Penny would likely do well in many homes thanks to her affectionate and easygoing personality.

Right now, she’s finishing treatment for a urinary tract infection and a tick-borne illness, but both are expected to clear up once her medication is complete. She’s current on vaccinations and will be spayed before adoption.

And yes, Penny is also very patient when her human friends place the occasional goofy hat on her head, which staff say she handles like a champ.

After everything she’s been through, Penny is ready for a home where she can finally settle in, play, and soak up all the love she deserves.

If you are interested in adopting Penny and being her forever family, you can visit the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services at 4710 TX-151, San Antonio, TX 78227. The shelter is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and on weekends from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The fee to adopt Ariel is $25. 

She’s hoping her next stop is a forever home. 🐾

Visit ACS in person to meet Penny and all of their available pets and to fill out an application for adoption. Email ACS at ACSadoptions@sanantonio.gov.

For whoever adopts Penny, Lucy’s Doggy Daycare & Spa will be lending a paw by offering them a free “Glow Up” Day at the Spa, which includes a massage therapy bath and Pawdicure. One of Lucy’s most cherished core values is to continue Lucy’s legacy of giving back to pups in need, as Lucy herself was a rescue!

Or maybe Penny is not the right fit for your home, but you are looking to adopt or foster an animal. You can get started by meeting some of their pets (online that is!) via their new enhanced pet search which can be found at www.saacs.net

ACS will be having several adoption events coming up throughout San Antonio in the future. To find out when and where, check out the events on their Facebook Page to learn more! https://www.facebook.com/SanAntonioACS/

If you have some extra time, ACS could always use some extra hands to help care for the animals. They are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help them: 

• provide exceptional care to the pets in our care.
• serve our community.

Volunteers must be able to commit to at least six hours a month for at least three months. “Your consistent involvement is crucial, as our volunteers play a vital role in supporting our staff and helping pets find their forever homes,” said ACS.

If you’re interested in becoming an ACS volunteer, start by applying:

For more information on the requirements, visit their website.

You can also support the work they are doing by making a monetary donation. CLICK HERE

Checks may also be made payable to “City of San Antonio Animal Care Services” or cash can be dropped off at or mailed to:

Animal Care Services
4710 State Highway 151
San Antonio, Texas 78227

If you have extra items, you can help other pet owners who may be struggling through their partnership with Daisy Cares. ACS is a drop off point for Daisy Cares which always needs donations of pet food for both dogs and cats, as well as things like newspapers, blankets, treats and toys.

ACS currently needs more items to help promote their pets for adoption, including large pet bandanas. The pet networking wish list can be found here. Pet chews to help the dogs in their care would also be appreciated.

You can check out their Amazon Wish List for the exact items needed right now. Or check out the ACS Bottle Baby Warriors Wish List for items needed to help care for all of the puppies and kittens. Last but not least there is a SAACS Foster Amazon Wish List to help the folks who are fostering animals from ACS.

For other ways you can help, like fostering an animal, visit their website. CLICK HERE

You can follow the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Email them at ACSadoptions@sanantonio.gov.

Remember when you adopt a shelter pet, you save two lives… the one you bring home with you and the one that now will be saved because the shelter has more room.

If you know of a Forgotten Friend that has been overlooked and is still looking for a “fur-ever” home, contact Andrea at acarden@kens5.com.