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Alicia S. and Thomas K. adopted Zoey, a dog with heartworm disease, from Darlington County Humane Society in May 2026. They later adopted Buffy, whom they had been fostering, and moved with both dogs to Montana. The ASPCA report presents their decisions as an example of how one family helped two shelter dogs find homes.
Alicia S. and Thomas K. adopted Zoey, a dog with heartworm disease who had spent nearly 10 months at Darlington County Humane Society in Hartsville, South Carolina, according to an ASPCA report. They later adopted Buffy, a dog they had been fostering from the same organization, giving both animals a home before the couple moved to Montana.
Zoey, a gray-and-white pit bull, arrived at the shelter in August 2025 after being abandoned by her previous owner. She was diagnosed with heartworm disease. The shelter said her affectionate nature and ability to get along easily with other dogs did not immediately help her attract adopters, some of whom were deterred by her diagnosis.
The couple met Zoey in May 2026 and chose to adopt her. The ASPCA report says Zoey received veterinary treatment and is now heartworm-free. She settled into life with Alicia and Thomas, playing in their yard and spending time beside Alicia.
At the time, Alicia and Thomas were fostering Buffy, who suffered from seizures. As the couple prepared to move across the country, they decided they did not want to give Buffy up. They adopted her in July 2026. The family then moved to Montana, where the two dogs have two acres to run and explore, according to the report.
Two Adoptions From One Shelter
The couple’s choices resulted in homes for two dogs facing health challenges through the same shelter. Zoey had waited months while potential adopters weighed her heartworm diagnosis; Buffy had been in foster care while coping with seizures. Their outcomes show how adopting one animal and fostering another can lead to more than one placement in a household.
The story also illustrates a practical role for fostering: it gave Buffy a stable home while Alicia and Thomas got to know her. The report does not provide broader adoption figures or claim that this outcome is typical. Its significance is specific: two dogs from Darlington County Humane Society moved into a permanent home with the same family.
From Hartsville to Montana
Darlington County Humane Society joined The Rescue Effect, the ASPCA’s national campaign to help animals find homes, in August 2025, the same month Zoey arrived. The ASPCA report follows Zoey’s time at the shelter through her adoption the following May, then describes Buffy’s path from foster care to adoption in July.
The report identifies the couple only as Alicia S. and Thomas K. It says both dogs are now living with them in Montana. Autumn Fowler, the humane society’s executive director, described Zoey as a favorite among staff, volunteers and community supporters who had followed her time at the shelter.
“When Alicia and Thomas met Zoey, they saw a dog who deserved a chance.”
— Autumn Fowler, executive director of Darlington County Humane Society
Medical Details Not Provided
The ASPCA report does not give details about Zoey’s treatment, when she completed it, or what care either dog may need now. It says Zoey is heartworm-free and that Buffy suffered from seizures, but does not describe Buffy’s diagnosis or current health. The report also does not identify the couple’s new town in Montana or provide shelter-wide data on adoptions linked to The Rescue Effect.
Both Dogs Settle in Montana
The report’s latest update is that Zoey and Buffy are living with Alicia and Thomas in Montana, where they have room to run and explore. It does not announce a further milestone for the dogs. Readers interested in helping shelter animals can find information about joining The Rescue Effect through the ASPCA.
Key Questions
When was Zoey adopted?
Alicia S. and Thomas K. adopted Zoey in May 2026, nearly 10 months after she arrived at Darlington County Humane Society.
What health challenges did the dogs face?
Zoey was diagnosed with heartworm disease and is now reported to be heartworm-free after receiving veterinary treatment. Buffy suffered from seizures; the report does not give further medical details.
How did Buffy join the family?
Alicia and Thomas were fostering Buffy through Darlington County Humane Society. They adopted her in July 2026 as they prepared to move across the country.
Where are Zoey and Buffy now?
The couple moved with both dogs to Montana. According to the ASPCA report, the dogs have two acres of room to run and explore.
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