For months, Combs and her three daughters had been looking for a companion for their two dogs, Milo and Jesse. Their search ended at the Johnston County Animal Shelter, where they spotted Jackie, a 2-year-old Husky mix.

Jackie and her two puppies had been surrendered to the shelter. The puppies were quickly adopted, but Jackie sat in a lonely cage for two weeks before Combs came along.

“Every other dog in the whole place was barking and [Jackie] just sat there, just as pretty as can be,” said Combs, of the Cleveland community. “I said, ‘We are not going to leave her, so let’s take her home.’”

Jackie was one of 127 animals adopted from the shelter in March. Director Ernie Wilkinson said it was the highest number of animals ever adopted from the shelter in one month. On average, about 30 pets a month find a new home, he said.

But thanks to the media, dedicated staff and the help of more than 25 foster and rescue groups, more people are adopting from the shelter, Wilkinson said. “This is where we have been working to be for three years,” he said. “We are finally beginning to get there.”

Coming to a new home has been an adjustment for Jackie. She can still be mischievous, digging holes in the yard, eating rental-movie cases and hogging the bed. The feisty dog enjoys watching television and appliances, such as the fan, in motion. Jackie was the first dog the Combs adopted from a shelter, but she certainly won’t be the last.

“Now I tell everybody ‘You need to go to one of the shelters and get a dog,’” Combs said.

“I would definitely say if you have room in your home and in your heart, definitely go to the shelter and give a dog a second chance. I don’t think we could have picked a better dog from the shelter.”

Another dog, Girly Girl, has been a comfort to Liz Parrish of Four Oaks and her daughter, Morgan, since their Golden retriever Champ died unexpectedly in March. Girly Girl, originally named Harley, was found wandering on Brodgen Road near Smithfield and carried to the shelter.

Parrish and her daughter were impressed with Girly Girl’s quiet demeanor. “It was something about her...it was almost like her eyes were smiling at you,” Parrish said

As Parrish took a closer look, she noticed the American bull and boxer mix had scars on her back, hip and face. The scars made Parrish think the dog’s former owner had abused her.

“I can’t stand to see an abused animal,” she said. “There is no point to it. They can’t defend themselves. There are so many out there that need homes just like we need homes.”

Girly Girl fits in with the family perfectly. She loves to look out the window, eat sandals and chew on squeaky toys. The 1-year-old dog enjoys sitting on laps and having her tummy rubbed when she is not playing outside in the yard. “It’s like she’s always been here,” Parrish said.

Girly Girl might not be the only pet for much longer.

“We are thinking of fostering or getting another dog,” Parrish said. “People need to be more aware of the animal shelter, and they do have the best animals, period.”