Franz and Cainin are home. So is Cali.

Sushi and Daisy are still waiting.

All five were featured in recent Pet Dish columns as pets in need of homes, and a number of readers responded.

Franz and Cainin were left homeless when their owner died unexpectedly and failed to make any arrangements for her pets in the event of her death. Cainin found a home when someone spotted him on a poster. Franz was adopted by Don and Betty Pierce after Don Pierce read about him.

"We'd sort of been waiting for the right dog to come along," Pierce said. "I spotted him and thought I'd give him a try."

Franz now lives with another dog and two cats and routinely goes RVing with his new family.

"He sits right up next to me and looks out the windshield," Don Pierce said. "He's happy as a fish in water."

A story about long-term residents at local no-kill shelters and rescue groups brought an outpouring of offers to adopt the two cats featured. Cali, a striking calico cat, had been at the Good Mews cat shelter in Marietta for more than two years without getting even one application. But after the story, her fortunes changed.

"We had about 20 people coming in to see her," said shelter director Shannon Crafton. "We were afraid she might freak out from all the attention, because she wasn't used to it. But she just totally turned it on."

She went home six days later, and Crafton said at least four other long-term residents also found homes thanks to Cali.

"Some people came in wanting Cali, but when they found out she was adopted, they chose another needy cat," she said. "It was just fabulous for us. We were all so excited to see these cats finally find homes."

The same thing happened at Furkids, the Atlanta area cat shelter. But Sushi, the kitty they'd come in to see, wasn't feeling social, said shelter manager Kyla Jones.

"Sushi is usually a great cat, but he was having an off week," Jones said. "He was hissing at people or wouldn't come to say 'Hello.' "

Understandably, many adopters chose other kitties.

"This couple came in and they were set on getting Sushi, but he hissed at them and they turned around and spotted Annie and adopted her," Jones said. "She was the sweetest cat, but she wasn't spectacular-looking and no one ever gave her a second glance. She'd been with us as long as Sushi."

Another cat that found a home was Luellen, a 12-year-old cat that normally didn't take to people. But she took one look at one of Sushi's potential adopters, who then claimed her.

"She jumped into her arms, curled up and started purring," Jones said. "We were all so shocked. The woman said she'd take her and we said 'She's 12 years old' and she said 'I don't care.' She was still in her arms when they left."

Jones said they've now proclaimed Sushi an adoption counselor, although they're hoping if other prospective adopters arrive, he'll be in a better mood.

The dog in that column, Daisy, also didn't have much luck. A pit bull, she's still looking for the perfect home after six years with Leigh Myers, founder of Canine Crusaders of Atlanta. Myers is hoping for a dog-savvy owner where Daisy can be an only pet.

"She's really a very sweet dog and she loves people, and she's so much better now with other dogs thanks to all her training," Myers said. "I just wish we could find that home where someone is looking for one great best friend."

For information on Daisy: www.caninecrusaders.petfinder.com, 770-374-6194. Good Mews: www.goodmews.org, 770-499-2287. Furkids: www.furkids.org 770-613-0009.

Petapalooza

Star 94's pet festival includes live music, pet contests, lots of vendors, pet-related demonstrations and a photo booth. Festivities led by Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, a veterinarian best known for his role on the Animal Planet show "Emergency Vets." Noon-9 p.m. May 17. Free at Suwanee Town Center Park, 370 Buford Highway. For more information: www.star94.com.

Paws for the Cause

DeKalb Solicitor-General Robert James is holding an awareness/fun day and adoption event May 17 in Decatur Square. The event will include a low-cost microchip clinic, live musical performances, an artist's market, ask-the-vet booth, nail trims, dog demonstrations and information on animal cruelty. Pets from various shelters and rescues, including co-sponsor Animal Action Rescue, will be available for adoption. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 101 E. Court St. For more information: www.dekalbsolicitorgeneral.org.

Sommeliers, small dogs

Zoo Atlanta is the setting for a gala evening of wine, food and fine auction items, all to benefit SmallDog Rescue and Humane Society. Tickets for the May 31 event are $100 and are available online at www.smalldoghumane.org or by calling 404-705-7297. Silent auction items include a week in Costa Rica, a five-course meal served by a well-known Atlanta chef and original artwork. Tickets will be sold at the door if still available. Cocktail attire requested. Starts at 6:30 p.m.

Pet caricatures

Bring your pet or a photo for a pet caricature by a local artist. Adoptable animals from Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends also will be available. Noon-4 p.m. May 17 at Mom and Pup's, 800 Whitlock Ave., Suite 104, Marietta. 678-318-1886 or www.aarfatlanta.org.

QUICK TIP

Always use a harness, and not a collar, when walking small dogs. A small dog pullling on a collar can cause permanent damage to his trachea.

NEWS TO SHARE?

Know of pet news, events or stories? Tell Sandra Eckstein at seckstein@ajc.com or call 404-526-7260. For more pet news, go to ajcpets.com.