Owner Name (Optional)
John and Patsy Barnard

Pet(s) Story or Bio (150 word limit)
This is Mattie, our two year old Shepherd/Boxer mix. Her life is somewhat of an ugly duckling/Cinderella story. Initially looking for a dog for being a possible therapy dog for my disability , we adopted her through a local shelter as a puppy, after being surrendered by her original owners because she was “stinky and ugly”. We quickly fell in love with her after she wrapped her front paws around my husband’s neck in a hug and licked his ear. Mattie has an abundance of love and energy, and being the true “ham” that she is has learned numerous tricks and skills. As a former shelter dog she is the epitome of forgiveness and true love and acceptance, that all shelter pets are worthy of adoption.