Entrant's First Name
Nikki

Your Pet's Rescue Story
Three months after losing our last rescue of 13 years, I was browsing the shelter site on my lunch break. I stumbled across a skinny 16 week old terrified looking baby and was immediately obsessed. I refreshed the page every chance I had, then drove straight to the shelter after work. She was in a special room since she was so young, so the volunteer carried her out to me. After holding her in my arms (she was also not allowed on the ground because of potential germs) I immediately fell in love and knew I found my new best friend. It took loads of training and patience, but now, I don't go anywhere without my girl. She's smart, hilarious, sweet, crazy and a huge snuggle bug who became a member of our small family instantly. From 23 pounds to a whopping 82 pounds, this "lap dog" was the best thing that we did to fill our hearts with what was missing after losing out last dog. Every dog is different, and our last dog cannot be replaced, but the fact that we saved Bernadette and brought out her amazing personality and are giving her the best life possible fills us with pure happiness.
Her face is the first and last thing I see each morning and night, her zoomies fill the house with missed energy, and her thunderstorm nap snuggles are irreplaceable.
I encourage everyone to please visit your local shelter when you know the time is right to look for a new family member. They are overflowing with amazing dogs and cats who deserve a forever home. Be patient in training, you don't know what they went through before you introduced love and kindness. Bernadette was afraid of the outside for a few months, but we took baby steps. Potty training is hard. Walking well on a leash is hard. Basic commands, NO CHEWING, sit still, get out of the mud, is hard.
Be patient and just love them.
It's well worth it.