Entrant Name
Maria Gitto

City
Carlsbad

Pet's Quirks
LOVES pizza crust; he makes his ears stick straight up like a donkey.

Pet's Story
They say sometimes a shelter dog rescues you, and that’s exactly what happened one sunny day in November 2009.

I spent the better part of a Sunday, trekking across the congested freeways of Los Angeles to visit Happy, a dog I found online at a no-kill shelter. Unfortunately, as it turned out, Happy didn’t give me the time of day. He also had to be adopted with his pal, Bernie, who was way too hyperactive for my vibe.

I asked about other poodle mixes, since I was looking for a dog that didn't shed much. I was led to a long row of cages, which was heartbreaking. How could I say “no" to any of these poor souls?

Before I took another step, one dog made the decision for me. A handsome tri-color scruffy dog stuck his head outside his cage, staring straight at me. Our eyes locked. Cliché as it sounds, it truly was love at first sight.

He wasn’t what I was looking for, yet he was everything I ever wanted.

His name is Junior, and he's the love of my life.