My neighbor recently acquired a dog. I say acquire because, as far as I know, she wasn’t necessarily looking for a new family member. Lola found her way to my neighbor through her friend who has a passion for rescuing animals. Lola was saved from a “life or death situation”.
I am thankful for and admire the big hearts of the people out there who rescue animals. (Yes, Brad and Courtney, that includes you!) The faith these people have in animals and the love and hard work they put into each rescued animal absolutely astonishes me. It is because of their time, love, and care that dogs like Lola, on their death beds, are able to come to life as kind, fun, spunky, loving companions.
Thanks to my brother-in-law, we too own such a dog! Our dog Max was wondering around in the country with Parvo when my brother in law rescued him and took him to the vet. Max happened to be rescued around my oldest son’s third birthday. I am so glad that I ignored the voice in my head screaming, “NO NEW DOG! You have a three year old, a six month old and a brand new house! NO!”. Listening to my heart instead of my head and allowing my brother in law to give Max to my son as a birthday present has been great for our boys. They are in love with Max! He’s a friendly, loving dog that is incredibly patient when being poked, prodded, and smashed. I may have had to replace my carpet because of him, but we love him whole-heartedly anyway!
It’s been fun watching my neighbor fall in love with Lola like we fell in love with Max. Lola started visiting my neighbor on the weekends and then after completely stealing her heart, earned a spot in the home as a full time family member. A dog that was once a “mess” of “skin and bones” has put a light in the eye of my neighbor. Lola is a sweet, fun, well behaved dog that loves my neighbor like crazy. She very much deserves how loved and spoiled she is in return!
Max and Lola like to have play dates, so now each time I see them running around together my heart swells. I am thankful that someone believed in these dogs and took the time to nurse them to health! Our lives are made better because of their kindness.
If you are looking for a new companion or maybe aren’t looking for one, but have been inspired to take on an animal that is ready to love you, Lola’s rescuers work with many rescue groups such as Pup Squad (http://pupsquad.org/) and Great Dane Rescue of Southeast Texas (http://saveadane.org/).
Oh, and thank you Lola for being so well behaved during our photo shoot!! I’m in trouble now because I expect all photo shoots with dogs to go super smoothly! 😉