Haley's Story

Pet's name: Haley
Adopted by: Faith F.
From: SPCA, Inc., Lakeland, Fla.

Faith (who blogs at For the Health of It) sent this adoption story of her dog, Haley—her bigger-than-a-lap lap dog.

In January of 2011, I was offered my dream job as a writer. I was beyond excited about the opportunity … but it required moving to a new city, away from everything—and everyone—that I knew. I spent two months commuting and planning my new life in Orlando. As soon as I found an apartment, I started looking for a furry companion to share my new house with me.

I knew right away that I wanted to bring my future puppy home from the pound. Several friends sent me links to breeders and pet stores in our area, but I didn’t even want to look at the advertisements. I knew there was a dog at one of the local shelters who needed a home just as much as I needed a new companion.

The day that I adopted Haley, I asked my boyfriend to come to the shelters with me to keep me from bringing home six dogs. (Trust me—if I could have, I would have!) We visited three different pounds, and although I fell in love with every dog who tipped their head up to get my attention, a gangly, lovable Catahoula/Sheepdog mix from the first shelter had burned a place in my mind. I had vowed not to make any decisions until I'd met all of the dogs, but it barely took any time at all to realize that Haley was the puppy that was supposed to come home with me.

I know that potential adoptees are afraid that pound puppies will have behavioral issues or attitude problems, but Haley has to have the sweetest, cuddliest demeanor of any dog I've ever met. She's literally 65 pounds of lap dog—the second I sit down, she's curled up right on top of me. I couldn't imagine how empty my house would feel without her!

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If you adopted a pet from a shelter or rescue group and you'd like to share his or her story, please email me. I'd love to hear from you!