Adopting my dog was one of the best days of my life.
On a random Saturday afternoon in Costa Mesa California, I decided to get off my butt and do something worthwhile. So naturally, I headed to the closest animal adoption shelter! I had the intent of going to the cat adoption to inquire about volunteering… but little did I know what would happen next.
I pulled up to the shelter and was pretty excited to see that a rescue organization had set up outside for that weekend only. They brought dogs there that they had saved from “high kill” shelters, also known as a pound. In case you’re unsure, high kill shelters usually mean dogs only have 2-3 days time to get adopted before they get euthanized.
I walked up to about 8-10 dogs all doing what dogs do; playing, barking, eating. One dog in particular stopped me in my tracks. From the second I laid eyes on him I knew he belonged to me.
This is a picture of him on or way home from the rescue.
Unfortunately, that day I never made it to the cat adoption center… I had a whole new world to explore. Getting to know this little guy has changed me for the better in more ways than I could imagine. He taught me patience on a whole new level, responsibility, and most importantly his unconditional love is irreplaceable. The thing about rescue dogs is not only do you save them, but in a sense they can save you as well. For the rest of your days, you have the privilege of knowing you helped save a life and it’s a feeling money cannot buy. By the way, I named him Jerry.
Dana Point, California
People ask me quit frequently what his breed is, and my answer is always… “I don’t know”. They usually follow with a chuckle, or ask “really? looks like a *insert random small breed* “. Jerry was a originally a stray before he was picked up by the pound, so I don’t know his breed, nor do I care. Sometimes I mess with people and say hes half Great Dane half Pitbull. Whatever he is, he’s perfect to me.
Jerry and I on Forbes Town Road in BGC, Philippines
Now that Jerry and I live in the Philippines, I feel it is my duty to help spread the word about animal adoption and respect, which is what landed me here as a volunteer for CARA Welfare.