When Jamin picked Chloe up from the local shelter ten years ago, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I let him ‘pick’, because I had a full time job at the time (but if I’m being really honest we both knew that it was best if he went – I’d scoop them all up and we needed to be practical). We knew we wanted a dog, and since we’ve always been animal people, we wanted to adopt one in need of a home.
Shelter animals are near and dear to our hearts.
It was before we had kids, so she was our child-in-training. She was wild and hyper and chewed on everything. She even jumped on my sister’s head once when she was visiting.
My sister was sitting on the sofa.
A few years later, when we brought Aiden home from the hospital, everyone told us we would kick her out of the house. Just you wait, they said. It won’t be the same, they said.
We weren’t sure how she would react to our kids. As it turns out, with all pets… she just needed a good home, and some good love.
Our children give her plenty of that. And while she may not sleep with us smack dab in the middle of the bed anymore… she still lives happily right alongside us. She’s a part of our family.
She puts up with anything. And I do mean anything.
I truly believe that God made dogs so that they would be an example of pure, true unconditional love on this earth.
Loyalty, love and adoration personified every day
Their qualities – a little reminder of what we should all strive to be. If people in the world were more like dogs…
Minus the pooping on the rugs part.
We have our moments…
But she’s worth it all.
Every single moment.
Today we’re super thrilled to be partnered with Pedigree as they unveil their See what good food can do™ campaign for an excellent cause that’s obviously near and dear to our hearts.
And we want you to share your own stories with them. About how your dog became your pet. A real member of your family. We want to hear your dogs story, what he means to you. If you have a special one in your life, no matter what your story-we’d love to hear. And for every story that you share on Facebook or Twitter (#DogTales) Pedigree will donate a bowl of food to a shelter in need (up to 100,000 bowls)!
We love this. So do you have your own special story to tell? They’d love to hear! Share it on social media and spread the word for a great cause!
Kyla F says
Chloe is so cute! It is so special that she joined the family before Aiden was born because she has been part of each of their lives since day one. High-five for shelter animals, too! š
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Love!!! I am a sucker for an animal in need. We’ve had three dogs that were adopted into our family. My favorite, Penny, was a 13 year old black Pomeranian. Someone tied her up to a sign in our church parking lot during Bible study one morning. It was really hot and as I made my way out to the car with my girls, I could hear her barking. The church custodian took her to the SPCA, despite me telling him I’d like to call my husband and ask about bringing her home. So we went to the SPCA the next day and filled out paperwork to adopt her. She only lived another year, but I was so happy that she was able to be loved and cherished for that year. She was a blessing to me…she loved to snuggle!! Thanks for sharing your story, Ashley!
Tania says
Aww, Chloe is so cute! Look at her sweet eyes. Ashley- this post made me so happy! We don’t have any children yet, but we do have two mini aussies- our fur babies! People tease us all the time and say that as soon as we have kiddos we will kick them to the curb, but there’s no way! Our older one- Boomer, has been with me for 8 years- even before my husband, he was around. š When I got him, I thought to myself “this dog will be with me through marriage and kids.” Whenever I cry or am upset, he jumps on my lap and cuddles. So sweet!
The other dog, Bella…she’s more like a cat. She will only be affectionate when she wants food. She’s an odd one. She can’t walk straight, she waggles to the side and slightly forward…she’s got a personality. š
kipper says
I adopted a dog from a rescue organization eight year ago. He was a “heart dog”. Despite being severely abused at a puppy mill before adoption, he overcame many issues and was the most loving and loyal companion. He passed away 15 months ago, at age 10 due to cancer. We miss him every single day and always will. Please adopt shelter rescue dogs! They need you and even though you might not realize it at the time…you also need them.
Layla K says
This is precious. Love these pictures!
Mindy says
Oh how I love dogs! Yours is just the sweetest : ) I love how they have that loyal instinct, are just a wee bit naughty (ie: the poops…), always happy to see us, never care what we look like, just crave love and affection which they give equally in return. We have had several over the years, are without one now and still have moments of extreme nostalgia (and even grief) over their losses. Our daughter and son in law have two mini dachschunds who currently light up our lives and maybe someday we will have our own again…