10/27/2025
A shelter dog that had a rough start in life + a veteran who needed a furry friend = why I love what I do.
This is why I do what I do. I have always said I am more about helping animals, and making it my job is just the bonus. Every once in a while, a truly special animal/family pair touches your soul. This is one.
I sometimes work at animal festivals, which are a lot of fun and allow me to meet a lot of interesting animals and people. This one was Pet Expo in Onalaska. A lot of times, these festivals pair with local shelters in hopes of getting dogs adopted. Whenever that happens, I make a point of telling the shelters that any animal up for adoption gets done free. That's when the magic happens. The animals get to feel great, they are up on my table for potential adopters to see, and it allows their personality to really shine. But this one I just knew was special right from the get-go.
The dog's name is Lucky. When his foster mom brought him over, I like to ask questions about how they got there, age, etc., in case potential adopters come up or I meet someone they would be a good match with. Lucky is about 5 years old. He was rescued from a truly awful Amish puppy mill situation. But what I noted most about him was his calm and gentle demeanor. Despite his situation and having been neutered a few days prior, he took in everything that was going on around him with such grace. In many cases with shelter dogs, older dogs tend to get overlooked because everyone wants a puppy. So I try my hardest to really make the older ones shine. But I just knew Lucky was special.
A few hours later, I meet Colleen. I got to hear her story. She is a veteran who served our country for many years, a former LPN, and a genuinely kind individual. She tells me that she is looking for a dog that would be a great emotional support animal for when times get rough, but most importantly, become her best friend. She then says she would like a dog that's smaller and a little older. That's when the light bulb went off. I then tell her where Lucky is and who his foster mom was. I remember saying to her, "You have meet this dog. You would be PERFECT for eachother." I think I must have said that to her at least 100 times that day. I even offered to try to help cover the adoption fee because I just knew they were meant for eachother.
Later on that day Colleen comes back to my booth, telling me she filled out the adoption paperwork for Lucky. Then today I get this picture telling me he comes home with her on Wednesday. Seeing that the tears of joy just started flowing. This special boy found his family and this beautiful individual found her best friend.
This is why I do what I do. To help animals, to meet wonderful owners and sometimes to help make magic happen for animals in need.
To Colleen and Lucky, it is both an honor and a privilege to have met you both. I look forward to hearing all the wonderful things you do together for many years to come. ❤️
