My life changed completely on January 17th, 2015- I adopted this sweet boy named Wrangler, and I continue to fall more in love with him every day. 

I adopted Wrangler through PAWS New England, an amazing network of caring volunteers and foster parents who pull adoptable dogs out of high kill shelters in the south, get them veterinary care, drive them up north and place them in foster homes while they work on finding the right forever home match. Since it’s a non-shelter based organization, you do have to do a lot of paperwork before you even get to meet the dog you apply for, but I think it’s worth it in the end, because the dogs are much better off living in a home environment while they wait. I would highly recommend Paws to anyone thinking of adopting, and I cannot thank everyone involved enough, especially his foster mamma Leah in Connecticut. They saw what I see in him, they saved his life, and they helped us find each other and I will be forever grateful! Paws really does incredible work for so many dogs- if you aren’t in a position to adopt a dog, you can help by donating, volunteering to help transport animals or by becoming a foster parent.

After many months communicating with Paws, speaking with foster mothers of several different dogs, and going through their careful screening process, I came across Wrangler’s profile, and scooped him right up! He’s a three-and-a-half year old beagle mix who was surrendered by his owners in Tennessee in November, officially for “getting out and chasing the neighbors chickens.” However, he was also sick with heartworm and other parasites and wasn’t neutered, so I suspect they just couldn’t give him the care he needed. He’s a lucky boy- before Paws began working with the Tipton Animal Shelter where he ended up, they had a 90% euthanization rate, and owner-surrendered dogs are often put down that very day, since the shelter doesn’t have to wait for someone to claim him.

And, I’m certainly a lucky girl, because he is beyond the dog of my dreams. I’ve found a best friend and constant companion who gets me out of bed and out of the house every morning, gives me lots of kisses, and snuggles in right next to me every night. I’m happy to report that he is now a healthy and thoroughly spoiled dog, just as he should be.