Ralph

Your Pet's Rescue Story
Before, Ralph - I was wavering on getting a dog. I didn't know if I had the schedule, knowledge or patience for one. Following a good friend's encouragement though, I decided on volunteering at local shelter, formerly SPCA in Seminole County, now Pet Alliance. Like anyone that volunteers at a shelter, you begin to see the love these animals wanted to give and receive. I realized then I wanted to adopt from a shelter or a rescue group. It just felt right.

For months, I casually visited shelters around town and searched online adoption sites. After some inquiries with nothing really materializing or connecting; I came across a picture of a dog that looked confused and scared. I was just casually browsing photos but seeing this dog’s picture really struck a chord in my heart. My sister would later proclaimed, "he's got dark soulless eyes, like a, 'what the hell happened look'". I couldn't shake the feeling so I immediately sent in an inquiry to A New Beginnings Pet Rescue.

After some email correspondence, including the acceptance of my application; I was scheduled to do a meet and greet with him. There were crates of dogs restlessly barking. I quickly spotted him. It was like a magnetic pull - I just remember drawing near his crate while he was quietly laying his head on his front paws and whispering "Ralph?". He perked up and jumped on all fours and wagged his nubby tail! I knew I found my dog. The adopter proceeded with the meet and greet and told me Ralph, then Scout, really liked me. I quickly gathered the funds for the adoption fees and waited to bring Ralph home.

I'll never forget the day though, when I brought him inside his new home. He went inside, sniff around a little and then while I was sitting at a bench putting stuff away; he surprisingly jumped on my lap and gave me a hug and kissed me. He got really close and wouldn't budge. It was like he was saying, "thanks, human buddy- I love you". After three years of walks, watching him roll around loose dirt at Lake Baldwin, to conning me for pieces of steak – it’s been mainly me that's thanking him.