Hazel

Entrant's First Name
Lindsay

Pet's Story or Bio
Hazel had a rough entry into life. A "pet mill" puppy that landed into a California pet store, she was desperate for love. Upon chance, I walked into this pet store after coming home from my first year of college on winter break (a tough few transitional months). Though she was yappy and disheveled, and one of a dozen puppies, she was the only one that stole my heart instantly. It was, as cliche as it sounds, love at first sight. Of course, my mother wasn't so sold. While my heart melted, my mom saw nothing but a hot mess- Hazel had dry, patchy skin, with severe dandruff. (From my perspective, Hazel looked like an adorably, fluffy marshmallow puff). However, after watching Hazel and I light up together (both of us undeniably came to life), my mom simply could not say no.
Now, the happy ending didn't begin there. Hazel, we found out, had bronchitis and was severely ill. In fact, she spent those next two weeks in the emergency veterinary hospital, attached to an IV, fighting for her life. We didn't know what to expect at the time, but not surprisingly now, she won that fight - Hazel is as strong and lovably stubborn as they come. My mom likes to say that I am her guardian angel, but the truth is, Hazel is mine. This world - my world - is so much brighter with Hazel in it. When I look into her eyes, any problems or issues melt away. Hazel's light radiates.
Today, Hazel is just a month shy from turning 14 years young. Her love and energy has only grown and evolved each and every year. And, my love for her, though I didn't know this was possible, has also only grown and evolved each and every year, too.
Hazel has forever impacted my life, and at the end of the day, she will always be my sweet, little marshmallow fluff.

City and State
Calabasas, CA