Entrant's Name
Marie

Pet's Story or Bio
Hi, my name is Busey. I’m not her dog — I’m her part-time dog, because I’m her favorite houseguest whenever my family leaves town. Last year, I won the contest and was featured on the cover of the 2025 calendar. Now I’m back for the 2026 contest with an even deeper story to share.

Marie, the founder of Forte Animal Rescue, once had a dog named Tayla, who was the light of her life. Tayla’s life ended suddenly and far too soon, leaving a grief that Marie still carries. Recently, she made a discovery that took her breath away: Tayla and I were born on exactly the same day — July 19, 2013.

Now, she understands why her heart is so drawn to me, as if I’m her own. She says it also explains why I always seem to be by her side at the moments she shouldn’t be alone. The day her mother was admitted to the hospital, I was already scheduled to stay with her, so the first night she would have been alone, I was there to cuddle all night. On the night her mother’s life was maliciously cut short, I was again already scheduled to stay with her. It would have been unbearable for her to be alone in the house knowing her mother would never return.

Whenever my family is away, Marie makes sure I’m never alone. We play, explore, and simply enjoy each other’s company. And now that we know I’m Tayla’s “soul twin,” our bond is stronger than ever, with Tayla’s spirit still watching over her, through me.

Please vote for me and help me keep supporting Forte Animal Rescue!


City and State
Lakewood Ranch, FL