Your Pet's Rescue Story
In 2004 I moved to Nashville from San Diego. Things were rough without knowing anyone other than my significant other and I was often on my own since he traveled as a musician. On our way to a movie one November afternoon, we stopped at our local Petco to pick up birdseed for my cockatiel and walked in at the end of a local shelter's adoption day. All the dogs had been adopted except for one puppy. I'd been telling my significant other that we weren't ready for a dog, but he talked me into holding her. She nibbled my nose and I was lost to puppy breath and big brown eyes. Upon finding out that someone had left her and her sister in a dumpster at 6 weeks old, I promised her she would know her true value and never do without for the rest of her life. I rescued her at 8 weeks old and she's been rescuing me ever since.

Nashville is country music town and it didn't take long for my life to become a country music song. Since Gretchen came to live with me I have seen the demise of my relationship, have been through layoffs, have lost my parents and went through a historic flood that destroyed the first floor of our home. Through all of it, Gretchen was there with kisses and cuddles, her goofy sense of humor and hope. In the darkest of times, I at least had to keep getting out of bed to feed and walk my baby. She gave me strength when I would have run out a million times over.

Gretchen has also been there for all of the good times. She's responsible for introducing me to all of my neighbors and many new friends. She's been by my side for 13 Christmases (opening her presents and mine), a move to Orlando for a fabulous job and to build a new home where only she has lived. She's always up for an adventure and has been on countless roadtrips, hikes and river expeditions. She has taught me about grace, forgiveness and living in the moment, as only dogs can do.

She has been described by friends as "literally the most perfect dog ever." And she is. She is perfect for me. She is my furry soulmate.