Your Pet's Rescue Story

Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole.

In 2014 I left my friends and family and moved across the country for my dream job. Although I had found my ‘Florida family’ and had my first fur baby (my cat, Mason) with me in Orlando, something was missing. Just over a year ago I started the search to grow my little family by four paws. I looked online, attended adoption events, and frequented the shelters at Pet Alliance and Orange County Animal Services. I had come close to adopting a few times, but knew I hadn’t found the one, or, the one hadn’t found me that is. Doing my weekly search I came across a Facebook live video of an adorable litter from Pet Alliance. I was immediately intrigued by the litters rescue story, their mom, Molly, was rescued from south Florida after hurricane Irma. As the weeks passed and I saw more of the litter I began to feel hopeful that I may have found the one. I had my eye on one cutie, a sweet blonde pup with a little black nose. Even from the videos, I knew we were meant to be together. You can ask pretty much anyone who knows me and they will tell you I religiously checked my phone on Wednesdays waiting to see the next video of the litter, hoping to get a glimpse of this sweet pup, who was later named Reese (as in Witherspoon). As the litters’ adoption event neared, I got everything ready, food and water bowls, a collar and leash, tons of toys, and a cozy crate for Reese in my bedroom. However, even as I sat in my car in the parking lot (three hours early), I wasn’t sure if I was really ready to have a dog. I had a fulltime job, went to 4-5 workout classes a week, and lived a life of doing what I wanted, when I wanted. From the second I held Reese and she nuzzled up to my shoulder and kissed my cheek, I knew I had found my best friend. And the rest is history…but for real, Reese has filled my life with so much love and joy. She has brings me laughter by making the funniest faces, with the craziest ears, peace, by getting me outside for sunrise and sunset walks, and true companionship. She greets me with hugs and kisses when I get home, goes on runs with me, and snuggles up just when I need it the most. She isn’t my whole life, I still go to workout classes and enjoy nights out with friends, but she has made my life whole.

And just to give you all the feels- Reese reunited with her mom, Molly, and most of her litter for their half birthday in April.