FOUND and almost LOST

FOUND and almost LOST
Date Submitted: 12/30/2009

After working at a dog boarding facility as a teen, I fell in love with the Pitbull breed.

Seeing countless American Pitbull Terriers brought in by the local animal control officers that were abandoned, abused or just needed re-homing, I realised that they were very different from other breeds that I worked with. Almost every one I interacted with seemed like they couldn't get close enough to you and if had the chance "climb into you"!! I soon went on to college and when I graduated and moved out on my own; I was on a mission to find a dog of my own. I visited local shelters every weekend for months just waiting to stumble upon the right pup.

Finally, a weekend in mid September of 2001, I came across a 5 month old "lab mix" named "Penny". She was the only one in the kennel who was not barking and sitting patiently at the front of the cage waiting for a family. I knew right then and there that I was in love with this dog. I immediately placed my name on the waiting list to visit "Penny" and while waiting I noticed another individual was also meeting with her in the adoption room. My heart at that point was crushed for I feared that he would end up going home with her. Then, the action I was hoping for happened and "Penny" was handed back to the staff. I had my chance to visit her and confirmed that she was my perfect match.

After tough screening and patience, "Penny" was mine. She is 6 1/2 today and has been everything I wanted in a rescue and more....even an "American Pitbull Terrier"! Today, "O'malley" has blended well with our 2 cats and took on a motherly role in the house. She enjoys people, baby kittens and napping. Since then, she has inspired me to only rescue animals because I believe that they appreciate their 2nd life much more and provide unconditional love. "O'malley" has inspired me to rescue a second dog...and a 3rd....

Jocelyn O.
Middletown, CT