Over the past three or so years I have watched every rescue page, searched shelter websites, and subscribed to every adoption email I could find dreaming of a future day when I could responsibly adopt a dog of my very own. There were so many adorable furry faces that I came across and longingly wished it was the right time. Then at the beginning of August, a retriever/ border collie mix showed up in my email inbox. There was no photo, but there was just something about the profile description that I knew, this was my dog.

Gordie has immediately become my sidekick, little shadow, and furry best friend. Over the past month we have already shared life-changing adventures. Including, moving to Virginia together as I complete the final steps toward a masters degree in mental health, and beginning the process of becoming a therapy dog to bring comfort and joy to so many children that are struggling to make sense of a post-pandemic world.

I truly feel like I won the lottery with this furry four-legged dude. There will never be enough words to express the immense gratitude I feel to have Gordie in my life, nevertheless, thank you HSHV!

Photo: Gordie on a morning hike through the Shenandoah Valley near Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Milo now Gordie