My Australian Cattle dog passed away unexpectedly in October 2017, and I mentioned it to one of the HSHV staff soon after. I talked about how I’d lost her as well as my Jack Russell a few years before that. So one day while I was cat comforting (I’m a volunteer at HSHV), staff member Chris comes in and says, “I’m pretty sure there’s a Jack Russell in the back where the dogs up for adoption are housed.”

Now, normally, I don’t go back to where the dogs are because making eye contact with homeless dogs makes me way too sad. But I went and looked and saw this tiny, white 13-pound dog jumping up and down and barking relentlessly. I wasn’t sure if adopting this little noise maker were a good idea…but eventually I brought my grandkids in for a visit, and then the Rottweiler who lived at our house. It all clicked, and today Pip is my family and my best little fur buddy. I can’t imagine his not being in my life. Honestly I’ve had many dogs and cats over the years, but Pip is the love of my life.

Piglet now Pippin