Saying Goodbye to Belle
After losing my beagle, Belle, to cancer last year, I was shattered. That might sound like an overstatement, but Belle was not just a pet—she was my constant companion through both the worst days and the best. She was the kind of dog that simply loved to be loved.
Throughout my life, I’ve had several pets—dogs, cats, hamsters, parakeets, and even a horse. Each one brought joy and heartache when it was their time to leave, but losing Belle hit me harder than I expected. I swore I wouldn’t adopt another pet, especially not a dog. How could I welcome another one into my life after losing the best dog I could have ever hoped for?
For a year and a half, I stuck to that promise, ignoring the pleas from shelters and social media posts about dogs in need. I told myself I wasn’t ready, but deep down, I knew I was being selfish. With countless dogs facing euthanasia in overcrowded shelters, how could I let my grief prevent me from saving a life? I had the space, the resources, and, most importantly, the capacity to love again. I just had to set aside my sorrow for the sake of another dog who might lose their life simply to make room for more.
Inspiration Strikes
What finally resonated with me were the stories shared on social media by people who had grieved, healed, and found joy through new pets. Then, I saw Jennifer Aniston promoting dogs at risk of euthanasia on Instagram. There were a few dogs that caught my eye but by the time I reached the shelter, they had already been adopted. While relieved for them, I felt a pang of loss. Instead of turning away, something shifted within me. I became determined to find my next furry friend.
I spent hours scrolling through local shelter listings, often missing out on dogs adopted before I could meet them. So I decided to make a list of dogs that seemed like good fits and instead of calling on each one, I would just go to the shelter and see them in person. The problem was I kept hesitating. Finally one day, I decided it was time to stop waiting and just go!
The Shelter Visit
One afternoon, after running errands, I remembered that the local animal shelter in San Pedro, L.A. Animal Services, was having an adoption event. With only a few hours left, I drove to the shelter. I told myself I was just looking—maybe considering volunteering—but I was definitely not planning to adopt.
As I walked through the aisles of barking dogs, I began looking for the dogs on my list. As it turned out, the first one on my list was also the first one I came across towards the back of the shelter—a relatively small 42lb 1-year-old German Shepherd (possible mix?). He was not the loudest dog; in fact, he was the quietest. With floppy ears, long legs, huge paws, and gentle brown eyes, he approached the gate looking for attention, eager to lick my hand. Unlike the others, he didn’t bark or shy away.
There was something about him that spoke to me, but I still wasn’t ready to make a decision yet. I continued to look for the other dogs on my list, but none captured my heart the way he did.
Making the Decision
I went home and talked it over with my mom, who lives with me, to see if she was ready for a new dog. We planned to return together, but time continued to slip away as we had several other things that came up. Finally, after a month of going back and forth, I said, “Let’s just go see.”
When we returned, the first dog I took my mom to see was that little German Shepard mix. I was a little worried he wouldn’t be there so it was a relief when I saw he was still there just as friendly as ever. Unlike his cage buddy who barked and shied away, he continued to try and lick our hands through the fence. However, after a few minutes, he began nudging his cage buddy away from the gate. It was clear he wanted our attention and didn’t want to share. As we walked away to look for the other dogs on the list, I couldn’t help but think, I had already found the one, there was no need to continue looking.
We decided to keep looking because there was another German Shepard who was older and possibly trained, he also reminded us of the one we had when I was a kid. We asked the volunteer if we could meet him in the play area, but after playing with him for a while he seemed uninterested in us and was only interested in whoever had the treat. He also didn’t respond to us which would be important when it comes to handling a large dog.
In the back of my mind, I kept thinking about the little German Shepard mix, so I asked the volunteer about him. She mentioned he was a bit “clingy” but assured me he was a good dog. I thought, yeah, let’s give him a chance—that’s all he needed—a chance.
As the other dog returned to his kennel, I remembered the stories I’d heard about shelter dogs choosing their humans. It sounded lovely, but I wasn’t fully convinced until this little loveable pup I called Chance walked into the play area. Unlike the other dogs, when Chance walked in, he looked at me and ran straight to me as if he recognized me. Instead of pouncing, he stopped and rested his head on my lap, gazing up at me as if we were reuniting after a long separation. He did the same thing to my mom. Amazing! I was just so surprised! Here was this little loveable puppy that wanted nothing more than to be loved. Sound familiar?
My mom and I exchanged glances and simultaneously said, “He is the one!” Just like that, we knew he was meant to be with us, or should I say, he found his human family.
A New Chapter Begins
Before I knew it, we were filling out the paperwork. We didn’t need time to think it over; we knew he was the one. This little dog, passed over time and again, was about to find his forever home—and we were the lucky ones to welcome him into our home. It was not just an exciting moment for us, but word spread around the shelter that Chance was being adopted! Soon, the volunteers came to the office to say their goodbyes to Chance. One of the volunteers who spent the most time with him came right away smiling and happy he finally found his new forever home. She also filled us in on his little quirks and things she noticed about him. She was a great resource for basic tips and offered advice about how best to start him on a leash since that wasn’t his strong point.
From that moment on, the transformation was incredible. Chance started following me around the house, his once wary eyes now filled with curiosity. He learned to play and run in the yard, experiencing the freedom to do his “zoomies” like he’d never known. At night, he curled up next to me, and his body finally relaxed, as if he had found peace.
The Healing Journey
Adopting a shelter dog isn’t just about giving them a second chance—it’s about giving yourself one, too. In caring for Chance, I found a deeper sense of purpose. He taught me patience, compassion, and the power of unconditional love.
People say shelter dogs are grateful; they know you saved them. I believe there’s truth in that, but I didn’t expect how much I would feel rescued, too. In letting Chance into my heart and my life, I re-discovered a part of myself I thought I’d lost forever. Today, he’s a completely different dog—confident, playful, and full of life.
Tips for Potential Adopters
If you’re considering adopting a dog after losing a pet, here are some practical tips to guide you through the process:
- Assess Your Readiness: Reflect on whether you’re emotionally, financially, and logistically ready for a new pet. Consider your lifestyle and how a dog will fit into it.
- Research Local Shelters: Look for reputable shelters or rescue organizations. Websites often list available dogs and their histories.
- Visit the Shelter: Don’t hesitate—go meet the dogs in person. Spend time with different dogs to see who connects with you.
- Ask Questions: Inquire about the dog’s background, behavior, and health. Understanding their needs will help you make an informed decision. The volunteers at L.A. Animal Services were great about filling me in with what they observed while caring for Chance.
- Be Patient: Finding the right match may take time. Don’t rush; wait for the connection that feels right.
Conclusion
I’m reminded every day that while I may have saved Chance, he saved me right back. So if you’ve ever hesitated about adopting after losing a pet, don’t wait too long. There’s a dog out there, just like Chance, waiting to give you a second chance at unconditional love. And who knows? You might find, as I did, that rescue works both ways.
Resources
Local Shelters:
- The ASPCA is a great starting place to find local shelters
- Petfinders is another great website for adoptable pets from various shelters and rescue organizations
- October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month at the L.A. Animal Services. They are offering reduced adoption fees for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens.
Adoption Resources: Adoption resource guides and articles
- Petfinder has a great comprehensive guide that covers everything from volunteering to what you should be aware of as a new pet parent.
Health and Wellness
- Pet Insurance: Consider getting pet insurance. Vet bills can add up, especially as your pet ages. After spending thousands of dollars on cancer treatment alone for Belle, I knew if I ever adopted another pet, I was going to get pet insurance. So after adopting Chance I immediately signed up for ASPCA pet insurance, let’s hope I will never really need to use it for things other than a wellness check.
Donations
Not ready to adopt, foster, or volunteer, consider donating to your local shelters and organization. Here are just a few to consider:
Clydeo Fund
Started by Jennifer Aniston in celebration of her new picture book “Clydeo Takes A Bite Out of Life” based on her dog Clyde. The fund aims to support animal rescue organizations around the globe. Jennifer Aniston is the reason I changed my mind about adopting another dog, so supporting this fund was an obvious choice.
Best Friends Animal Society
In addition to being a no-kill sanctuary in Utah, Best Friends Animal Society offers a fantastic opportunity to find your new pet. My mom has supported them for years, and although we haven’t yet visited, the sanctuary is open to visitors for day trips or longer stays in their cottages, cabins, or RV sites. While you’re there, you can volunteer to care for the animals, take a tour, or even take one of the animals out for a hike. They also offer the unique experience of overnight stays with the animals, giving you plenty of time to bond with a potential pet before deciding to adopt.
Even if you’re not looking to adopt or foster, your donations help ensure the sanctuary remains a safe haven for animals in need. Supporting them means contributing to their lifesaving work and giving animals a second chance at a happy life
Hearts United for Animals
A Smithsonian Award-winning no-kill shelter and sanctuary for domestic animals. They provide low-cost spay/neuter services and temporary housing for animals of families fleeing domestic violence. They also provide free veterinarian care for pets of homeless vets.
Remember, adopt don’t shop!