Amazing Atlas

by Dena
(New York, NY)

My dog Atlas was found tied to a pole in Harlem, NYC. He at one point had such a tight collar on that it became embedded in his neck twice, leaving two large scars on his neck. But you'd never know it, he is an absolute angel.

I saw him posted online at the New York City Animal Care & Control website (www.nycacc.org). An older dog (6 yrs estimated) with terrible kennel cough, he was on the quarantine ward and had very little time left and no chance for adoption according to the employees. He was so sick that he could barely muster the strength to stand up and say hello.

But as soon as he came out of his cage he bent his front legs to put his head in my lap; despite being so ill he was desperate for love. I knew it was not an option to leave him. A German Shepherd/Am. Staff mix, his big blue eyes said "I choose you!" and I signed the papers that day.

Despite living in a no pet building, I brought him home the next day, unnuetered (he was too sick to have the surgery then). I actually moved into a different apartment to accomodate him, and quite frankly it was the best decision I have ever made in my life.

It has been a month since I adopted Atlas and he has turned into the most amazing dog I have ever met (I used to work as a foster for a dog rescue and currently work at a doggy day care so I see a lot of dogs). He plays with every dog, even those who never ever play or those who are usually too aggressive with others.

All of my coworkers talk about how much they love him and I consider him both an ambassador for shelter dogs and Shepherd/Am. Staff mixes. He is the gentlest, kindest dog that couldn't be happier when he sits at my feet while I work on my computer. I have no worries when leaving him with other people and dogs and, long story short, I have never been happier.