I adopted a Hurricane Rita Survivor

by Christine Najdzionek
(Riverhead)

Our dog adoption story started a year ago, when my son and I moved into our new home in a new town.

After settling in I realized that to make our home complete we needed a dog - for a watch dog and to complete our family.

We went to the local animal shelter and looked around.

I was tempted to get a German Shepherd. I had had them as a girl and loved the breed. Only our house is small so I decided a smaller dog would be better. As we looked around my son told me to look at a certain dog - she was cowering in the far corner of her cage, so quiet that I hadn't noticed her.

She was medium sized and very pretty, a red cattle dog mix. We took her out to get a better view of her. She immediately jumped all over my son and me, showering us with licks. She wouldn't leave us alone. We decided then and there that she was the one for us!

We passed all the adoption requirements and picked her up the next day.

"Ami" was 11 months old, and had never lived in a house before, so everything was new to her. Honestly, it took a few months to get her house broken. She also has a few bad habits, like digging holes in the back yard.

Also, the licking has continued, and sometimes is annoying. But Ami is the best dog ever. She is a good watch dog, and loves us unconditionally. We recently got another dog, a small Chihuahua, and they adore each other. Now our house is perfect.

I am so happy we were able to help a victim of the hurricane. I can't imagine how it affected her, or what she went through. But now she has a home where she is loved and safe. She still gets nervous around big crowds and loud noises, so I don't take her out to places like that.

All dogs come with some baggage, and you just need to deal with it. I can't imagine living without a dog. I sleep better at night, knowing that her ears will hear anything that occurs. Ami is a blessing, and we love her with all our hearts.