He was all wrong for me. Far too young, wild and reckless, completely naive to the ways of the world. A mischievous little devil, intent on getting his way no matter what, the rules of society at large didn’t seem to apply, nor phase him. An intimidating distance stood between us as well; at least a two-hour drive on a good day, without traffic, which is a rarity in the bay area. Had I submitted a proper online dating profile, this beastly candidate would have been screened out from day one.
The thing is, I wasn’t lurking through the tangled web of Tinder profiles for a boyfriend; I was idly browsing through the pet section of Craigslist.
Luka is the dog I didn’t know I needed until the moment he adopted me. A 4 1/2-pound bundle of unlimited energy, he bounded straight into my heart and refused to leave, sinking his sharp teeth in with a ferocious grip. Only 8 weeks old, he’s already begun to train me as much as I’m trying to train him, much to his chagrin. Tiny but mighty, he has big paws and a huge personality to grow into, with so many happy years ahead of us both. Though Luka is far from the kid I thought I would have, in all those hazy dreams of my imagined, unknowable future, he’s exactly the lifelong companion I was craving. This is it, this one is a keeper, I thought to myself, holding him for the first time as he licked my face in an excited frenzy.
My newborn baby is such a shockingly recent (and sudden) addition to the family that I don’t even have a proper portrait session to share yet, but I couldn’t waste this opportunity to share. Today just happens to be National Puppy Day, less than one week into this crazy journey, because life is often stranger than fiction. Honestly, you can’t make this stuff up.
If you’ve ever wanted to let more love into your life, start at the shelters. Please, adopt, don’t shop, and save another sweet creature with the misfortune of landing in the wrong place at the wrong time. To a certain degree, you must ignore your brain, let go of your preconceived laundry list of qualifiers, and go with your gut. When you find the right guy or gal, you’ll simply know.
Thank you Luka, for adopting me. I’m far from a perfect doggie mommy, but I promise to always love you.
I am so happy you and Luka rescued each other!!!
Congratulations to you and Luka! This is surely a match made in heaven!
*heart eyes* Hannah, you have a new friend, and Luka has a new friend! How lucky you both are! Congratulations to you both. Puppies, large and small, young and less young, are tremendous blessings. I wish you both a long and happy and healthy life together. I love how you say you adopted each other <3
oh i am so happy for the both of you. best wishes for many years ahead. dogs are such good companions and teachers on this journey that we call life. also thanks for spreading the message regarding adopting rather than shopping.
Craig’s List is the very worst place from which to adopt a dog!!! They have repeatedly been cited for featuring dogs from puppy mills!!! CL’s credibility is highly questionable!
Both government shelters and private shelter groups are the place to go to find a loving animal much in need of a good home. I have adopted 6 wonderful dogs over the span of my adult life this very way.
I’ve been so rewarded. Any link to puppy mills or questionable “backyard” or other such so called breeders is a no no!!!
GASP. oh Hannah – the cuteness! I love this so much – so happy for you and Luka! thank you for sharing the Adopt Don’t Shop message. our beloved dachshunds have all been rescues – the pure joy they bring us is immense!
I just want to give Luka a big squeeze!
Adorable and congratulations to both of you.
Congratulations to both of you, Hannah. Yours is the last post I’m able to get to before going to bed after the first of three days of work, which won’t leave me much time for reading blogs. I’m so glad I caught this one!! Enjoy!
janet
Aw, that truly makes my heart sing! I’m so happy you could end you day on a good note, and that I might have been able to contribute to that. :)
He’s such a handsome pup!
My friend got a couple of newborn little puppies recently. They are so cute and adorable. Enjoy your new company!
Yay for Luka! Here’s to a life of love and laughter and snuggles together! <3 <3 <3
Congrats, so adorable and such a perfect match!
Awww, so darn cute! Congratulations on being a doggie mommy! :-)
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