A year ago, on March 1st, I adopted a sweet dog from APA! named Sugar (formerly "Lovey"). She was shy & timid & submissive, and had been on the euthanasia list at the shelter. Once accepted into the APA! adoption program, she spent most of her time at the adoption sites hiding under blankets. But for some reason, when she finally poked her head out, her blonde hair & freckles really stole my heart. When I took her out for a short "test walk" she didn't do well on the leash. Still, I just knew I needed to welcome her into my home.
And I'm happy to say that she passed with flying colors! She also earned the AKC's Canine Good Citizen designation. I have never been more proud of her, never happier that she was rescued from euthanasia, and I have been beaming ever since. This is the ultimate vindication for her that the right decision was made to pull her from the shelter and that her life was worth something. I would have never had a chance to see her on the APA! website, and then meet her at an adoption event. I would have never gotten to enjoy her company, snuggle on the couch, enjoy a long run together, or feel the sense of pride that I have as she has learned to be so well-mannered. And she would have never had the chance to be the dog she was meant to be. She is like so many dogs that are still at risk at the shelter because of over-crowding or behavioral challenges. No-Kill does not mean that all dogs are now safe...not yet.
