Sometimes it's love at first sight on a rescue website. Sometimes it's a chance encounter at an adoption event. No matter how they arrive, rescue pets have a remarkable way of finding exactly the people who need them most.
Catherine Dunn and Ginny
My husband and I both grew up with dogs, but we had never had one of our own. We always joked that we loved dogs, but it was nice to leave them at someone else’s house. And then one Thursday afternoon, I found myself casually browsing online for a new potential furry family member. The moment I saw her picture, I submitted an application and A New Leash on Life responded within hours and told us we’d be a great fit for “Sadie.” The second I saw the sleepy tan and white puppy with the biggest ears, I knew she was coming home. We renamed her Ginny. People constantly ask what breed she is, and I love answering, “I have no idea!” All I know is she’s the perfect fit for our family.
Amy Bailey and Bear
I lost my dog, Doolittle, of 16 years in 2014. And as anyone who has had a pet knows, it breaks your heart in two. After a few months, I was on my way to meet my mom at Huntsville Animal Services to look. She arrived before I did and called, "You have to get here there is the most beautiful dog." When I walked to his pen he looked at me with these big, brown eyes and that was that. He was a 9 year old Pomeranian, to which my husband said, "He's 9, have you forgotten the heartache you just went through?" It was the weekend of the Iron Bowl and they were doing a $5 adoption special. We named him Bear, after Bear Bryant. He was the best dog - so loving, well-trained and always by my side. He lived 6 more years and he went everywhere with the family.
Patty Creque and Rhett
After losing our English Bulldog and rescue Chocolate Lab of 13 years within two months of each other in 2024, we took a break from dogs for a while. One day I was just casually scrolling through A New Leash on Life's Facebook page, and saw a chocolate lab. I thought he was reserved, but I decided to call anyway, and they told me that we could meet him the next day at PetSmart. We arrived early, and I walked in to grab some treats. When I came out "Rhett" was in my husband's lap rolling around, so I knew that was the end of our search. He waits by the door for his favorite person every evening, and lives his best life squeaking any ball he can find. He is exactly what we needed.