I was in my bank one day opening a new account, when Wally and his previous owner came walking in the door. He instantly caught my eye, because, not only was he adorable, but I had three others, of the same breed who had all passed on.

Wally, being the people loving dog he was, saw me looking at him and smiling, and he instantly wanted to come meet me to say hello. When he and his owner were seated close by, also waiting to open an account, his owner took his leash off and he ran to me as though we knew each other. I picked him up, and he excitedly gave me kisses and I gave him lots of pets and cuddles. Noticing our instant bond, his owner told me that things weren’t working out for her in the U.S., and she was likely going to need to move back to Europe where she was from. She asked me if I would consider adopting him. He was 3 1/2 at the time and lived to be 13 years and 3 months. I almost had 10 years with him, and it was literally the best impulsive decision I ever made, and the best gift I have ever received from anyone, much less his a total stranger.

The grief I feel over losing him is literally with me 24/7. 💔