When we lost our sixteen year dog we didn't know if we would ever be ready for a new dog. The tears shed for her were beyond what we ever could imagine. A year after she passed, I happened upon a pet adoption site and found Echo. There was something in his eyes that made me melt; I knew I had to meet him. The shelter filled us in on Echo's past (abused and surrendered) and his medical problems (a heart condition and a critical case of kennel cough) but when he leaned into my arms and slowly wagged his tail, there was no question that I had found my new best friend. This shy, sickly little boy has turned out to be the most wonderful dog in the world. We renamed him "Tanner" because he loves to lay on his back in the sun. With a lot of encouragement and a lot of patience, he has left behind his shy, unsure self and has become quite the lethal tail wagger. Once afraid of every little noise and new sight, he now holds his head and tail high. Everyone who meets him can't help falling for him (he a very handsome and gregarious fellow!) We are head over heels for this gentle boy and could never imagine life without him. We are so grateful to the no kill shelter that gave him refuge and probably saved him from getting put down at the shelter where he was originally surrendered. Whenever people mention getting a pet, I do my best to convince them to explore the animal shelter route.

Jeanne Piquet
Summerfield, NC