I met Asparagus, a 3-year-old brindle Chihuahua, at an adoption event. She had just been rescued after spending the first three years of her life as “breeding stock” in a puppy mill. She had been mistreated and neglected, had never walked on a leash or slept indoors, and had never received proper medical care or nutrition. She was a mess – skin and bones, scared of everyone and everything, withdrawn, depressed, and nearly bald from a combination of poor nutrition and stress-induced self-mutilation. I took her home because… well, if you’re reading this, you would have taken her home, too. I was warned that she may never come out of her shell, but slowly, she started to trust me. After a few days, she’d eat if I was in the room. A few more days, I could pet her. A few weeks after that, she became curious about the formerly terrifying squeak toys I had bought her, and learned to play. Soon, she was enjoying walks, soliciting belly rubs, goading me into endless games of fetch, and performing tricks for cheese. Fast-forward 7 years, and Asparagus is a healthy, sweet, cuddly, playful goof who never leaves my side. Dogs are amazingly kind, good, resilient creatures that surpass our ability to cope, love, and forgive. I’m learning so much from Asparagus, and I’m grateful for her every day.

Anonymous
Newport News, VA