Back in 1996, a co-worker of mine begged me to adopt a chow mix female puppy from an animal shelter in New Albany, IN. "They'll kill her if someone doesn't adopt her." I couldn't let that happen.
Brandy wasn't really considered adoptable due to her temperament and was on the verge of being euthanized. The shelter called me numerous times to ask me if I was sure about adopting Brandy and suggested I visit the shelter to try and bond with her. She only trusted one volunteer there. She had hair the same color as Brandy's fur... red.
Brandy snarled, lunged and growled at me. She had me cornered in the cage she was in. All I was armed with was some doggy treats that she wasn't interested in. :) But, I wasn't afraid. All I could say is "Awww, she's cute!" So, needless to say, we didn't bond.
The volunteer came to rescue me. We sat on the floor and played with Brandy. Brandy loved her, but still didn't take a liking to me. But, I adopted her anyway. I explained to the shelter my plans of adopting and finding her a home because I wasn't able to keep her, but I didn't want her euthanized. They understood and explained to me the type of people she would be more suitable for.
After the adoption fees, and Brandy and I finally bonding, I decided to keep her after all. Now, 13 years later, Brandy is happy, healthy and spoiled to the core. But, best of all, she is loved; she found a family and a forever home. She has been the best companion that I've ever had, she's learned to trust most people and most of all, she's learned to love again. Brandy will be ninety-eight on August 16th.
Louisville, KY
