Adopting a shelter or rescue pet can have its challenges, especially when their history is unknown. However, the rewards can be more than we ever imagined. Recently we received this incredible update from the family of EHS pet Dakota, who was adopted from us six years ago…

“For anyone on the fence about adopting listen up… now I really liked the idea of adopting a dog, but was not really up for it. The wife and kids really wanted a dog and kinda suckered me into going down to the Edmonton Humane Society to take a look around. There she was – a one-year-old Anatolian Shepard named Dakota. She was big but real quiet. The kids loved her and she cuddled up to me and well… yup she’s in the van on the way home.

Now the first while was a challenge. She wasn’t completely house broken and loved to chew. Like all my hats, a cell phone, an e-reader, etc. I had just about had it till…

One night the dog came up the stairs and into our room, now that was completely out of her character. She must have been abused, she cowered a lot and normally wouldn’t dare go on the stairs or upstairs. So when she came upstairs to wake us I knew there was something wrong. I raced down the stairs as the dog did her best “Littlest Hobo” impression leading the way.

Now our boy who was about ten at the time and a type 1 diabetic was on the couch and he was in bad shape – his sugar had dropped over night and instead of coming to us he went to the couch. He was grey and… well if it wasn’t for that damned dog I’ll tell you. She earned her place in this house. The best dog I’ve ever had.

So if you’re on the fence my friend, I hope I’ve given you something to think about. You might just be supposed to take one in like we were.”

– Shane M.