Along Came Rory
If I have learned anything during my 25 years of life -- it is that being a dog owner will make your heart the happiest and break your heart the hardest. I have felt both with my yellow lab, Santo, aka Muff. She shared 14+ years with my family and broke our hearts into a million pieces when it was time for her to leave us with only memories. I never thought that I would be able to love another dog the way I loved her. I loved her hard and took her passing even harder. She was my first dog love and will always be my angel.
Along Came Rory:
Jonathan and I had *talked* about getting a puppy after moving to the city in May. I would show him pictures of puppies at the shelters every now and then and he would laugh me off. We (he) were not quite ready for the committment of being full time dog owners and we were still adjusting to city life. We didn't want to throw a puppy into the mix.
After about 2 months of living in the city, I had really invested my time into looking at shelters (don't tell Jonathan) and even reached out to a local lab rescue shelter in Chicago that had a puppy I was interested in. The puppy had been adopted before I even had a chance to apply, which bummed me out. I am was so ready to be a dog owner again!
A couple weeks later I had been texting with a bestie (I blame her for the four legged pup we have) and she was sending photos of puppies available for adoption at Anti-Cruelty in River North. I asked Jonathan if he would go with me to Anti-Cruelty the next afternoon to look at a puppy named Phil and he said yes to look. I wish I could emphasize look because he really meant that we would only be visiting and not adopting. Ok ok we will "look" Jonathan.
We got there and a volunteer told me that Phil was probably adopted late the night before so that was probably why he was still listed on the website. I was super bummed again, but still took out a puppy to play with. I was like yep I want this pup and Jonathan said he was not the one. I remember being taken aback when he said this. "The one?" I wondered if he would say this about every dog that had potential of adoption because he really just didn't want a puppy right now.
We left. I pouted. I logged back onto the website when we got home and saw that Phil was still on the website. I called and asked where this dog was because I needed him in my life. He was actually located on the second floor due to kennel cough when we were there and was indeed still available for adoption. My heart was jumping with joy.
I went back to Anti-Cruelty by MYSELF. It was love at first sight when this 10 pound nugget came strolling out into the lobby. People stopped and told me that if I didn't adopt him they would. I knew I wouldn't be leaving without him. I had hearts in my eyes and I think "Phil" had hearts in his too, or so I like to believe. It was like we were meant for each other and I was so grateful for Jonathan's judgement call earlier in the day with the prior puppy and that fall through with the other shelter.
Jonathan got a call an hour later when I asked him if I could adopt him and he said YES. Without even meeting him. I think he could tell from my voice that I was in love and happy. He met us at the shelter and looked a little nervous. I mean we had nothing for a puppy. Not a thing. Remember we were JUST looking. *Shoutout to the bestie for literally running to Petco while we were going through the adoption process and getting us all we needed*
Fast forward and we cannot imagine our lives without Rory. He brightens our days and keeps us on our toes. He is spoiled rotten and we would not have it any other way. At the end of the day, I thinik he actually saved me.
I am forever grateful for Anti-Cruelty for giving us this happiness and hope that others will find their happiness through Anti-Cruelty as well.
If me running the Chicago Marathon will help raise money / awareness for this organization and these animals then I'd run it twice and then backwards to help the shelter keep them comfortable and well taken care of until they find their furever homes.
Thank you, Anti-Cruelty, for giving these animals a home and a chance at love.
A little background information about Anti-Cruelty:
In 1899, Rose Fay Thomas, wife of Chicago Symphony Orchestra founder Theodore Thomas, established The Anti-Cruelty Society and forever changed the landscape of animal welfare throughout the Chicago region. Since that time, the Society has endured as Chicago's oldest and largest open admission animal welfare organization, one that provides a wide breadth of programs that save the lives of thousands of animals each year. A certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the recipient of a four-star Charity Navigator rating, The Anti-Cruelty Society’s mission is to build a community of caring by helping pets and educating people.
Today, The Anti-Cruelty Society remains the oldest and the largest open admission animal welfare organization in Chicago. All animals are welcome at the Society every day of the year. We never turn an animal away from our doors. Ever. And once an animal is admitted, they can stay as long as it takes to find their forever home.
However, the care that we provide to animals in need is only possible through the friendship and support of our community. And by choosing to run with Team Anti-Cruelty, you are making a difference to each and every one of the animals that comes to us in search of hope, comfort, and healing.
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