“I came for the spotted one." That’s what I told the volunteer at the front desk.
I had seen Luna on the website—a gorgeous Merle Pittie puppy with one blue eye. She had 15 applications. Everyone wanted her. She was 'Instagrammable.'
But when I got to Kennel 42, Luna wasn’t at the front of the cage wagging her tail. She was in the back corner, cowering behind a wall of black fur.
That wall was Eclipse, her brother.
The volunteer sighed. "Nobody looks at him," she said. "Black Dog Syndrome is real. People scroll right past him to get to her. We’re going to have to separate them tomorrow because Luna has a home lined up, and Eclipse... well, he doesn't."
I watched Eclipse lick the tears off Luna’s face. He was literally shielding her from the world, taking the brave stance so she didn't have to. He was her protector, and we were about to rip her away from the only safety she’d ever known.
I looked at the volunteer. "Tear up the other applications."
"Excuse me?"
"I’m not taking Luna," I said, grabbing the double leash. "I’m taking the team."
They celebrated their 1st birthday on my couch yesterday. Eclipse is still the big spoon.”
Credit:Animals Rescue
This is my Ryley. He is 17 years old.
He is now deaf and blind and sleeps 20 hours a day. He is still full of beans sometimes when he goes to the park and he still loves his din dins.
He is tired and I know he will be happy wagging his tail over the rainbow bridge.
I want to ask you who have cared for elderly dogs. When is it time to let go? Ryley is not letting go. Should we?
This is Clyde. He was born with Cerebellar Hypoplasia. There’s no pain associated, he just has to work a little harder to get where he wants to go. Don’t pass without leaving him a heart ❤️
This is the goodest boy. Plays dead for the kids, but only revives when they nail the chest compressions perfectly. Committed to the bit. So kids can learn CPR Saving lives and stealing hearts. Please leave him a big heart ❤️
This is Bertha. She volunteered as emergency foster mom when 8 piglets showed up hungry. Now accepts payment in belly rubs and tiny snorts. Says it’s the best job she’s ever had. Please leave her a big heart ❤️
https://t.co/ue9Q1c6MsN
This is Nala. Autism service dog in training. Met her absolute hero Donald Duck at Epcot. Immediately went full cuddle mode. Forgot all duties for a sec. Donald didn't mind. Pure magic. Leave a big ❤️ for them, would quack again
https://t.co/MHzKYu6a6g
This is the ultimate traffic jam upgrade. Humans stuck honking, but these two floofs spotted each other and demanded a mid-road playdate. Owner obliges like a true hero. Pure friendship. No honks needed. for both good dogs
This is Grandpa Larry. 16 years old and still mastering the ancient art of polite tippy-taps to request treats. Never demands, only gently reminds you that snacks exist. Infinite patience. Legendary gentleman. Please don’t scroll without leaving a ❤️
This is Wally. He was rescued from a Walmart parking lot and later diagnosed with narcolepsy. Gets so excited for treats that his legs forget their job. Still catches them times. Purest boy on Earth. Please don’t scroll without leaving him a heart ❤️
Someone commented today that it was disgusting that people let their dog sleep on their bed. I am more than ok with being disgusting.
Because honestly? This right here is my peace.
My calm after the chaos.
My soft place to land when the world feels too loud.
After a long day, nothing resets my heart like this big, warm, gentle soul stretched out beside me. He’s not “just a dog.” He’s the one who follows me from room to room, the one who senses my stress before I even say a word, the one whose love never wavers — not for a second.
So if someone wants to call it “gross” that he hogs my blankets or snores in my ear… that’s their problem.
To me, this is comfort.
This is connection.
This is home.
And the truth?
If being “disgusting” means I get moments like this…
I’ll choose disgusting every single time.
This is Buddy. He came from a rough past and still gets a bit anxious sometimes. But a gentle hug and some reassuring words from his new dad calm him right down. Healing together, one cuddle at a time. Pls don’t scroll with leaving him a big ❤
This is Doug. He waited patiently all day for his hooman to fall asleep. Now it's burrow time. Nose under arm for maximum warmth. would never sleep alone again. Pls Leave her a big ❤️
This is Rusty since he was adopted he had to touch his daddy to fall asleep He knows his dad saved him from the shelter and 3 years later he’s still not letting him out of sight.