I adopted Emerson, a 9-year old Shih-Tzu. I had honestly always purchased dogs from breeders. I ended up going through a tragic loss of my two dogs a few months before and was devastated. I made a couple foster attempts, but just did not match with either dog. I was heartbroken and lonely. I have had a dog in my life since the day I was born and wanted more than anything to fill the void in my heart.

I saw Emerson on HSNT’s website and fell in love with his cute face. The next day, I went to meet him. He was not the friendliest dog, but I still adored him and I decided to adopt

him. Emerson came home and everything was going smoothly until about a week in, he had some attitude issues that made me extremely wary. I decided to continue working with him am beyond glad I did. This “little bean”, as I call him, has brought me so much joy, as well as many irritating moments, but I would not change it for the world. We share a life that has been built on trust, friendship, training (for both of us) and absolute unconditional love. He has certainly taught me patience. In the excitement of adopting a new pet, we sometimes forget that their entire life may have been up-ended, I know I did. In less than 24-hours, this dog was taken from the home he had known his entire life, to a shelter with a bunch of other dogs that bark and carry on, he needed to be neutered still, so he underwent surgery, was then adopted and brought into a new home, a

completely foreign environment with a complete stranger and new rules. But, 7-months later, here we are and I love him more than I can express. I am beyond blessed to have him in my life, even on the days he still makes me crazy. He is my best

friend and I hope that many others can find the joy in adopting a shelter pet, just remember, it takes love, time and most importantly, patience.