I was drivng home from work on a hot summer day and I was approaching a dead cat in the road ahead. "Dumb drivers," I thought. Only the dead cat was a much alive puppy!! She was a ball of fur, flooded with fleas and ticks, whimpering. I hit the brakes, opened the door and she ran right up to me. She was another stray left defenseless against the summer elements, abandoned and alone. I tried for about 1 hour to find her a home until she rooted herself too deep in my heart to give away. That was how "Bailey" the shepherd became my first baby. Months later I was volunteering at the local dog pound, walking and feeding the dogs. After the first weekend of volunteering, I adopted "Dixie" the dalmatian. She had been abused and left out in the city, found underneath of a car. She was only 4 months old and petrified of people. If you came close to her cage she would shake, growl, and pee she was so frightened. I had to have her--had to save her. Turns out that she and Bailey (I am totally convinced) are long lost sisters. They play, eat, and sleep together. Once a husky attacked Dixie in the yard and Bailey came to the rescue, pinning the dog on the ground until I was able to run outside and break up the chaos (luckily no one was injured)!! They're my girls and I love them both with all of my heart. Both left alone to fend for themseves, they have become a part of my family and are loved more every day.

Katy
Stevensville, MD