I was nervous about getting a dog. We had dogs growing up, and I had shared the responsibility of caring for my boyfriends' dogs in the past, but I hadn't had one of my own since I became an adult. I have several cats, but as you know, cats are totally different than dogs. There were many factors to consider: had to be small enough to fit through the pet door I had installed for my cats, had to at least tolerate cats, had to be chill, but also ready for an adventure. I like hiking, boating, swimming, camping, kayaking, gardening, volunteering for the TNR program at my local shelter, going to concerts, and an occasional nap and binge watching of Vikings, Seinfeld, and Mad Men thrown in so you can understand why I was nervous. It had to be a versatile dog. Then one day, one of my friends who runs a dog rescue sent me an email from one of our state's shelters. It said, "We have already put down 9 dogs. These are the next ones in line." I hurriedly looked through the photos of so many sad faces. I couldn't take them all so I responded, "I'll take the smallest one!" After all that careful planning and then BOOM! Enter: Skully Peanut Wilson. Poor thing looked like a walking stick with patches of fur missing, 100s of fleas and ticks ALL over his body, obviously abused. I didn't care. It was love at first sight. We had a rough first year figuring out all his skin and allergy issues but I wouldn't trade him for the world. I think he feels the same way about me, too. We've lived happily together now for 6 years. Did I say 6 years...seems like yesterday. Love him so much!

Jennifer Luttrell
FRANKFORT, KY