A year ago I went to PAWS after work with my friend Patricia. I was just looking, I really had no intention of finding a dog that was right for me & Shay. When I met Gatsby I immediately knew there was something special about him. He was 1 year old at the time, gentle, quiet, and friendly. He really just wanted someone to sit with him and rub his belly. My heart melted the moment I met him.

At the time, I had my mind set on an older dog - one that was in desperate need of a home. Neither Shay or I had ever had a dog before, so as new pup-parents, we figured we couldn't take care of a young fella with lots of energy. When I left PAWS that night empty handed, I convinced myself that I didn't deserve Gatsby, that someone else could provide for him better - perhaps a family with kids, or someone with a big backyard (the entire time my friend was telling me how crazy I was, threatening that she would adopt him if I didn't!). I went home that night and told Shay all about him. We decided that it wasn't the "right time" to adopt a dog, especially one so young.

The next morning Shay and I saw Gatsby on CBS News as the "Adoptable Dog of the Week", and immediately realized how wrong we were the night before. In that moment, we tossed all of our "doggie criteria", and went with our gut. We wanted so badly to be Gatsby's parents that we left work early to get to PAWS right as they opened. As soon as the three of us were in a room together, it just clicked. A few hours later, we were officially a family.

I don't know what else to say other than Gatsby is one of the best decisions we ever made. He has truly brought so much joy into our lives! People always say that he's so lucky to have us, but it's really so obvious that we are the lucky ones. Gatsby has taught us so much about unconditional love, how to be more patient and understanding, and to be happier, healthier people.

Thank you Gatsby, PAWS, and of course my friend Patricia for a great year and a great forever family.