It took me all of one month after graduating college to adopt my own dog. I had a few guidelines in mind when searching. 1. I wanted a female. 2. I wanted a herding breed, for their intelligence and athleticism. 3. I was hoping to rescue a dog in need of a home.

My search took me to various shelters and rescues, never quite finding a dog right for me. I searched on the internet, attended adoption events, and visited dogs in shelters. Sometimes rescues wouldn't even give me a response when I would inquire about a certain dog through email or phone calls.

One particular weekend, I went to several PetSmart adoption events around Kansas City, where I was living at the time. Still, no luck locating a dog or puppy I felt quite right about. My mom, sister and I drove to one last store to check out another rescue group. When we got there, we couldn't even find the adoption event inside. My mom was ready to turn around and leave, but my sister and I decided to wander to the back of the store to see if we could find the rescue.

Thankfully, we did find their set up, complete with several pens containing several very cute puppies! My sister and I immediately gravitated toward two fluffy blond puppies and picked them up. I did a quick check, and to my dismay, both puppies were males. Additionally, neither one of them seemed to resemble a herding dog. However, I could already tell my dog criteria was being completely tossed out the window; I was going home with one of these little guys.

They had been pulled out of a kill shelter in rural Missouri, and had stayed in a foster home awaiting their new permanent homes. We let the two of them play on the floor a little bit to observe their interactions. I decided to go with the one who was getting more beat up on, and conveniently, I had already fallen in love with his perky little ears (his brother had floppy ears.) I wasn't sure what kind of mix my new dog was, how big he would be, or what he might turn out like. But all common sense was now gone - as was my list of girl dog names that I had compiled to choose from

Years later, I purchased a DNA test to find out what my full grown 63 pound boy 'Gabe' truly was. His results came back as half Lab, and small percentages German Shepherd, Husky, and Chow. Basically the most beautiful shedding machine ever created. He is brilliant, affectionate, playful, and active. To say I am obsessed with him is an understatement. He is truly a special dog out of all the dogs I've owned, and I am so glad that I decided to go against my ''rules' and adopt him instead!

Such a great loving story! He is sooo lucky to have you. I can tell that you both love and understand each other so well. What a perfect fit.

Originally Posted by Becca Parsons:
Basically the most beautiful shedding machine ever created.

Ha! Yes he is!

And we are all happy that you broke the rules and brought Gabe to us!

haha thanks guys! he is glad to be a part of scvim

I love your story.  He is a very special boy.