We Are Thankful For... Part 1

 

The Puppy that Started it All

As the Thanksgiving holiday fades into sweet memories, we want to share a heartwarming story we're truly thankful for—the tale of our beloved Stella Beans. 🌟🐶

Our story starts back in early 2021 when our home became a haven for a friend and his pup, Archie. We already had two miniature Schnauzers, Fintan and Dobby, adding a delightful twist to the mix. Fintan, the "Fun Police," and Dobby, the perpetual puppy, created an amusing dynamic. Then there was Archie—the wild child, full of energy and unbridled enthusiasm.

Three dogs in one house may sound like a recipe for chaos, but it turned out to be an unexpected joy. After four months, Archie and his dad moved to a new apartment, leaving our home quieter but, in a way, emptier. It was the perfect time for us to consider expanding our fur family.

We'd always wanted a furry companion of our own, but concerns about the household's dynamic held us back. With Archie having charmed everyone during his stay, the path was clear. Mark and I decided it was time to make our move.

We broached the topic with our roommates, who, albeit reluctantly, agreed. The quest for the ideal dog began. We had some criteria in mind: a female pup (both of us had a soft spot for female dogs), small to medium-sized (given our condo living), and, of course, a special connection.

Our friend Jake shared a link to an available pup named Paloma, a black miniature Schnauzer identical to Dobby. We thought she might be the one, so we submitted an application and crossed our fingers. After a couple of days with no response, we discovered that Paloma had already been adopted. Disappointed but undeterred, we continued our search.

Then, fate intervened. A "suggested pet" post introduced us to the adorable fur baby named Summer. It was love at first sight, and we knew she was the missing piece of our family puzzle. We submitted another application. After several days of emails, phone calls, reference checks, and bated breath, we received the news—we were getting Summer!

August 6th, 2021, was the day we'd been waiting for. We were to meet Summer at the Grover Cleveland Rest Stop on the NJ Turnpike near Woodbridge, and the transport was scheduled for 7:30 am.

Anticipation hung in the air as we arrived, surprisingly punctual at 7am. We weren't alone; others had gathered early too. Conversations with fellow pet lovers helped pass the time until, right on the dot, the transport van rolled in.

With our hearts racing, we approached the van, waiting for our turn. When we finally held her, Summer wore a look of trepidation in her eyes. But as I held her close, she relaxed, and it was as though she knew she had found her forever home. 🏡❤️

 

We get her in the car and get home. We have the dogs separated initially because you never know how they are going to react to eachother and there is a process in which you should introduce them. She quickly makes herself at home and we all take a nap.

After a few hours, and some sniffing at eachother through the gate we felt it was time to make the introductions more formal. They were fast friends. This picture was later that same day.

"But why Stella, you ask? 🌟 Well, let me tell you. When we first met our new furry family member, she went by the name Summer. But Summer didn't quite feel like the right name for her. First, she didn't strike us as a 'Summer' kind of pup. Second, I have a personal aversion to the summer season! And third, here's the kicker: up until the night before we were to welcome her into our home, she was destined to be called Paloma. We were so certain of that name that I had already purchased ID tags with 'Paloma' engraved.

But fate had other plans. The night before her arrival, Dobby had an unexpected encounter with a skunk, and that incident led to a dream that would change everything. In my dream, I called out to our new addition, and the name that flowed effortlessly from my lips was 'Stella.' 🌠✨

In that magical moment, I knew she was destined to be Stella, and trust me when I say, the name suits her to absolute perfection. Stay tuned for more tales of our beloved Stella Beans and her journey into our hearts. ❤️🐾 #StellaTheStar #ANameToRemember #FateAndFur"

Check back for Part 2...

Thinking it's time to expand your family? Want to explore rescuing a dog of your own? 

Check out Second Chance Rescues available pups  --> CLICK HERE <--

Thinking maybe fostering is more your speed? --> CLICK HERE <--

Maybe you can't adopt or foster but can help in another way? 

To donate to Second Chance Rescue... --> CLICK HERE <-- Every bit helps!

Remember to, #adoptdontshop #becausetheymatter. 

There is no love like the love from a rescue! ❤️🐶❤️