Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/shelter-challenge-beau-walter/

Beau Walter’s story was originally shared in the Clear the Shelters Adoption Story Challenge on ShelterChallenge.com. Create your own free Shelter Challenge account and vote for your favorite shelter or rescue group to win cash and prizes. Every time you vote we’ll give an extra donation to shelters!

My family was devastated when we suddenly lost our 13 year-old lab baby girl, Bella, to nasty cancer that we didn’t know about. When I tell you that she was the perfect dog, I’m not just saying that. She was literally the perfect dog. I cried for days, and we all knew that she would certainly be irreplaceable. Even the thought of having another dog hurt my heart, but it only took a month without her to realize how lost I felt without a fur baby in our home.

While I wasn’t ready to welcome another one, I decided that my ten-year old and I would volunteer at the shelter. We went through the volunteer training, and loved the fact that we could go by the shelter any day, walk all the dogs, play, bathe, and take pictures of them. My son, of course, fell in love with every single one, and begged for us to take one home, but I wasn’t ready.

We started doing sleepovers with the dogs, which is an incredible way to get to know the dog’s behaviors and habits, and then you can let the shelter know things like if they are potty trained, if they’re good with children or animals, etc. We were so lucky to have had several amazing pups in our home, and with photos and stories, they got snagged up quickly. I felt like I had a purpose, even if it wasn’t to give one a forever home yet.

Then, one day, it happened. I had not planned to bring a dog home that day. I just walked and played with several and bathed a couple. But then, as I was getting ready to leave, I spotted this guy. He was adorable, but it’s not like I ‘fell in love’ or anything. But something pulled me toward him.

He had been dumped by a breeder. I bathed him and decided to bring him home for a sleepover. Needless to say, he never left. He stole the hearts of my husband and son, and after one night, he had mine, too. He is nothing like Bella. He’s a silly, stubborn and extremely snuggly guy. He created his own space in my heart, and now I couldn’t imagine life without him.

Formerly “Seamus,” our precious Beau Walter rules our home and steals the hearts of everyone that he walks by. We adore him, and we love Huntsville Animal Services for all that they do for these sweet babies who are dumped, lost,or mistreated. As a volunteer, I can attest to the fact that they sincerely love their animals. Even if you’re not ready to adopt, or if you love animals but can’t have one, go volunteer at a shelter! What’s better than loving on animals? And you never know, one might just let you know that it’s time.

Feel free to follow Beau Walter on Instagram!

Story submitted by Karen Buchan.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog