Find a Friend Who Can Change Your Life
By Emma Katai, San Diego Humane Society Communications Manager
When Corduroy arrived at San Diego Humane Society as a stray, no one knew where her story would lead. She needed medical care, safe shelter, and most of all, someone to give her a second chance.
While at the shelter, Corduroy received much-needed eye surgery, leaving her with an adorable permanent wink. Then, she met Hans, who adopted her and gave her a new name inspired by her bright white coat: Alaska. At the time, he had no idea just how fitting that name would become.
Not long after the adoption, Hans received a job offer in Anchorage. Soon, the newly formed family was headed north to Alaska — where the former San Diego shelter dog experienced snow for what was likely the first time.
“She’s always jumping around and smiling here,” Hans shared.
But Alaska’s story didn’t end with finding a loving home or a new favorite place to play. She went on to become Hans’ service dog, taking on an important role in the life of the person who had given her a second chance.
“You might say I saved her by adopting her, but she’s saving me,” he said.
Stories like Alaska’s are a powerful reminder of what we celebrate each October during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. When you welcome a shelter dog into your family, you give an animal the opportunity for a new beginning. What you may not anticipate is how much they can change your life in return.
Of course, a dog doesn’t need to become a service animal or embark on a cross-country adventure to make an extraordinary difference. They might become the friend who gets you outside for a morning walk, the hiking companion beside you on the trail or the familiar face greeting you after a difficult day. Often, it’s the everyday moments that make the bond so meaningful.
Right now, hundreds of dogs with their own unique personalities and stories are waiting at San Diego Humane Society for someone to take a chance on them. Each adoption also creates much-needed space for shelters to help the next animal in need.
Alaska is a wonderful example of how adopted animals are capable of amazing things. This Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, visit San Diego Humane Society and meet the precious pups waiting for homes. You may arrive hoping to change a life and leave with a friend who changes yours. To learn more, visit sdhumane.org/adopt.
Category: Animals, Donations, Homeless, Local News, Nonprofit, Pets
