Adopt 08 Contest

Miles came to us on a rainy, cold January day, with an open heart and loud mouth. He was found wandering the streets of Illinois during December. All of his ribs were showing, and he only weighed 23 pounds. A good Samaritan took him in, gave him some love, and got him placed with Guardian Angel Basset Rescue. After treatment for an upper respiratory infection, a neuter, and a bath, Miles moved to his foster home and placed on GABR's website.

It was there that I saw him, skinny and with a piercing stare. My heart was still aching from the loss of Beau, and I knew Miles could patch it. I could not get that face out of my mind, and talked the family into putting in an application. Miles came home shortly after, and changed our lives drastically, for the better.

Miles has been a learning experience for everyone. No one knows what happened to put him on the streets, but it's apparent that he suffered some abuse. Miles is wary of strangers, has mild separation anxiety, and a trouble-making streak. He arrived with no manners, but a willingness to please. Having never dealt with behavioral problems before, the family learned many new training techniques which will be useful in the future. With positive reinforcement, Miles' problems are slowly going away and that's a great process to watch. My little boy is growing up.

Before getting Miles, I'd never owned a rescue dog, and was a bit skeptical about them. Now, however, I can't imagine life without one. Miles has taught me and the family so much and helped me grieve the loss of Beau. He has done so much that I don't think I can ever fully repay him. I am so grateful that we were able to bring Miles into our home and give him the life he deserves.