Our Elvis the local celebrity

by N.
(Oregon)

After the death of our terrier at 14, we decided as a family that we would look for a rescue dog that was young, but not a puppy. We checked out rescue organizations and looked at different breed options.

One day, we were looking at our local Humane Society website, and came across a photo of a bassett/border-collie mix that won our hearts. We made a small deposit over the phone to "hold" him until we could get out there to meet him to see if he was a good fit.

All fell in place, and we adopted this lonely dog. He had lived alone in a backyard with a chicken, rarely allowed in the house. He did not know his name. We named him Elvis.

Elvis was not housebroken or trained in any fashion. We rented a crate and he learned very quickly that potty meant outside. We took him to basic obedience classes and he caught on quickly.

Five years later, we still have this wonderful dog. He is like a "little brother" to our son, and gets along great with our three elderly cats. He has changed our lives for the better, and we are now "sold" on rescue dogs. Yes, you have to look for the right fit for your family. But when it clicks, there is no more rewarding feeling than adopting one of these shelter animals. Consider it.