National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day isn't just about opening doors to furry companions; it's about shattering harmful stereotypes that brand them as "bad" or "broken." Today, we celebrate the incredible individuals behind these adoptions, and more importantly, the pawsome pups themselves who prove their immense capacity for love and joy.

Meet some of the shelter pups I've been lucky enough to photograph, each with a unique story that dismantles those adoption myths:

Freki, the Ravenous: Born in a Texas shelter, this Husky mix found his way into our hearts with H2M2 Rescue & Transport. This tiny pup came to us so hungry that he reminded my husband of Oden’s wolf (who’s name translates to ravenous). He’s never gone hungry since and he also never leaves my husbands side.

Floki, the Wanderer: This Siberian Husky/Dutch Shepherd mix wasn't lost for long. Brought in off the streets as a 10 month old stray, I called the shelter every day to see if anyone had claimed him yet. And the minute I was allowed to meet Floki (then Tundra) I knew he’d be part of our family forever. What I wasn’t prepared for was how inseparable he & I would become. He follows me from room to room and gently nudges my arm until I pet him. Should I sit on the couch it wont be long before he sidles up next to me to put his head on my lap. This dog was never broken or damaged. He was just lost and no one tried to find him, but me.

River, the Adventurer Pulled from a Texas kill shelter at 2, River's life transformed thanks to a rescue group and Carrie's love. Despite dislocated hip and knee surgeries, he romped through life, leaving paw prints on hearts long after crossing the rainbow bridge. Carrie called River "the perfect mix of all his breeds - loyal, beautiful, protective and smart."

Ellie, the Sunshine: From Texas to the Longmont Humane Society, Ellie's dazzling smile and charming howls captured her mom's heart, filling their days with joyful walks and playful banter. We hear often about foster fails. But Ellie was a walkie-fail. She was the first dog her mom walked on her first day volunteering. And in just that first brief exchange both their lives were changed forever.

Roux, the Dallas Dynamo: This clever street dog narrowly escaped certain death in Dallas, to join her Mom in high-rise life. They spent some time enjoying the high life before relocating to Denver to enjoy more outdoor time. Giving Roux added opportunity to seek out squirrels and mice in the back yard. Here’s to many more years enjoying city life and mountain adventures with her mom.

Pistol, the Shy Stray: Rescued as a stray puppy in Kansas, Pistol's fear gradually melted away once she found her furever home. Now, she embraces the sunshine, chases squirrels with newfound confidence, and guards this slice of heaven with fierce love.

Bert Foster, Dog: Thirteen years old with boundless love, Bert's story is one of heartbreak & resilience. Surrendered as a puppy due to Parvo, he spent 12 years in a vet's kennel. Thanks to Old Dogs New Digs Rescue, he spent his final days with a bed, toys, and playful foster sisters teaching him "how to dog" in his backyard paradise.

Luther, the Kentucky Wanderer: Found wandering the streets in Kentucky, Luther found himself alone, with a mass in his chest at a high-kill shelter. By some beautiful twist of fate that shelter partnered with Danbury Animal Shelter in Connecticut, and Luther got a life-saving transfer, complete with surgery to remove the mass. Around that time his soon to be dog-mom found herself alone in a new city while her husband worked long hours for his fellowship. And the pandemic made adopting a dog almost impossible, no one was open. So she ended up making a 3 hour drive to the only shelter available where she found Luthor on the mend and looking to be her constant companion.

These are just a glimpse into the countless stories waiting to unfold in shelters across the nation. Each dog has a unique past, but they share a common desire: a loving home.

By choosing adoption, you're not just rescuing a dog; you're gaining a loyal companion, an endless source of love, and a furry champion who shatters preconceived notions with every wag of their tail. So, open your heart, visit your local shelter, and witness the magic of adoption firsthand. Together, let's rewrite the narrative and give every deserving dog the chance to live their happily ever after.

#AdoptDontShop #ShelterPetsRock #EveryDogDeservesLove

Remember: Sharing these stories can inspire others and change lives. Spread the word, advocate for adoption, and become part of the movement that celebrates the incredible bond between humans and their furry companions, regardless of where their journey began.

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