My friend Laura lost her husband last year after a short illness. They met and married late in life, so after Laura’s beloved husband died, she had no children to comfort her or anyone she had to care for. She was despondent and really had almost no reason to get up each morning. She knew I worked at the shelter and asked if I could help find her a dog. “I need a dog that doesn’t bark all the time, one that is house trained, not big, not too small, not nervous, not a runner, doesn’t have long hair and one that is smuchie (her word, not mine) and female. Over a period of several months, Laura looked at several dogs, but none quite fit the bill. One morning, a lady came to the shelter while I was volunteering and brought 2 dogs that she found abandoned and starving in a dry creek bed by house. One look at the little white terrier I said, we have got to call Laura, this is the perfect dog for her. Once called, Laura came was at the shelter within half and hour. One look at it was love at first site! The little white terrier girl had a home and Laura got her little smuchie dog. Laura and Chia are doing great, evident from the smile on Laura’s face when I ask her how Chia is doing. Laura tells me that Chia saved her life by making her get up in the morning, getting her out making her worry about something other than herself. I love hearing about the small victories Laura and her canine companion Chia are accomplishing and how they are conquering the workings of the small ranch where they live. A happy ending for all!!