Back in 2008 I was ready to adopt a golden retriever. It was the right time in my life to add another family member to my home. I knew my schedule wouldn’t permit the time required for a puppy and I was aware of the countless number of dogs waiting for adoption via rescues and shelters.

Here in the Phoenix area, we have a handful of golden retriever specific rescues and I applied to adopt through all of them back in March 2008. As a first time dog rescuer, it was a bit surprising how thorough the process was for adoption. Not only did I have to fill out an extensive application, but I had to survive a phone interview and then a home visit before I was deemed approved to adopt from the rescue. It was extremely nerve-racking for me, but I understood they wanted to make sure they were bringing the dog to a loving, safe and secure forever home.

Then, on one Saturday morning in May 2008, my life changed in an instant! I received a call from Rescue a Golden of Arizona explaining they had a new 2 year old addition to the rescue who was perfect for me. He had actually just been placed in a foster home the night before, but the other dogs in the home attacked him, so they desperately needed to find him a new place to live.

Later that day, as I opened my front door and our eyes met for the first time, my heart melted. I knew he was my dog. Since he was found as a stray they gave him the temporary name of ‘Happy’, which was quite fitting. Despite his recent hard times, he was so happy!

Within the first few days I renamed him Bailey and it’s been a wonderful ride since then. Since I’m single and don’t have any children, I’ve never had to really take care of someone else. Bailey made me a mom. He taught me how to love so much more deeply than I thought was possible. He taught me not to worry about the things I can’t change and to appreciate the present moment. He taught me not to obsess over the cleanliness of my house and to take time to laugh and smile.

It’s been 7 years together and even though Bailey is now 9 years old, he really hasn’t slowed down a bit. He’s a stickler for our daily schedule, knows exactly what time he’s supposed to eat, what medicine he gets and when. And aside from eating, his favorite time of day is our nightly walk. I don’t know how he knows what time it is, but as I’m sure many of you out there can attest to, he knows when it’s time for our walk. He basically just sits himself right in front of the TV and just stares at me. And if I try to ignore him, he starts to whimper, he knows how to get his way. He has me trained.

Our daily walks and our playtime together is something I will forever cherish. He has definitely left his paw print on my heart forever.

How has adopting a pet changed your life? I’d really like to hear from you in the comments below.