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I adopted Talisker - Tali - in April, 2019. She wasn't the dog I thought I wanted, but she's the doggo I needed. She picked me at an adoption event by throwing herself at my feet and showing her belly, so I just couldn’t leave her behind. She was rescued from a kill shelter in South Carolina and had heartworms. Tali is named after Talisker Scotch, a smoky, single malt with attitude which describes her perfectly. She wraps her front paws around my thigh and snuggles her head into my lap, making me feel her warmth and affection, or gives the perfect side-eye to give 'tude. She's a hunter of small critters and stuffed toys and enjoys burying her kibble throughout our apartment. Tali hates school buses with a passion. She barks and growls at them from her balcony, as if they were giant yellow monsters invading her territory. She always tries to chase them down the street, dragging me along with her leash even though she’s only 30 pounds. Tali took a DNA test and turns out she’s primarily American Pit Bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Chihuahua and Chow Chow. Looking at her and watching her in action, you’d think other small terrier, like a Jack Russell in the mix, but no. Tali is not a “COVID dog” as she was adopted before lockdown but helped create a network of friends – human and canine – during COVID, forcing us to get outside and walk several times during the day while we were all working from home. She is an emotional support animal in the true sense of the term, getting us out and socializing when it was easier to hibernate and not have human contact. She is my coworker and sidekick. Tali is more than just a dog to me. She is my best friend, my coworker, my emotional support, and my inspiration. She taught me how to love unconditionally, how to enjoy the simple things in life, and how to be brave in the face of challenges. She is the doggo I needed, and I’m the human she deserved. #adoptdontshop