I met Sarah in 2012 during my first few months working at the humane society. She was a shy momma dog. She came in with her puppies! When I first met her, she was huddled in the corner of her kennel and wouldn’t move. Day after day I sat with her, talking to her, NOT talking to her, tossing treats, avoiding eye contact, whatever it took to get her to trust me. I remember the day she FINALLY let me put a leash on her and walk out. If you've ever been chosen by a dog... you know the honor! The next day, I saw her tail wag for the first time. A few days later, she CHASED A BALL. Watching her slowly learn how to be happy was something I’ll never forget.

Sarah came home with me as a foster dog, where she hit more milestones that I wasn't sure she was capable of: She excitedly rolled around on the bed. She played with my other dog. She co-existed with many foster kittens. She ended up staying forever. She wasn’t an easy dog (she didn't really ever love being around anyone but me), but she was MY dog, and she taught me how much patience, love, and time can change a life for good. Sarah passed away last month, but I know she had the best life she possibly could have had.

There are many shelters that wouldn't have given Sarah a chance.
We're lucky to have shelters in Jacksonville like Jacksonville Humane Society that truly give dogs like her the time to find their people.

If you'd like to honor Sarah, please consider making a donation to my Mutt March fundraising page. Every gift helps give another pet a chance to find their person.