(as told by Paul Jolly, Executive Director, the Petco Foundation)

Years ago, I met the very best dog in the world.

I was a child of 12 when we got her. She was part terrier, and (I swear) part human. She was a rescue, not expected to live more than six months, but her spirit was too much for the disease that ravaged her body. She was selected by my dying brother and became his comforter and companion as we all faced his eventual passing. She taught us that our pets are not purchased but ordained.

Her name was Hope. She romped when I did and knew how to smile in that funny way that only some dogs have. She grew up with me and helped me grow up. She helped me face the loss of my wonderful brother. She was always there when I needed her. My grown hand still remembers the sleek bump on the top of her head and that gentle divot just past her nose that fit my index finger just perfectly.

She passed away one winter. My heart broke then, and I knew that there would never be another dog like her. And there hasn’t been. I was sure I could never love another dog as much as I’d loved her.

Fortunately, I was wrong about that part.

My next dog came into my life Continue reading »