Why I chose adoption | Pets

Look at that face. Who could resist it? Not me!

In April of 2008, Nina Wingfield from the Collierville Animal Shelter brought this little cutie to our studio on Union Avenue.

It was love at first sight.

A few months earlier, one of my beloved Shi-tzus, Bogey, was killed by a pit bull in my neighborhood. My husband and I were devastated. The dog  Bogey left behind was incredibly lonely.

It was time to bring a little more love into our home. But more importantly, this dog, who had been stuck in a puppy mill for nine months with barely any  human contact, deserved a better life.

We named him Martini. Not for the cocktail but for singer Dean Martin's early stage name and because he is, in fact, so "teeny." He weighs in at 6 pounds full grown.

I encourage you to adopt your next pet. I have loved every one of my pets, but there is something special about Martini.

Adoption creates a special bond between you and your pet.