Stealing Harpo's Hearts

Since I am a huge animal lover, I like to go to the local animal shelter from time to time to look at dogs. Sometimes I pretend to be interested in one just so that I can play with him. During one of my visits, I walked into the puppy room and fell in love! I never believed in love at first sight, but this was it!

From the moment I saw him, I knew he had to be mine. It was something about his cute little face that stole my heart. Once we were together in the playroom, the first thing he did was lay in my lap, and of course I melted. That was the deal breaker! But since I was living at home at the time, I had one big obstacle—my mom. She wasn't a huge dog fan, so I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but when she saw him, she too knew he had to be ours.

I truly believe he was meant to be with our family because in so many ways he's just like one of us. When he wants your attention he will make it very known. If he wants you to wake up and take him out, he doesn't take "no" for an answer. He will sit on the bed and stare at you until you notice him, and if that doesn't work he'll take a stronger approach by sticking his nose in your face until you wake up. If music is playing, watch out! He's a dancer and will jump and bark to his favorite tunes. When he has an itch, he will lay on your lap and roll over and stare at you as if it's your job to scratch him. He was meant to be with my family, and I will always be happy I walked into the shelter that day and found my son.

— Sylvia, advertising sales coordinator