Don't pity a shelter dog...adopt one

A month ago, shortly after we had moved into our new home, our little cat, Oz, passed away. It was like reliving the nightmare we went through with his brother, Charlie, a year and a half before when we lost him to heart disease. Oz left us alone in a empty new house with the biggest broken hearts of our lives. He was truly a member of our family, a larger-than-life character and a one-of-a-kind spirit. We just miss him so much.

I had never understood why people rushed into adopting another animal after a beloved pet passed away. But now I do. So well. It's about filling the void, not replacing the pet. Knowing that your family and your home will just not be complete without an animal in it.

After a month of pure turmoil, Mike and I decided to consider adopting a new family member. A few weeks later, we met Dorey. And I kid you not, this little dog has given us both such an immense sense of hope and perspective that it's not even funny.

Dorey is a happy dog. Seeing her bounce around the house, feeling her little wet nose on the back of our legs as she follows us around, so closely, is exactly what we needed. Dorey is 5 years old and has been shuffled back and forth between two families, animal control and PAWS, where we finally found her. She's got understanding brown eyes, a bad haircut and over sized feet reminiscent of Max from "The Grinch." She hides her favorites toys behind a pillow on the couch and snores when she sleeps. She's perfect.

She is teaching me to live for every day. To appreciate the time we do have together and to not let myself be consumed by worry and what-ifs.

Now it just remains to be seen whether we are the ones actually saving her...or whether she is saving us.

And, as if you need further proof that she is truly my dog...here are a few pictures of the three of us at Montrose beach. Yes, friends. Mike and I were able to find a dog who loves the beach as much as I do!