by Dana Michalski

Created on: April 30, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

In 1990, I was a typical college student. Living in a small apartment with a roommate, eating grilled cheese sandwiches with ketchup (as a filler), broke, lonely from being away from the comforts of home. I've had animals my entire life and here, at college, I realized that that is what was missing. I needed a companion.

I promptly informed my not-so-wonderful roommate that I was getting a dog. His reply? "Fine, as long as you don't pay over $25 and don't get a large dog." "Oh, and I have something against black dogs, don't get a black one."

With stern instructions in hand, I set off to the local Humane Society. I sat out in the parking lot for about an hour before I could muster up the courage to go inside. I'm a huge animal lover and to have to walk in a Humane Society and not take ALL the animals home is very hard for me. Compare it to an alcoholic having to walk into a bar and not drink a beer.

When I entered, I told the lady that I was there to view the dogs. When she asked what type of dog I was looking for, I replied "Not a large dog, not a black dog, and I'm really on a tight budget." She then directed me through the double doors straight ahead. My life changed forever.

There were plenty of dogs and puppies to choose from. All shapes, colors, sizes. There were barking dogs, sleeping dogs, growling dogs. Oh, my head was spinning. I was overwhelmed. I wanted them all. I wanted to comfort each and every one of the furry masses.

I took a moment to regain my common sense. Then, as I scanned the entire noisy room, I looked straight ahead. It was the largest cage in the room and held about 11 puppies of various breeds. A small black puppy with the largest paws I've ever seen was sleeping with his head held cradled in his front legs. There were 3 Beagle pups rambunctiously playing with one another. The Beagle's were jumping all over the little black pup. He then came out of his lumbering sleep and glanced up at me. That was it. I was done. Here was my new dog.

I quickly went out to the front desk and informed Ms. Desk Lady that I had found my dog. I knew which one I was taking home. She returned to the noisy room with me and I pointed out the pup.

Back to the front office we went with new pup now cradled in my arms. She felt the need to tell me a bit about this dog. I wasn't listening. I was breathing that lovely puppy smell, feeling his soft fur against my arms, and his wet nose against my hand. I was in love.

"His name here is Drew."
"He is 8 weeks old."
"He is

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