Name:  Natalie Amaya
Dog's Name:  Marlowe
Breed:  chihuahua/papillon/terrier mix
Age/Years of friendship:  3 years
Where did you get your dog from:  Big Dogs Rescue
Location:  California, USA
Social Media Link:  www.instagram.com/Marloweandshakes

After I said goodbye to my beautiful 14 year old schnauzer mix, Jilly, I was heartbroken and so was our other dog, Shakespeare. I couldn't focus at work, I stopped working out, I lost interest in a lot of things and I was clearly depressed. I thought I'd be able to handle it because Jilly was a senior and had been sick for a long time, but it's never easy to say goodbye, especially when you love someone that much. I've always been a supporter of adopting seniors, but my husband said he wasn't ready to see me go that route again and he suggested adopting a puppy. I did NOT want a puppy!! I didn't want to deal with the extra work puppies require; house training, chewing on everything, waking up every few hours, etc. Seniors are so much easier! But I knew Shakespeare and I were ready, so I figured I'd let my husband choose this time...

We found a family that was fostering a Mom and 3 puppies through Big Dog's rescue. We decided to go meet them and see where it went... They were the cutest little bunch! One scruffy blond pup, one that looked like a tiny Husky and a sweet Mom who looked nothing like either of them! They were wrestling, playing and showing off. Then I realized the third and tiniest puppy had been sitting in the foster Mom's arms observing everyone, not making a sound. We asked if we could hold her. Her name was Meredith and she was the tiniest, sweetest creature I've ever held. My husband held her for a bit too and when the time came to set her down, she wouldn't let go. That was when we knew she had chosen us.

We brought her home, changed her name to Marlowe and three years later, she's still the most precious little thing. She has brought so much joy and love into our home. She adores Shakespeare the way he used to adore Jilly and he loves her right back. She has a kind soul, which comes out in every animal interaction she has; She follows the cats, just to give them kisses, she loves everyone at the dog park, and she welcomes all of the dogs we foster with an open heart. She's also wonderful at bringing out the best in all of them and making them feel like a part of our family. 

While I was incredibly heartbroken with the loss of Jilly, I am amazed at the healing and joy this little pup has brought into my life. She didn't just choose us, she healed us.

We brought her home, changed her name to Marlowe and three years later, she's still the most precious little thing. She has brought so much joy and love into our home. She adores Shakespeare the way he used to adore Jilly and he loves her right back. She has a kind soul, which comes out in every animal interaction she has; She follows the cats, just to give them kisses, she loves everyone at the dog park, and she welcomes all of the dogs we foster with an open heart. She's also wonderful at bringing out the best in all of them and making them feel like a part of our family. 

While I was incredibly heartbroken with the loss of Jilly, I am amazed at the healing and joy this little pup has brought into my life. She didn't just choose us, she healed us.

This is Marlowe and my story. What’s yours?

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