At the shelter, a Pit Bull mix looked like he was starving for affection. Jean Luc latched onto my husband Jim's sleeve as if begging, “Please pick me.” Only problem? He was just as ravenous for anything chewable. Our vet figured his bottomless appetite came from being starved as a puppy. Then his snack-stealing streak turned terrifying — a pair of swallowed socks nearly choked off his intestines. He pulled through dangerous surgery with a zipper-like scar and, thank goodness, that unstoppable appetite still going strong.
Fifteen years on, when it was finally time to let him go, we hand-fed our sweet boy all his favorite bites, making absolutely sure he'd never feel hunger again.—Lucy Iscaro
“Sorry to break it to you — Chelsea's the one running this show, not you,” the trainer declared. I shot back, “But she obeyed my every command — flawlessly!” Chelsea, my yellow Lab mix, had come, sat, and flopped down on cue. Seemed like perfection to me. So what on earth could be the problem?
hunting covenant — “Chelsea never once looked at you,” the trainer pointed out. “A dog who truly recognizes you as the leader locks eyes on you, waiting for your next cue. Not Chelsea. She knows exactly who's in charge.” I turned to Chelsea — and now that I wasn't asking anything of her, she stared right back, held my gaze, then flashed a smug grin as if to say we'd finally settled that little misunderstanding.—Lisa Lambert
Two years ago we took in a rescue who had been through unimaginable abuse. She battles a serious heart condition, kidney disease, a spinal problem, and even carries a BB-gun pellet lodged in her body. On top of that, the rescue dentist had to pull half her teeth after finding them in awful shape. Our bank account has taken hits for the veterinarian, the doggy dentist, and a canine cardiologist — but she's thriving, blissfully happy, and honestly the most low-maintenance dog we've ever known. Zero training headaches, zero drama. She's flawless and we adore her completely. Worth every single cent!—Carol Weitz
Dad still remembers Rover like it was yesterday. That tiny brown-and-black furball came into the family as a puppy from the local ASPCA and blossomed into a stunning Collie mix. Every day after school, Dad would ring the bell in the vestibule, and Grandma would send Rover scurrying down five flights of stairs, harness and leash in tow, ready for a long walk and a brand-new adventure. Winter was their absolute favorite season — a nearby lot piled high with a mountain of snow became their playground for hours on end, and Rover once even towed Dad along on a sled. Eight decades later, Rover still lives on in Dad's heart.—AnnMarie Massimo
After losing our 10-year-old Boston to heart failure, that month of waiting for another one dragged on like an eternity. Then Mr. Wilson walked into our lives and mended what was broken. This little love machine showers everyone he meets with affection and a mountain of fur — charming kids, pets, treats, and adventures with mom, wagging his entire back half at every soul he encounters and beaming at anyone who so much as glances his way. At the law office he reigns as “Senior Director of Stress Relief” and happily works for treats! Off the clock, he lives for fetch and boating. Best boy ever, no contest!—Brian & Morgan Kohlwes
A small ear pricked, ever watchful, always ready—Marika Lilly
hunting covenant — People call it magic — and honestly, there's no other word for it. I first met Benny in the hospital. This wasn't some mutual spell; the enchantment was all him. The second he walked in, he just knew I was his human. In an instant, something in his very bones seemed to settle — like he'd finally found his life's purpose. Me! Benny spent his first ten months mastering the art of heeling beside a scooter, retrieving things with his mouth, and keeping his every sense tuned to my wellbeing. He's always, always in sync with me. Hard to explain, but it's a feeling like nothing else — the absolute best one there is.—Mary Newton
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