Who's Won Free Food & Treats for a Year?*

Melissa Aschenbrenner—27 years old

Asheville, NC

Well I have two dogs or fur children as they are lovingly referred to. But my essay is about my first born! My dog's name is Kordelia. I adopted her from a local animal shelter on a whim. I was going through a rough patch in my life. The day that I adopted her I had stopped at the gym after having a really bad morning. After working out I went next door to pick up some lunch. Set up outside was the local shelter. I couldn't resist a look. I mean, puppies have always had the power to make me feel better! After glancing at a few of the cages, I spotted her. She was nestled between two other puppies. There was the hyper one, then the lazy one, and her. She was a perfect blend of both, not too hyper, and not too lethargic. I immediately had to play with her. I petted her soft fawn puppy down, she enveloped me with her puppy breath and instantly I fell in love. From that day on my life fell into place. I couldn't keep her at the place that i had been staying, so I had to move back in with my boyfriend. And basically we all lived happily ever after. Almost a year after I adopted her, we obtained her brother, a goofy Great Dane that we named Loki. I married my then boyfriend, and four years later we had a son. As I type this essay, Kodelia is under my feet, my son is in the living room playing with my husband, and Loki is resting at the door. My life couldn't be more perfect, and I have it all to thank to my dog, Kordelia!