On September 16, 2017, I made one of the best decisions of my life. I decided that I wanted to go to Phoenix and rescue a dog from an animal shelter. I had been wanting to adopt one for a while now because I had missed my dog, Lady, from home so much. When I decided I was going to adopt a dog, I had no idea the journey I was about to embark on. I had no idea I would ever find a dog that I value more than anything in the world. I never thought I'd find a dog like Bailey, but I did and I am so incredibly grateful.

When I got to Phoenix, me and my best friend Meghan decided to go shopping first and then go check out the dogs. I had fun shopping in Phoenix with Meghan, but for some reason, I had this feeling in the pit of my stomach. Then I thought it was anxiety or nervousness, but now I know it was something telling me that my life was about to change forever. After we finished shopping, we headed over to the shelter. I was so excited to look for a dog that I could possibly be bringing home with me. I was so excited to start a new chapter in my life, but I had no idea who would be the one I would decide to take home with me.

As I walked into the shelter, my heart broke. I saw literally hundreds of dogs in cages that desperately needed homes and I wanted to take every single one of them home with me. Every time I passed a pit bull, I desperately wanted to take it home because I have a soft place in my heart for pit bulls. My dog from home is a pit bull and I just love their kind. However, I knew it wouldn't be fair to get a pit bull because they typically need more space than my small apartment in Tucson. I was trying to look for smaller dogs because I knew that it would be better for them in an apartment environment. I was also specifically looking for an older dog. I knew I wanted an older dog from the start of my search because I wanted to give a dog a second chance. Senior dogs hold a special place in my heart and I definitely wanted the new addition to my family to fall into that category.

Walking through the six or seventh hallway lined with dogs left and right, I almost felt like I would never find my perfect dog. I figured I would walk out of there without a pup and it broke my heart. I was ready for a dog; I just wasn't sure the right dog was ready for me. About halfway down the hall, something made me stop. I saw two huge black pit bulls in two different cages. They were so adorable and my heart broke for them, but something told me to look at the cage in between them. There is when I saw her. There is the first time I saw my best friend, biggest supporter, and the only soul that has ever showed me, consistent unconventional love. Bailey.

20 pounds, with black curly hair, floppy ears and all, I saw my Cocker Spaniel. She was so beautiful and so happy. She jumped up and down, barking a playful bark. She wanted to come out of the cage so bad and see me and I could tell. I immediately went to the front and inquired about her. They told me she was 6 years old and suffering from a hernia at the time. They were trying to persuade me not to get her, because of her illness. And like most times when my heart is involved, I didn't listen. I took her outside for her first walk at the shelter and discovered her hatred for birds. She was so happy to be with me and I knew in my heart we were supposed to be together. That day, about 40 minutes after I had met my Bailey, I signed the papers and left with her.

Looking back almost a year later, I don't remember a life without her. She is ready to celebrate her first birthday with her mama (me) on Sunday. She is spoiled rotten and is getting a bunch of presents, a cake and I may or may not be decorating the house in doggie birthday decorations. Some people may say I'm nuts, and I don't really care because I found a soul that made me realize my passion for helping dogs. She led me to adopt her brother, Rocky, and helping as many animals as I can whenever I can do it. Animals are such amazing, innocent and beautiful creatures and all they need is the right person and love to shine and reach their full potential. Bailey embodies that idea and has certainly made me a better person, a more loving individual and definitely a more patient dog mama. I encourage anybody thinking about adopting to go out and do it! I had no idea what I was doing either until I did it. And I have never looked back. Happy 7th Birthday Bailey! Mama loves you!