Adopter Name

Stacey Russell

Rescue Dog’s Name

Kona

Where Did You Find Your Dog?

Nashville Humane Association

Tell Us About the Moment When You Knew that You Two Were Meant for Each Other.

My husband and I had been discussing getting another dog to be a companion for our first dog, Missy (also a rescue), and adding to our family. Missy was five at the time and we wanted a younger dog to keep her active We knew we wanted a rescue and a dog Missy’s size or smaller so we went to Nashville Humane Association the weekend before 4th of July. ”We’re just meeting dogs today,” my husband said sternly. ”We’re not getting a dog right now, we’re just looking.” I agreed and off we went, taking each of the smaller dogs out to walk them in NHA’s large fenced in park. Then we got to Kona. His name was Robbie then. He was 22lbs and 9 months old, and as we looked into his little pen he jumped up and stretched looooooong long legs and wagged his little tail. We put the leash on and started walking around outside when he slipped out of his collar when he saw another dog! He just wanted to play, but my husband scooped him up so he wouldn’t get away. As soon as Thomas had him in his arms, Kona sighed, relaxed, and put his head on Thomas’ shoulder. Thomas looked at me, and I knew that no matter what my husband had said earlier, we were getting a dog that day. We brought Kona home, and he has been my baby and Missy’s little brother ever since.

How Has Your Hero Changed Your Life?

Kona was really my first dog I have had on my own. My husband already had Missy when we met, and we had had a family dog growing up but my mom really took care of him when he was small. So, it has been a great learning experience for me on animal behavior and how dogs behave with each other. He is my ”furbaby”, and even when my husband and I have kids, he will be my first ”baby”. Every morning when the alarm goes off, he jumps into bed, snuggles up next to me, and puts his little head on my shoulder. He is ball obsessed. He would chase it all day if he could. He’s a talker. Sometimes I swear he is cussing me out because I tell him no and won’t do what he wants. Kona has taught me a lot of patience and made me realize that I may just be a good mom one day after all. He and Missy have also helped me get more involved with animal rights, volunteering with rescue organizations around Nashville, and spreading the word to adopt from local rescues and shelters and save a life.