While living in Denver, my husband and I volunteered at a shelter and saw first-hand how much longer it took for senior dogs and pitbulls to be adopted. As renters, we were unable to add another dog to our family, and until recently pitbulls were banned in Denver. But we knew that once we moved back to Ann Arbor we would rescue, ideally a senior and a pit.

Summer 2019 we made the move, and went through dog walking training at HSHV. As the year went on, I became more serious in my search for an addition, and in November, Paige popped up on the website and we went in and walked her. She was very quiet in her kennel and laid with her back to people, but she lit up when she was outside. She’d just had two masses removed and was overweight, but she showed no signs of slowing down! Paige came home with us for a pajama party (such an amazing program), we made her adoption official on December 5th and she is now Penelope/Penny/Pen.

It has been just over a year, and I cannot put into words just how much we love her and how wonderful and easy she has been. She’s snuggly and you’ll always find her on a pillow, but still has plenty of silly energy and loves walks, fetch, hikes, car rides, and most of all – swimming. If you are considering rescuing, please give those animals a chance who aren’t necessarily the ones wagging their tails at you through the gate, may have medical needs, or may only have a few years left – they will be so thankful! We will continue to give her the best life possible, advocate for pitbulls, and are so thankful for HSHV!

Paige now Penelope