The most life-changing impulse purchase I've ever made

SEPTEMBER 2010- DALLAS, TX

It's a quarter 'til noon and I'm scarfing down the last bite of my frozen dinner. Before I return to the day's tasks, I take a quick break on Facebook. Among the hundreds of updates, one post catches my attention: a picture of a teary-eyed puppy with a caption that reads "SAVE A LIFE TODAY". Despite my better judgment, I click on the link. My local animal shelter faces extreme crowding, and unless enough dogs are adopted today, many will be put to sleep.

Admittedly, I have wanted a dog for some time. Researching breeds for the past couple of months, I decide that a boxer is the dog for me. My demanding work schedule leaves little time for potty training, and my tight budget means that a purebred puppy is out of reach. Still who can resist that headline? I feel compelled to help, even if my bargain is against the odds. I offer a hesitant negotiation to adopt a dog if the following (very unlikely) pup is at the shelter:

Gabby's first picture. (I was still calling her Trixie) 

1. A purebred female boxer

2. She must be older than 6 months (this reduces the adoption fee by 50%)

3. She must be potty trained and up to date on all shots

4. She must be neutered and healthy

5. She must be available today. After all this, I have to help with the Facebook post!

I visit the shelter's web site and discover that adoptions are open until 5:45. It's going to be a close call, and I return to work. The end of the day arrives, and I head straight for the shelter. I pull into the parking lot at exactly 5:15 and race to the door.

"Good afternoon!" I hear from a friendly voice behind the counter. "How can I help you today?"

"Hi there," I respond. "I saw your post on Facebook about your crowding issue and I'd like to see if I can help."

My little party animal

"Oh certainly," the woman smiles. "But we are almost out of time. Adoptions close in 30 minutes. I can hardly expect you to make a decision that quickly. Would you like to come back tomorrow?"

"Actually, I know exactly what I'm looking for," I say, as I rattle off my list.

Remember:

-purebred female boxer

-older than 6 months

-potty trained and up to date on all shots

-neutered and healthy

-available today

"You're never going to believe this," she laughs. "Follow me." The woman leads me down a long corridor of barking and howling dogs. Young and old, big and small, breed after breed. Many of the kennels are packed 3 dogs deep. Wow, this place is crowded. I think.  We reach the end of the row and I am face to face with my fate. There she is: 8-months old, all her shots, healthy, "potty trained", and neutered yesterday.

Gabby and I during a walk in Chicago

"She was surrendered two days ago by her previous owners, and just became available today," the woman looks at me with a satisfied smile. "Her name is Pixie. Would you like to meet her?"

"Gladly," I reply. "But I hardly need to. We can go ahead and call this a done deal."

Two years and two name changes later, Gabby (formerly Pixie and Trixie) has secured a permanent place in my heart. Shamelessly enthusiastic, she wears her heart on her sleeve. Her propeller-like tail wags her entire body when I walk through the door. Outgoing and playful, Gabby never meets a stranger. The world is her oyster, and she's been known to strut down the sidewalk on our evening walks. Gabby has taught me patience, sacrifice, and unconditional love. She has been my companion through 3 moves, and her outgoing nature has even made me some friends. Despite the many carpet stains, chewed belongings, and veterinary bills (she is VERY mischievous), I have never regretted my split-second decision to bring Gabby into my life. While I'd like to think I found her one day in September, Gabby knows the truth. She found me.

Keeping me company while I work