For years I’ve wanted to adopt a dog, but I always made excuses. “Oh, I won’t have time.” “I’ll choose the wrong one.” “Maybe next year.” On a cold day in January, though, I was going through my routine of looking at Animal Humane Society’s website, and I saw her face. Her name: Sassy, a 7-year-old Chihuahua/Dachsund mix. I fell in love instantly and went to the St. Paul location after work.
She immediately took to me, and I to her. I had concerns about her weight (she came in obese), her age and health, so I put money down and slept on it. The next day I brought her home.
Of all the decisions I’ve made in my life, adopting Sassy is the best thing I’ve ever done. She is obsessed with me, but I’m just as obsessed with her. She is ridiculously happy all the time. She lives for fetch and is excellent at returning the ball. Her weight and age concerned me about just how active she would be able to be. I am an active person, and while Sassy isn’t a runner, she LOVES to walk. We go on walks in the morning and in the evening, and she enjoys exploring South Minneapolis and Minnehaha Falls.
Sassy is an absolute delight, my best friend, the light of my life. I think about her all the time.
Sassy is a reminder not to dismiss someone outright because of initial appearances. Yes, she was a bigger girl when I got her, but she’s so active and spunky that the pounds are just coming off! She’s nimble, quick, smart and adorable. Older dogs are often overlooked for their younger counterparts, but I would caution folks to give every dog a chance. Had I dismissed Sassy because of her age and weight, I would have missed out on the best part of my life. I’m glad I chose her, and I’m thankful to have her.
- Matthew
I’M NOT CRYING YOU’RE CRYING!

















