Deemed Unadoptable, Destined to Save a Life

How her story started, I don't really know. I do know this, she was meant to be in my life far before she was ever created and she will never truly know the depth of what she has done for our family.

When I was younger I didn't have a great childhood. During the hard times I had this stuffed dog. It was a tan and white dog that I called "Millie", so it was no surprise that when I saw this tan and white dog deemed "unadoptable" on a social media site, it caught my attention. Let me introduce you to Millie.

"Unadoptable. 24 hour kill list. Need pledges ASAP! Dog cannot be handled. Was thrown out of a window going down a busy VA highway. No further information is known. Very scared. Time is almost up! Foster or pledges needed ASAP!!"

I don't know why I decided to write those words "I'll take her. Full pledge. Where is she located and how do I apply?" My Millie dog always gave me comfort, and I felt the need to help this scared little baby. I never did have to pay a fee, as so many other pledges came after that, that she came fully pledged. She was so scared that it took a week to get her to me. But there she came. Her entire 30 pound self, like a tornado of emotions into my life. She was a mess. But so was I. And together we were going to heal.

27 days. That is how long it took for me to be able to approach her without her cowering in fear, running away, or barking, growling, and acting vicious. I understood the "unadoptable" status. But they were wrong. Day 27 she came up and shoved her head under my arm as I sat on the back porch. She was healing. Now it was my turn. And with Millie I did.

It has now been an amazing 5 and a half years. Millie has helped me heal through heartbreak. She was there to comfort me during PTSD that I gained when I was almost murdered 3 years ago. She helps my kids fall asleep when I don't let them sleep in my bed. She gives us endless laughs with her love of country music and serene country nights. She loves being picked up like a baby and being rocked to sleep. She has made the loneliest of nights so much less lonely, in a time when my life was so questionable. She has been the best friend and most amazing savior. I'm thankful that she's brought us all so much joy. And I know she's thankful for us. She shows her love and compassion, she doesn't run off, we get endless poochie smoochies, great pictures, and all the cuddles in the world.

Her name is Millie and she was thrown out like garbage. But you know what they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure. And I have the best treasure of all.