Onyx

My dog Onyx was honestly one of the greatest things to happen to me. When I was ten years old, my mom and step dad packed my younger brother and I up and moved us from Washington state all the way to Pennsylvania. Away from the family I loved and was close to, to his family who didnt know me and didnt bother trying to pretend they cared about me. As you can imagine my mental health declined quite a bit. My mom and I fought more, I started failing school, and made less effort to make friends, often opting to read rather than socialize. But then things got worse when we finally moved into our own house away from my step dads family. He became sexually abusive towards me. And after years of putting up with it, I attempted suicide for the first and last time. When that was unsuccessful, I decided to run away. And that was a lot more successful. I ran to one of my only friends house and got in contact with my grandmother here in Washington. She didnt know the full story, but she worked on getting me a plane ticket to go and live with her. Within days, I was back in Washington away from that household. But my depression and anxiety became cripplingly worse. I barely ate or got out of bed most days.

It was my Aunts idea to get me a dog. At first I didnt think it was a good idea since I could barely take care of myself, but the more I thought about it, the more excited I got. I'd always wanted a dog. So we went to shelters and looked online and met so many amazing dogs. But I never really felt a good bond with any of them. I dont know if it was because I couldnt find the energy to bring forth any effort or what, but it sucked because it just made me feel even worse and more hopeless. I went weeks without going to the shelters anymore. But then out of the blue my Aunt sent me a picture of this adorable tiny dog, and her eyes just spoke to me. Her previous owners were trying to get rid of her as soon as possible. She had been a gift to the wife as a puppy, but the wife was allergic to dogs. They tried to keep her, until the wife found out she was pregnant and that's when they decided she wasnt worth it. Their mistake. So I took a chance and drove to Seattle with my Aunt. When we got to their little apartment and walked through that door, that adorable creature ran right up to us, without barking, and just started wiggling and jumping around. I instantly loved her personality, she was goofy and clumsy and so sweet. How could anyone dream of getting rid of her. She brought an instant smile to my face with her antics. I took her home that night. Now I had a reason to get up out of bed and take care of myself, because she was relying on me now too. She was amazing to have around. She was so silly and always cuddled with me when I needed it. She made me laugh and smile and gave me comfort and happiness. Now two years later I'm married and my husband and I couldnt imagine our household without her. She brightens everyones day, especially after a rough day at work. She was a true lifesaver.