- Terra Faye Anderson -

Before our move here, my husband told me that we would get a dog for protection.

We did not need to seek out one, it would find us.

Back in October, I volunteered with the Ladies Group to help find homes for puppies.  Before I left my husband told me, “Do not bring home a puppy.”  He had explained how difficult it was to train dogs and how much work was involved.  I said, “I don’t want a dog.  I have 2 cats.”  I was just going to help out the Ladies Group.

As soon as I arrived the 3 puppies came out of the truck and they were scared, especially Terra.  She was shaking so much.  So I got down on the ground and tried to calm them down.  After an hour of Terra lying on my lap and the other 2 ladies convincing me that I must have a dog, I took her to the internet café to Skype my husband.

He did not want me to bring her home.  After an hour of examining her on the webcam, he finally agreed that it was fine if I HAD to have her.  Everyone in the internet café agreed that I should take her home too.  She was so scared and would not even walk in the street.  I had to carry her.   There was no way I could send her back now.

When I got her home, she was so skinny and full of mange.  Dona Carmen had already named her Terra.  My husband said, “Thank goodness you took this dog home.  She is so ugly; no one else would have adopted her. “He proceeded to name her Terra La Fea = Terra the ugly.  I then shortened the name to just Terra Faye.  After much medical care and love, her wounds all healed.  One month later, my husband said, “Thank you so much for bringing this dog home.  She is the very best dog I have ever had in my life.”  Wow!  He wanted me to quote him in saying that he has had so many dogs but none better than this dog.  Much to our surprise she has never had to be trained and has never misbehaved.  This dog is so appreciative and grateful.  I think many of these dogs we have waiting for homes would be the same way.  They would just be so happy to be adopted and they would not want to disappoint their owners.  We really feel they are the best dogs to have as they are so grateful for love and food.

For me personally, I have never had a dog in my adult life.  I never realized the joy that a dog can bring everyday.  She is  my workout partner.  Terra motivates me to  walk during the week.  Exercising is so much more fun with her. I forget I am even exercising when I watch how she plays  and enjoys it so much.  We are always together.  Terra is always next to me guarding and protecting me.  She is my little angel sent from above.  I did not choose this dog, she chose me.  We are very glad she did.  Therefore I am now a part of the PAWS committee trying to find loving owners for these animals.   What a difference one animal can make.