I'M 74 AND ADOPTED A GERMAN SHEPHERD WHOSE OWNERS WANTED TO EUTHANIZE.

When my son called me about Hunter, my heart broke. A young couple had brought this gorgeous 3-year-old German Shepherd to the shelter, asking to have him euthanized because they were moving and couldn't "handle a big dog anymore." A dog they'd raised since he was a puppy — just tossed aside like he didn't matter.

The shelter refused, of course, and kept him, but when I heard the story, I couldn't stop thinking about him. I told my son I wanted to adopt Hunter, but he hesitated. "Mom, he's a big dog — what if it's too much for you?" he said. But I've had big dogs before, and I know how to handle them. Besides, when I met Hunter, I saw right away that he's a gentle, obedient soul.

I brought him home that day. Now, Hunter follows me everywhere, curls up by my feet, and watches over me like he knows I saved him. It's hard to imagine anyone seeing him as a burden. He's my family now, and I'll never let him go. 🐾