My girlfriend and I made a random trip out to PAWS on October 10, 2011, and little did we know that that day would be the first day of the rest of our lives. Our initial intent was to look at some of the puppies available, make a few notes and comeback to pick the one we would chose up. As we walked around looking at all of the beautiful pups available it was becoming more and more clear that we were not going to leave PAWS empty handed. Our first choice was a beautiful black lab mix named Whiskey. Little did we know that by the time we had come to meet Whiskey he was already in the process of being adopted. We had to move on to plan b, and if you know anything about my girlfriend plan b’s are not usually an option…it is plan a or nothing, but that day was different. After realizing that the dog we had our mind set on was headed home with another wonderful family we looked around a little while longer. We came across a dog named Loon (perhaps Boon), and while cute as a button, after spending about 10 minutes with him in a private room we realized he was not as outgoing as we wanted our new son to be. Then by chance (or fate) we came across a lab-terrier mix named Armando and his brother in their own kennel. Although the dogs looked identical for the most part, Armando had a white spot on the end of his tail which made it appear that someone had just dipped it in a can of paint. It wasn’t just Armando’s tail that caught our eye, he was energetic jumping up on the door, tail wagging, just as excited to see us as we were him. After our alone time with Armando, our minds had been made up and our lives would never be the same. Since leaving PAWS, Armando has become Bourbon, and although there was an initial case of pneumonia (which we both thank PAWS for taking care of him and returning him to us at full strength), he has been a complete joy. Bourbon has become a full fledged member of the family and he may be the only son I ever get so I have learned to spoil him as such. He has been taking beginner obedience classes at K9 University and we have learned that he is a very smart puppy. Bourbon is now a strong, healthy 7 month old puppy that my girlfriend and I wonder how we ever lived without. We both just want to thank PAWS for everything they do for all pets and hope that you all continue to keep up the great work!

Delmar Wright and Kameron Matthews