It took about 18 months to get over the passing of Chloe and June, sister terriers who passed away within a year of each other (ages 14 and 15). We’d adopted them from the shelter in Charlottesville, VA when they were puppies and they were our family’s constant joy. A few months ago we adopted a three-year-old stray terrier mix from the Champaign (IL) shelter, a feisty, free-spirited male the shelter workers had named Captain because he thought he owned the place. There is nothing in the world better than a shelter pet. They are entirely devoted, eager to please, ready to fit in and be a part of the family. I’ve loved about 14 family dogs in my 50 years, and each one is “the best.” They are all such a blessing. God surely made dogs to be our singular companions.

— Julie from Philo, IL