[Parents: Pat and Ray Niekamp]

We didn’t plan to adopt Ella. However, circumstances combined suddenly, and before we knew it, we had a new dog.

We had lost our previous dog at the end of 2018. Just a few days later, a post on our neighborhood Facebook page jumped out at us. Three boxer mix puppies had been abandoned just a few miles from our house. A family was taking care of them until homes could be found. We called and learned only one, a female, was still unclaimed. We headed over to meet her.

Puppies, of course, are irresistible. This one was a big ball of fur, with an expressive face that featured an asymmetrical stripe down the snout. We took her, and we named her Ella.

We still don’t know anything about Ella's first twelve weeks, but the vet told us she’s part boxer, part pit bull. Another vet who specializes in behavioral issues told us she exhibits a lot of anxiety. But by a stroke of luck, we met a dog trainer who has already made progress with her. Ella is much mellower than before. Her daily walks are getting longer, and she responds well to leash control. Still, her energy is boundless, and we take her to the dog park twice a week so she can wear herself out playing with other dogs. She’s also the biggest dog we’ve ever had—quite an adjustment for a couple in their late 60s.

The lesson here is to go into adoption with your eyes open. Ella has been a challenge, but she’s finding new ways to entertain us every day.