When I originally found Marylou, I wasn't looking for a dog to adopt. I was a senior in college still trying to figure out exactly what I was going to do with my life. But in November, I discovered an Instagram account Bug's foster family had made. As someone who follows three hundred dogs and counting on Instagram, I wasn't about to pass over following this beautiful girl, a five-year old terrier/Staffordshire bull terrier mix.

As months went on, I fell more and more in love with her. I'd seen stories about people who just knew that a dog was meant for them, but I never expected that I'd have that experience. The problem was that I was still in school and knew my schedule wasn't great for Bug. But I messaged her foster family anyway, and we stayed in constant contact until I finished my classes. I officially adopted her in April, and I finally got to bring her home in May.

I have only had Marylou for a short time now, so I am still adjusting and experiencing new things with her every day as we continue to grow together. Still, I already know that there isn't anything I wouldn't do for her. I was warned that she would be nervous around people, but she got very comfortable with me in the first two weeks, and she seemed to understand that she would get nothing but love from me and the people I carefully introduced her to. She quickly turned into the biggest attention hog and my little shadow, always right behind me, watching my every move.

Everything about being a dog and being loved—from playing with toys and playing tug of war to cuddling up with me on the couch—seems new to her. That's been the hardest part of rescuing Bug: not knowing much about her past, and imagining the worst. She was found as a stray, with a sagging belly that indicates she's been a mama way too many times and scars on her face that suggest either abuse or injury. Because I don't know where she came from, I've had one too many nightmares about the kind of life she could have lived before she made her way to Austin Pets Alive!

I am dedicated to showing my dog the best life she can live now, because she deserves to have someone love her and take care of her. And every day that she becomes more comfortable with me is a day that our bond and my love for her grow stronger.