I didn't plan to find to find my best friend this past New Year's day. We had a dog already, and while I had "adopted" her into my heart, she had been my husband's little girl and companion since before I met him. I thought it was maybe time to add to our family and give me the chance to raise a puppy myself. We told ourselves we were "just going to look," as hundreds of other people do, I'm sure. I don't really need to tell you what happened next.

I couldn't have imagined how much Penny would change my life in the almost-seven months we've had her. The whole paradigm in the house shifted. Our dog gained a new sister and playmate (to this day, she still does not play as well with any other dog), our cat has made his peace with her and has even become bolder around others because of what she's taught him, and my husband and I have been more active and playful with all the animals.

While training a puppy is hard work, Penny has proven herself to be a quick learner, dedicated, and even caring in how she wants to prove herself (though, let's be honest, she just wants more treats). She struggles with some dog reactivity on leash, but we get better every day. Training has given us a special bond that helps us get more in sync each day. Sometimes I think she can read my mind! While that may be in my head, I do think she can understand what I'm feeling, and she has been a comfort to me in hard times. If I could take her everywhere with me, I would. When she's away, I talk about her, and when she's around, I talk right to her. She's also the primary target of my camera.

What's most special to me is what Penny has brought to our circle of friends and family. Since her arrival, we've made a point to bring her on as many adventures as possible, from social outings to romps in the park to trips across the state to comfort my grandmother (I sure wish I had taken a picture of that!). It's hard not to be enamored with her honey-colored puppy-dog eyes and mile-long ears, and she has never met anyone who isn't an instant friend. I like to think that Penny can take credit for encouraging four of my friends to adopt from shelters in the last few months, adding to the love and excitement in these families but also bringing more dogs better lives. She has truly proven that nothing beats a rescue's infectious love. Plus, I got a really great friend to boot.