Fate was just in time...
Nina's story may go far beyond when I met her, but ours starts in April 2020 at the height of COVID. I was home with not much to do around that time, as was the same for many other people, so my friend Camryn and I decided to make a point to incorporate two or three 10-miles walks into each week until we were able to leave our neighborhood bubble once the (longer than anticipated) madness subsided.
Surprise!!
Well, one day, we were about 4 miles 'til finish when, all of a sudden, this little black and white dog comes popping out of the woods and starts following us. She let me pet her, came over when I called for her, and wouldn't leave more than about 10 feet between us at a time. I was flabbergasted. I was completely in love with this tiny angel already.
A little scare...
At one point, she almost ran into the road to chase a squirrel (fitting for her personality today) and when I saw a car coming, I instinctively yelled "NINA!" unsure of exactly when my subconscious concocted this perfect, cute-as-all-get-out name. Low and behold, she stopped and came right back, almost witnessing her first human heart attack.
Lost & Found...
The story continues as she followed us for those remaining 4 miles, only leaving my side once to say hello to some golfers... and only to come sprinting down the road about a half mile to come find me again. When I tell you this story still blows my mind today, I mean it. Anyways, we make it back home and she follows me right up the driveway and literally makes her way, like she owns the place, straight into our open outdoor kennel (probably mainly taking refuge from a barking Tessa).
Just double checking...
Well, my initially reaction was to post in the community chat to make sure she wasn't a neighborhood dog that had gotten loose. Once that had zero positive return, I contacted animal control to bring her into the shelter (already certain she would be coming back to me if no one claimed her... I mean, I'd already named her for goodness sake).
Best. Day. Ever.
One day bled into the next and before I knew it, I received a call back saying she had no one to claim her, no microchip and no inquiries regarding her whereabouts. Hehehehe. I filed those papers so fast, faster than she could chase a squirrel (iykyk) and finally took the 50 lb. weight off my chest that had been sitting there for days. I had my little Nina bean and she was finally safe in a quiet place where she could blossom into the amazing companion she is today.
The rest is history...
It took her some time to figure out exactly how to play with toys and to get out of her OCD separation anxiety but after just one year together, everything clicked perfectly. It's been almost 6 years now and we have our own little language, one that's hard to translate outside of our bond (sorry dad), and she is truly my best friend. I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world, and I'll never leave her side... just like she's never left mine.
Adopt, Don't Shop!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, maybe a little louder for the people in the back... please please please adopt!!!! You could end up saving a life and a bestie all in one go!!! <3
Yours truly,
Brooke Bathie