In late 2024, my dad’s office building hosted a pet adoption event that turned out to be truly life-changing for our family. Among dogs of every breed, age, and size, one tiny, spunky puppy immediately stole my heart. She was just weeks old, full of attitude and energy, a little brown bull terrier mix with bright white patches and the most fearless personality in the room. She made a beeline for me and started playing as if she already belonged.

That same day, after talking it over as a family, we put in a request to adopt her. Thanks to Pet Orphans Miami, we were given the incredible opportunity to welcome her into our lives. We named her Luna, and from the moment she came home, she became family. The past year has been filled with nonstop zoomies, laughter, and love. Luna has grown right alongside us, bringing joy to our home every single day. She formed a special bond with our oldest daughter, and when she moves, Luna will be going with her to keep her company, something that fills us with both pride and a little heartbreak. While we’ll miss her terribly, Luna will always be part of our family, and we look forward to plenty of visits and puppy-sitting time with her.

We are endlessly grateful to Pet Orphans Miami for giving us the chance to meet Luna and experience the joy of adopting her. Because of them, Luna found her forever family, and in many ways, we found exactly what we didn’t know we were missing.

I was fortunate enough to be in the office one day last December when one of Miami’s local pet rescues, Pet Orphans Miami, was hosting an adoption event in our building. I had no idea that stepping into that space, just to “take a look”, would completely change my life. As I walked by the pens, I spotted this little guy and instantly felt drawn to him. There was something about him that stopped me in my tracks. When I picked him up, he didn’t hesitate for a second, he licked my cheek, wrapped both paws around my neck, and held on tight, as if he already knew exactly where he belonged. In that quiet, unexpected moment, everything clicked. At that moment, I just knew he was my dog.

Thanks to Pet Orphans Miami, I was given the incredible opportunity to adopt him and bring him home. I named him Oggi, and from day one, he filled my life with joy, comfort, and a kind of love I didn’t even realize I was missing. Fast forward a year, and I truly can’t imagine my life without him. Oggi has become a beloved part of my daily routine and a familiar face in the neighborhood, a little celebrity who spreads smiles wherever he goes. He has a special way of connecting with people, especially his Pops, and brightening every room (and sidewalk) he enters.

I am endlessly grateful to Pet Orphans Miami for bringing Oggi into my life and for the work they do to give animals a second chance at love and belonging. Oggi didn’t just find a home; he changed my life in ways I never expected. Love you to the moon and back, little guy.