Lindsay Gill, a Senior at the University of Oregon is packing up her life to start a new adventure in Tempe, Arizona when she graduates in March. She has her room boxed up, kitchenware in bins, but most important- the box that carries a leash and small toys.
Lindsay still has vivid nightmares about her last dog, sometimes keeping her awake at night. But now Lindsay has a reason to wake up smiling because she has healed as much as possible and made a new life altering decision. She could not be happier.
Two years ago, Lindsay watched a car screech to a stop to avoid her “Little Koda Bear”. Her long-haired Chihuahua was only a puppy at the time, but since they were in a cul-de-sac with no cars, she let him off leash. This is the decision she regrets today.
Koda was ran over and killed instantly. “Crying, screaming, panic, complete panic,” is the only way that Lindsay can describe the experience. She blamed herself. “I thought there was no way I was going to get another dog after seeing my entire life, dead on the street in front of me.”
Last weekend Lindsay spent her time signing her lease in Tempe and took a pit stop at the Maricopa County Shelter, which is known to be a high-kill shelter. This is where she fell in love with a new dog. “I didn’t think that I was healed enough to have another dog until I laid eyes on Penny. I knew that I needed her in my life.”
At first glance Lindsay saw a fluffy, wide eyed dog and then read the breed-Tan Chow. After asking some questions Lindsay found out that Penny had been abandoned, was 1 years old, rarely barked, and was low maintenance.
Lindsay knew that because Penny wasn’t a puppy there was less of a chance of her being adopted- she was going to save this dog. With a swift hand motion, she signed the papers and Penny was legally hers. After some conversation, it was decided that Penny would stay in Arizona with Lindsay’s sister until she graduates, along with a pinky promise that Penny would get lots of love while Lindsay was away.
Come March Lindsay will be graduated, in her new apartment in Arizona, dog bones scattering the floor, a dog cuddled up beside her, and a collar reading her cell phone number. Even though she thought she would never be able to own another dog, she will have opened her heart to another furry friend. She will know that she is helping Penny just as much as Penny is helping her. A new companion, a new love, a new dog.