I can’t believe it’s already been a year and a half since I started walking the dogs at my local shelter.
In that time, I’ve met many pups each with their own personality, quirks, and stories.
To celebrate the journey, I wanted to share a handful of moments that have stayed with me.
Some made me laugh, others made me tear up, and all of them taught me something.
Moment #1 – Cardio Is Required When Walking Huskies
I still crack up every time I spot a white husky on the trail.
Without fail, my mind goes straight back to the day I unintentionally went “sledding” with a dog named Coldplay.
One second we were walking . . . the next I was gliding behind him like I was competing in the Winter Olympics.
It was chaotic, hilarious, and absolutely unforgettable.
→ Lesson: Stay flexible — Huskies like to keep life interesting.
Full story: Dog Sledding in Texas?
Moment #2 – The Nervous Pup Who Took Her First Confident Step
Fern, a gorgeous 7-year-old Doberman Pinscher mix, had been in the shelter for 132 days.
Her confidence had taken a hard hit, and even getting her out of her kennel required patience and reassurance.
I walked slowly, talked softly, and let her set the pace.
With every gentle step, she opened up just a little more and eventually those hesitant eyes relaxed in the sweetest way.
→ Lesson: Patience pays off in the most beautiful ways.
Full story: Fern’s Journey Toward Trust
Moment #3 – The Muddy Adventure
Rainy day walks are not my favorite . . . but I do them for the pups.
And Miley a petite American Staffordshire Terrier mix lived for those wet, messy moments.
She splashed in puddles, rolled in the mud, stared down ducks like she was guarding the kingdom, and demanded belly rubs in the soggiest spots possible.
Somehow she made a grey, rainy afternoon feel joyful.
→ Lesson: Sometimes the messiest days are the ones you treasure most.
Full story: Miley vs. The Ducks
Moment #4 – The Unexpected Cuddle Break
Some of my favorite memories were never about walking they were about sitting.
Just me, a dog, and a quiet patch of grass.
Orchid, a Siberian Husky with the softest presence, had a calming energy I wish I could bottle up.
We’d sit together and watch the world move around us, soaking in the stillness.
→ Lesson: Connection grows strongest in quiet moments.
Full story: Meet Orchid, the Gentle Husky
Moment #5 – The Kind Stranger on the Trail
One day, my walking buddy and I crossed paths with a man who had been watching over a stray for two days.
He made sure she had food and water and even stood watch so she wouldn’t get hit by a car.
People like him prove that compassion still exists in the world.
Thanks to his kindness, the shelter was able to bring her to safety.
→ Lesson: Community makes miracles happen.
Moment #6 – The Goodbye That Broke (and Healed) My Heart
The day my girl Koko was adopted was one of the happiest and hardest days I’ve had as a volunteer.
I try not to have favorites . . . but sometimes your heart chooses for you.
Knowing that she was adopted and imagining her with her new family made me tear up, but it also filled me with hope.
Goodbyes are tough but they’re the whole reason we do this.
→ Lesson: Every goodbye is the beginning of somebody’s forever.
Full story #1: A Bittersweet Adoption Day
Full story #2: Meet Koko
Sit, Stay, Share – Let’s Howl!
If this first year and a half has taught me anything, it’s that shelter dogs are unpredictable, hilarious, and a blast to be around.
I can’t wait to see who I’ll meet next!
