It felt like spring was in the air, so I took full advantage of the beautiful weather by heading to the shelter to walk some pups before the cold returns!

Normally, I volunteer when the shelter is closed to the public, so I was surprised to see the parking lot full and bustling with activity.

Volunteers were everywhere, eager to take a dog out for a walk.

I chatted with one woman who told me it was her first time volunteering, she had learned about the opportunity through a group chat on campus.

The air felt different that day.

The energy was busy but filled with warmth and excitement.

It was a shared love for the animals, and you could feel it in every interaction.

As usual, I wandered the shelter halls, unsure of which pup to take out.

Most of the kennels were empty, many of the dogs were already outside on their adventures.

Some of the remaining pups had cones around their heads, a clear sign they had recently been spayed or neutered.

Luckily, a helpful and kind staff member noticed my hesitation and offered a suggestion.

“Can I make a recommendation?” they asked.

I turned to face them, ready to say yes to whoever needed a walk.

“Would you mind walking Baby?”

I nodded immediately. “Of course!”

As we walked over to Baby’s kennel, the staff member told me more about the large volunteer group that had been at the shelter that day.

I handed them a collar, unsure if it would fit.

“She’s a big girl,” they said with a smile. “It should be just fine.”

And that’s when I saw her, a big Baby girl!

Talk about a surprise.

I expected a petite pup, but Baby on the other hand, was anything but small.

The shelter lists Baby as a Boerboel mix.

She was a little shy at first, I actually love the quiet, timid ones.

Their calm energy puts me at ease, and seeing them gradually warm up is always a rewarding experience.

Before heading out, we stopped by the treat station, where I grabbed a handful of goodies.

Unfortunately, Baby ignored the treats; maybe she was too nervous to eat.

One thing I quickly learned about her?

She liked walking in circles around me, constantly tangling me up in the leash!

She also loved when I petted her and probably would have been just as happy staying inside, enjoying some quiet time together.

But we ventured outside, and she was a great walking buddy.

She didn’t pull at all, just strolled at a steady, relaxed pace.

As we passed other volunteers and their dogs, Baby would stop, looking back at them as if checking in.

Once there was some distance between us and the other dogs, she would continue walking as usual.

I didn’t take any photos of Baby but I do have a short video of her, if you want to check it out.

We enjoyed a solid 30-minute walk, and by the end, she looked happy and content.

Right before we finished, she did it again, wrapping me up in the leash one last time.

A fitting way to end our walk, just the way we started!

Sit, Stay, Share – Let’s Howl!

Have you ever met a dog whose name didn’t match their look or personality?

Tell me all about it in the comments below!

Visit here to read a story of another shy girl.

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Or checkout more adoptable pets at the Grand Prairie Animal Shelter, or visit your local shelter to receive and provide love to an animal in need.

This adventure took place in early February, 2025