A Rainy Day Adventure with Miley

It was a wet and chilly day, but I decided to trade in my warm comforter for a leash and a waist bag full of treats.

My options? 

A drizzly day with mild temps or a sunny day with below-freezing temperatures. 

Either way, spending time with shelter pups was bound to be a paw-some experience!

Like last week, I visited the shelter when it was open to the public, but unlike last time, there were fewer volunteers.

I had a sneaky suspicion that the dreary, drizzly weather was to blame.

Luckily, the amazing staff member who helped me choose dogs last week was there again to guide me. 

I had my heart set on walking one pup in particular, but someone else had already taken him out. (Just wasn’t quick enough!)

“I have the perfect dog in mind for you,” the staff member said. 

“Her kennel mates are out on their walks, and she’s all alone.”

Enter Miley, a petite American Staffordshire Terrier mix. 

She was so small that I mistook her for a puppy, but she’s actually estimated to be four years old!

The first collar I picked was too big for her slender neck, and I worried she might slip out of it. 

So, before heading out, Miley and I took a detour to find a better fit.

Along the way, she happily indulged in eating yummy treats and receiving belly rubs, lots of belly rubs!

Once outside, Miley sniffed her way around the shelter’s landscape, exploring every inch. 

She climbed rocks, tasted leaves, this girl is an adventurer at heart!

After about ten minutes of roaming, we finally set off for our official walk. 

Miley walked well on the leash, though she’s a bit of a puller, especially when something fascinating catches her eye.

Like birds!

This girl is a bird-watching pro. 

One second, we’d be strolling along, and the next, she’d freeze in place, her little ears perked up, eyes locked onto a bird in the distance.

It was ridiculously cute.

Other things Miley adores? 

Belly rubs, jumping up for hugs, pets, and attention. 

I know jumping isn’t the best habit, but with shelter dogs, I don’t mind. 

I’ll happily sacrifice clean clothes for a little extra love.

Speaking of messy clothes, I really should’ve taken an “after” photo to show how muddy my waist bag and shirt were by the end of our walk!

Throughout our adventure, Miley would randomly turn toward me and jump up, demanding hugs and affection. 

I couldn’t resist so I caved each time and gave into her demands.

We also practiced the sit command, and she did great! 

During one of our training, okay, treat sessions, she happily accepted her reward before flopping onto her side for a belly rub.

I kid you not, I sat on the sidewalk for a solid five minutes rubbing her little belly while she blissfully closed her eyes. 

My hands were getting tired, but seeing Miley so content made it all worth it.

As I was rubbing her belly, I noticed two other volunteers heading back to the shelter with their dogs. 

Little did I know, those pups were Miley’s kennel mates!

Here is a video of Miley in all of her cuteness.

Here are more shorts of Miley: Snack break | Bird watching pro

Back at the shelter, as potential adopters wandered through in search of their future furry friends, I temporarily forgot which kennel Miley belonged in and accidentally stood outside the wrong one. 

Oops!

A staff member was passing by, so I followed them to Miley’s correct room. 

That’s when I saw the two volunteers again, returning their pups. 

Miley’s roomies!

One of them accidentally shut the door before I could get Miley inside.

“Oops, sorry about that!” they said with a smile. “We’ll wait with you until it’s unlocked.”

I thought that was incredibly sweet.

As we waited, I learned that it was their second time volunteering, and they were loving the experience. 

A staff member soon arrived to unlock the door, and I said my goodbyes to the two new acquaintances I met as I helped the staff member settle Miley back into her kennel.

I asked if there was anyone else that I could walk but they said everyone has been out already.

It was still early in the morning and I wanted to walk one more pup . . .

But then, good news! 

They decided there was one more dog who could use a stroll.

Stay tuned to find out who I “walked” next!

Miley: A Ray of Sunshine on a Rainy Day

Despite the gloomy weather, I had the best time with Miley. 

She was the sunshine on an otherwise rainy day, and thanks to her, I got to meet two fellow animal lovers.

It doesn’t get any better than that!

Sit, Stay, Share – Let’s Howl!

What’s your favorite memory of spending time with a dog, whether it was your own pup or a shelter dog?

Share your story in the comments!

Ready to Expand Your Pack?

Want to add a family member to your tribe?

Visit here to checkout her ID & bio.

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 mid February, 2025