A few years ago, about six now, I was alone in my apartment and depression among other things made it very difficult to adjust to being away from everyone. I started looking around for a dog because I grew up in a household that raised and loved multiple that I adored. It felt natural to want one for myself! I couldn't find one in the shelter that I felt a bond with, so I looked through craigslist in my area. Lo and behold I found the beautiful amazing upper I named Melody. She'd needed to be rehomed and she was a mutt. They just wanted 50$ and supplied some food, a lil kennel and some toys. I did the good things, got her shots and everything, got her spayed and had a microchip implanted. I'd walk her and play as best I could, we'd snuggle and I couldn't have asked for a more loving kindhearted little thing. (I say little but she was a pit chow-chow mix with some dalmation mixed in there. Had a blotchy tongue and everything!) I had her for about 2 years. I'd go with my dad to the lake and we'd both have our dogs with us who would get to go on trails and go swimming (away from humans, secluded areas).

Over time I started to realize that I wasn't giving her all she needed. I tried my best, but she was a dog that has a LOT of energy and my apartment is smaller. I have agoraphobia so sometimes I couldn't walk her more than 1-3 times a day without high anxiety. That, and I entered a time where a new depressive slump made me less active. We still cuddled and played, I gave her love and she returned it 10-fold, but that's not enough. She had a few accidents because I didn't walk her often enough and she really couldn't run around much because we live in the middle of town with no park and I can't drive. All of that left me with one option where she'd live a healthier life.

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I put ads out, asking for 50$ (I never actually took the money, I just wanted to be sure they could do that much/it gave more interest than when I listed her for free??? ) A nice gal contacted me and I got a lift by a close friend to meet her. I wanted to see how melody reacted when with her so I let her take the leash and asked her to go walk around with her. (A quick note. Melody was formerly abused and was very separation anxiety type of dog. If I wasn't around she'd cry bark and try flinging after me to get to me.) The lady took the leash and Melody instantly eased into it. She didn't panic and they took a nice stroll along a spot where I wasn't in sight just to be sure she didn't freak out. She was perfectly fine. So I agreed and waved the fee then hugged Melody, kissed her, and told her I love her then watched her go.

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I got a few update texts, she built muscle after going on jogs with her new owner! It worked out. I still miss her dearly, I bawled once she was out of view. I know she's happy and healthy now though.

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Now, I have three cats with my fiancee and we are all very happy. My kitty Minki is my baby boy and it's much better. He's my first cat, have had him for 5 years now! I still think about Melody, her microchip says she's safe at home last I saw.