There are all sorts of ways--and reasons--to get a dog

Often it seems that there are forces in the universe that match humans who need a companion with their perfect dog.

San Diego police officer Andre Thomas was called to investigate a stolen car last month. At the time he was still mourning the loss of Melakai, his beloved yellow Labrador.

Melakai had moved from Fresno to San Diego with Thomas when he was just 18 years old and they had been best friends for more than 10 years. They were so close that Thomas swore he would never get another dog when Melakai died.

The loss of a pet can be so heartbreaking that sometimes people don’t want to experience it again.

When Thomas looked through the window of the stolen car, he saw a frightened yellow Labrador staring back at him. Following protocol he took him to the local humane society where he was sure the owner would reclaim him.

After three weeks no one came forward.

That’s when Thomas decided to forget his no new dogs resolution. A frightened yellow Lab, the same breed as Melakai, needed a new human. It seemed like destiny was at work. He went back to the shelter to collect his new companion.

Thomas named the dog Victor and the two have been best friends ever since.

Dramatis Personae

Misty the alpha Poodle
In her spare time
she studies quantum theory and
reads Proust
Timmy the stud muffin
aka
“The Jaws of Death”
“The Silver Assassin”
Chamois the generic dog
The world’s only
Miniature Albanian Wolfhound
because we were tired
of telling people she was a mutt
Tudee the Rescue
Half Chihuahua, half linebacker
Found in a busy intersection
telling the cars that
she was there first
Taki
A loving cat who came off the streets
and into our lives
and never left