When Andre J. and his family lost both of their 13-year-old Chihuahuas last year, they were devastated. They felt a void in their lives as they grieved. As time passed, they realized that they were ready to bring another dog into their lives.

“We were heartbroken,” Andre says. “But it was time to adopt a dog who needed a home.”  

Andre decided that they would adopt a puppy—and in a fortuitous turn of events, the ASPCA Adoption Center received a transport of sweet puppies looking for loving homes. 

Addy, alongside several other puppies, had just been transported from a partner shelter in Mississippi on the Nancy Silverman Rescue Ride, an ASPCA^® relocation route that transports animals in overcrowded shelters, to shelters where they will have a higher chance of adoption. 

Addy was a somewhat shy yet energetic puppy, with an infinite amount of love to give. As Andre and his family toured the Adoption Center and looked at the sea of small, furry faces, they stopped when they spotted Addy. 

“She was sitting there with a cute, goofy, floppy-eared face,” Andre tells us. “We instantly fell in love with her.”

When talking about his first meeting with Addy, Andre insists that the young dog chose them just as much as they chose her. “When we were introduced by the trainer, Addy instantly bonded with us,” he says. “Five minutes later we took her home.”

That day in September, Andre made the adoption official, and their family became whole again.

“She's been a joy ever since,” he says. “She’s growing immensely and learning a plethora of commands.” Andre also tells us that Addy has an affinity for chasing squirrels, something they’re working with her on.

When asked about what advice he has for someone considering adopting a shelter pet, Andre shared, “I hope you can extend your hearts and homes to an animal in need of love. Addy has filled our hearts with love—I thank the ASPCA for giving our family Addy.”