Recently I decided that I wanted to make some changes in my life - exercise, become more social (I'm kind of reclusive), and extend myself emotionally. I thought that with a dog, I might be able to do this.

Since I had never had a dog before, I went to the web to research. Because of where I live, I couldn't have a big dog and I felt smaller, yappy dogs would make me too nervous. In my search I decided by chance to check out the corgis. I only knew at that time of the tailless kind (I didn't even know they had a name). When I opened my first site, I was confused by the Cardigan and Pembroke names. I opened the Cardigan site and immediately and completely fell for the dog I saw on my screen. It was exactly what I had been looking for. I began to read about their character and decided then and there to get one.

Shortly after, I applied with the CWCCA to adopt a Cardigan thinking it might take some time. To my complete surprise, I was called the next day and asked if I could take a dog right away. It seems that a breeder in North Carolina had recently died and left behind a number of dogs that desperately needed homes. I stammered for a minute and said that I thought that would be fine and was told that some dogs would be brought to the dog show in Houston (where I live) in July, 1999.

When I arrived at the show, I was introduced to a very sad-looking and despondent 7-year old, tri-color, male. In an instant, I felt like I had met an old friend and, without hesitating, agreed to take him. Since that time, Casey has blossomed into a happy, attentive, loving, and energetic dog. He prefers to run for our walks and is the most disciplined dog on a leash of any of the dogs in my neighborhood. (He won't do stairs so I have to carry him, but we're working on that.)

In all of my years with pets, I have never experienced the closeness with an animal that I have with Casey. He is my faithful companion and his antics at the house are a large reason for the laughing I do nowadays. He is, amazingly, a perfect complement for me and my lifestyle and there was very little adjustment when he came home. The changes I had wanted to make are coming to pass, more than I had ever thought possible, and I often wonder why I never did this sooner. As a friend of mine said after getting his dog, "This was one of the best decisions I have ever made."

I owe great gratitude to all those who helped place Casey in my care and hope that they know the blessing that he has been to me. When Casey has gone on, as all things must, I cannot foresee my getting any other dog but a Cardigan.

Story by: Steve Delaune