Karen Gannon's story of her special friend who came into her life via a pet shop brought warmth to my heart. I know the dangers of getting a pup from a pet store, back yard breeder, and even the risk you take with rescue. But for all the horror stories, there are happy endings.

Indy came to me when I was at the lowest point in my life, through a shelter, having been surrendered to the shelter by his previous owner who beat and starved him. I walked into that shelter to drop off newspapers for use in the puppy cages. I always walk through the dog area just to say hello to everyone looking for a home. On the very last row was this thin, sad face. He wouldn't come to the front of the cage, he wouldn't even look at me. I sat on the floor infront of his cage until one of the techs walked by and asked if I needed help. They told me about his background and I turned and walked away (the dog was watching me by now.) I went straight to the office, filled out their forms, paid the adoption fee and went back for the dog.

I sat on the floor and they opened his cage. He took a step forward and I offered him the back of my hand to sniff. He watched me, I watched him. The tech put a leash on him and had to drag him out of the cage. We walked around a bit in the fenced in area and this guy was stressed. Finally we worked our way to my car. I opened the door and he hopped in. The first few days he was very shy but never snapped, very quiet and reserved but never took his eyes off me. I'd had him for about two weeks when I had a very bad day. I got home and sat down on the sofa to have a good cry. He jumped up beside me, put his head in my lap, then put his feet up on my shoulders and gave me a kiss.

Life has never been the same for me. Indy now has his CGC and is working on his CD and TD. He does therapy work with stroke patients at a local hospital. You'll never meet a more empathetic dog in your life. I got a little brother for him after I'd had him for 1 1/2 years, they're the best of friends.

Does every sad story have a happy ending, no. But some do. Can you save every sad, thin face you see in a petshop or shelter no. But sometimes when you're least expecting it, they'll sneak into your heart and save you. Indy saved my soul from despair, Austin brought joy to my life.