After our Boston Terrier died of cancer. He was so brave even after his rear leg was amputated, I swore that I wouldn’t have another dog to love and then lose.

In the 40+ years of marriage, my wife and I have adopted many rescue animals and nutured them. After "Petey" left us, I realized what an empty spot was left behind in my heart.

The Boston Terrier Rescue group in the Wash. DC area had Buddy and needed a loving home with lots of room for him. They said he was a full bred Boston Terrier. I agreed to have him come for a visit. Was I shocked when he arrived. He was the wrong color (liver), he was too big, he had a tail and big ears and looked more like a baby boxer. But, he had a big heart and we fell in love immediately.

He has spent the last 3 years with us and there is no greater pleasure than having him give me unconditional love and companionship. He has taken over our place, and regards the street on which we live as his private domain and has adopted all the kids on the block as his "pack".

Why anyone would go to a pet factory and buy a dog is a mystery for me. There are thousands of "rescue" animals just waiting for the opportunity to love somebody. Thank you for letting me share my own love story with you.