Terra: It was right before Christmas of 2013 when the small white dog with black spots was surrendered to the shelter, along with a red-and-gold hand-knit blanket and a pillow.

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Simon: Our firstborn child had fur. He was a Corgi. But Simon’s days as an only child came to an end when my daughter was born. He turned out to be a great big brother.

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Kenya: Kenya, the mighty “Lion Dog” was our 120 pound Rhodesian Ridgeback. She was patient and sweet. The kids used her as a big pillow or as a pony as needed.

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Carl: I never intended to get a Chihuahua as they are so small and fragile. But “Blimpo” was the biggest pup in the litter. He looked like a black and tan mouse. We renamed him Carl.

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Ted: Ted reminded me of one of my son’s college professors, a short redhead. He was tiny but had a will of iron – and he wanted no part of the show ring from the very beginning!

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Penny Lane: “But I don’t want any more dogs!” I told my daughter. But Penny would give me the saddest dog face ever. She loved our house – for her it was doggy Disney World.

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Harper: The CD of one of our favorite musicians, Ben Harper, was playing in the car. Suddenly it came to me. The pup was no Manny, he was a Harper! It was perfect.

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Niko: A little black shepherd-like puppy began his life in San Juan but made it to the U.S.. We call him “the Wizard of Food.” He can open garbage cans, refrigerators, and doors.

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