A Reunion to Remember
When Latasha adopted Miss Rosie, a spunky puppy who had made her way to the Dumb Friends League, the last thing she considered was returning her a year later.
The dog was a constant source of love and reassurance during an uncertain time across the world. As COVID-19 dominated the headlines and interrupted routines, Latasha entrusted the League adoptions team to help her find the perfect addition to her family. Rosie was that perfect addition. It was love at first sight during their virtual adoption consultation.
And that bond grew stronger after Latasha adopted Miss Rosie. It seemed that nothing could come between Rosie and her loving family – until Latasha found herself battling cancer.
“I was doing treatment three days a week, working full time and my son is in his first year of high school,” Latasha explained. “There wasn’t anyone home to give her the attention that she deserved. I gave her back [to the League] because I wanted someone to just give her that love and attention she deserved, but it broke my heart. I really didn’t want to.”
Latasha’s difficult decision to relinquish Rosie was both thoughtful and compassionate. Though she longed for her companion’s comfort and affection more than ever, she put the dog’s needs first and entrusted Rosie’s care to the League once again.
Nearly four months later, Latasha was in remission. Her thoughts immediately turned to possibly being reunited with Rosie – especially when she came across the dog’s photo on Facebook. “It was a photo of a League volunteer walking her,” Latasha said. “[My mom] called to see if she was available and [found out Rosie] had just been adopted out a couple of days before that. I was so sad. I cried for two days.”
But Latasha and Rosie’s story wasn’t over. “Something just told me to go on the Dumb Friends League website, and I just started looking. Then, I saw her picture,” said Latasha. Rosie had been returned once more. Latasha couldn’t stand the thought of losing her again, so she booked an adoption appointment immediately. She reached out to the adoptions counselor who did the first consultation more than a year ago.
She called me back and said, “I really believe that Rosie’s your dog, and you’re where she’s meant to be,” said Latasha. “I just started bawling. We were both crying.”
Just two days later, Latasha and Rosie were reunited. Tears of joy and yelps of excitement filled the consultation room, Rosie greeting Latasha with hugs and kisses, showing the exuberance of long-lost friends finding each other once again. “A part of me thought I would never see her again,” Latasha said. “And every day since I brought her back … I’ve been lost without her.”
