Alabama’s Story

In 2016, Michele and her now-husband visited several shelters looking for the perfect dog to adopt together. They knew they wanted a small to medium-sized dog, but after meeting countless pups, they still hadn’t found “the one.” Eventually, they found their way to ADL. Still, they weren’t sure they’d find their fur-ever. That’s when a strange feeling fell over her.

“For some reason, something told me to walk all the way to the end of a long hallway that was mostly lined with large dogs. That’s where I saw her. She was exactly what we had been looking for.”

A beautiful, energetic puppy with an eager-to-please personality, Alabama quickly stole their hearts. “We weren’t completely sold on the shelter-given name at first,” Michele laughs. “But the dog herself was exactly what we had been looking for.”

Curious about her background, Michele later completed a DNA test and discovered that Alabama is a mix of Australian Shepherd, Catahoula Leopard Dog, and Blue Lacy. “Suddenly, her habit of pointing at squirrels in the yard made perfect sense!” she says. Looking back, Michele can’t imagine Alabama having any other name. What once seemed unusual now feels like the perfect fit.

Nearly ten years after that visit to ADL, Alabama continues to bring happiness to her family. “Our adoption experience gave us Alabama, and we truly couldn’t have asked for a better dog,” her adopter says. “She has brought so much love, loyalty, and joy into our lives, and I wouldn’t change a single thing about our story.”

Sometimes, the pet you’re meant to find is waiting at the very end of the hallway.