I wanted to share our experience with adopting a dog. My hope is that it encourages others to consider adoption—and also helps people know that while it can bring so much joy, it isn’t always easy. After a few quiet months at home, we decided it was time to add a dog to our family. Once the decision was made, there was no turning back. The very next day, during my weekly volunteer photography session at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, I met him—a 100-pound yellow lab mix. He wasn’t what we thought we were looking for, but he turned out to be everything we needed. Life feels fuller and brighter with him in it, and though adopting a dog has its challenges, the love and joy they bring make it all worthwhile.
