I adopted Sweetie in July 2024. Her name when I met her was Piddle and she was part of a crew of dogs that came up from North Carolina. So she’s been with me almost eight months. When I met her, we didn’t have a lot of info on her, other than she’d never been in a home and was “shy”. On the way home from Toronto Humane Society, she was lying in my lap shaking with fear and adrenaline of the day. I had my arm around her and just kept saying, “It’s okay  sweetie, you’re coming home”…and that is how she was renamed Sweetie (Piddle was a terrible name). 

Sweetie is learning about the world and we’re taking things at her speed and in her time. She is completely sweet, kind, not aggressive and is becoming more and more affectionate with me daily. She is learning about human and dog friends and she is learning that she has fluffy beds, blankets, food and is safe. 

She loves to walk. After months of not going further than up the street, she now walks 6 to 13 kms! She loves all the parks and is becoming more confident on the street. She’s a real adventurer and I am so grateful for each walk we find ourselves on and each new thing learned…for both of us. 

My husband died three years ago and a dog we loved died a year ago. So my life has been very quiet and strange. Sweetie is bringing in new energy and we’re teaching each other about patience and bravery, love and kindness. More importantly, we’re teaching each other about being present…to each other, to the day, to whatever the day holds. I am so grateful for her already. 

It’s only eight months, but it’s the beginning of a long relationship. Adopting her was the best thing I did last year. 

Here are a few photos of her. She has filled out and has beautiful fur. I love her. I am so glad she’s here. 

If you would like to share your Happy Tail on our website and social media, please send us a photo and story at happytails@torontohumanesociety.com.