Growing up in New York, Laura Nolan had Candy, a German Shepherd mix. She has fond memories of many good times. Like many people, when Candy passed away (old age), Laura vowed to avoid experiencing that painful loss again. She went to college, worked long hours and helped care for her grandfather. She fell in love and had Caitlyn.
Caity begged to have a dog, but the timing was never right. Laura became a single parent, and helped to care for her mom. In 2009, they relocated to South Florida for the beautiful weather and sunshine.
Some day, Laura and Caity would have a dog. It made them happy, imagining the walks, cuddles and unconditional love. Laura stayed very active, working and volunteering at Caity’s elementary and middle schools. She served as PTA president and volunteer coordinator. Caity maintained excellent grades and planned to go away to college.
2018 was a very rough year. In addition to Caity’s impending college departure, Laura’s mom became ill and passed away, suddenly. Weeks later her boyfriend did not survive a routine procedure. Reality hit her: soon, she would be all alone. Maybe now was the time to add a furry family member. She talked to friends involved in rescue. She would adopt.
Simultaneously, Caity planned on having a dog at college. Both had been looking online for weeks. A Second Chance Rescue had a newly arrived litter of five Lab mixes, abandoned in Alabama. There was a video of Zanda playing with a toy, as the other puppies played together in the pen. “Mostly white, with a lot of spots, Zanda had a unique black patch over her eye. I was smitten and showed Caity,” states Laura. A meet and greet was arranged. Zanda was on the timid side. That was the reason an approved adopter passed on her weeks before. “Their loss was our gain,” Laura thought to herself. Their application was approved, and home visit completed.
After her spay, Zanda came home in June 2019 and was renamed Laney. She was just 10 pounds and eight weeks old. They considered also adopting her sister, but realized having a new puppy was already going to be a huge transition.
“Boy had things changed.
Growing up with Candy, dogs got basic care, grocery store pet food, and a dry place to sleep. No crate, training or treats. A dog was loved, but not really like the family members we have today,” added Laura.
“There was so much to absorb: training, seat belts, smart toys and proper foods. It was definitely a learning curve, talking to dog lovers and a lot of Googling.” Having a pup forced them to walk, every day. Caity worked all summer, so Laura became Laney’s person.
In the blink of an eye, it was time for Caity to leave. The original plan was for Laney to go with Caity. The three ladies hit the road to Tallahassee with a U-Haul. Caity settled into her apartment. Since they had bonded during training, playtime and walks, Caity agreed Laney should stay with her mom. “I don’t know what I would have done, had I come home to an empty house,” added Laura.
They have gone to visit Caity a few times. Laney is really good on car rides, and has her own car seat and seatbelt. She always wears her collar with ID, for safety.
Laura considered adding another pup to keep her company, as Laney really liked other dogs. How much more trouble could a second dog be? Pregnant and heartworm-positive, a Deer Head Chihuahua arrived at A Second Chance Rescue. She delivered five puppies, who looked nothing like her.
After nursing her pups, she underwent HW treatment. She was adopted, along with two of her pups. At just three pounds, Lola joined Laura and Laney, after her spay. Like adding any new family member, the dogs’ relationship was not instant. They went through a transitional period, and now they are best friends, even with a 50-pound weight difference.
People think they are doing a pet a favor by adopting them, when in fact they are blessing us with much more than we can imagine. “It’s corny to say, but these girls really rescued me,” shared Laura. “These two furry blessings keep me going, laughing and moving through life, whatever it may bring.”