Joey came to us in the way most stray dogs probably end up with a home: someone tells their husband they just HAVE to pick up this REALLY CUTE dog who JUST NEEDS A FRIEND. Never mind the fact that we have two adorable kittens and this stray dog just so happens to be a pit bull.

And so Joe and I endure the looks we get as we walk to the park, and watch people cross the street while we work on leash manners. I wake up to barking promptly at 6 am to let him out to pee. We attend a pit bull education class, and field questions from friends and strangers about how Pete and I don’t look like pit bull people.

I believe that animals (and people) come into your life for a reason, even if it’s just for a little while. We may not be Joey’s forever home, but he is with us now. We are saving each other, Joey and I. I am giving him the best care and love I know how, and he is very insistent that I wake up to take him out each morning. It seems like a small thing, but it’s everything right now.