Nessa

While living in Atlanta, my boyfriend convinced me we needed a dog. When Valentine's Day weekend rolled around, We went to the Barnes and Noble in Buckhead where APR would bring their pets. We immediately fell in love with Nessa, an awkward and unsocialized dog. She was rescued from a trailer with over 200 dogs in South Carolina. The conditions were so bad, over half of the animals had to be put down. I don't think we realized the severity of the situation at the time. The first year was filled with tests on both end. Nessa did not trust a soul and had no domestic pet characteristics. She also didn't understand what toys were. It was extremely trying.

I learned patience, trust and love. This February will be 10 years that Nessa has been my companion and best friend. Each morning I look forward to seeing her sweet face and her tail wag. I didn't see this tail wag for almost a year when i first got her. Everyday is step in the right direction.

Since our days in Atlanta, Nessa has become quite the traveler. I've moved to Colorado and Utah and I spend about 3 months out of the year in Georgia. Nessa tends to travel with me. I believe she thinks it's her job. She flies in planes (on board with me), over nights in hotels and has been coast to coast in a car. She was meant for life on the road!

Nessa is getting a little old but still enjoys long hikes, snowshoeing and trips to the beach.

I adore her so much, she has changed my life.