By Marie Farrell
“If you want to have a good life, you should focus on your family, on your business, on your dog, on your fun, and you'll have a good life.” - Adam Carolla
From the day my parents brought me home from the hospital, I’ve had a dog in my life. Maybe that’s why I can’t imagine my life without one.
Three and a half weeks ago, my precious Lola came into my and my husband Steve’s lives.
We were looking to adopt another dog after our beloved Molly passed away November 27, 2016. We adopted Molly from the Nassau Humane Society in Fernandina Beach. She was with us for 15 wonderful years.
Molly and me
Molly was a Beagle. CJ, the dog we had for 14 years before Molly, was also a Beagle. So naturally, we were looking to adopt yet another Beagle, but I was having trouble finding one in the area to adopt. I had been searching for months.
I looked around and found a Beagle rescue in Tampa. One week before I was planning a trip there to look at adopting a dog, I found Lola. It was meant to be.
Lola
I was having coffee in Ponte Vedra when I noticed a sign for SAFE Pet Rescue adoptions at Pet Supermarket. I had never heard about that organization before, but I decided to go check it out.
A volunteer took me inside the mobile adoption unit, and I spotted Lola. I asked if she could take her out so I could get a closer look at her, and Lola immediately jumped in my lap and gave me a hug. That’s all it took. I asked Steve to come meet her and we took her home that very day – April 30.
Lola has been a complete joy. She’s still got a lot of puppy in her. The shelter said she’s a year and seven months, but I think she’s really under a year old. She enjoys chewing on things – like my shoes – but she’ll grow out of that.
Lola and her chew toy. She still has a lot of puppy in her
Lola has such a good disposition. She loves kids and loves playing with other dogs. People ask me all the time what kind of dog she is. Well, I actually don’t really know! The rescuers told us that she was a hound, but you can see a little bit of everything in her. One thing is for sure, she’s an extremely friendly and gentle little dog.
When you adopt a dog, I strongly believe that the dog is not the only one who benefits. A dog will bring so much happiness into your home, along with a different routine. You will also be encouraged to get more exercise. Lola goes on walks around the neighborhood four times a day, and she absolutely loves it! It’s a great way to get outside and see the neighbors and the community.
We tried to introduce her to the beach, but she’s still a little unsure about it. She doesn’t like getting her paws wet! She also loves to travel, which is a good thing because Steve and I really enjoy traveling. We recently went to visit Steve’s brother in New Smyrna Beach. He and his wife have a four-year-old Labrador Retriever named Pepper. Lola and Pepper got on very well and played the entire time.
Lola and Pepper playing
She’ll soon be an international traveler as well! We will be taking her to Panama with us in the near future.
We can’t thank SAFE, which stands for Saving Animals From Euthanasia, enough for taking in Lola and her sister. Her sister was adopted the day before we adopted Lola.
SAFE is based in St. Augustine and has pet adoptions at the organization's headquarters, 1250 County Road A1A S. in St. Augustine. Dog adoptions are also held at 6101 A1A S. seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends at the Ponte Vedra Pet Supermarket located at 880 A1A N.
There are so many dogs that need homes and are waiting to be adopted. I’ve adopted dogs from shelters for the past 40 years. All of them have been rescue dogs and all of them have been absolutely wonderful.
I encourage people who are looking for a dog not to pass up this amazing organization!
For more information about SAFE, call (904) 460-0556 or visit www.safe-pet-rescue-fl.com.
Farrell International Realty Broker Owner Marie Farrell and Farrell International Realtor Win Wilson with Lola, Farrell International Realty "mascot."