For five years now, Frank and I have shared our home with Pepper, a 6-year-old Taco Terrier, a designer Terrier breed created by crossing a Toy Fox Terrier with a Chihuahua. We'd been toying with the idea of adopting another pup to offer Pepper companionship. I had specific ideas as to what I was hoping for:

• Chihuahua mix due to our affection for the breed.

• A dog that doesn’t need grooming.

• A housebroken, adult dog.

• A Female to avoid marking behavior.

• A weight of 10 – 15 lbs. - small enough for me to carry but large enough to avoid slipping through the fence.

• No health issues.

I was hoping the Universe would drop the “right” dog at our doorstep, but that didn’t happen, so I took further action.

With my wishlist in mind, I joined our local no-kill shelter's "Find a Pet" program and waited patiently. While numerous emails trickled in with adorable dogs to choose from, none seemed to be the perfect match.

Then fate stepped in.

During an afternoon visit with my daughter, who was aware of our consideration of getting another dog, she shared a possibility.

"Mom," she began, her voice filled with excitement, "last night at our neighbor’s get-together, there was the most adorable little dog! A friend of mine, a foster mom, brought a small poodle with her. He was wearing a big blue bow with the words, 'Adopt me,' written on it."

“Poodles are great dogs, honey, but I'd prefer a dog that doesn't need grooming.”

"But Mom, remember, Poodles don't shed, and this little guy was so chill.”

She had a point. Pepper does shed quite a bit. "What more do you know about the dog?” I cautiously questioned.

“I'll reach out to Jessica, his foster mom, right now.” She grabbed her phone. “She can fill you in.”

“Alright, we can do that.”

Jessica, the foster mom, kindly proposed to bring the little dog, whom the shelter had named Han Solo, over the next day for a visit. The convenience of not needing to leave the house did make the proposition more appealing.

Han Solo's backstory is indeed quite sad. He was rescued from a Missouri puppy mill at five years old, where he lived a bleak and dire existence used solely for breeding purposes. His entire life, up until that point, had been spent in captivity. Once the puppy mill deemed him unnecessary, they planned to terminate him. At this critical juncture, a no-kill shelter intervened, rescuing him from a fate that would have been both cruel and terrifying. With this in mind, I had no idea what to expect.

During our initial meeting, the two dogs instantly hit it off. Pepper playfully and gently interacted with him while he happily followed her around the house and backyard, his face adorned with a broad smile. He was learning to embrace the joys of being a dog after enduring years confined to a cage.

"I've never seen him this happy," Jessica remarked, her eyes glistening with a hint of tears.

I returned her gaze, understanding the depth of her feelings. “I think he’s meant to be a part of our family.”

Simultaneously, we both leaned in for a hug, “I think you’re right,” she whispered.

We decided to rename Han Solo - Samson, a name suggested by Frank, who insisted, "He needs a big name to overcome his past." Finally, Samson can enjoy a secure and comfortable life as an ordinary dog, embraced by a loving family.  Each night, he nestles in a soft, warm bed alongside his human mom and dad and his canine sister, Pepper. Every morning, he wakes up with an undeniable smile (no exaggeration), eager for belly rubs and kisses.

Over the past two months, we've observed Samson's transformation from a shy, insecure little fellow into a playful, adventurous spirit. At first, his movements were stiff and awkward, a heartbreaking result of prolonged confinement in a cage; he barely had the coordination to run. Unfamiliar with the joy of a belly rub, playing with toys, or even the simplest pleasures such as savoring treats were foreign concepts to him. It took a full two weeks before we heard his first bark. It pains my heart to envision the circumstances that caused such a profound silence.

Pepper has been instrumental in helping Samson discover the simple pleasures of life as a dog.

Now, he dashes across the yard with uncontainable excitement, his run still slightly endearing in its awkwardness, characterized by an adorable kick of his back legs.

He no longer hesitates to offer his belly for a rub; in fact, he willingly flips over in anticipation, a sign of growing trust.

While he has developed a fondness for his toys, there remains a hint of bashfulness when he notices I am watching him. It's as if he's uncertain whether indulging in play is permissible. Despite this, he delights in hauling them out of the toy box, scattering them across the living room in a display of newfound freedom.

His taste buds are finally beginning to relish treats, and he often can be found lounging on the rug, contentedly gnawing on a chewy.

Above all, he has found his voice — and oh, how he uses it! His barks echo with enthusiasm that is truly a joy to witness.

Pepper and Samson share an affectionate bond, an undeniable mutual affection. With Pepper as his guide, Samson is learning to embrace the joy, freedom, and security of life as a beloved fur baby. They are a perfect team.

Oh, and let’s talk about that list I made of what I wanted in a dog.

• Samson is no Chihuahua. He is 100% Poodle.

• He needs grooming every six to eight weeks.

• He is most definitely not housebroken – how could he be, living in a cage? We’re working on that.

• He is not a female, and he tends to mark in unfamiliar territory or over another dog’s urine.

• He is the perfect weight at 11 pounds.

• He did receive a clean bill of health from the vet.

Even though Samson only checks two boxes from my original wishlist, it's irrelevant. His breed, grooming requirements, house training status, or even gender – none of these factors carry any weight. Our affection for Samson is immense, and his love for us is evident. At the heart of it, the bond of love and connection is all that truly matters.

Thank you, Jessica, for bringing Samson to our door!