An Unexpected Call That Changed Everything
Life is full of unexpected moments—some small, some monumental. For Stephanie Howden, one phone call twelve years ago turned out to be the latter. It was just another day when her partner, Seth, called her with news that would change the course of their lives forever.
Seth had learned about a recent police raid in the rural town where his parents lived. Officers had uncovered an illegal meth lab, but amidst the chaos of the investigation, they had also stumbled upon something completely unexpected—a tiny black puppy, abandoned and in desperate need of a home.
“Do you want this puppy?” Seth asked over the phone.
Stephanie, now 38, had always loved dogs, but the idea of adopting one had always felt daunting. Owning a pet was a huge responsibility, and at the time, she was living alone and working long hours. Could she really provide the care, attention, and love that a puppy needed? She hesitated. But then she thought about the little puppy—alone, scared, and unsure of its future. And suddenly, there was no question.
“Yes,” she said.
And just like that, Cokie—affectionately nicknamed Coco—became part of their family.
The Challenges and Joys of Raising a Rescue Dog
Bringing Cokie home was both exciting and overwhelming. The small pup was nervous, unsure of her surroundings, and hesitant to trust anyone. Stephanie quickly realized that adopting a rescue dog came with its own unique challenges.
“She was so timid at first,” Stephanie recalls. “I could tell she had been through a lot, and it took time for her to feel safe.”
At first, Cokie would shy away from loud noises and sudden movements. She was wary of strangers, and it took weeks before she would comfortably settle into Stephanie’s home. But with patience, love, and reassurance, Cokie slowly began to trust her new family.
Fortunately, Stephanie wasn’t navigating this journey alone. Though she lived on her own, her parents lived nearby, and Seth was always around to help. Cokie quickly became the center of attention in not just one home, but three.
“It was like she had three different places where she felt completely loved and welcome,” Stephanie says with a smile.
As time went on, Cokie’s personality began to shine through. Though she was still a little cautious, she also had a feisty, playful side. She would curl up beside Stephanie on the couch, follow her from room to room, and wag her tail excitedly whenever Seth visited.
“She was definitely a little grumpy at times, but that was part of her charm. And when she loved you, she really loved you,” Stephanie recalls fondly.
Welcoming More Rescue Pets Into Their Lives
Fast forward a few years, and Cokie was no longer the only pet in the household. Stephanie and Seth had both fallen in love with the experience of rescuing a pet, and they knew they wanted to give other animals a second chance. That’s when they welcomed two new members into their lives—Joey and Piper, two Jack Russell crosses full of energy and personality.
Joey, with his boundless enthusiasm, was the first to arrive. He quickly became Cokie’s playful companion, bringing a new kind of energy into the household. Piper followed shortly after, a tiny pup with floppy ears and the cutest little squeaky noises that made everyone fall in love with her instantly. The three dogs brought endless joy, laughter, and companionship into Stephanie and Seth’s lives.
Dealing with Loss and Finding New Love
A few years after adopting Joey, tragedy struck—he passed away unexpectedly, leaving a hole in their hearts. Losing a pet is never easy, and Stephanie struggled with the grief of losing such a beloved companion.
“Joey was such a big part of our lives,” she says. “Losing him was incredibly hard.”
But amid the sadness, there was also an opportunity to give another dog a home. That’s when they found Sunny, another rescue pup who needed love just as much as they did.
“When we met Sunny, we just knew he belonged with us,” Stephanie says. “It felt like Joey had sent him to us in a way.”
Now, with Cokie, Piper, and Sunny, their household was once again filled with laughter, love, and the unbreakable bond that only a rescue pet can bring.
The Incredible Impact of Rescue Pets on Mental Health
While Stephanie and Seth had opened their home to these rescue dogs, they often felt like they were the ones receiving the greater gift.
“Having these dogs is so good for our mental health,” Stephanie explains. “Whenever I’m feeling stressed, I sit and play with them, and it puts everything back into perspective.”
Like many pet owners, they found that their dogs brought them peace and comfort during life’s challenges. Working from home allowed them to spend extra time with their pets, and their daily routine was now filled with long walks, playtime, and quiet moments of companionship.
Together, Stephanie and Seth walked an impressive 10 kilometers a day with their dogs. The exercise was great for their physical health, but even more than that, it strengthened their emotional connection.
“I love the little personality quirks you get with rescue pets,” Stephanie says. “They’re not ‘perfect,’ but that’s what makes them so special. Cokie is a little feisty, but that’s just who she is. And Piper—oh, she looks like a tiny piglet with her floppy ears. The moment you give her attention, she rolls over for a belly rub.”
Each dog had their own unique habits, quirks, and charms. But no matter what, they were family.
The Growing Need for Pet Adoption
Stephanie’s story is just one of thousands. Across the country, countless animals are waiting for their forever homes—dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and even larger animals like horses.
Jessica Curtis, head of the Petstock Foundation, explains that over 10,000 animals in shelters are currently in need of adoption. And with the rising cost of living, that number is only expected to grow.
“National Pet Adoption Month is a great opportunity for people to consider opening their homes to a rescue animal,” Jessica says. “And it’s not just about dogs and cats—smaller pets like guinea pigs, birds, and reptiles can also make wonderful companions, especially for renters.”
Over the past 11 years, the Petstock Foundation has helped 41,000 rescue pets find loving homes.
“Many rescue pets are already house-trained and have basic manners,” Jessica explains. “So in many cases, adopting a pet isn’t starting from scratch—it’s about building on the great traits they already have.”
More than anything, she wants people to understand that adoption doesn’t just change the life of an animal—it enriches the lives of the families who take them in.
“It’s about creating a better future for both pets and people,” she says.
A Message for Potential Pet Owners
Looking back, Stephanie can’t help but feel grateful for that phone call all those years ago. Saying “yes” to Cokie was the start of a journey she never could have predicted—one filled with unconditional love, joy, and the simple happiness that comes from sharing life with a pet.
“They each bring so much joy and love into our lives,” she says. “I feel so lucky to have them.”
For anyone considering adoption, Stephanie has one simple message: do it.
“It might feel overwhelming at first, but the love you receive in return is worth everything. Adopting a pet isn’t just about giving them a home—it’s about finding a lifelong companion who will bring happiness into your world in ways you never expected.”
If you’re thinking about adopting a pet, now might be the perfect time. Because somewhere out there, a rescue animal is waiting—just like Cokie was—hoping for a second chance at a happy life. And who knows? That one decision might just change your life forever.
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