Animals are a common interest that my dad and I share, especially our love of dogs.  For as long as I can remember, I have owned dogs.  My dad has been the director of the Fort Defiance Humane Society for many years, and that is where my love for dogs began.  I would go with him to work on the weekends to walk the dogs and play with the puppies.  I remember looking forward to it every week!  I basically grew up there, with all the employees becoming like a second family to me, and my love for dogs kept growing as I aged. 
The first dog I remember having is a black poodle, named Queen.  My dad rescued her from the humane society, after she was taken from an abusive home.  My family adopted her when my brother was about a year old, before I was born.  She grew up with my brother and I!  The majority of our childhood memories include her!  Through good times and bad, Queen was a member of the family.  Whether it was through my parents’ divorce, or moving to a new house, she was along for the ride. 
Queen was a part of my life from my first word and first step, until the beginning of my junior year of high school.  She passed away in December of 2014.  Devastating is the only way to describe that time for my family.  It was honestly like losing a family member. 
Rather than sulking over the death of the dog that I have loved my whole life, I decided to make the most of it.  My love for dogs continues to grow and there is a special place in my heart for shelter dogs, coming from rough situations.  I now plan to save money and open a rescue for dogs when I am older.  I hope that one day I can bless a family with an amazing dog, to become their new family member, just as my family was blessed with Queen.