I’m so delighted to introduce you to our new family member Dylan!
We adopted a sweet mini sheepadoodle puppy less than two weeks ago, and he already has our hearts bursting with love.
It’s hard to know when is the “right” time to welcome a new furry family member into your life. Our precious dog Bernie passed away after 13 years together in January. After this, we wanted some time to mourn and reflect the loss of him.
I think every person does it in their own time. For me personally, I wait for my heart to open again. A clear sign that this has happened is when I feel strongly drawn to a particular animal.
I’ve never adopted a specific breed in my life. My style is to visit local rescues, spend time with potential pups and just wait for the right fit.
It’s almost like dating. But wouldn’t you know it, in the digital age you can even swipe left and right for pets. Which is exactly what lead us to Dylan!
After scanning hundreds of photos of dogs, my heart stopped the moment I saw Dylan’s photo.
I quickly called the rescue center and filled out all the requested applications. I submitted photos and video of our house and yard.
I washed the car and made sure we dressed like good potential doggy parents when we went for our first meeting.
As soon as I laid eyes on this real-life teddy bear, I was in love.
David was more apprehensive than I was. Bernie was David’s first dog ever, and part of him felt like getting a new pet would be a sort of betrayal. If you are an animal lover, you know that the pain of losing them is just as strong as losing any family member.
Fortunately, David came to accept that it’s possible to love another pet while still honoring the love that you had for the one who passed on. There’s also a belief that our dogs who pass away play a role in bringing the next pet to us. And so we agreed that Bernie would show us a sign if it was the right time to adopt a dog.
After ten minutes of playing with Dylan, he stood on his hind legs and put his paws on David’s shoulders as if to give him a hug. I remember thinking – smart dog! He’s the one you need to convince.
As David and Dylan gazed into each other’s eyes, there was a collective “aww” from the rescue volunteers watching our interaction.
“I hate to end this you guys, but the next family is here to meet him.”
“Oh no, really?” I blurted out, trying to muster a delicate tone. I stifled the urge to tell the other family to back off because this is our dog!
On the drive home, David and I remarked at what an incredible dog Dylan was. We weren’t familiar with “designer dogs” but apparently sheepadoodles are quite popular and traditionally quite expensive.
But here was this 13-month-old cutie rescued from Tijuana, Mexico just begging to be a part of our lives. His previous owner didn’t want the responsibility anymore and brought him to a shelter.
That night David and I agreed that no matter what, we just wanted this pup to find the perfect home. Secretly we were certain we were the ideal home for him, but it was out of our hands.
I texted friends and family some photos of Dylan. I explained that we had “competition” and to please think good thoughts.
We also did what any good new age household does, we asked for signs. And almost right away we got one!
“Look what I found under the lemon tree!” David called from the yard.
“Hold on, I’m texting the woman from the rescue organization, but I don’t want to sound too pushy. What is the nicest way to say GIVE US THAT DOG?”
David walked up to me holding one of our late dog Bernie’s old tennis balls.
“It was just sitting under the lemon tree! I don’t know where this came from, he hasn’t played with these in years.”
David was right, Bernie passed away just shy of his 15th birthday. It had been at least 5 years since he was able to play fetch and zoom around the yard.
“Do you really think this is a sign?” David asked.
“I do.”
We had just met Dylan that morning and then that night David found the tennis ball.
In my heart I knew what Bernie was saying. This was a message that it’s time to play again. I support you expanding your hearts and opening your doors to loving, playful puppy energy.
For the next two days we tried to manage our excitement and expectations.
Then Sunday morning, Laurette called me from the rescue organization.
“Hi Dougall, are you and David free from 2-3pm?”
“Yes.”
“Would you like to come pick up your new dog?”
I was so excited I screamed into the phone we got him!
David and I spent the morning cleaning and organizing the house like we were hosting our entire family for a weeklong holiday.
When we arrived at the rescue organizer’s home, Dylan’s foster mom was there and a few other volunteers were present.
“When he put his paws on David’s shoulders for a hug, we knew you guys were his parents.”
We brought boxes of See’s candies for all the volunteers as a way to say thank you.
As I was handing them out, I hear David say “Wait, is that 2222 on your arm?”
Dylan’s foster mom was holding him in her arms, and tattooed on her forearm were the numbers 2222 – our lucky angel numbers!
Another sign. I literally had chills when I saw this.
2222 has been a repetitive sign that we’ve noticed from the Universe for at least ten years. We always seem to notice these numbers right when something wonderful is happening or about to happen. It has popped up in the most amazing ways and always brings a smile to our faces when we see it.
We shared with her our meaning behind the numbers, while tearing up at the beauty of the moment.
At that moment, we knew that everything was falling into place to give Dylan the happiest home, with us.
What are the chances that the first dog we meet, under the loving care of a doggy foster mom who happens to have our lucky angel numbers tattooed on her arm?
In the past two weeks Dylan has brought laughter, smiles and more joy than I could have imagined to our home.
His disposition is so sweet that we have enrolled him in service dog training in the hopes that he can visit hospitals to share some of his love with others.
This dog literally stops traffic. We can’t get more than one block on a walk without someone calling out to tell us how adorable he is.
We are both keenly aware that Dylan is already helping us be more social and gently confront our more introverted tendencies.
Signs are funny things. They can start as whispers like the tennis ball under our lemon tree. And then there are the moments where the universe will boldly say LISTEN TO ME.
Have you noticed any signs that served as a clear message to you? Let me know in the comments!
We are so delighted that Dylan is now a part of our home. Although I’ll always miss our dog Bernie, I am grateful to him and the Universe for helping bring a new puppy into our lives.
To learn more about Adopt Me Rescue, the animal rescue organization that we used, check them out here! Volunteers and donations are gratefully accepted.
Much Love,
45 Responses
Congratulations! We have adopted dogs & cats MANY times and you know when you know when your new companion shows up. So happy for all three of you!
Thanks Connie!
This literally brought tears to my eyes as I have been in this situation so many times over the years. We have had eight dogs and eight cats and whenever we have had to say goodbye to one of them as they crossed – it takes a while to be ready to open your heart again – but we always have and it’s always because of the signs the universe has to help us find our new fur child. I also got chills when you saw Dylan’s foster mom’s tattoo because my numbers are 222 which is my birth month and day. Like they say it’s hard to know sometimes who rescued whom! Blessings and joy to all three of you 🐾♥️♥️♥️
Thank you so much for your kind words Michele, I really feel them! 🧡
So happy for you, David,and Dylan
Wishing you many years of joy and love
You made mr cry, Dougall.
I’m so happy for you guys.
Thank you Debbie!
You made “me” cry.
(Sorry about type-o.)
This is truly beautiful and affirming story of how LOVE works when we open our hearts. Thank you for sharing this and thank you for the reminder that the Universe, the Angels, and those who have gone before us (including our fur and feathered friends) have our backs. We are supported and loved more than we can imagine!
I am so glad you enjoyed it.
Perfection, in every way.
Thanks Rad!
Welcome Dylan🎉you found the best family with Dougall Fraser and David. You will be so happy and spoiled with love 💕 and cuddles. A very happy family 🫶🏻congrats! 💖🎉🤗✨ all the best to the three of you. 💖💖💖 What an exciting story 💖 thank you for sharing.
😍
Dylan is so obviously happy too!
Thanks June! 💖
So very Happy for all of you! What a wonderful story, you made me cry. I love that the signs came when you needed them most, funny how that seems to happen 🙂
Wishing you all the best xo
🙏🏻
This family love story brought happy tears to my eyes and chills all over in the best way.
Our dog Harry “The Pudge” recently passed away after 12 amazing years with him. I have gotten wonderful signs from him and it brings me joy. My family is not quite ready to bring a new furry child into the mix because our 11 year old female dog, Gladys “Baby Snoobs” is loving being an only furry child.
I absolutely LOVE that Dylan is your furry son now and that Bernie brought him to you.
Here’s to the 3D’s and your love for one another!
Thank you so much Jennifer! I totally understand about wanting to wait, you’ll know when the time is right. 💖
Im crying in complete happiness and joy and AWE reading your story!! Thank you for sharing such a powerfully loving story of love after the loss of Bernie. My little dog Molly has cushings. I don’t know how long she has or what the extent of her suffering will be. Molly is 13 years old. When she came into my life she was my saving grace. It was the first time I clairaudiently heard her name Molly when I asked the Universe “is this healthy for me to have this dog” ( I hadn’t yet adopted her and she was sitting in my lap) and I heard “Molly” …TWICE! I figured if “they” were giving me her name then it was meant to be. She is my EVERYTHING! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your blessing…love continues in miraculous ways. Congratulations on your new addition to the family!!!
Thank you for sharing Safena and I understand exactly how you feel. Molly sounds like a sweetheart, and it’s a blessing that you have such a wonderfully loving bond.
Such a touching story!! I couldn’t get through it all without stopping to wipe my drippy nose! I am so happy for you. You chose each other, and he will bring so much love to everyone.
Thank you Pamela, I appreciate the kind words! 💙
In October of 1993 both of our cats died two days apart and my husband, two young sons and I were devastated. I began looking for two kittens but one had to be black because we missed our cat Blacky so much. I checked the local paper but there were no black cats. We went to the pet store in the local mall — no cats BUT they had a sheltie dog. My boys said they would love a dog, but I didn’t want the extra work and commitment of taking care of a dog. We continued our search at the local Humane Society but, they only had one black cat who already had a waiting list of people. So we picked a young tabby cat but, when went to checkout the clerk casually told us that the cat should see a vet right away because he just had surgery on his mouth and may have cancer. My younger son began crying because he didn’t want to loose another cat so we, left without a cat. Days later we found a women who had two rescue cats staying at her home but when we went to see them she wasn’t ready to let them go until she had her vet come check them out first. While she talked to us I saw she had several pets including a sheltie. So we went home empty handed again. The next day I checked the local paper for cats but instead saw an add for a four month old purebred male sheltie that was a hundred dollars less than the one at the pet store so that made me curious enough to call. I still wasn’t sure I wanted a dog, but when I called, the woman who answered was someone I knew. She told me she bought the dog (Shelby) as a surprise gift for her husband but since they both worked fulltime they didn’t feel they had enough time to commit to Shelby. She told me Shelby was completely “potty” trained and loved kids, so I asked my husband who is a huge dog lover and he said we should take Shelby. I brought both my sons to meet Shelby and it was love at first sight. Shelby jumped and played with them and when it was time to leave he never looked back at his previous owners, instead he leaped into my car with the boys and went home with his new family. That night when I went to the local pet store to buy Shelby food and supplies a woman came in with a litter of black kittens to give away. The store owner said that they didn’t take cats but she should try the mall pet store when they opened tomorrow. The woman left before I could ask her for a cat, but the next day I went the mall pet store and they had the black kittens on a 24 hour hold before they would sell them. So the next day Friday November 5th two days after we brought home Shelby to join our family we finally got our black kitten we named Moonshadow/Budda and he and Shelby became brothers and would play, chase, and cuddle with each other. Somehow the universe wouldn’t let us have a cat until we realized we needed a sheltie dog named Shelby.
Thank you so much for sharing Debbie, our pets provide so much unconditional love. I totally agree that the Universe knows which pet is the best match for us, as well as the best timing. 💛
Love this so much! What a beautiful and powerful story. I love that Bernie brought Dylan to you guys. It sounds like the perfect fit!
Thanks Kerri! 🧡🧡
So happy for the 3 of you yes! Bernie was sent from the Angels and returned to the Angels and sent you Dylan what a perfect sign as is 2222. & Bernie’s ball for sure! Congratulations and much love!
Tara
Thanks for the kind words Tara! 💜
Hi Dougall and David – thanks for the intro to Dylan. The picture of the 3 of you looks like Dylan is saying “I won the lottery in my new home!!!!” As with so many others who replied, it made me cry happy tears too. Wishing you all the most fabulous life together. Please keep sending pictures — Judy
Thank you so much Judy, we will keep sharing for sure! 💗
I’m loving this so much for all three of you ❤️🐶❤️ Congratulations on your new sweet boy. Bernie is celebrating with you in heaven.
Thank you so much Caroline, I really appreciate the kind words. 🥹
What a darling doggy Dougall! So happy for the three of you!
Thank you Michelle! 😊
He’s a cutie!
Thanks Joe, I appreciate it! 😊
Mazel Tov! What a sweet family. Lucky dog!
Thank you so much Kari! ❤️
I’m so happy for all three of you! I believe animals adopt us as well. When Dylan gave David a hug, he was saying, “Yes, this is my human.” When my son was six, we took him to pick out his first dog. He sat on the floor while the puppies were let out to play. A few ran over and sniffed at him, then ran off to play. One came over, tail wagging and climbed onto his lap to lick his face. She stayed with him and didn’t want to leave him. After a few minutes of my son petting her, she moved and sat in front of him, facing the other puppies. If any came too close with their rowdy play, she would bark at them and warn them off. My son knew she was the one, and she knew he was her boy. He named her Candy Cane since she was a Christmas gift. She was a short-haired collie and the best gift he ever had. She loved and protected him for 17 years.
Thank you for your kind words Jeanette, and it sounds like your son had a beautiful bond with Candy Cane! 💚
Dougall and David, I am so happy for you both. And, of course, Dylan, too. He is such a cutie. What a wonderful gift; all this love, all around. Wishing you many, many happy years together.
You will have a g r e a t time with Dylan. He is a cutie 😊. He looks so happy. Bet he is very intelligent too. Oh the fun places you will go with him.
I am so happy for you guys and Dylan!!! Thanks for the beautiful story and the reminder to look for the signs.