Akilah’s Adoption Story
In the early days of spring, back in March 2019, an unexpected image was sent to us by my sister—a picture of a frightened German Shepherd puppy who had just found refuge at our local animal shelter.
“Nala,” as she was initially known, had been surrendered by her previous owner. Apparently, the owner’s girlfriend had issued an ultimatum, forcing him to choose between her and the dog. Fortunately for us (and Akilah), he chose the former.
At approximately seven months old, Akilah exhibited signs of anxiety and weighed a mere 30 pounds. Adding to her unique charm was a distinct scar adorning her nose, a remnant of a past ordeal that remains a part of her story.
We affectionately refer to it as her “beauty mark!”
After completing the adoption paperwork, we eagerly awaited the day we could finally bring her into our home. This, of course, gave us plenty of time to deliberate and settle on the perfect new name for our furry companion. We eventually settled on Akilah, and on March 13th, 2019, we joyfully welcomed her into our family!
The adoption of Akilah held an extraordinary significance for us, marking a profoundly emotional and transformative moment. A mere six months earlier, we had bid farewell to our beloved German Shepherd rescue, Lucy, who succumbed to cancer at the age of 11. Lucy had been my cherished companion since childhood—an irreplaceable presence in my life—and her departure left an indelible void that affected us profoundly. The grieving process was difficult for us as we navigated the challenging path of healing and acceptance.
Akilah played a pivotal role in mending the profound emptiness within our hearts. In her own unique way, she rescued us too. Akilah has blossomed into a robust and vibrant dog, tipping the scales at a healthy 92 pounds. Her once timid demeanor has given way to a delightful and comical personality, making her the lovable and goofy pup we all adore. We consider ourselves immensely fortunate to have the privilege of providing her with the fulfilling life she truly deserves. And we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, dear reader, for sharing our love and affection for Akilah!