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Lifelong Love

Bully Mix Finds Forever Home 

By Camp Bow Wow

The deflated expression on the rescue pup’s face caught his attention. 27-year-old Mike Morgan looked at the Brindle sitting forlorn in her cage at the George Brown Convention Center. He’d come to the August event to adopt a furry family member. But he didn’t want to make a hasty decision – no puppies – too much work. With 6,000 animals available at Houston’s mega dog adoption event, which one would be his perfect match? 

 

Mike had grown up with canine companions – including his family’s 180-lb Harlequin Great Dane. As a child, he’d even slept on a bean bag on the floor during their ancient Yorkie’s last year. Mike waited until he had time and resources to devote to a pup of his own. He knew having a dog was a commitment. Today was the day!

 

The 45-lb female with the saddest eyes was optimistically designated a “Staffordshire Terrier.” A family had walked her around, but perhaps deterred by her Pitbull-mix bloodline, decided to pass. “Tigress,” as she was called, looked longingly at him. Mike’s heart melted. As he opened her cage, she launched her sturdy body into his arms. He could tell right away she had a sweet, playful personality with plenty of love to give. 

 

“She was not barking or reactive to the other dogs, she just put her head on my chest,” he said. “I grabbed her fast.” Born on the streets, she’d been fostered through the Fort Bend County Animal Service since April 2024, when she was picked up with puppies of her own. 

Renamed Mel Michelle Morgan, “Melon” (in reference to her stocky physique) has found a forever home. Like many now-loved rescue pups, Mel feasts on the finest food and sleeps on feather pillows (or preferably, on top of her human dad.)  “She always wants to be where I am,” Mike said. She’s treated like a favorite child – even sporting matching Christmas jammies with Mike and girlfriend, Veronica. And her bumblebee costume won first prize at their apartment Halloween party. “She thinks she’s people,” Mike said. 

 

Mel loves car rides and sharing a charcuterie platter while perched on a bench surveying the scene on her favorite sports bar patio. Mike enjoys spending time training her and continues to be amazed how quickly she learns – she already recognizes 20 words and responds to seven commands, he reported. At CrossFit competitions “Dad” lifts her up to make sure she can see Veronica perform handstand pushups.  

 

Mel first experienced the beach when Mike and Veronica took her to Galveston’s shores. Mel swam and wagged so enthusiastically she sprained her tail – a condition known as flaccid tail syndrome! Thankfully a few days later she recovered her trademark wiggle. 

 

Mel knows better than to chew furniture or shoes, but her strong jaws can destroy a toy in just a few minutes. She motivates Mike to take long walks around the park and provides the companionship and unconditional love only a furry family member can. 

 

Inspired to add to your pack? San Antonio offers many local rescue organizations and shelters. Veterinarians created SNIPSA to rescue dogs from high kill shelters. SNIPSA volunteers keep potential adoptees in their own homes, where the dogs socialize with children and other pets. This allows foster parents to report first-hand about the dogs’ personalities. The Animal Defense League was founded in 1934. Their full veterinary staff cares for animals prior to adoption. The ADL also offers education programs and opportunities for volunteer service hours. 

The official City of San Antonio Animal Care Services houses animals suitable for rehoming, offers low-cost services, owner surrender and animal law enforcement. 

You, too, can rescue a pup and experience the love and loyalty of a canine companion.

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