Our Family of Two Became a Family of Three

This year had already taken an unexpected detour. After Kevin’s hospitalization and my dad losing his job, things were at an all-time low. I was so numb and focused on everyone around me, that I never took time for myself. That is, until Blake and I decided to take the next step in our relationship — before I continue, let me rewind a little bit.
Blake and I had talked about getting engaged and starting a family here and there ever since our Disney World trip in December. We knew we were too young and not financially stable enough for that at 20 years old, so we found the next best thing.
I called him up.
“I have a proposition for you”. You could hear the hesitation in his voice. He did not expect what came out of my mouth next.
“Can you please either buy me a ring or a puppy?” I had done my research to back up my proposal. I sent him SEVERAL links of rescue puppies from all over Charlotte. We finally came across an Australian Shepherd/Husky/Boxer mix from a local rescue group and we both fell in love instantly. We put in the application and traveled to visit her. She was absolutely precious. We soon found out that they had chosen a “more promising” home for her so we were back to square one. We found two other Husky pups, but again we got “politely declined” (in other words — rejected).
The two of us decided that instead of getting our hopes up, time and time again, we would resort to looking for puppies from shelters that need homes. Unfortunate for us but fortunately for the animals, all puppies are usually grabbed first, so there were none.
I did more digging and learned that you can sell ANYTHING on Craigslist (including puppies). I went searching and came across the cutest German Shepherd looking dog. I messaged the woman about her and fell in love instantly with this little angel. Soon after finding the ad, we learned she was a mix of 3 different breeds; German Shepherd, Husky and a Doberman (mom was a Husky/Shepherd mix and dad was a Doberman/Shepherd mix). I had convinced Blake to go see her to see if we all interacted well together and got along. When we met up, we instantly gravitated to her. Blake instantaneously became her protector. He turned to me, after looking at the puppy in the eyes, and said “Crap. We can’t walk away without her now”. We took her home that day! And the best part was, NO ONE KNEW WE WERE GETTING HER. I had told my parents that we were going to lunch.
Straightaway, we got in the car with her (and all her care package necessities). We took her to visit Blake’s mom at work. We called her and told her we were coming to visit. With how adorable our newest addition was, we didn’t think she would be too mad. And we were right. She fell in love almost as quickly as we did. After touring the entire office showing off the newest Jackson addition, we headed back home. We stopped by my aunt’s house to show her the irresponsible/yet wholehearted decision we just impulsively made. Once she had had enough puppy snuggles and kisses filled with puppy breath, we ventured back to my humble abode. I remember walking in my house, with the ball of fluff in my hands, and seeing my mother’s reaction. She sat there on the couch unable to believe what she was seeing. After the initial shock had worn off, she couldn’t stop loving her. She would just melt into the arms of whoever was holding her. This puppy was terrible timing, but it was a great mood booster. Believe it or not, my family’s Goldendoodle took the biggest liking to her.





We contemplated names for at least an hour. I jokingly said that we should name her “Munchkin” and try to get sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts (I will admit my obsession now). After deciding to change her name from Bear, we found a common ground and landed on Disney. We thought about Belle, Jasmine, and Lady, but decided after looking at our puppy and how she functioned and walked/stood we chose to go with a different name. Nala. Yes, the lioness from the Lion King.
When she walked, her shoulder blades popped out like a lion. When she was angry/scared or playing, the hairs on her spine stuck straight up like a hyena. The name fit this princess perfectly.
6 months later, we are still providing and creating a happy and healthy environment for Nala. She loves us so much and she has become our entire world. She still has a few quirks and issues we need to work on with her, but for the most part we got an easy dog who listens. She follows Blake around the house. Whenever we walk out of the room, she sprints to our side because we never be out of her sight. She is unbelievably protective over her parents. I don’t think she realizes that she’s growing a lot faster than the other dogs in our family, so she probably still thinks she’s a tiny puppy (she’s already 60 pounds).
Granted, the timing of this adoption was not ideal, but I don’t regret it for one second. Despite a few hiccups and financial setbacks, she is the best thing that has ever happened to us. She has brought us closer than ever. We would have never in a million years thought that we would be dog parents by 21, but it happened, and we couldn’t be happier.
Thank you Nala for being my best friend, the best listener (because you don’t answer back). Most importantly, thank you for making me a mutt mommy. ❤ I love you with everything I have.



























