05/14/2026
13 years ago, all I wanted was a black Shih Tzu to love forever. I searched everywhere… Craigslist, online, even situations in Rhode Island and California that fell through the day I was supposed to bring my puppy home. Each time felt heartbreaking.
Eventually, I turned to the AKC, believing it was finally the reputable route to finding my forever dog. I spoke to someone who seemed wonderful. The night before pickup, I got a call saying the puppy I was supposed to get had a hernia, but his bigger brother, Oliver, was still available. I said it was fine. I didn’t care which puppy it was anymore — I just wanted my forever companion.
When I arrived, something felt off. There were dozens of dogs running around, and deep down, I knew this wasn’t what I imagined. But I convinced myself everything would be okay because I was finally bringing home my dog. I paid a premium price, signed papers filled with spelling mistakes, ignored the red flags, and brought Oliver home to NYC.
The very first vet visit confirmed Oliver also had a hernia. Meaning I could’ve brought home the original puppy after all. Soon after, I learned the mother had already been bred again. I reached out to AKC for help and answers, but nobody wanted responsibility.
Over the years, Oliver has battled more health issues than any dog should ever have to endure, many likely due to poor breeding and inbreeding. Yet through every challenge, every diagnosis, every sleepless night… I know one thing for certain:
We were meant to find each other. 🤍
I may have rescued Oliver in the eyes of others, but the truth is… Oliver rescued me.
