Puppy love

Isabella Shin, a seventh grader at Annunciation Orthodox School, spent years convincing her parents to get her a puppy.

My puppy, Charlie, is a very important part of my life. I feel that everyone should have the opportunity to own a puppy. Even though I have owned him for only six months, I feel very close to him, and he has become a member of the family. For nearly 10 years I have wanted a puppy, and when we finally got Charlie, it was a very important and memorable time in my life. At the age of 12, I am finally a puppy owner!

Having a puppy is a huge responsibility. Since I was a toddler, I worked hard to convince my parents that I am capable of being a dog owner. In fourth grade, I made PowerPoint presentations on the benefits of owning a dog. I also put on a play with the help of my siblings to demonstrate how I would care for my dog. This past summer my family and I took a trip to Israel and Europe, and my siblings and I were so well behaved and responsible that my parents gave their consent. I recall being in the hotel lobby in Paris and searching the Internet for Maltipoo breeders. Immediately when I first saw Charlie, I melted. He was about the size of my shoe. There was no way I was leaving until we bought him.

It was a hasty decision as I found out later. Unfortunately, we ended up with a sick puppy that had a massive infection and was malnourished. My dad found him collapsed the day after we bought him and had to rush him to the vet emergency room. None of us thought he would survive, but somehow he did. I was extremely relieved that Charlie was ok. Now, he is a healthy, happy, hyper and loving puppy. I always say that we rescued Charlie, and he was meant to be with us. Charlie has really brought the family closer together. I could never love him any less. I would do anything for Charlie and will protect him just as I know he will protect me. The day I got Charlie was truly the most remarkable day of my life.

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