Photo Gallery | Forrest and Me: A 12 Strays Success Story

Action News 5 and Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County worked together to find homes for 12 strays during the holiday season.

I am proud to say that I adopted Forrest, or well, Forrest adopted me.

Forrest hadn't had the perfect life, it wasn't like his owner brought him in unable to be taken care of anymore. He was hit by a car and brought to the Humane Society. He also had heart worms, and was nursed back to health. Forrest became the volunteers' favorite, this quirky 3-and-a-half year old terrier mix had a fun personality. He is spunky, silly, and very sweet. A dog full of personality and life. For a year's time, give or take, they couldn't find Forrest a home.

I was shopping with a friend for Christmas gifts at the mall when I mentioned Forrest. We both thought by the picture he was ugly though she thought, "he was so ugly that he was cute". We decided to go down and just check out the animals in general. On a whim, I decided to meet Forrest, who would change my life. Forrest was energetic and jumping for joy as the volunteer brought him out, though his attention was focused on her more so than me.

The other thing I noticed was Forrest is actually a very handsome dog and not what I thought his picture made him out to be. Forrest and I had a little bit of alone time when he decided I wasn't so bad and started to lick me. I took the chance, I was nervous as I filled out the application for adoption.

Over dinner I told my coworker that I was nervous. She explained to me I was making a huge lifestyle change. A change that now, after a week of having Forrest, has brought more joy into my life. I now look forward coming home to my apartment, because it is no longer lonely. He gives me purpose. After all, taking care of an animal is a responsibility. I have to walk him, feed him, give him medicine, and also train him. I am always learning from Forrest and learning more about him, but it also goes the other way. He is learning from me. My coworkers even notice a change in me. How I seem just a little bit happier, how I am always taking pictures of my dog, and how I always talk about him.

After just one week, I have grown very fond of him. Last night, there was smoke coming from my apartment because of a bad heater unit and the complex called me letting me know everything was fine. My first worry wasn't about the TV, Xbox, clothes or furniture. It was about Forrest, and I was almost in tears that something bad could of happened to my pet and companion. Like a child, Forrest grabbed his favorite toy, a rubber chicken that squeaks, and curled up next to me. I couldn't help but think that is something a kid would do after having a scary day.

I may have paid $12 for Forrest, but to me, he is priceless. I am looking forward to more adventures with him and learning from him. To me, Forrest is family and I enjoy every minute he is in my life.

You can follow more adventures from Forrest and me on twitter at @ForESTDeal1 and on Instagram at @FORESTDEAL.