I came to the AWLA one year ago (Dec. 13, 2013), in search of a new dog that I could take home and love and be my companion. After realizing my apartment would not allow me to have a puppy that was available, I went to the front to leave the shelter and got to talking with the perosn behind the desk. She had mentioned a small dog that just came available for adoption within the half hour. I thought it couldn’t hurt to see the little guy. That is when I met Bentley (his name was Panthera at the time). He seemed so scared and frightened and wouldn’t play with any toys, but he came right over to me and sat down and I knew this dog was for me. I took Bentley home the very next day. It has now been a full year with Bentley and though there are times when he barks or spills his water, I love him more than life itself. Bentley was in another shelter in DC before coming to AWLA, and I know that he had a rough time prior to him becoming part of my family, but I am so grateful that I get to spend each day with my furry best friend.