HARBOR HILLS – A DOG WALKER’S DREAM BY NIKKI HOFFMAN

SNOOPY

The tree-lined streets of Harbor Hills are a dog walker’s dream. The winding paths and gentle hills provide a scenic stroll for both humans and canines. After our dachshund, Bree, passed away four years ago, I thought the hole in my heart would never mend. My husband David refused to donate Bree’s dog beds, hoping we might adopt again someday.

After a year of consideration, Petfinder led me to a ten-year-old mini dachshund needing a home. His sad story and charming picture touched my heart. It sounded as if “Snoopy” needed us as much as we needed him. We applied to Leesburg Humane Society, a non-profit, no-kill shelter. It is a sanctuary first, believing no animal should lose its life for lack of a safe haven.  Snoopy’s friendly nature stole our hearts. When you adopt a rescue pet, you save two lives by making space for another needy animal.

Owning a pet can improve seniors’ health and temperament and provide social and emotional support. The International Federation of Aging cites research that measures the numerous benefits of companion animals on the health of older people.

David and I celebrated a year with Snoopy this month. Snoopy has brought laughter, exercise, fun, happiness, and more snuggles to our lives. His four-legged friends include agility dogs, therapy dogs, and Lady Lake Public Library’s official reading dog, Scarlett! Snoopy greets his neighborhood buddies Jake, Ginger, Bella, Cooper, Stella, Griffin, Angus, Dexter, Papita, Gizzy, Biscuit, Skylar, Sanibel, Pepper, and many more on our morning walks. Become a hero and adopt! https://leesburghumanesociety.org/.