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Rescue Dog, Child Give Each Other New Hope

Layla was struggling in the foster system, and Hayley was suffering from depression. Then they found each other.

Layla was on her fifth month in foster care and going on her fourth trial visit.

She had a great foster mom (me!), but I am sure she couldn’t figure out why no one wanted her. I couldn't, either. She is sweet, loving, has lots of energy and is a personality all her own.

Layla started to have some tummy trouble, so she was not allowed to go on any visits for a while. The rescue wanted to see her get well before putting her through any more stress by sending her to a home she did not know.

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I started debating whether I should just keep her. After all, I loved her, and she got along well with my dog, Kaiah. 

Meanwhile, in Palm Harbor, 10-year-old Hayley Painter was having bouts of depression. She wanted to be alone and withdrew from everyone, including her family at times. Hayley did not want to talk to anyone, and she hid out in her room. Her family let her know they were there for her, but they also gave her the space they felt she deserved.

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The family had always had two dogs, but when one of their dogs became terminally ill, the family had decided to give everyone time to grieve before getting another dog.

Hayley, a true dog lover, halfheartedly said OK. She understood that the family would look to adopt a dog in the summer, when Hayley would have time to bond, play and help with the new family member. Hayley's family also said she could be involved in choosing the new dog. Her family was trying anything to help her with her depression, and although the dog would be a member of the entire family, her parents decided it would essentially be hers.

Jen Painter, Hayley’s mom, decided to just take a look on Petfinder.com to see what types of dogs were available. Layla and her beautiful eyes jumped out. Jen sensed Layla's playful personality, and she looked a little deeper and saw love in Layla’s eyes. She just knew this was Hayley’s new soul mate. Jen showed the picture to Hayley, and Hayley’s eyes lit up.

“Yes, mom!" she said. "That is my dog. I have to meet her!”

The Painters contacted the rescue group and were told that Layla was having tummy issues and could not go on a trial visit until she felt better. The family waited. Hayley knew Layla was meant to be her dog.
When Layla felt well enough to go on the trial visit, the Painters fell in love with her. The family adopted Layla on April 25, 2010.

Now 11, Hayley wakes up every morning and goes straight to Layla for morning kisses. They now sleep together, play together, take walks together and even smile together.

“Now that I have Layla, I feel more friendly, and when I am sad I have someone to hold and love,” Hayley said. “I feel she loves me unconditionally, and it is nice to feel that way.”

Her mother is thrilled with the new relationship.

“When our daughter is feeling vulnerable, hurt by a friend, depressed in any way, Layla is the first one she goes to for comfort. They are truly best friends," she said. "Layla does not judge her or make her feel unloved. She comforts and supports Hayley no matter what the world brings on.

"Hayley knows Layla is waiting for her at home, and that makes my daughter smile like nothing else can,” Jen said. “I can honestly say that she is one of the best decisions we have ever made as a family.”

When you're ready to make that decision for your family, here are some local rescue groups that can help:

CatCall Inc. of Brandon

Heidi’s Legacy Dog Rescue of Lithia

Dogma, A Pet Rescue, of Riverview

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