The Martin family — Mike, Ranee and their son Max — had never had a dog. They’d had cats and frogs and fish, but no dogs. You can bet that Max wanted a dog, for sure, and when the Martin’s neighbors fostered a dog a few years ago, Mike and Ranee thought about adopting him.

It was a big decision. They weighed

the pros and cons and mulled it over. Finally, they’d decided: they would adopt their neighbor’s foster dog. Just one problem… he’d already been adopted.

Max was crushed. He really wanted a dog and there was only one thing to do: find a rescue puppy of their own to bring into the family.

Their journey started with the Midwest Animal Rescue Service. They knew they wanted to get a black dog, since black dogs suffer discrimination for their coloring and are harder to adopt, and when they saw Abbey, they liked that she was half Golden Retriever.

It was a done deal. Abbey joined the Martin family and everyone, especially Max, was thrilled. In fact, bringing Abbey into the family made them all so happy that they recently adopted Dolly, her baby sister, from Angels on Wheels.

Along with little sis Dolly, Abbey brings true joy to the Martin family. She loves to play Frisbee and run and learn new words and she especially loves to hang out with her pack… even the family cats!

Abbey’s been a real life-changer for the Martins. She’s encouraged them to get out and enjoy nature in all kinds of weather, she’s brought them closer together as a family and she’s helped Max develop responsibility and a love for all animals.

Ranee says that having Abbey makes her wish that they’d gotten a dog sooner. She also says she can’t stress enough how wonderful rescue dogs are — and Abbey and Dolly are certainly proof of that!