Dear Abby

Sometimes there's a happy ending and thanks to rescuer Chela Landau, this dog got one.

Here's an excerpt from the original email I received:

Every week at adoptions, Abby gets so much love and attention. Little children are drawn to her sweet and happy face, people all smile when they see her, on the drive there she gently rests her head on my shoulder in silent joy and contentment ...and yet, at the end of the day she is bewildered that no one is taking her home and she just looks at me, I swear with tears in her eyes... "Was I not good enough?" She gets SO sad to have to go back to boarding. Her special person or family is out there... I just know they are! But when will the day come that she doesnt have to live in a cage?

Abby was an abused dog who never lost her trust in people or her hope that she would one day be loved. When the police came and took her out of her abusive home, Abby thought that her suffering was over. But then Abby spent a lonely year in a dark cage at the shelter while she was held as evidence. She dreamed every day and night that someone would come for her, take her into the sunshine and tell her that she was special.

Abby is the sweetest most affectionate and gentle dog in the world. She is great with children, and very mellow. Abby is about 7 years old, good with dogs...and searching for someone who will look into her heart, past her scarred face, and see the gentle beauty in her soul. She will be so grateful to the person who finally gives her a loving home.

I had the pleasure of driving Abby twice. The first time was to a vet's office to have her stitches removed after spaying. I was amazed by how calm and sweet she was. I think she didn't mind the procedure, she was just so happy for the attention.

More recently, I took her to meet Chela at a street fair adoption booth. To be honest, I didn't think this was the best venue. I didn't imagine anyone shopping for tchotchkes and kettle corn would be looking for a dog like this. Good thing no one asked me.

Parking in L.A. is awful even under the best circumstances and we had to park blocks away.

The walk took forever as Abby had to stop and smell EVERYTHING. It was hot out and she wore out before we got there, or maybe she just wasn't used to walking, having spent so much time in a cage. I put my arms under her front paws and around her belly and carried her for a few blocks. Everyone looked at us and laughed. I thought it was because of the awkward situation, but in hindsight, it's probably because she was smiling the whole time.

I dropped off Abby with Chela and left for my softball game. We lost but ABBY WON!

Sure enough, the perfect family found her and adopted her and as Chela wrote:

"She is sleeping in a home for the first time in her life."

Congrats to Abby and her new family and thank you, Chela, for making it happen for them.