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We adopted our dog Brodie in the midst of our grief after the loss of all three of our pets to different calamities within the span of two months. He appealed to my husband because he's a big sturdy dog, and my kids loved him for his playfulness, but I was not as taken with him at first.

I was mourning our lost pets and didn't feel connected to Brodie at all. He was big and loud, and he made extra work for me. He would rush me and try to tackle me when he wanted to play, he would bark and bark at me until I did what he wanted, and I wanted to give up on him so many times. He was nothing like my darling dogs who had just passed away.

I continued to work on the bad behavior with him, but it was slow going and frustrating. Then one day, I realized he probably knew I didn't like him; he probably knew I didn't want to snuggle him or cuddle him or play with him. So, I had to change and hope it would change his behavior, as well.

It was easier than I thought it would be to let go of my resentment. I just had to see him as he was - a young dog that no one had taken the time to teach or train. Now I love that goofy boy, and even though we are still working on some of his manners, I know he will eventually be the very good boy we know he can be.

And without Brodie, we would never have been able to socialize and train our next rescued pup, Lucie, who had never been inside a house or had a family to love her. His presence gave her confidence, and now he actually follows her lead, making training them both just a little easier on me.

Please don't give up on the hard ones, they are the ones who are worth it.

Story submitted by Jennifer Johnson.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!