The following story is a finalist in the Rescue to Royalty Challenge. Three grand prize winners will receive a $250 shopping spree, while a shelter of their choosing will be awarded $2,000 in cash and needed supplies! You can read more stories here!

I was recently diagnosed with large B cell lymphoma, and at the same time, my husband was diagnosed with dementia. We lost our last rescue, Ox, an old English bulldog, three-and-a-half years ago. He was 5 when we rescued him and we had him five years. We had agreed that we would not get another dog, which was very difficult for me, as I’d had a dog since I was 3.

PHOTO: SUSAN FURR

I felt I really needed a new fur baby to help me through and give me the much needed emotional support. My husband agreed that I could get a new best friend.

After looking at several shelters, Petfinder, and Adopt-A-Pet, and doing a lot of meet and greets, I found a very sweet 7 year old boxer girl named Birdie Sue. It was love at first sight for both of us. My son and daughter-in-law also thought she’d be a great fit and brought their daughter over to meet her, as we weren’t sure about how she’d be with kids. Birdie did great!

PHOTO: SUSAN FURR

She is the sweetest, best behaved pup ever! She hasn’t had any accidents in the house, doesn’t chew up anything, and her little nubby tail and wiggle butt are constantly in motion!

Thank you Southwest Michigan SPCA for giving me the opportunity to rescue this deserving pup.

PHOTO: SUSAN FURR

This story was submitted by Susan Furr in support of SPCA of Southwest Michigan. You can read more Rescue to Royalty Challenge stories here!