“She just ran out towards us like, ‘Hey! Could you help me?’”
Annie Walton never expected her study abroad trip to Turks and Caicos to lead to an unexpected new family member. While enjoying the beach, she noticed a small black ball of fur sprinting toward her. It was a stray puppy, and its pleading eyes made it clear that it was in need of help.
“I wanna take you home,” Walton thought to herself as she reached out to the little puppy, who immediately ran toward her as if to ask for help. Walton didn’t hesitate, and soon the puppy, now named Midge, was safe in her care.
The transition was smooth for Midge, who began to relax and feel comfortable in Walton’s care. Walton made arrangements to bring Midge back with her to Illinois, and the brave pup had no trouble adjusting to the flight, peacefully sleeping through the entire journey.
Once back in the States, Walton introduced Midge to her parents’ two other dogs, Millie and Artie. Midge quickly formed a special bond with Millie, and the two became inseparable. Their dynamic was clear: Millie, the big sister, and Midge, the little sister. As Midge grew bigger, she held her own while playing with Millie, and their friendship blossomed.
Now, Midge has found her forever home, where she is loved and cherished as a full member of the family. Walton feels content knowing that Midge has found her place in their quirky, loving household.
“I love knowing that she found her place in this weird, quirky jumble of a family that I have,” Walton said, reflecting on her decision to bring Midge into her life.