A Perfect Match

Everyday Miracles

- By Stephen Messenger

AS AN ONLY child, Nicole Renae often felt lonely in her youth. But that all changed when she turned ten. For her birthday, Renae's grandmother surprised her with an adorable gray puppy named Chloe.

From the very start, the two were inseparable. “She was my best friend, Renae says. Every ounce of love Renae gave, the little dog returned tenfold.

“She was such a sweet dog, Renae says. “She'd lick your face forever if you didn't stop her.”

But when Renae was 14, her father got a new job that came with a devastating caveat: He'd be working from home, and the house needed to be free of audible distractions.

“Chloe was very yappy,” Renae says. “I was just a kid, so I didn't have any choice in the matter. I didn't want to get rid of my dog. I just felt so sick and sad about it.