Pets of Arete Living September 2022

By Kristina Hampton, Business Office Manager, Avamere at Sherwood

Six years ago, Laika, a rescue Cattle Dog mix, saved me as much as I saved her. She has been my constant companion and friend since the day I brought her home from the shelter in May 2016. Princess, as she was known then, instantly captured my heart when I saw her photo online. I couldn't stop thinking about her beautiful eyes, one floppy ear and amazing doggy smile. She had been in the shelter for several months, abandoned by her former owners on the streets. While many had come to meet her, no one had given her a forever home. Her stocky pit bullish build and rambunctious personality was too much, I guess.

We renamed her Laika after the Russian "Space Dog" that went into space in 1957 and died there for mankind. Beyond the physical similarities and our love of astronautical history, we wanted to honor that Laika's life which she gave in true doggie fashion, for humans. My Laika came to me at a time when I was struggling with the death of my 19-year-old niece from Leukemia and trials in my personal life that no one can foresee.

Laika lives at home with myself, my 25-year-old son, who has high-functioning autism, my 15-year-old daughter, and his "brother" Monkey.

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