It was love at first sight.

 

Exactly one week after the passing of my beloved dog Ares, I was browsing and sharing adoption posts on Facebook.

And then I saw him… and I knew.

 

I knew Ares had sent him to me.

Especially since Grafen had been found by the Animal Protection Association in Jędrzejów on the very same day Ares passed.

 

Even though my heart was breaking in grief,

I knew I had to meet Grafen.

 

Why not get a dog from a breeder?

Why would I?

 

Every animal loves the same,

and if you can save someone and give them shelter, a warm home, a safe harbor –

then let it be one that someone else has already discarded.

 

 

 

Grafen was one of three pups born to a mother abandoned in the forest.

He was semi-feral, afraid of and unfamiliar with people.

 

After a few calls with the association, long conversations, and pre-adoption checks,

I was finally approved.

 

I drove nearly 200 kilometers to meet him.

 

Our first meeting went… okay.

I knew I was taking on a huge responsibility.

Grafen was wild, unsocialized, and full of fear – reacting with aggression toward everything.

 

At home, I had a 12-year-old female dog and two adopted cats.

Grafen tried to dominate everyone.

 

 

It took months of joint training, walks, and socialization…

but now, after 2.5 years, I can say:

We made it.

 

He still doesn’t trust every person.

He stays cautious.

He’s not overly affectionate.

He always keeps his distance—walking behind me—

but only because he knows I’ll protect him.

 

There were so many difficult moments…

Breakdowns, stress, fear that I wouldn’t be able to help him “become a real dog.”

 

But I wouldn’t trade a single second of it for anything.

If I could go back—I would do it all again.

 

I built my life around Grafen.

Now, we spend every free moment together.

He goes everywhere with us.

 

Okay, we don’t go to the cinema together.

But restaurants? Yes.

We’re never apart.

 

 

 

Why do I love my dog?

For the joy on his face and the wagging tail when we go for a walk.

For the pure, unconditional love and loyalty.

For the trust he placed in me.

 

Because he is a dog. And that’s enough.

 

Would I recommend adoption?

 

Absolutely.

It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

Because you can’t buy love.

 

But you do have to be ready.

These are dogs with unknown histories.

You may never know what harm was done to them.

 

And if you do know?

Then it’s your job to move heaven and earth to prove to that dog

that humans can love,

that humans can be kind.

 

 

 

Will I adopt again?

 

Well, maybe I already have.

 

A few months ago, Tofik joined our family –

a dog who was in an accident and whose owner gave him up afterward

because his leg was damaged.

They didn’t want a “crippled” dog.

 

Tofik came to us as a foster case.

 

And now?

He’s staying for good.