Ziemniak – my happiness on four paws.

A dignified, wise old gentleman.

I’m severely allergic, and trust me—having a dog, or anything with fur, was nothing more than a dream.

Until one day… a miracle happened.

A dog came into my home who wouldn’t survive a night in a shelter.

A dog afraid of his own shadow, distrustful, terrified, and neglected.

He came for “just a little while” because I knew I couldn’t keep him longer.

I had always promoted animal adoption, but the only thing I could do was educate others. That was all—until March 21, 2012, when a dog came into our lives.

Back then, his name was Bruder—because he was so filthy, it sounded like “Brudny” (dirty in Polish).

He was the ugliest dog in the clinic. The ugliest in the whole neighborhood.

But… I loved him.

And so did my body.

One day, in tears, I called a woman from the foundation and told her:

“I’m having an allergic reaction. I can’t breathe… but I love this dog, and I don’t know what to do.”

It was a horrible day—the day of decision.

And I decided to take the risk.

I told myself: "I’ll take medication if I have to… but I’m not giving him up."

And the next morning, I woke up—and it was like the asthma had been wiped away by hand.

Ziemniak stayed.

There was no official adoption.

No pre-adoption visits.

No paperwork.

He just arrived at my home—and love made him stay. 

I love him for everything.

For the daily joy.

For how he wags his whole butt (because he doesn’t have a tail).

For his wisdom, humility, calmness, gratitude.

For those eyes.

For the simple fact that he found me.

I’m crying as I write this… that’s how much I love him.

It’s been four years since he joined our family.

And just three weeks ago, we adopted another dog.

And I’ve noticed something…

There was a time I used to tolerate people buying dogs.

But today, I absolutely reject it.

Dogs should be adopted.

There are so many—purebred, mixed-breed, big, small, young, old, full of energy or calm and wise.

WE SHOULD NEVER SUPPORT BUYING DOGS.

We should adopt.

They’re waiting—with open hearts—for us.

I know I won’t win any contest.

People will gather likes and hearts online.

But I want to write this.

Because dogs trust us so deeply.

They love us without condition.

They help us through illness, pain, life itself.

Let’s give back—to the ones who are already in this world.

Let’s not support artificial breeding.

Before you buy, think:

How many litters has that female dog had, just to make someone money?

How many puppies are returned after being bought—because the owners didn’t know how to handle them?

In shelters, you get a “ready product”—sorry for the phrase.

But you can see if the dog is big or small.

You can get to know their personality.

You can become a foster home and find out if you’re a match.

Just give them a chance.

Don’t write them off.

That’s all.