My adopted fluffball came from the Wojtyszki shelter.

Her name is Tula, or Tulka.

She’s about four years old, and I brought her home on May 13, 2013.

How it all began?

I was dog-sitting for some friends, and that’s where the whole story really starts.

When their dog went back to her owners, I felt an emptiness.

I missed having a furry shadow following me everywhere, tail wagging, happy to see me, always up for a walk, a run, or some cuddles.

Her name was Neela – though, somehow, I always called her Tusia. Or… Tulka.

So I started researching.

Which shelters? What conditions?

I looked through adoption ads… and then I saw it:

A dog listed for adoption. Photo. ID number.

And in the description? TUSIA.

Just like my nickname for Neela.

I thought – this is a sign.

I quickly called the shelter to ask if the dog was still available.

“Yes,” they said.

So I packed a bag and hit the road with Iwona and Tomasz (Neela’s owners) and we drove 375 kilometers to meet my new little one.

What we found there?

Heartbreak. Chaos. Tears.

They didn’t even know which kennel she was in – it took 20 minutes to find her.

Time was dragging.

I started to wonder if my Tulka was even real.

And then finally… a woman came out with a dog.

Twice the size of the dog in the photo.

Tusia jumped right into my lap, and I just knew – she had found her home.

I asked if she was healthy – and why she looked so different from the photo.

“She’s a bit swollen,” they said.

“Do you still want her?”

I smiled.

“Of course I do.”

“She just got spayed,” the woman explained.

“Let’s get the papers signed.”

And that’s how I got my very own Tulka.

And now?

I have two dogs.

Neela ended up staying with me permanently – not by her owners’ choice, but by life’s design.

And now Tulka and Neela love each other.

They run together, hike in the mountains, and go on adventures.

But the beginning with Tulka wasn’t easy.

She was terrified.

She didn’t know how to eat from a bowl.

She didn’t trust people.

She hid everywhere.

She was scared of car rides. Scared of being touched.

The first month was incredibly hard.

And now?

A full 180-degree turn.

Why do I love her?

Do I need a reason?

I just do.

Adopting an animal?

Absolutely yes. I recommend it to everyone.

You get to witness their transformation –

see the spark return to their eyes.

You bring joy to their life…

and they bring it to yours.

And yes – I’ll do it again.

Without a doubt.