Why adopt a dog from a shelter?

For me, it was a mix of chance… and something deeper.

You see, I’ve been a volunteer at the Sosnowiec Animal Shelter for several years now. I’ve seen more than my share of heartbreak. I’ve fostered dogs with difficult pasts, but because of the temperament of my own dog, I had never adopted.

Then my beloved 11-year-old dachshund passed away unexpectedly.

Grief left a hole, and in its place came the idea of choosing a dog consciously – maybe one with long hair, large in size, something entirely different from the little, short-haired dogs I’d always had at home.

But life had other plans.

One day, after organizing a charity food drive at a local store, I dropped the donations off at the shelter. And there she was – in one of the kennels. I didn’t care whether it was a male or female, small or large, long-haired or not.

I just knew.

I picked her up in my arms and said (yes, there’s a video):

“You’ll be mine.”

I had to go home that evening. But I couldn’t stop thinking about her.

The next morning, I returned first thing and adopted a 3-month-old little girl.

It was fate.

The adoption process took all of 2–3 minutes.
I handed over a leash and collar, signed some papers, and brought my girl home.

From that moment, I was her person.
I had taken her from the shelter, and I would be her everything.
She found the toys, I showed her the water bowl and bed – though I knew she’d use that the least.

Lenka changed my life completely.

She brought new friendships, new routines, and joy I hadn’t even known I needed.

Thanks to her, I now co-organize a regional walking group – we meet weekly, sometimes with over 20 dogs, ranging from 3 kg to 60 kg.

She helped me grow, gave me purpose, and even though she’s small (just 6 kg), no other dog will ever take her place in my heart.

The way she came into my life?
Someone tied her near the shelter and left her behind – in a place where they knew she’d be found.
And because of that person’s decision, I received the most wonderful dog under the sun.

Now it’s our turn to give back – to help other animals in need, and to show people that adoption is amazing.
Because an adopted heart loves deeper.

Together, Lenka and I participate in an educational program called "Hand in Paw" by the SOZ Nadzieja na Dom foundation.

We visit schools, kindergartens, and community centers.

Lenka shows off her tricks while we teach kids one simple truth:

Animals are not objects. They deserve respect.

I also love her because she motivates me.

This year alone, we walked nearly 500 kilometers together, some of which were logged for a campaign called "Help Measured in Kilometers."

I want to give back. Because I received something priceless:

Lenka.

Adoption is a beautiful challenge.

Even if you meet the dog beforehand, you never truly know what their personality will be like.

But that’s the beauty of it. Adoption is about discovering their talents, their quirks, and even the untold stories written in their eyes.

It’s more exciting than buying a dog.

I highly recommend it.

Life is too short to have only one dog.

Right now, my pack is full (yes – there are more animals in our home!).

So adoption will wait…

Unless I walk into a shelter again and fall in love.

And if that happens, well –

You’ll know how the story ends.