A Dog Adoption Story: The Journey from Rescue Center to Forever Home

This weekend I was fortunate enough to cover the weekly dog adoption event at PetSmart in Chesterfield, Mo. The dogs that are up for adoption are brought there by the kind people involved with Diana's Grove Dog Rescue. The group makes a 3 1/2 hour trip every weekend from the center in Cabool, Mo. They were kind enough to let me follow them around all day so I could tell their story through these pictures and captions. 


Something Else: Tracy, Labrador Retriever, Boxer mix enjoys playing around outside the PetSmart in Chesterfield, Mo. on Feb. 6, 2016 before she and her littermates move inside for the adoption event. Tracy was brought in as part of an unwanted litter and today is her best chance to feel wanted again. 


Scene Setter: Cages of dogs line the back aisle of the PetSmart in Chesterfield, Mo as dozens of people file in looking for the perfect addition to their family on Feb. 6, 2016. Diana's Grove Dog Rescue brings in 80 dogs to this location every weekend.


Portrait: Cynthea Jones, owner of Diana's Grove Dog Rescue holds on tight to eight-week old puppy Tristan as see oversees the adoption event at PetSmart in Chesterfield, Mo. on Feb. 6, 2016. Jones has been rescuing dogs for about 21 years now, and says it is what she lives for.


Detail: This Anatolian Shepherd Mix is one of many dogs taking a much needed nap after the eventful day at PetSmart in Chesterfield, Mo. Every dog hopes to be one of the approximately 40 dogs that will be adopted over the weekend beginning on Feb. 6, 2016.


Tight Face: Lindy, Labrador Retriever mix patiently watches as many potential new parents pass her by at PetSmart in Chesterfield, Mo. on Feb. 6, 2016. She is now ready to find a home of her own after arriving to the rescue center pregnant several months ago

Once I spent the day getting a behind the scenes look at what all goes into these event, I have a whole new respect for any kind of dog rescue organization. Diana's Grove Dog Rescue takes in about 250 dogs each month, and last year they saved the lives of 2,263 dogs. They are a great organization with wonderful people, and even more wonderful dogs. 

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