Some people come to Palmetto Animal League and visit all our adoptable pets before finding their next great love. But, for one USCB student, destiny played a pivotal role.
“I was browsing PAL’s website looking at adoptable dogs, and as soon as I saw Adonis, I felt this connection,” explains Mackenzi McBride. “I went to meet him that day, and I knew, we were destined to be together.”
Preparing to enter her sophomore year of college as an Honors Nursing Major, Mackenzi completed an extensive application process with USCB to have Adonis approved as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). Now Adonis is living the college life and loving it!
“Everyone on campus absolutely adores Adonis and he loves all the attention,” says Mackenzi. “It feels amazing to be able to share him with my peers and bring them joy.”
At PAL, we do much more than provide dogs with food, shelter, medical care, and exposure for adoption. Our overall goal is to prepare dogs with the skills necessary to do well in their new home.
“He’s such a good dog,” says Mackenzi. “I had no doubt he would thrive living with my friends and me in our roomy, apartment-like dorm.”
Mackenzi believes in soulmates, and she feels Adonis is hers. Having him by her side just seems right.
“It’s a great privilege that I am utterly thankful for,” says Mackenzi. “I think if you struggle with severe anxiety, and your pet helps calm you down, you might want to explore registering them as an ESA.”
When they’re not studying, Mackenzi and Adonis enjoy exploring the Lowcountry.
“My favorite thing I have experienced with Adonis would have to be taking him to the beach for the first time,” says Mackenzi. “I could tell he felt so free, and it was the cutest, most heartwarming thing I have experienced.”
The bond between Mackenzi and Adonis is so strong, she doesn’t know what she would do without him.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone who made my college life with Adonis possible,” says Mackenzi. “Thanks to the team at PAL, my mom, my roommates, and the staff at USCB, he is the greatest gift I will ever receive.”
So, the dog, once abandoned at a shelter, has found his calling at college and the kind of love that will last a lifetime.
“When I left PAL the day I met Adonis, I actually cried,” reflects Mackenzi. “I knew I had found the missing piece of my puzzle.”
Ready to meet your soulmate? Mingle with PAL’s adoptable dogs Thursday, October 19 at 5:30 p.m. during the second annual Mutt Mixer Concert Event at AutoNation Subaru Hilton Head. For details, visit PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.
By Amy Campanini, Palmetto Animal League President
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