Lola

My first volunteer slot at the Sanctuary (May 2024) was at Roxy’s Room, and the first dog that Mileen assigned me to walk was Lola. I’ve always been a “little dog guy” (Boston Terriers, Italian Greyhounds, Miniature Pinschers, Pugs) and – despite knowing better – still had some skepticism around pit mixes, as I’d not handled one before. But I was game for a new experience, so away we went.

If you knew Lola, you won’t be surprised by the upshot of the story: 20 minutes later, I was absolutely smitten. 24 hours later, I was taking her on an outing to the dunes and for a stroll around downtown Kanab. 48 hours later, she was cuddled up with me in Cabin #11 for a sleepover. And by week’s end, Mileen had to comfort a ridiculous, sobbing 48-year-old man as he said goodbye to a former stray who he desperately wanted to take on a plane with him back to Ohio.

At that point, Lola was dog-reactive and not cleared to go to a home with other dogs, so I cheered her on from afar. I’d check the website almost daily, and was both excited and bummed when she got adopted. But then – wait! She was back at the Sanctuary. Maybe she could still be mine! I saw her during my trip in November 2024 and she was just as lovely as before, but still not great with other dogs. Continuing to hope for progress, I followed her cancer diagnosis and treatment and the staff’s attempts to socialize her, hoping one day she could join my family. Two months ago, Lola’s caregivers set up a “playdate” for her with another dog, and I got a chance to see how far she’d come. I spoke with Mandy about getting my dogs to Utah for a meet-and-greet. I was already leaving with a new dog – Hudson – but my wheels were turning. In the fall, I could road trip with my pack, do several introductions over a week and – if all went well – Lola could become a member of the family.

Sadly, that won’t be the case.

Lola was not “my dog,” but she had my heart.
She’s the one that turned me into a “big dog guy.”
She showed me how to find joy in life, despite difficult circumstances.
She helped me reflect on how my fears cause me to act in ways that aren’t my true nature – and that it’s possible for me to overcome them to become a better version of myself.
She reminded me to modulate my own exuberance and eagerness.
She inspired me to be endlessly curious about the world.
And to keep in mind that not everything I want to eat is good for my belly.

The Sanctuary won’t be the same the next time I return.
And my home won’t ever be all that it could have been with Lola there.

But her life mattered, and I’m grateful for how it intersected with and affected mine.

Thanks and gratitude for all of you who cared for her at Best Friends.