The following story was submitted in the Pawsitively Picture Perfect photo contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here!

In November 2018, we adopted Jupiter from Four Legged Ranch. Jupiter came into our lives at a time that the unconditional love of a dog was needed the most.

PHOTO: RICK AND TERRI SLOAN

In September of that year, my husband had open heart surgery. The surgery went well, but within three days, due to another health issue, he went on life support as his lungs were failing. He was on life support for 17 days, and those days were very unpredictable on whether or not he would survive.

His lungs did finally improve, so it was decided to try and bring him off the ventilator that was keeping him alive the last 17 days. When that day came, of course we were all very nervous, but he came off of it successfully; breathing on his own. Unfortunately, he had to learn how to walk again, feed himself again, and do other normal everyday activities. He was discharged to a rehabilitation facility. There, with strong determination and the aid of some amazing therapists, he was able to resume all of his normal activities in record time. It was while he was at the facility when he saw Jupiter’s picture on Four Legged Ranch’s Facebook page.

PHOTO: RICK AND TERRI SLOAN

He had to have this dog. He needed her to help him face what was going to be ahead of him: More rehab, not being able to work, and the depression that was sure to follow. After contacting Nancy at Four Legged Ranch, a meeting was arranged. Of course it was love at first sight. We couldn’t take her home that evening, even though we wanted to; there was a decision to be made on whether our family would be a good fit for Jupiter. It wasn’t very long until we found out that we were meant to be a family.

Jupiter joined our family the day before Thanksgiving in 2018. She is the center of our lives, amazing us every day with how smart she is. She showers us with attention and lots and lots of kisses daily. We thank God for Jupiter and for Four Legged Ranch because of the unconditional love of a dog, our family is whole and my husband is fully recovered.

PHOTO: RICK AND TERRI SLOAN

This story was submitted by Rick and Terri Sloan in support of Four Legged Ranch. To read other stories from the Pawsitively Picture Perfect photo contest, click here!