MEET OUR PACK
There are a few dogs in the household that are lifelong residents. When we have fosters we'll highlight them here as well. Life is better with a dog... or two or four...
Nova
I had been looking to get a second dog for a while and finally had the opportunity to bring Nova home in April of 2020. Right around the time folks were stuck at home, I was happily stuck with this snuggle bug. She brought a new energy into my life with her bouncy personality and just the right amount of sass.
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Nova isn’t one to welcome new people invading her space—just like me—but once she trusts you (which doesn’t come easy), she’ll be your best friend, snuggling up like she’s known you forever. She also has a mischievous streak—she’ll swipe socks just to taunt me and has mastered the art of giving “the eyes,” tricking unsuspecting guests into thinking she’s allowed on any furniture. Each dog has their own unique personality, and Nova is no exception. Out in public, she carries herself like any other dog, but at home, she’s a snuggly little love bug who always keeps life interesting.
Wyatt
Wyatt came from Tombstone German Shorthairs in Hazlehurst, Georgia, and has been my adventure buddy ever since. While he still loves the beach, these days, he’s fully embraced his role as the big dog of the house—especially after Leo’s passing. He’s also become a bit of a mama’s boy, always staying close and making his opinions known with dramatic, well-timed sighs when he disagrees. Although we have a no-dogs-on-the-couch rule, Wyatt occasionally sneaks onto my lap for a quick snuggle, and honestly… I let him. He’s the perfect example of how a hunting dog can also be the best house dog.
Tucker
Tucker officially joined our pack in January 2025. Originally, he came to Sunshine K9 Training for a board & train program to work through his struggles with strangers, making him more adoptable after his previous home wasn’t the right fit. But fate had other plans—my husband quickly fell in love with scruffy little Tuck, spicy attitude and all! Now, he’s right where he belongs, learning to trust, build confidence, and enjoy life as part of our family.
In Loving Memory of Leo
Leo came into my life in South Georgia just before Hurricane Irma in 2017. He had a complicated past, surrendered to a shelter for dangerous behavior, and when the storm hit, he was one of four dogs pulled into foster care in the rush to evacuate. At the time, no one knew about his history—it was pure chaos trying to get the dogs to safety. But even in the uncertainty, Leo stood out as one of the most well-behaved in the group.
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When it was time for the fosters to return to the shelter, we learned the hard truth: because of his unclear past, Leo wouldn’t be given another chance. Euthanasia was next if he was to go back to the shelter. So, we kept him in foster care—and soon, he became attached to me in a way that felt like fate. A few months later, I made it official and adopted him as my own.
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We went through a lot together, and at times, our circumstances put both of us in unsafe situations. Even after we found stability, Leo’s protective instincts remained, making him a danger to anyone but me. He wasn’t always easy, but through patience, training, and trust, he transformed into a role model for every dog we encountered. Those who met Leo after his rehabilitation never believed me when I said he wasn’t always the perfect dog. The challenges he brought into my life ultimately shaped my journey—without him, Sunshine K9 Training wouldn’t exist. He showed me the power of second chances and became the reason I dedicate my life to helping other struggling dogs and their owners.​​
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Leo crossed the rainbow bridge on August 17, 2023. He passed away peacefully in his sleep, on the bed like a king—exactly as he deserved. He was around 13 years old. Though he’s no longer by my side, his legacy lives on in every dog we help. He was my best buddy, my heart dog, my soul dog. He was meant for me, and I was meant for him.
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He will always be a part of our pack.
