Sherry Lankston was scrolling through her social media feed in her Seattle-area home one evening before bed when a picture of a young-looking husky with a lopsided smile caught her eye. Lankston had no intention of adding a second dog to their household as they already had one dog and two human children, but she couldn't help herself from thinking about the sweet dog. The only catch? The dog was more than 1,250 miles away in San Diego.
According to Today.com:
Lankston turned to her husband to tell him she'd found them a dog. She even went so far as to look at flights to San Diego, but the prices were outrageous. Nonetheless, she couldn't stop thinking about the dog and eventually messaged a woman, Joy Ollinger, who had shared his photos and gotten to know the pup.
Ollinger, who is a lieutenant with the San Diego Department of Animal Services, had been trying to get the word out about Harvey after seeing him stuck in the shelter for months with nobody interested in him. She had even heard people say he was ugly. Despite the harsh words, Ollinger bonded with Harvey and would bring him into her office to give him a break from the kennel and buying him different puzzle toys once she noticed how smart he was.
"He was a shelter favorite. I mean, the volunteers loved him. All of us that work there loved him," she says.
So when Lankston reached out with the crazy idea to make the trip down to meet Harvey and potentially adopt him, Ollinger was thrilled.
"I was looking into different options on how we could get Harvey up to Seattle, and then Sherry told me, 'You know what, I'm just gonna make the drive down,'" Ollinger says.
The next day, Lankston packed her car with her two young boys and their first dog, River, and set out on a road trip that would take them almost the entire length of the West Coast. Along the way, they stopped at dog-friendly camps, giving the family and the two dogs a chance to bond.
It was love at first sight!" Ollinger says. "It was really cute."
Lankston says the first time she and her boys met Harvey, she "just knew" he was their dog.
"It's a big undertaking to take on another dog, especially a rescue because you never know what you're gonna get. But we knew," she says. "First meeting I was like, 'OK, he's our dog.'"
After making sure River and Harvey got along, they convinced Lankston's husband, who had to stay home to work, to get a flight down to San Diego to meet Harvey. Then, the family made the three-day trek back to Seattle.
Lankston says Harvey is already adjusting well to the cooler, rainy weather.
"He loves the rain," she says. "He loves splashing in puddles and being silly. I think he really likes it here."
Ollinger says the shelter's veterinarian believes Harvey was bitten as a young pup, which caused his facial deformity. Harvey was rescued by a group of people who found him and two other huskies abandoned in the desert while they were riding ATVs.
Lankston says she heard from the woman who found the three dogs after their story was in the news. She told Lankston that Harvey had helped save the other two pups by getting them to follow their group for "miles" back to camp.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties involved, the Lankston family was committed to making the trip to San Diego to meet Harvey and bring him back home with them. They knew that adopting a rescue dog was a big responsibility, and they were ready for it.
Their journey from Seattle to San Diego took them through some of the most scenic parts of the West Coast. They stopped at dog-friendly camps along the way, enjoying the company of their first dog, River, and bonding with each other as a family.
After three days on the road, they finally arrived in San Diego and headed straight to the shelter to meet Harvey. When they saw him for the first time, they were struck by his playful and affectionate nature. It was love at first sight.
"He just had this energy about him that was contagious," Sherry Lankston recalls. "He was so excited to see us, and he just wanted to be loved and cuddled."
The Lankstons spent several hours with Harvey, getting to know him and making sure he was a good fit for their family. They also took him for a walk around the shelter and played with him in the yard.
"He was so sweet and gentle with our boys, and he got along great with River," Sherry says. "We knew right away that he was meant to be a part of our family."
After completing the adoption paperwork and saying their goodbyes to the shelter staff, the Lankstons hit the road again, this time with Harvey in tow. They drove through the night, stopping only for gas and rest breaks, and arrived back home in Seattle early the next morning.
Despite the long journey and the challenges of introducing a new dog to their family, the Lankstons say they have no regrets about adopting Harvey.
"He's brought so much joy and love into our lives," Sherry says. "He's such a special dog, and we're so grateful to have him as a part of our family."
Harvey has settled into his new home in Seattle and is thriving in his new environment. He loves playing with his new family and going for walks in the nearby park. He also enjoys cuddling up with his new human siblings and getting belly rubs from his parents.
"He's such a happy and playful dog," Sherry says. "He's always wagging his tail and wanting to play."
In addition to bringing joy and happiness to their family, the Lankstons hope that Harvey's story will inspire others to consider adopting a rescue dog.
"There are so many amazing dogs out there who are waiting for their forever homes," Sherry says. "Adopting a rescue dog is one of the most rewarding things you can do. You're not only saving a life, but you're also gaining a loyal and loving companion."
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 3.3 million dogs enter animal shelters in the United States each year, and approximately 1.6 million of them are adopted. Sadly, about 670,000 dogs are euthanized each year due to overcrowding and lack of resources.
By adopting a rescue dog, you're not only giving a loving home to a dog in need, but you're also helping to reduce the number of dogs who are euthanized each year. Additionally, many rescue dogs are already house-trained and have basic obedience skills, making them easier to integrate into your family.
If you're considering adopting a rescue dog, there are several things you should keep in mind. First, make sure you have the time and resources to care for a dog. This includes providing them with food, water, shelter, exercise, and medical care.
Lankston and her family's experience with Harvey highlights the importance of adopting rescue animals. There are millions of dogs and cats in animal shelters across the country waiting for their forever homes. By adopting a rescue animal, not only are you giving a second chance to an animal in need, but you're also gaining a loyal companion who will love you unconditionally.
Adopting a rescue animal may seem daunting, but it's a decision that can bring immeasurable joy to your life. If you're considering adopting, here are some things to keep in mind:
Research the shelter or rescue organization
Before you adopt, do some research on the shelter or rescue organization you plan to adopt from. Make sure they have a good reputation and are committed to the well-being of their animals. Ask questions about their adoption process, fees, and policies.
Consider your lifestyle and living situation
Think about your lifestyle and living situation before adopting. Do you have enough space for a pet? Do you have the time and resources to provide proper care, especially with regards to your dog's healthcare? Are you willing and able to make a long-term commitment to the animal?
Be patient and prepared
Adopting a rescue animal can be a rewarding but challenging experience. Many rescue animals come from difficult backgrounds and may need time to adjust to their new home. Be patient and prepared to provide the animal with the love, care, and support they need to thrive.
Don't judge a book by its cover
Like Harvey, many rescue animals may not have a perfect appearance, but they have a lot of love to give. Don't judge an animal by their looks; focus on their personality and temperament.
Spread the word
Finally, share your adoption story with others. By sharing your experience, you can inspire others to adopt a rescue animal and help make a difference in the lives of animals in need.
In conclusion, Sherry Lankston's journey to adopt Harvey is an inspiring tale of love, compassion, and commitment. It shows that even when faced with obstacles, it's possible to make a difference in the life of an animal in need. Harvey's story is a reminder that every animal deserves a second chance, and with love and patience, they can thrive in their forever homes.
As for Harvey, he's found his forever family, and he couldn't be happier. With his infectious smile and playful personality, he's brought joy and happiness to the Lankston household, proving once again that love knows no bounds.