success stories5 min read

Lorenza And Pepe: A Success Story – How Adopting A Dog Can Enrich Your Life

Lorenza had always known that one day she would want to bring a dog into her life. She had grown up with dogs as a child, and this connection with the animals never left her. But instead of taking the easy route and going to a breeder, she consciously chose adoption – and this path was not an easy one. How she eventually found her soul dog Pepe, what her thoughts were during the process, and what advice she would give to others in the same situation is told in this touching story.

The Desire for a New Family Member

Lorenza had a clear plan from the beginning: "I grew up with dogs as a child, so it was a big wish of mine to bring one into my life. But the focus was on making the dog a family member, not a working dog, like the guard dog we had back then." However, she also knew she didn’t want a dog from a breeder. "My boyfriend and I were clear from the start: we didn’t want a dog from a breeder, as we didn’t want to support that. There are so many dogs waiting for a home, and getting one from a breeder was simply unimaginable for us."

Many people see breeders as the easy solution, thinking they can get a specific breed with a predictable character. However, Lorenza is sure: "In the end, every dog is different, and just because you want a certain breed doesn’t mean you know what the dog’s personality will be like. A dog is not a fashion accessory but a family member you bring into your home."

owner and dog together

Hurdles on the Way to Adoption

Finding the right dog was a real challenge for Lorenza and her boyfriend. For three months, they tried to find the right four-legged friend for them, and it was anything but easy. "Many shelters didn’t consider us due to our lifestyle and living situation," Lorenza shares. Unfortunately, this is often the case, as German shelters are overwhelmed with work that goes beyond their capacity. This often leads to searchers being quickly turned away or their inquiries not being considered. It’s frustrating for many, and we understand that well. Balu aims to help shelters work more effectively and bring together people who are open to each other.

Lorenza had been searching online for months and didn’t have a platform like Balu to help. Every day, she had 50 browser tabs open, trying to find different shelters and contact points. "I think I was just one step away from the Dark Web," she says, "that's how intense the search was." It became her mission to find the right intermediaries who could help her find the right dog for the two of them.

Frustration and setbacks were part of this process. "Out of desperation, we even considered looking at breeders or getting a dog through friends." But right in this difficult phase, they discovered Pepe – and suddenly everything fell into place.

black dog

First Meeting with Pepe

Pepe was part of a foreign animal protection program, and Lorenza got to properly meet her future companion through Herzenshunde Hessen." The first meeting was just perfect. We had already received a video from the intermediary, and I had it on a constant loop. I fell in love with Pepe before I even got to meet him."

The moment when Pepe finally became part of Lorenza's family was very special for everyone involved. "It was a small leap into the unknown, and the road to it was anything but easy, but in the end, it felt so right. It felt like everything was finally coming together as it should."

The First Weeks with Pepe

Despite the intense preparation, there were, of course, challenges. Pepe was curious, social, and confident, but he had to get used to many new things. "TV, vacuum cleaners, walking on a leash – all of that was new to him, but he quickly turned to us and calmly got to know everything with us." Lorenza was overwhelmed by Pepe's reaction to his new home: "I felt like Pepe radiated incredible joy when he understood that our apartment was now his forever home."

Pepe has positively changed Lorenza’s life, and every day is an adventure where they get to experience new things together. He’s now a true family member – exactly what she had wished for, and it brings her great gratitude. "Many people only know me as Pepe's owner, and I'm very proud of that."

travel with dog

Tips for Future Adopters

For anyone considering adopting a dog themselves, Lorenza has a clear opinion: "It’s never an easy process, but in the end, it's worth more than you can describe." Making mistakes is normal, but the important thing is to approach it openly and reflectively.

A crucial factor for Lorenza was choosing the right intermediaries. "We needed someone who could properly assess both us and the dogs. When adopting, you should be open and trust the intermediaries – sometimes your original idea can change ten times."

She especially highlighted platforms like Balu, which she missed in Germany at the time and which helped keep track of things during her online search for dogs abroad. "With Balu’s principles, the internet search is much more efficient. The filter function is extremely helpful because you can find the right animal faster and therefore connect with the right intermediaries more quickly. I hope Balu soon becomes the platform where all shelters and animals are registered because it simplifies the process enormously."

Why Adoption is the Right Choice

Lorenza is proud of her decision to adopt Pepe and not go through a breeder. "In the end, every dog is unique, and you shouldn’t just focus on looks." Pepe has not only enriched Lorenza’s life but also showed her that true joy lies in the gratitude and trust that forms between a human and an animal.

So, if you're thinking about bringing a dog into your life, don’t be deterred by obstacles. Platforms like Balu help you find the right four-legged friend, and in the end, you’ll be rewarded with a loyal companion who will enrich your life in an indescribable way.

So, what are you waiting for? Maybe your Pepe is already waiting for you!

 

dog at beach

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