Juliana M. was looking to add a new furry member to her family who would be a good sibling for her two cats and 60 lb. Newfoundland-mix, Banjo.

“I was looking for a small dog, but they're hard to come by in Maine,” Juliana says. “I checked out Animal Rescue League of Greater Portland, did the loop around all the kennels and there were only big dogs. On my way out I passed a kennel that had been empty only a minute earlier.” 

In that kennel was Artichoke, gazing hopefully at Juliana. She had been on a long journey to get to this point—physically and emotionally.

 Abandoned Artichoke

Rescued by the New York City Police Department, Artichoke had been abandoned in an apartment with another dog and a cat. It was suspected that they could’ve been alone for up to two months.

Artichoke didn’t have many medical concerns, but she showed mildly fearful behavior, particularly to new people and the busy city environment.

The ASPCA® Behavior team decided that it was in Artichoke’s best interests to transfer her out of NYC and secured placement for her with partner shelter Animal Rescue League of Greater Portland (ARLGP), which has been a rescue partner of the ASPCA for over two years.

Doting on Dottie

After seeing Artichoke that day, Juliana was in love.

”I drove back down the next morning, Banjo in tow so they could meet. The first thing that got me were her eyes, they're hazel and so pretty. When I got to meet her, she was really shy and nervous; I could tell she just needed time to come out of her shell. Banjo got along and home she came!”

Artichoke’s name was changed to Dottie after her adoption, and she was finally ready to be doted on by a loving family.

“Dottie likes to spend her days lovingly tormenting Banjo or snuggling him,” Juliana reveals. “She's an obsessive toy stealer and won't let him have anything. Each morning she sits at the foot of the bed and looks out the window at the yard and woods. I like to imagine she's thinking of her days in the city and how peaceful her life is now.”

Queen of the dog park, Dottie doesn’t let her size dictate her buddies. She loves to romp around with the big dogs and plays rough but fun.

“Once you find a new friend there’s an adjustment period for everyone involved,” notes Juliana. “Even with the challenges, it's worth the effort and I'm so grateful the Dottie is in our lives.”