Story #37: A Year with My Perfect Companion
As told by Kristen Faisant, Adopter and Donor
I adopted Twister on January 20, 2025, and I can hardly believe how fast this year has gone.
In just twelve months, our lives have changed in ways I never could have imagined.
Before Twister, I had a tiny, spirited Chihuahua named Marie. When she passed away from old age in October 2024, my heart felt completely broken. I was grateful for the chance to say goodbye, and before she left, I whispered a wish to her that she guide me to my next companion. Not long after, the stars aligned, and I met Twister.
From the very beginning, I loved him more than I can put into words. He is smart, funny, affectionate, and endlessly expressive. I am so thankful to everyone at Anderson Humane for believing in him, taking such great care of him, and helping us find each other.
This year has been full of milestones, big and small, and every single one has mattered.
Twister got all of his vaccinations without sedation, and without a single meltdown, something I honestly worried might never happen. We took our time with happy visits at a fear-free veterinary clinic until he felt completely safe. We also worked with a positive reinforcement trainer who helped me better understand his body language and how to support him at home.
I did not push grooming, so he had a sedated groom and full exam last fall. While he was there, I asked for a DNA swab. The results made me laugh out loud. Twister is a mix of Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. He even shares DNA with a dog named Toto, whose only background note was “found on a pig farm in Indiana.” It felt perfectly fitting.
This year also brought a big move from Winnetka to Chicago.
I worried about how he would handle it, but once again, he surprised me. He adapted beautifully.
We took several road trips to Pennsylvania to visit my parents on their horse farm. Twister is amazing in the car and happily sleeps in the backseat for hours. He loves exploring wherever we go. In the city, he watches pigeons with intense focus. In the country, it is deer. One of my favorite things about him is how he matches the energy of his surroundings. He is happy wherever we are, as long as we are together.
At home, he has earned full freedom. He is loose when I am away and never gets into trouble. He really is a good dog.
We’ve had our ups and downs, but Twister continues to amaze me with his resilience.
He pushes me to be more patient, more aware, and more present. He sleeps in bed with me every night and often climbs into my lap or rests his head on me for cuddles.
His resource guarding has improved so much. He no longer gets tense around food or toys. He now enjoys collaborative play, nudging a ball toward me or tossing a toy in my direction. Fetch has become one of his favorite games, especially with his blue spiky ball from Anderson Humane.
One challenge we are still working on is his protectiveness of me around certain people. We recently connected with a behavioral veterinarian, and I feel hopeful. Twister has people he trusts deeply. My parents have cared for him overnight without any issues.
Progress continues, one step at a time.
As much as I help Twister grow, he helps me grow, too.
He brings so much love, laughter, and joy into my life every single day. I recently sent a small donation to Anderson Humane as a thank-you, especially to the Training Team. You truly give underdogs a chance.
Twister is resilient, affectionate, and full of surprises. One year in, I cannot imagine life without him. I am so grateful our paths crossed when they did, and I know Marie had a hand in that.
We found each other right on time.
Do you have a story about how Anderson Humane changed your life?
We would love to hear it! https://forms.gle/CVikP9zgV62KeB4q8
Ready to start your own rescue story?
Meet adoptable animals at Anderson Humane by visiting ahconnects.org/adopt, or help make the next 60 stories possible by donating in honor of our 60th Anniversary.
Interested in our training classes?
Visit us at ahconnects.org/training-classes/
