At just 18 years old, Alanna Law’s life was turned upside down by a condition she never expected. Diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in 2020, Alanna began a difficult battle with debilitating anxiety and non-epileptic seizures. Her seizures, which occurred multiple times a day, left her feeling powerless. She struggled to focus on school, maintain relationships, and pursue her dreams. The seizures were so overwhelming at one point that they caused her to miss over a month of school, setting her back both academically and emotionally.
Then, in September 2023, Alanna’s life took a remarkable turn when she met Dahlia, a dog from Anderson Humane. It wasn’t just a simple adoption; it was a life-changing moment. Dahlia wasn’t just a pet—she was the companion, protector, and healer Alanna desperately needed. From the moment they met, Dahlia seemed to understand exactly what Alanna was going through. Without hesitation, Dahlia walked over, sat beside Alanna, and simply stayed by her side, offering a sense of calm that Alanna had been missing.
“She’s more than just a dog—she’s my partner, my protector, and my best friend,” Alanna said, her voice filled with emotion. Little did she know, Dahlia’s presence would become the key to her healing. Dahlia provided the pressure therapy that helped alleviate Alanna’s anxiety and prevented her seizures from taking control.
With Dahlia by her side, Alanna’s life began to change in ways she never thought possible. Her seizures became less frequent, her anxiety more manageable, and her sense of self was restored. Dahlia’s comforting warmth and steady presence helped Alanna regain balance, both mentally and physically. Alanna went from struggling with her condition to thriving—turning her grades around from C’s to A’s and reclaiming control of her life.
Dahlia wasn’t just a dog. She was the reason Alanna found hope again. Their bond is a powerful reminder of how life-changing pet adoption can be—not only for the pets who find their homes, but also for the people who are lucky enough to welcome them into their lives.
A $25,000 Grant: Empowering More Life-Changing Stories
Alanna’s powerful story didn’t go unnoticed. It was submitted to the Petco Love Stories campaign, which celebrates the incredible connections between people and the animals they adopt. The heartwarming bond between Alanna and Dahlia caught the attention of Petco Love, and Anderson Humane was selected as one of 25 organizations across the nation to receive a $25,000 grant.
This grant is not just a recognition of our work—it’s a reflection of the transformative power that rescue animals bring to the lives of the people who adopt them. Every dollar of this grant will be used to support Anderson Humane in its mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and find loving homes for thousands of animals each year. With this funding, we can continue to provide pets with the care they need—medical attention, vaccinations, and the resources required to thrive and find their own loving families.
Petco Love, in partnership with BOBS from Skechers, has honored life-changing adoption stories like Alanna and Dahlia’s for years, and this grant is an opportunity for us to create even more life-changing moments for animals in need.
How You Can Help Create More Stories Like Alanna and Dahlia’s
Alanna and Dahlia’s story is just one of many, and there are countless animals still waiting for their chance at a life filled with love, healing, and happiness. If Alanna and Dahlia’s journey touched your heart and you want to help create more stories like theirs, there are meaningful ways you can make a difference.
By volunteering, you can help care for the animals in our shelter, offering them comfort and attention while they await their loving family. Whether it’s walking dogs, playing with cats, or assisting with events, your time can make a lasting impact on the lives of the animals we care for.
If you have room in your home and heart, consider fostering. Fosters are essential to our mission—they provide safe, loving environments for pets while they await their forever family. Fostering allows animals to thrive, building the confidence and stability they need to find their true home.
And, of course, donations are vital in helping us continue our work. Your generous contributions help provide the medical care, vaccinations, and resources necessary for rescuing and rehabilitating animals. Your support ensures that pets like Dahlia can get the second chance they deserve.
Join Us in Changing Lives
Together, we can continue to change lives, one story at a time. Every pet deserves a loving family, and every family deserves the joy and healing that comes from adopting a pet. If you want to help make more heartwarming transformations like Alanna and Dahlia’s possible, Visit our website to donate, or learn more about being a volunteer or about fostering. Your support helps us create brighter futures for animals in need.
Donate today and be a part of creating more life-changing stories!