b"Clarissacontinuedtocall puppy, all scarred and bandaged fromHillsboroughCountyPetResource being hit by a car. Clarissa explainedCentertonoavail,hopingAmber everything to me. She shared Amberswould show up. Something told her afterpictures,allhealedbecauseofto keep trying. Finally, someone was Clarissas care from nursing her backable to help her. It turns out Amber to health, Connie added. This doghad been owner-surrendered again to needed to be back with her family, andPRC and pulled by a rescue group, her family deserved to have her back. FloridaBigDogRescue, basedinPlant City, Florida.Clarissa made several attempts toconnect with Florida Big Dog Rescueby Facebook and email. While taking my son to school onemorning, I told him, if its meant tobe,Amberwillbebackwithus.Quietly, I just kept praying. I prayedthat she was alright. I prayed for hersafe return to us.WhenClarissareceivedthe Amber never got in the transportphone call from Connie with Florida vanthatday.ConnieandClarissaBig Dog Rescue, her cellphone was at madearrangementstomeetafewtwo percent. I was in my car with no days later. An arduous, almost three-charger,andinthemiddleofmy yearjourneywouldbringafamilyconversation with Connie, my phone full circle, and finally back togetherdied.WhenIwasabletocallher again. back, Connie was in her car, headed Somepeoplearoundmeto a local transport team with Amber. wonderedwhyIkeptlookingforThe dog was destined for a shelter in Amber,recalledClarissa.TheyNewHampshirebywayofPolk wouldsay,oh,shesjustadog.County Bully Project. I begged her, Throughoutthisjourney,Ialwaysno, no, no, please! I have been look- replied, no, shes not just a dog. Shesing for my dog for over two years, my family. Thats my girl.said Clarissa. Mistakesinlifeareinevitable.SheexplainedtoConniehow Secondchances,notsomuch.shehadowner-surrenderedAmber, Clarissa'sloveandtenacitygavethisandadmitteditwasoneofthe second chance story a happy ending. Ubiggestmistakesofherlife.ItoldConniethatIneededAmber,that Florida Big Dog Rescue mysonneededherandsodidmy www.FloridaBigDogRescue.commom,saidClarissa,whoalsosent FloridaBigDogRescue@gmail.comConnie pictures of Amber. Polk County Bully ProjectI couldnt believe what was hap- www.PolkCountyBullyProject.orgpening,saidConnie.But,Ido PolkCountyBullyProject@gmail.combelieve that everything happens for areason. Here we were, just moments Hillsborough Countyfrom loading Amber up in the trans- Pet Resource Centerport van to send her out of state to 440 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa, FLanother shelter, and I receive a phone 813.744.5660call from her original owner.Connielookedatthephotos, Humane Society of Tampa Bayand knew what she had to do. I took www.HumaneSocietyTampa.orgone look at the photos of Amber as a26 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com"