Story and photos submitted by Saira Chaudry
There's a saying that once in a while a dog comes into your life and changes everything, and that is Hooligan for me. I always loved animals, but never had any real desire to have a dog. Then one day I saw his little face, and it was all over for me. I was very young when I got Hooligan, and we learned together how to be a team. I spent a lot of time learning how to be a good dog owner. It wasn't always easy, but because of him I became a much more responsible person.
His biggest contribution to my life has been my involvement with dog rescue. Through my love for him, I became a board member of the local pug rescue, Southern Nevada Pug Rescue. I've fostered close to 40 dogs over the years, and have adopted a few that I couldn't let go. And as Hooligan and I grow older, my love for seniors grows as well. They give so much to us, the least we can do is make sure they are loved and cared for as long as we are lucky enough to have them.
Hooligan is now 15 1/2 years old, he's as grumpy and stubborn as they day I got him, and I wouldn't change anything about him. Having him made me a better person, and his legacy on my life will last a lifetime.