More: I adopted Nellie from a local animal shelter in the fall of 2011 when she was 4-5 months old, shortly after my brother passed away. Once a nervous Nellie, she found being outdoors overwhelming and intimidating. With the help of my golden retriever, Nellie has come out of her shell and grown into a true nature pup. She now enjoys sunbathing in her yard, kayaking around lakes, and hiking trails. She has learned how to swim, gone camping, and discovered she loves to lay by a bonfire and soak up the heat. Nellie has even become acquainted with snow, and likes to visit the Christmas tree farm every year to help pick out a tree. On holidays, she likes to spend time visiting with her cousin canines. I wake up everyday thankful I have Nellie in my life, and think she rescued me just as much as I rescued her.