A Family Shaped by the Pets They Loved
For Natasha Samus, adopting her family’s first dog from Animal League America was a turning point. “I always wanted a dog,” she shared. “I grew up in Russia and when we moved to America when I was 12, my parents were focused on building a life here. They didn’t speak English yet and getting a dog wasn’t a priority. But the dream never went away for me.”
Years later, it was Natasha’s teenage son who made her childhood dream come true. On a visit to Animal League America, he fell head over heels for a puppy. That puppy was Boba, a striking terrier mix with one blue eye and one brown. From the moment Boba entered their household,
he showed them how deeply a dog can impact human lives: “He was the glue that held us together. If anyone had a bad day, Boba was the cure. He had such a calming presence. Boba brought out the best in all of us.”
“He was the glue that held us together. If anyone had a bad day, Boba was the cure. He had such a calming presence. Boba brought out the best in all of us.”
Several years later, following the passing of her mother, Natasha returned to Animal League America to find acanine companion for her father. “We found Leo in the same kennel that Boba had been in,” Natasha said. “It felt like a sign.” Leo was a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix and a whirlwind of energy. “He was wild and sweet and full of personality. But he ended up not being the best fit for my dad, so I took him in myself. He became our second boy.”
Both dogs have since passed, and Natasha recently dedicated two plaques to them in the kennel as a way to honor their lives and give back to Animal League America. “I have so much respect for what you do, and have continued to donate over the years,” she said. “No-kill means everything to me. Every time I walk through the shelter and see the big dogs in particular, my heart breaks. If I had the money and space, I would take them all!” Animal League America is honored to celebrate Natasha Samus as a cherished part of our community.