After living in the MOV for almost a year and missing my family dog back home in Ohio, I decided I needed to continue my search for a pup.

At first, my family wasn't too crazy about the idea of me getting a dog, much less a puppy! They were worried I wouldn't be able to handle something that bites, isn't potty trained, and barks all the time.

I have to admit, I was a little worried at first, too. When breaking news happens, you never know how long your day will be. Fortunately, I had the support from Brittany Sweeney, Erin Pulsanti, and a few other newsroom folks to talk me into making the big leap!

B-Sween has her adorable pooch, Valentine. Erin has her precious feline, Samantha Buttons. Both of them love their pets dearly, and their pets return the love. That's exactly what I wanted. I really do owe it to the two of them for encouraging me to get my pup! They told me I could handle a little one, and that I would make a great mom.

So that's when my search began!

Every once in awhile I would check pet finder.com, a website that lists all animals in local shelters. The Humane Society of the Ohio Valley, and the Parkersburg Humane Society both list their adoptable animals on that site. I highly encourage you to check it out! I also highly recommend adopting from a local shelter. Both of our shelters in the MOV are starting to become overcrowded and are in much need of some loving parents for cats and dogs!

Last month I came across a sad eyes, scrunchy face, beagle mix that I couldn't get out of my head. She was dropped off in a box with her brothers and sisters at a Humane Society in Warren, OH. After much debate, I decided to call them and ask if she was still there and to find out more info about her.  They told me she was born with a bent tail and is the runt of the litter. She was perfect.

I waited days in anticipation until my "weekend" to go pick her up. In the meantime, it was all about picking out a name. That Saturday before the 6:00 newscast, Erin and I were throwing out silly puppy names, followed by talks of girl scout cookies. Erin joked about calling her Samoa. I looked at the pups picture I kept as the background on my phone, and back at Erin.... we both knew it was a perfect fit!

Then came the day to finally pick her up. When they brought her out to me I couldn't contain my excitement and happiness. I was crying with joy. She was truly love at first sight.

The first few nights were a little rough. After studying a lot about Beagles, I found out she was very attached to her brothers and sisters and missed them very much. She does have a new brother and sister that she gets to visit a few times a month back at home in Akron! She also has her friend Valentine Sweeney that she likes to pick on. Barkley Lowe and Samoa still need a little bonding time as well.

Now, at 3 months old and 5 pounds, my little Samoa is the light of my life. She cuddles with me, and of course......bites, isn't potty trained, and barks all the time. But she's learning very fast and I've learned to be patient. I've already taught her how to sit, shake, and stay! And at only 3 months old, I'd say it's quite an accomplishment.  I am such a proud mom.

So without further ado......meet Samoa!