Not every adoption story starts with a single wagging tail. For Sharleen Young, her husband James and daughter Amelia, it came in pairs.
The family adopted two dogs from the Wake County Animal Center, Peanut and Purl, and started a lifetime of adventures and snuggles.
“My family loves dogs," Sharleen said. “We adore the compassion and entertainment they provide.”
A two-dog decision
James regularly checks local adoption websites for pets in need, and Sharleen likes the idea of giving animals a playmate on their own level. It’s a gamble, she said, to adopt two pets that aren’t already bonded, but the Youngs had the space and resources to care for both.
“They were their cute faces that grabbed my attention first,” Sharleen said, noting the shelter’s description of the dogs as gentle and affectionate with kids and other pets. “Amelia is eight and still doesn’t fully understand personal space, so we wanted dogs who could handle that.”
A gentle start at home
The family bonded with Peanut and Purl by letting them explore the house at their own pace, offering plenty of pets and always using calm voices. To help the dogs feel secure, Sharleen placed a large bed for the pair on the floor at the foot of the family’s bed.
The adjustment period was smooth. Peanut, shy and timid, spent her first three days in the entryway, peeking around corners. The family called her over gently but never forced her. Purl, formerly named Jelly, was adventurous and made herself at home immediately.
New names, new routines
The dogs’ names were assigned at the shelter, Sharleen explained, and she and Amelia chose new ones. Amelia named Peanut, after her favorite snack, while Sharleen picked Purl, inspired by her love of knitting.
Advice for adopters
Sharleen said patience and flexibility are key for anyone adopting a shelter pet. “They’ve just been through living with strangers,” she said. “They don’t understand why they’re being unloved or forced into new conditions. Patience, gentleness, love and flexibility will show them they’re wanted.”
Peanut and Purl now thrive in their new home, bringing joy, snuggles and playful energy to the Young family of five. Peanut has bonded especially with James, while Purl spreads affection to everyone equally. The dogs love napping near their humans and racing around the backyard, letting out their zoomies and play-fighting with each other.
“They’re like personal fitness trainers and snuggle buddies,” Sharleen said. “Their charismatic, loving personalities have made our home so much brighter.”
The Young family moved from Oregon in 2019 to be closer to James’ family. They enjoy reading, nature walks, board games, cooking, knitting and video games – but now, Peanut and Purl are at the center of the household’s adventures.
