Sometimes, a name is the first sign that a dog might be meant for you.
When Justine Henderson saw Anna Mae on the Wake County Animal Center adoption website, she had to smile. Anna Mae is also her older sister’s name, and it’s not a name she hears often.
When Justine visited the shelter, she found Anna Mae quietly sitting in her kennel. As soon as Justine stopped by, Anna Mae started wagging her tail.
“I knew it was meant to be.”
A new name, new friends
Justine adopted Anna Mae, now called Mae, in July 2025. She was looking for a companion for her senior dog, Blue, who had lost his brother a few months earlier.
It took Mae about a week to find her footing and about three months to fully settle into the household. Today, she’s thriving.
Mae is quirky, lovable and an expert at giving hugs, especially when someone needs one without realizing it. She loves walks and playtime and gets along with the family’s other pets and children. She and Blue have also become best friends.
Justine has adopted multiple pets over the years and says each one has been a wonderful addition to her family.
“No matter what you are looking for, shelter pets can be some of the best companions out there,” Justine said.
Sometimes, the right companion is waiting for you at the shelter.
