John and Paula Andrade knew exactly what they were doing when they walked into the Bristol Animal Shelter looking for a new pet to add to the family. When all was said and done, it was just another in a long line of heartwarming stories centered around this local pet shelter.

“We’ve always had dogs and cats, even when we were kids,” noted Paula, “but when we saw ‘Shamrock,’ it was love at first sight.”

Now 79 And 76 years of age, respectively, John and Paul Andrade of Willow Lane here in Bristol immediately caught the attention of their new 8-year-old Silky Terrier last April, who had suffered with a tumor on her stomach which needed surgery. The Andrades stepped forward at that time, and took the necessary steps to make an adoption a reality.

“We’ve had two dogs and five cats in the past,” said Paula, “and this was our third dog and she’s older, and so are we.”

But this particular story being told is not primarily about a dog who needed a new home, but about the people and who cared for it under the supervision and guidance of all those who work at the Bristol Animal Shelter.

“I can’t say enough good things about that place,” said John, a native Bristolian, who together with Paula, were intent on doing whatever necessary to make an adoption happen.

“Everyone at the shelter was very helpful to us,” said John “They scheduled an operation for Shamrock and paid for the entire procedure. They were so wonderful to us. They saved her life.”

In another few months, Shamrock will celebrate her first full year with the Andrade family. Sitting in their comfortable living room, John and Paula agree that everything couldn’t have worked out better.

“When we’re here in the house, Shamrock guards me all the time,” says Paula, her smile widening noticeably. “She’s so adorable and she’s a constant companion. She’s wonderful with our family, and she’s the star of the show. Everyone in the neighborhood knows our dog and she’s so friendly.”

Both John and Paula, who are the proud parents of six children (and 10 grandchildren), wanted to make sure the people in this community know and understand the service and loving care that is provided at the Bristol Animal Shelter. Shamrock is just another heartwarming example.