I went to ACCT for the first time four years ago to bring home a foster dog. I thought I could handle what I was going to experience there – I’ve been to plenty of shelters over the years – but I was wrong.

I wasn’t prepared for the number of dogs in need. I walked up and down the rows of kennels filled with waggy tails and hopeful expressions choking back tears until the sadness overwhelmed me. The shelter was chaotic and heartbreaking and I was crushed that I could only help one when so man...