Miss Fifi has a wonderful story on this beautiful nearly-Spring day. It's one of sadness and grieving, and happiness and hope. All the perfect elements for the best kind of tale.

Sweet little Oakley, a rescue dog recently adopted by Laurie and Glenn Dennison of Raleigh, tells Miss Fifi that he humbly accepts his distinction of being WRAL's Pet Photo of the Week Winner with "licks and wags." Bless his heart.

The Dennison's came into Oakley's life through a sad situation, and the loss of their longtime canine companion, Tripp. Tripp, whom Laurie describes as "a 96 pound Golden-Lab-Hound mix ... my gentle, goofy, sweet giant of a boy," was a therapy dog. "He brought so much joy to those he visited and it devastated us when the accident occurred. He was only seven years and fifteen days old," she said, "but every one of those years and days were priceless."

Life seemed so empty for the Dennison's, and they knew they had to search for another special dog to help heal their hearts. Laurie spotted Oakley, once known as Coconut, on Petfinder.com, and contacted Tails U Win right away. "Betty Wallace from Tails U Win is a wonderful, dedicated, hard-working dog lover who wants nothing but the best for the pups she fosters. We feel so blessed that we were approved as Oakley's new parents."

It was love at first site, and little Oakley's got a heap of hope upon his shoulders. He's already signed up for dog classes in April. "He's one smart cookie," Laurie said. "If we don't go into therapy work, we might try our hand at agility ... or do both. Why not? I'm looking forward to making Oakley the best dog he can be."

If you'd like to read more about Oakley's humble beginnings, check him out online in the March 2008 issue of Paw Prints Magazine.

Woof!