Today is Independence Day, and it's been exactly six months since we liberated Rivers from the Humane Society in New Rochelle, New York. The workers at the shelter were wonderful to us as adopters and treated Rivers very well, but all inhabitants of shelters really want their own home with people who will love them.

Rivers is only my second dog. I had very little dog experience when I adopted my first dog, Snuffles, with my son more than a decade ago. Snuffles was so wonderful for us that I couldn't believe another dog could be as good. But Rivers has proven herself to be similarly magical. I am beginning to suspect it's not just these two dogs: it's all dogs! All dogs are magical! Why doesn't everyone have a dog??

Rivers is not Snuffles. She has a distinct personality, but she makes us happy in the same way Snuffles did. After losing Snuffles, we discovered that the only cure for a dog-shaped hole in one's heart is another dog.

Two weeks ago, Michael (aka The Big Guy/Papa Bear) saved our girl Rivers from almost-certain doom. While on a typical after-work walk near our house, a dog escaped its property and tried to attack Rivers. Acting instinctively, Michael scooped up Rivers with one arm and blocked the charging dog with the other. The dog sunk one tooth into Michael's arm, and teeth broke skin in other places on his arm. Rivers was completely unscathed (and seemingly clueless about the danger she'd just escaped). As Michael said, "Rivers isn't going to lose any more ear on my watch!"

After getting the attacking dog under control, its owner called the police; the police and Stamford Animal Control are dealing with the incident. It was an extremely scary situation. According to Michael, the dog (a boxer mix, so upwards of fifty pounds at least) was clearly going after Rivers (our little twenty-three-pound ball of fluff). Michael saved Rivers but, as my birthday was the next day, he saved that occasion for years to come. Now, when my birthday rolls around, we'll be reminded of Michael's heroic actions rather than mourning Rivers.

Michael is not angry with the dog that bit him. He is angry with its irresponsible owners. I have walked past this house countless times. Almost every time, I have seen the two dogs who live there kept in an outdoor kennel in all weather—rain, snow, etc. I was always sad for those dogs but hadn't thought much about the effect that confinement has on animals. I have never seen their owners walk them. It's no mystery that confinement and frustration can result in aggression. I hope the owners are forced to take better care of their dogs or find them another home. Having a dog means it's part of your family.

I am enormously grateful that Rivers is still part of our family, thanks to Michael—our hero!