Paco Russo was adopted on October 11, 2007 from Aguadilla, PR. Here is his story...

Melisa was in Aguadilla at her company's national sales meeting and went to dinner with friends at Calypso. That's where she first saw Paco--the little buy at right. Calypso's owner, Cindie Rice, had found him wandering the streets, and rescued him, along with another little puppy that looked like a black lab-mix. A couple at the restaurant adopted the black lab mix that night, but Paco still needed a home. He actually smiled when Melisa held him. She and her friends went back to the hotel, but she couldn't stop thinking about Paco.

The next day she called Calypso but couldn't locate Cindie. She figured it was crazy to consider bringing home a dog from a business meeting in Puerto Rico, and that someone else would fall in love with Paco and give him a home. But she just couldn't get his little face out of her head, and couldn't bear the thought of him going to bed alone or hungry. The next day she tried calling Cindie again. This time they connected and chatted about Paco and the home that Melisa and her husband could provide him in NYC, and Cindie agreed to help.

Cindie spent the rest of the day calling all over Puerto Rico until she found a vet that would give Paco his rabies shots, so that he could fly home with Melisa. Meanwhile, Melisa called Continental to arrange a space for Paco on her flight, which was leaving the next morning. That night, Paco stayed in the hotel with Melisa, and was so quiet, he didn't make a single noise.

When they finally landed in NYC the next afternoon, Paco's true personality started to come out. He is rambunctious--he runs faster than a speeding bullet when he's on the trail of a ball--and friendly and loves to take naps with Melisa, her husband, and their other dog, Reggie. Since moving in with his new family, sato Paco has doubled in weight, going from 15 pounds to a healthy 32 pounds.

Paco was malnourished at first, but is now filling out really well and has healthy teeth and gums. His veterinarian estimates Paco to be almost 9 months old. Paco LOVES taking long walks, running around in Central Park, and playing with his brother Reggie. And he's extremely smart. He learned how to sit, stay, and come in ONE DAY, and couldn't be happier. They feel so lucky to have Paco in their lives. Even Reggie, who's 8, is like a puppy again with Paco around. It's the best decision Melisa ever made.