The top 25 Love Stories are here!
Announcing this year’s top Love Stories as we celebrate 25 years of love.
Last fall, pet families across the U.S. shared how the unique love of their adopted pet changes their lives for the better in our annual Love Stories campaign. Today in partnership with BOBS® from Skechers®, we’re announcing the top 25 Love Stories as we wrap up our celebration of 25 years of love!
Petco Love Stories reinforce the unconditional love we all feel for our pets and celebrate the lifesaving act of pet adoption. Over the years, we’ve received more than 25,000 incredible Love Stories. Each one showcasing the countless ways adopted pets change our lives for the better — from bringing joy in everyday moments to helping us overcome tragedies. This year was no different.
After rounds of careful review, we’re proud to share the top Petco Love Stories!
Amy + Murray
Animal Rescue League of Iowa
“Murray makes me feel special every time we go somewhere. He lets people love him, and just by association I, too, feel accepted and befriended. He opens doors for me and helps me create relationships with people, thus making me feel like I'm not alone and that I'm needed. Working with Murray gives my life purpose and meaning and you can't ask for more than that.” ~ Amy
Matt + Gus
Pendleton Animal Welfare Shelter (PAWS)
“Gus was there for us during a difficult cancer journey. He became our new best friend and constant companion. Gus made us happy. He made us less scared and gave us a reason to go out and have adventures as a family again.” ~ Matt
Resse + Maverick
Claiborne County Animal Control
“He makes me feel special because he loves me. He needs me and I need him. He licks my hand when I feel bad inside and it calms me down and I can rest.” ~ Reese
Alannah + Daliah
Anderson Humane
“She’s more than just a dog—she’s my partner, my protector, and my best friend. Together, we’ve overcome challenges that once seemed impossible, and I feel stronger and more hopeful than ever. Our bond is unbreakable, and she’s proof that the love and determination of an animal can truly change a life.” ~ Alannah
Amy + Minni
Animal Protective League of Springfield and Sangamon County
“Type 1 Diabetes can cause both spikes and dips in blood sugar levels that require close monitoring. One of several different, not-so-fun, but very important devices, sends an alarm to Zuri's mom's phone when her blood sugar levels drop. But when the family's Wi-Fi was slow connecting to the phone, it was Minni to the rescue. She raced to lie by Zuri's feet, and her mom knew what was needed immediately.” ~ Amy
Diane + Zoey
Freedom Street Rescue
“She is my North Star and my homing device. She keeps me balanced and happy because otherwise, living alone I might simply work with little personal life at all. She brings me great comfort as I go through chemotherapy treatments. I know she loves me with every core of her being.” ~ Diane
Rachael + Paska
Sweet Paws Rescue
“A tragic loss added to an already tough year. I lost my sister, but I had Paska. I had Paska to get me up and out of the house for walks. I depended on her nose at the side of the bed to wake me up and remind me there are things to be grateful for. It felt like my sister knew that I needed Paska’s gentle, warm love to get through the hardest year of my life.” ~ Rachael
Wesleigh + Sylvia
Cat Adoption Team
“Sylvia is a huge cuddler! She snuggles up by my face every night to sleep. She takes a while to warm up to strangers, so I feel special that she gives me all her love. She’s also very protective of me and our shared space.” ~ Wesleigh
Alan + Monster
SPCA Florida
“He definitely makes my wife and I feel very loved, relaxed, and blessed when he gets in our laps, sleeps up in the bed at night, purrs around our legs, walks with us outside and definitely proud when people see him with the elderly or at the assisted living facilities.” ~ Alan
Amy + Bitsy
Whiskers TNR of Warren County
“Bitsy makes Eve feel special by showing her inclusion, kindness, and love. Bitsy calms the storms that Eve faces as a child with special needs. She loves to cuddle with Eve at night and ensure she falls asleep peacefully. Bitsy is a one-of-a-kind cat, who was meant to find Eve and become her soul cat.” ~ Amy
Amy + Kazaam
Soul Dog Rescue
“Kazaam has a unique way of showing his affection. He seeks me out for hugs multiple times a day, pressing his furry body against me like a warm, comforting blanket. Each hug feels like a silent thank you, a reminder that our bond is strong and meaningful. It’s not just a physical affection; it’s an emotional connection that brings me comfort and happiness.” ~ Amy
Ana + Pepper
Full Circle Cats
“Because Pepper is so curious about our local alley cats, she inspired me to care more about them and start practicing TNR on them! She makes me feel like we are a little team together... she's the Alley Cat Activity Supervisor and I'm her Trapping Technician!” ~ Ana
Chris + Luna
Dallas Pets Alive
“I met Luna at a time in my life where I was alone, and no one cared about me. She made me feel like I was loved and boosted my confidence when I didn’t have much. Even now, taking care of her is like having a kid. She looks up to me and no one else. I have a huge responsibility now and I refuse to do anything that would put me in a bad situation because I will not let her down.” ~ Chris
EmmaGrace + Artemis & Eros
Changing Tomorrow Animal Rescue
“They give me unconditional love and make me feel so happy. Their soft fur makes me feel warm like the best blanket ever. The vibrations of the purring really calm me down. But the most magical part is how I never feel lonely when Artemis and Eros are around.” ~ EmmaGrace
Georgiann + Takoa
SNARF - Spay, Neuter, Adopt, Rescue, Foster
“I love her stubborn personality. I even love our arguments and her constant shedding. She has filled a hollow place in my heart that I had forgotten I had. I’m so grateful to have her in my life.” ~ Georgiann
Haley + Frankie
Animal Place
“Frankie has taught me so much about being a caregiver, about the power of sharing the story of an adopted pet and she looks at me like I’m the best person she’s ever met! (Okay, maybe she knows I’ll give her extra treats when she does that.)” ~ Haley
Janelle + Jobee
MSPCA – Angell
“Nathan and Jobee have both been through so much in their young lives. Jobee, a three-year-old suffering abuse and starvation, and Nathan, a seven-year-old enduring chemo and cancer... Jobee makes Nathan so incredibly happy. And seeing Nathan happy again was something I prayed for when he was first diagnosed.” ~ Janelle
Joe + Phelps
Pawsitive Tails Dog Rescue
“Every morning when we get up, my wife lets the dogs out, and when they come in, Phelps runs upstairs to say ‘hi dad! It's another beautiful day.’ Starting the morning with his smile is the best part of the day.” ~ Joe
Johnny + Cowboy
PAWS Atlanta
“In 2018, I was deployed to Iraq, leaving my wife, Erin, at home. Cowboy became her constant companion, providing comfort and protection during those months of separation. Knowing Erin had Cowboy’s loyalty and love while I was serving overseas gave me peace of mind. While I was protecting our country, Cowboy was at home, keeping Erin safe.” ~ Johnny
Kaylee + Mamba
Better Together Dog Rescue
“Mamba makes me feel like we can make the world a better place one rescue dog at a time.” ~ Kaylee
Lauren + Pop
Paw Works
“Pop makes me feel special because I know he understands what I'm going through. FIP is a mutation of the Feline Coronavirus. This means that, while different viruses, we were both affected by a type of coronavirus. When my heart rate starts to spike, he lays on my chest. When I'm too scared to sleep, he snuggles and purrs until I drift off. Throughout treatment, Pop stayed positive, forgiving, and brave. I try to embody the same spirit every day.” ~ Lauren
Lyris + Liberty
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
“Mom is in her 90’s now and lives in a home for the elderly. She gets confused easily and often can’t tell you what year it is. She struggles with names and faces that used to come easily to her. She often is unsure of what is going on. However, through all the mental fog and confusion, there is one thing she knows with absolute certainty; she loves Liberty and Liberty loves her.” ~ Lyris
Martha + Merry
Community Animal Welfare Society
“We started our family with Merry, and it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to win his trust and become his person. In turn, I chose to trust him at my most vulnerable as I prepared to complete our family. It was a quick, smooth delivery, but my daughter had some trouble breathing at the beginning that made me so deeply grateful that after all my waiting and worrying, Merry made sure I was where I needed to be when the time came.” ~ Martha
Robyn + Mac
Stealing Hearts Rescue
“Mac helps me realize how important life is, and to live it to the fullest. He is such a ‘comfort dog.’ He can sense stress and will lay on me to calm me down. He’s helped calm anxiety attacks and yet has a goofy/crazy side too. He makes me laugh often, shows me so much love yet is loving to others. The joy he brings to our home is unmatched.” ~ Robyn
Susan + Walter
TTF Animal Rescue
“Walter's sweet and loving disposition was evident from the moment he arrived at my home. Despite his shattered leg and bulky splint, he asked to be picked up by standing on his hind legs and reaching out like a baby with both arms. He purred incessantly and made one-handed air biscuits. He slept curled next to me starting from the very first night, and every night since.” ~ Susan
These 25 heartwarming stories have earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in lifesaving grants for the shelters and rescues that made their adoptions possible, but that’s not all. All 25 adopters will receive shoes from BOBS® from Skechers® and a Petco shopping spree.