Petco’s Holiday Wishes Winner
In 2019, my story below was selected by Petco as a Holiday Wishes winner. Carter won a party at a local Petco, a shopping spree, and $5,000 donation to the nonprofit where I adopted him. After being announced as a Holiday Wishes contest winner, Independent Animal Rescue asked if I could film the story of Carter; this can be found here. Carter passed away from lymphoma cancer February 2023.
As a life-long NC State fan, I knew I would one day want a wolf (pup) of my own, and I would want to name him Carter, after Carter Finley Stadium. I searched far and wide at all the rescues nearby for the perfect NC State dog. By June 2018, I adopted Carter (previously named Ferdinand) as a tiny 8 week pup with big blue (now green/hazel) eyes and extraordinarily large paws. After meeting him, I knew this chunky ball of chocolate would soon be mine.
Carter Finley Stadium’s Murphy Football Center, in Raleigh, NC, showcases a large statue with six wolves and stands about 30 feet tall. The six wolves, Confidence, Passion, Spirit, Courage, Pride, and Strength, are all qualities of a wolf and an NC State athlete. Coincidentally, from the moment Carter entered my life, he has taught me so much about life and these qualities that I had not yet learned:
Confidence: Before adopting Carter, I had to ask myself: will I be a good enough pup-parent to Carter? I am now confident in my dog-mom skills, but also more confident in life in general. Carter makes me feel invincible! Carter is able to pump up my confidence levels with his “pup-talks” (AKA: him giving my feet licks and bringing me toys).
Passion: I did not know I could love an animal as much as I love him. I am so passionate about him, love talking about him, and telling people everything he does: from catching his ball in the air, ripping up my sofa, and his stinky farts.
Spirit: I think having “spirit” is like having faith in the future. I am looking forward to a better and brighter future for me and Carter. I’m so happy I have him to spend every day with, loving him and learning more of his quirks every day as we both grow.
Courage: Carter is definitely a watch-guard, protecting his “pack.” However, Carter has given me the courage I need to feel comfortable living alone and similarly to “confidence,” makes me feel invincible in any obstacle that comes our way!
Pride: I feel so proud when Carter completes a task or learns something new. From completing a 10 day “Bachelor's Degree” Program at Sit Means Sit to learning what “upstairs” means, I am forever proudful of his accomplishments both big and small.
Strength: Carter is now 115 pounds and 15 months old. I must have the physical strength to walk him. Also I must have the power to tell him no when he asks for a nibble of human food at the dinner table.
In his spare time, Carter enjoys spending his time tearing up his expensive beds, chasing after his Kong Wubba and plethora of other toys, repping NC State, and providing endless supplies of cuddles and kisses.
