Too many animals are put to sleep in animal shelters each year, and that was the fate of one little furry dog named Edie. Fortunately, just hours before she was scheduled to be euthanized, she met someone very special.

Bronwyne Mirkovich had decided he wanted to share his life with a furry best friend. Although he wasn’t hopeful that he would find that friend at an animal shelter, he wanted to try there first before going to a store to buy a new pet.

He walked up and down the aisles looking into the faces of the dogs waiting for a new home. That’s when he saw a very furry, malnourished, little scruff ball cowered in a corner. Bronwyne wasn’t sure about her, and Edie definitely wasn’t sure about the big man that stood looking back at her. At just ten pounds there was a lot to be afraid of in the shelter as far as she was concerned.

Edie is a maltese mix and she was just hours from being put down, but Bronwyne saw something special in her beautiful eyes. In a room with just Edie, Bronwyne began trying to see if Edie was the perfect fit. He tried to draw her close to him, but she wasn’t willing to come. Finally, with some coaxing and the help of a leash, Edie came to Bronwyne and melted into his arms.

It can be hard to tell at a shelter whether an animal is the right fit for your family, so experts recommend trying the following tests to determine if you’ve found the right one.

First, let the dog or puppy sniff around the enclosure for a few minutes. Try to get his or her attention by calling out to them. Do they come to you? If not, extend a toy or treat and walk across the floor. See if they follow.

Next, take a set of keys or a can filled with pennies. Shake it softly behind your back then drop it on the floor. What is their reaction? Try skipping or hopping across the floor and act as if you’ve fallen. Shout, “ouch!” What does the puppy or dog do?

If they’ve passed the tests so far, try seeing how they act to being loved on. Kneel down and pet the animal. If it’s a smaller dog, try lifting it into your arms. If you sense them stiffening or hear a soft growl, it may not be conditioned to the touch of a human.

Last, try restraining your pet with a leash or collar. If they seem uncomfortable, offer a toy or treat. Do they settle down? Try leading them on a leash if they are older than 12 weeks. Are they already accustomed to wearing a leash and collar?

Poor Edie struggled with some of these tests as you’ll see in the video below, but Bronwyne wasn’t willing to give up on her. After a bit of effort, Edie was ready for a check up by the vet, a bath, and grooming.

She was now ready to begin her new life outside the shelter. Check out the video below to learn more about Edie and Bronwyne and be sure to share this heartwarming story with your family and friends.