I love dogs. I love dogs so deeply and unconditionally that I remember with acute clarity every dog I have ever had: their little quirks, stories about them, and the trauma and heartbreak of saying goodbye to each. The importance of dogs in Blackfullas’ lives is made clear when visiting someone’s home or community, where you are more than likely to find a dog if not a few dogs.

Growing up, dogs were to be found out on the Mission, and in every relative’s house. Our dogs came from missions, pounds, ads in the newspaper, and if we got lucky, puppies, but mostly we got grown dogs that needed homes.