“Never say never” is good advice， especially when it comes to pets. It’s a well-known joke that people who were adamant about not wanting pets end up being the ones who love them most. The same happened to James Coburn， a man who was sure he’d never want a dog， but now hosts amazing birthday parties for his rescue pups1 and makes sure they are living the best life possible. Perhaps he can plan my next birthday？

“永远别说绝不”是句不错的忠告，尤其在养宠物这件事上。有段众所周知的笑谈：那些曾信誓旦旦表示绝不养宠的人，往往最终会成为最爱宠物的人。同样的事情也发生在詹姆斯·科伯恩身上——这位曾经笃定自己绝不会养狗的男士，如今却为他领养的小狗们举办超棒的生日派对，努力让它们过上最好的生活。或许他可以帮我策划下一个生日派对？

James’s initial refusal to get a dog doesn’t stem from hate for these adorable animals， nor did he have problems with hair and chewed up socks. James and his wife Leah lead a very active lifestyle and enjoy traveling， so he thought adopting a dog would change their life in a way he didn’t want. It is a very rational fear and an important thing to consider before opening doors to a new family member. Dogs require a lot of attention and care and if someone’s not ready， they shouldn’t be adopting a dog.

詹姆斯最初拒绝养狗并非因为讨厌这些可爱的动物，也不是因为担心狗毛满天飞或袜子被咬坏。他和妻子利娅都生性好动、热衷旅行，所以他担心养狗会改变他们喜欢的生活方式。这种担忧十分合理，也是在迎接家庭新成员前必须认真考虑的重要问题。小狗需要大量关注与照料，如果没有做好准备，就不应该贸然领养。

However， sometimes love happens and there is nothing you can do. When James saw Poundcake， an adorable 8-month-old puppy， he knew it was his dog. There was only one problem—the puppy was deaf. However， it didn’t deter him from getting his dog. He applied for Poundcake’s adoption without even telling Leah.

然而，有时候缘分来了挡也挡不住。詹姆斯一见到八个月大的萌犬“磅蛋糕”，就知道这是他的小狗。唯一的问题是——这只小狗有听力障碍。但是，他领养的决心并未因此动摇。他甚至没告诉利娅就递交了磅蛋糕的领养申请。

Soon， Poundcake was coming to live with James and Leah. They were ready to provide the best possible care for the differently abled doggie. Unfortunately， a lot of them are overlooked and their chances to find a loving home are very slim. This deeply touched James and he vowed to provide the best possible life. Poundcake didn’t know what he was in for， but he was ready to pay them back with kisses and unconditional love.

很快，磅蛋糕就要和詹姆斯与利娅一起生活了。夫妻俩为尽可能照顾好这只残障小狗做足了准备。不幸的是，很多残障小狗得不到关注，它们找到一个充满爱的家的机会非常渺茫。詹姆斯深受触动，发誓要尽可能给磅蛋糕最好的生活。磅蛋糕不知道等待自己的是什么，但它准备用亲吻与无条件的爱来回报他们。

Where there’s a place for one， there’s a place for another—or at least that’s what crazy dog people say. I know I do when I browse shelter ads looking for a sibling for my rescue dog. The Coburns decided that there was room in their hearts for one more dog. After some time， Poundcake gained a sister—a lovely lady named Milkshake. Milkshake had a troubled past in the prison system and had very slim chances of being adopted—a lot of people are afraid of dogs who went through something traumatic. But we all deserve second chances at happiness， especially helpless animals.

一只也是养，两只也是养——至少爱狗成痴的人都这么说。