Danielle Cochrane, a first-year Veterinary Technology student at St. Petersburg College, received the best surprise right before the holidays.

The college’s Vet Tech students are asked to foster pets in their homes to help prepare the animals for adoption. Over the Thanksgiving break, Danielle took home a 1.5-year- old mixed breed terrier named Walker. The bond between the two clicked instantly.

“I’ve not seen a bond like this between a dog and person in a really long time. They’re like best friends,” said Danielle’s mother Jennifer Cochrane.

Danielle had previously asked if she could adopt Walker, but her mother said no because they have other pets at home.

But Danielle’s mother later changed her mind after seeing her daughter’s hard work in school and commitment to the dog. Danielle  would drive about two hours, three times a week, bringing Walker back and forth to school. With the holidays approaching, she decided to secretly adopt Walker and surprise her daughter with the new addition to their family.

Danielle is a full-time student, interns at a veterinary office and works at an area Publix three days a week. “We’re just really proud of her. She’s been working her way through college. She’s done awesome. So this is her reward”, her mother said.

On December 9,  the Vet Tech team coordinated a very special surprise adoption for Danielle and Walker. Bay News 9 was there to capture the moment. Staff told Danielle Bay News 9 would be at the school to showcase adoptable pets for the holidays and that Walker had been selected as one of the animals for the feature.

During the interview, staff claimed they had received “a tip” someone wanted to adopt Walker. Instead, Jennifer walked in and surprised her daughter with the great news!

Danielle was completely overjoyed and excited to bring Walker home for good.

Give a pet a forever home

“All of our animals in our program are up for adoption at any time,” said SPC Veterinary Instructor Tricia Gorham. “They come home spayed or neutered with dental procedures performed, blood work complete and all vaccinations. They have all had behavior modification training (clicker training) by our students and are well socialized and ready for forever homes. This includes dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and rats.”

Learn more about adopting pets from SPC’s Vet Tech program or check the center’s Facebook page.