The pointer with purpose
Michelle Donnelly and Halo taking a break at The Pet Stuff Place.
Sixteen-week-old Halo is not just a puppy, she is a whirlwind of curiosity and affection wrapped in a shiny, liver-colored coat. For Michelle Donnelly, a Founders Village resident, Halo is more than just a playful German shorthaired pointer (GSP), the pup is a source of comfort and connection after loss.
Michelle lost her 5-year-old GSP Janie, affectionately known as Calamity Jane, in a tragic accident after a long and desperate search in the mountains. Afterwards, Michelle was not ready to open her heart to another pet again, until she had a dream.
In the dream, Michelle saw a deep brown dog and a plaque that read “Halo Janie’s Angel.” Not long after, Janie’s breeder came across a post about a puppy litter from Janie’s sister and among the puppies was a 7-week-old GSP, with coloring just like the dog in Michelle’s dream.
“I was planning on getting another GSP for Janie, but not this way,” said Michelle. She may not have been ready at that moment, but Halo’s sweet soul was destined to be with Michelle.
Michelle’s friends, including co-worker Lisa Lang, bought the puppy and brought her home to Michelle. Naming her Halo was the obvious choice.
Halo shows so many of the qualities that make GSPs such wonderful companions. They are smart, full of energy and happiest when they have something to do. They build deep bonds with their families, knowing when they are needed most. Halo’s enthusiasm for exploring captures that spirit. Originally bred in Germany as versatile hunting dogs, GSPs are just as beloved today for their loyalty, playfulness and loving nature.
Halo is already finding her own personality. Her deep brown coat and sweet, dark eyes give her a distinctive, classic GSP look. She is more prey driven than Janie was, said Michelle. Halo has started pointing instinctively, spending hours chasing leaves in Michelle’s backyard, which she calls a “National Geographic playground.”
Halo also mirrors Michelle’s mood, offering quiet companionship when her owner is under the weather.
Michelle, an integrated canine nutritionist, runs her pet nutrition business out of The Pet Stuff Place at The Village Shops at Castle Pines.
Halo comes to work with Michelle every day and fits right in. She is easygoing with customers, gentle with children and is happily immersed in play with her Weimaraner “boyfriend,” Bucky St. James. Bath time is another adventure. Halo will sprint, sliding into the side of the tub then plunge in with all of her energy.
For Michelle, Halo is more than just a joyful companion. She is a bridge and connection to Janie.
Curious Halo, a German short-haired pointer, waits patiently to explore her backyard playground.
Like Halo, Janie also wore an all liver color coat and enjoyed her outdoor playground.
Article and photo by Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Michelle Donnelly
