In November, Rachael was able to donate more than $1 million for hurricane relief -- part of which went to the North Shore Animal League America, who helped to coordinate the safe transfer of 50 dogs and cats from Puerto Rico to the U.S.

And after a viewer named Colleen saw a segment of our show about it (some of the puppies even visited our studio!), she was inspired to explore adoption of a furry friend from Puerto Rico.

(She previously had two small dogs that her daughter took with her when she got married and a cat that passed away, so she says she was experiencing "empty nest" syndrome.)

"I saw a segment on 'Rachael Ray' about the North Shore Animal League," Colleen explains, "and how they had rescues from Puerto Rico, from Hurricane Maria.

"And being that [my fiance's] family is from Puerto Rico," she continues, "we just knew we had to get one."

That's when she visited North Shore Animal League America and met Bernie!

"He came out and started licking us and he was just full of a lot of love," she recounts. "He just felt like he belonged with us. And we rescued him."

And boy is she glad they did!

She says the lovable little guy is super playful and loves to give kisses. (Aw!)

"I just want to thank Rachael Ray," Colleen says. "If it wasn't for her show, we would've never known about Bernie. He wouldn't have been part of our family."

You're going to make us cry (happy tears), Colleen! ❤️

To get more information on puppies that are up for adoption through North Shore Animal League America, visit their website!