Little did I know how life-changing a seemingly random trip to my local Walgreens would be, in fact, it was supernatural. I walked through the door and there they were two angels – Cheryl, an APR volunteer, and Gumby, one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever met. Whatever the errand, it was undoubtedly forgotten as I spent the next 3-4 hours on the floor playing with Gumby and speaking with Cheryl about how to make Gumby mine. I admit, slightly sheepishly, I growled at anyone else who came by to admire Gumby. Without words I let it be known he was mine. I rushed home to get my husband Scott so I could introduce him to our new love. Mind you, neither of us had any inclination to adopt a dog at this time. It wasn’t even something we aspired to but remember I said it was supernatural, a gift from God.
As it turns out Gumby was promised to another but he and Cheryl will always have a place in my heart. My encounter with them brought me to APR, a place filled with all types of angels. Scott and I have had the absolute privilege of adopting two dogs from APR, Bunny, and Blaze. There aren’t enough words to describe how much we love them. You start off thinking you’re doing something worthy by adopting an animal but the truth is they rescued us. Their love is so unconditional and we couldn’t imagine our lives without them. It doesn’t matter if our day was good or bad – they love us. It doesn’t matter if we succeeded in accomplishing our to-do list – they love us. They are truly a gift from God and we are blessed to call Bunny and Blaze ours. A little secret – God has put it in our hearts to adopt a third dog and we can’t wait to meet him or her.
Diane Holmquist
AN UPDATE FROM THE APR FAMILY….
We are thrilled to let you know that all three of our bonded pairs of dogs have been adopted. Victoria and Beckham, Wesley and Walker and Duncan and Russell have now arrived in their forever homes. We wish them wonderful lives filled with joy. Camilla and Janice (sister kitties) are still looking, so come by the shelter and say hi to them. It would be a great end of the year to see these beautiful sisters in a forever home too.
