Basking in the Shared Gratitude and LoveHoliday Classic
by Aggie Perilli
My husband, Michael, and I adopted a 15-pound Bichon Frise Poodle named Raphie from the Last Chance Ranch Animal Rescue in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. Ranch volunteers had rescued Raphie from a high-kill shelter, where he lie in a fetal position trying to hide in the back corner of his cage.
Rescuer Barbara Maroney had led Raphie into the lobby to meet Michael and me, and the skeletal Poochon dropped belly-up at our feet.
Playfully, Barbara spun Raphie around on the concrete floor.
“He’s so sweet, you can really have fun with him,” she said.
Cautiously, Raphie clung to Barbara.
Michael and I looked at each other and smiled. Raphie needed a home, and we ached with grief over the passing of our aging Maltipoo two months earlier.
As Michael drove the three of us home, Raphie sat on my lap resting his paw on Michael’s arm. The three of us bonded instantly.
As Raphie settled into his new home, he chased his ball with so much exuberance that he skidded into the wall, clonked his head on the coffee table and resumed running as if nothing had happened.
No longer trying to hide, Raphie stands tall with eyes bright and his tongue hanging out in a wide-open smile. – December 5, 2011
The Last Chance Ranch and other animal rescues could use your donations. One of the most rewarding ways to donate is to adopt a pet. Bask in your grateful rescue’s shared love and enthusiasm!
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Aggie Perilli is president of Aggie Perilli Communications International.
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