Raphie and APCI's holiday classic on communicating with animals.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. Raphie had been rescued from a high-kill shelter, where he lay hiding in a fetal position in the back corner of his cage.
After ranch rescuer Barbara Maroney led Raphie into the lobby to meet Michael and me, the skeletal Poochon dropped belly-up at our feet. Barbara spun Raphie playfully around on the concrete floor.
“He’s so sweet, you can really have fun with him,” she said.
A cautious Raphie clung to Barbara.
Michael and I looked at each other and smiled. Raphie needed a home, and we ached to fill a gap as deep as the Grand Canyon left by the passing of our Maltipoo two months earlier.
As Michael drove the three of us home, Raphie sat in my lap with his paw resting on Michael’s arm. The three of us bonded instantly.
Settling into his new home, Raphie chased his ball with so much exuberance that he skidded into the wall, clonked his head on the coffee table, then resumed running as if nothing had happened.
Happily, Raphie lives in the moment. No longer trying to hide in a fetal position, our now 21-pound Raphie stands tall with eyes bright and his tongue hanging out in a wide-open smile.
The Last Chance Ranch and other animal rescues could use your donations. One of the most enjoyable ways to donate is to adopt a pet. Share a rescue’s unconditional love and enthusiasm!
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Aggie Perilli is president of Aggie Perilli Communications International (APCI).
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