A family, a dog and a gift from the Easter Bunny
Forget the jelly beans, chocolate rabbits and colored eggs – the Easter Bunny now seems to be involved in animal rescue!
Christine Stephenson met Mills in December on her first visit to Best Friends during a snow storm. She’d heard such amazing things about the sanctuary and decided to come and see for herself. So Christine brought her two daughters and a friend for a few days of volunteering with dogs and cats. Both girls are true animals lovers and want to be vets when they grow up. On their first night they decided it would be fun to have a Best Friends sleepover dog* and it was Mills’ lucky day! He impressed them with his manners and managed to bond with the family overnight. They all had thoughts of adopting Mills, but since Christine’s husband wasn’t along to be part of the decision, they cried as they drove Mills back to Dogtown – not expecting to see him again.
In January, Christine visited and volunteered at the sanctuary for a second time and once again it snowed. This time they decided to try a different sleepover dog, just to be fair and to give another dog some quality one-on-one time. This dog was sweet, but it just wasn’t Mills.
The third visit was a charm for the Stephensons and Mills. Christine’s husband Mark came to see the wonderful place that his family kept raving about. The entire family was surprised to find that Mills was still here and hadn’t been adopted yet. They discovered that he was being treated for heartworm and wouldn’t be adoptable until the lengthy treatment was over, but he could still go on a sleepover. Even though Mark also fell in love with Mills, he’d made it clear that he didn’t want to adopt another dog.
That night Mills slept cuddled up with the family. The next morning was Easter Sunday, and the girls were a little disappointed that the Easter Bunny hadn’t brought any “gifts”, but they were even sadder thinking it was time to take Mills back to Dogtown again. However, overnight something miraculous happened, Mark changed his mind and told the family that he thought they should adopt Mills! The girls were certain that the Easter Bunny had somehow whispered in Mark’s ear as he slept, snuggled up to Mills. The Stephensons and Mills headed for Dogtown again, but this time to prepare the adoption papers. It took three long weeks filled with anticipation for Mills to complete his heartworm treatment. Christine describes him as a true gift to their family. Mills has indeed found his forever home - thanks to a little help from the Easter Bunny.
(*Best Friends Doggie Sleepover Program allows visitors to “borrow” a sanctuary dog for the night. The program helps with socialization and sometimes results in an adoption!)
Story by Christine Stephenson and Sue FrancesconiPhoto by Christine Stephenson