A warm #Christmas surprise! @NaturalBalance #pets #dogs

A little over a week ago, I set out on a mission. Touting the $500 cheque I had won from my friends at Natural Balance for the shelter of my choice, I set out to surprise Emelinda, the warm heart behind Earth Angels Canine Rescue. The very same place where my SO and I met the little angel that would forever change our lives over two years ago...JR.

If you remember, JR was the runt of the litter and not even 3lbs when we first met her. They had said she wouldn't be more than 10lbs fully grown and she had a huge inguinal hernia. She got that fixed but then developed an abscess on the other side. Then she developed residual puppy teeth. So before we knew it, she had already undergone 4 different surgeries by the time she was one. Little would we know what a presence she'd grow to be in our hearts. A true fighter...a bit too curious, mischevious and playful at times, but definitely loyal, beautiful, and proud.

I had no doubts in my mind I wanted to repay Earth's Angels for bringing my little angel to me so even before I won $500 to donate, my heart was set. Armed with the cheque and about 85lbs of free dog food vouchers I had in my possession, I had called in advance to make sure Emelinda would be there that day. She, herself, told me she'd be there, maybe even early but she'd have to leave early that night as someone had set up a fundraising event for her.

When I showed up at PetSmart that afternoon, I was greeted with the news that Emelinda had an emergency. One of her dogs had a heart attack and was in critical care; she wasn't going to make it in. Praying that I'd be able to somehow meet up with her and deliver her some good news in this time of stress and sadness, I called her. Luckily, I was able to catch her and meet up with her on her way to the clinic. Trust me, it was rough. New York traffic right before Christmas is hell. It took two painstakingly long hours but we were finally able to meet, ironically, right outside where we adopted JR. It simply was meant to be.

Her van was as I remembered it...stuffed with supplies for the dogs in the back, a few rescues sitting in the front with her, and just enough room for her to get in the driver's seat. Tears welled in her eyes as she realized what I had called her for. She repeatedly said to me, "You have no idea how much this means to me, how much we need this, especially right now." I jokingly said to her, "This is a great way to start your fundraising event tonight." The emotions and thankfulness she expressed warmed my heart and made the journey seem like a walk in the park. At the end of the day, I had come to do what I needed to do. Deliver aid and love not only to Emelinda but to the many dogs she shelters and helps to find loving homes, including my very own JR.

That's my Christmas story to you. I wish you a warm and happy time with your family this Christmas and hope that you too can find it in your heart to share the warmth with others. Most importantly though, thank you...because with your help, I won Natural Balance's contest and was able to give so much to someone that needed it so dearly. Please consider adopting. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed belong to Whirlwind of Surprises and are NOT influenced in any way. Please view my full disclosure, TOS, and privacy policy. Please take the time to enter my other giveaways while you're here.

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