November 19, 2007

Right around Nov. 1st 2002, a friend of mine introduced me to CBR rescue. After browsing and to make a long story short, on November 14, 2002 we ended up adopting Roy, a 110 pound chessie that Steve and Karen Olson were fostering. That dog touched our hearts in so many ways, this letter would be pages and pages long if I elaborated.

Almost exactly 5 years later on October 29th, 2007 we lost Roy to a year long battle with cancer. Two months earlier my American Eskimo had died of old age. 20 yrs old. There fore my family has dealt with a lot of loss and a lot of grieving. My 7 year old son has cried every night for weeks now about loosing Roy.

So here comes Miranda! She showed up on my computer screen at work. I called Sue Kersten and inquired about her. 2 weeks later on November 10, 2007 we drove 5 hours to bring her home. Miranda has lifted our spirits and opened a new world for all of us. She is so full of love and happiness. You can not walk into our home without smiling when you see her wiggle butt go and she wags her tail in welcomed excitement. Our lab mix Vinnie has found a new friend in her and loves to play keep away when we throw the kong for them in the back yard. He also has a cuddle buddy and she jumps on our bed to join us. We might not be able to move much ourselves while sleeping but we all know we are warm and safe together. She loves to play and hang out with the kids no matter what they are doing, and she will also jump right into the recliner with you and watch your favorite TV show without fighting for the remote.

Miranda has brought a new light into our home and has helped us all heal with losses we have suffered in the the past few months. We will enjoy watching her grow and bond with our family in her new forever home.

God bless Steve and Karen Olson and Sue and Merl Kersten and all the rescue volunteers for all they do for these dogs. Without you we wouldn’t have had the chance to know Roy or Miranda.

I already know what I am thankful for on Thanksgiving. I am thankful for all the people involved in the Chesapeake Retriever Rescue for all of your dedication, love and sacrifices you have made to help these dogs to find another chance for a good life.

With love, The Kirchmeier’s Andy, Lisa, Andrew and Kaitlin