Lynchburg Humane Society

Nearly 18 years ago I anxiously and excitedly awaited our sons' arrival. July 4th, 2006 was a day unlike any before, it was the day that I became a mommy. He was born perfect, all 9 lbs. 4 ounces of him. I pleaded with them not to take him to the nursery, we had only just met and yet my heart couldn't stand the thought of being apart from him even for a moment. Suddenly, my life made sense with him in it. He had a firecracker spirit. He walked, nearly sprinted, at 7 months, and never looked back. He was fast-paced and kind-hearted. He was adventurous and fearless. He was clever, suave, and funny. Oh, and he had a knack for pranks especially those that frightened me. With each year passing he came into his own a bit more, and yet he was always authentically vulnerably himself. He had the ability to see deep within the hearts of others. He was an ally, an advocate, but most importantly he was a friend to those who needed him.

The years have passed by in the blink of an eye. What I'm left with are snapshots of memories that play over and over like a flipbook in my mind. I dreamed of this day, his 18th birthday. I took his goals, dreams, interests and watched the various next chapters play out in my mind. I envisioned him dressed in military fatigues seeing out his military aspirations. I dreamt of him dj'ing to a live rambunctious audience sharing his story through lyrics he'd written. I foresaw him pursuing a coding degree and raising a family with a loyal german shepherd. Never could I have imagined his story ending prematurely.

Four years ago our dreams of his future and his limitless possibilites were shattered. As we struggled to pick up the pieces we saw the opportunity to create a future with him and to honor his legacy. In 2021 Calaeb's Canines was born. It is an event that allows us to celebrate Calaeb and honor his love of animal rescue. Each year we sponsor the adoption fees of the number of dogs equivalent to the age he is turning. This year is a momentous milestone as he will be 18 years old. That means 18 dogs will be adoptable at no cost to their new owners. As this year comes to a close we are so proud to share that through Calaebs love and legacy 66 dogs will have found their forever homes.

To those that have supported our journey since the start and those that have just joined us, thank you. Without you this dream could not have been a reality. You have helped us create a future with Calaeb. You supported his dream of a world where animals find the loving homes they deserve. And you inspired kindness, one of Calaeb's core values. We are so incredibly grateful to each of you for helping us continue Calaeb's legacy of love.

To our friends, our family, and those who have landed here by a social media share we are so glad you are here. Each post allows us to share our sweet boy with the world and to ensure his memory is honored through pursuits of his passions.

Calaebs Canines is an event created to honor our oldest son Calaebs life and legacy. We host this event annually on the weekend of his birthday, July 4th, at the Lynchburg Humane Society. This year Calaeb will be 17, so to celebrate that we will cover the adoption fees for 17 dogs.

July 4th, 2006 we welcomed the sweetest 9lbs 4oz ray of sunshine you ever did see. From that moment on our life was forever changed. We felt a love we had never known. There was a depth to his soul that was breathtakingly beautiful. It was a depth that allowed him to see into the hearts, hurts, and hopes of so many in the years to follow.

November 27th, 2020 our life was forever changed once again as his life was tragically cut short. There remains a gaping hole in our hearts filled with indescribable sadness, and a longing to feel connected to him.

It is the deepest desire of so many bereaved families to continue the legacy of their child/sibling, and to ensure that others speak their loved ones name aloud as the days, months, and years pass. We plead in our most desperate prayers for you to remember them the way we do. From those deepest desires, Calaebs Canines was born. An opportunity to honor Calaeb on his birthday each year, and a commitment to continue the work he started.

Calaebs love for humans and animals alike was deep, inclusive, and passionate. He saw the marginalized and ostracized and made sure they knew they were seen, valued, and important. Simply put he always chose love.

From his first canine best friend, Ozzy, who he rescued from a shelter; to his sweet girl Sophie who knew all his secrets; to the German Shepherd he wanted in pursuit of becoming a Navy Seal. He loved them all equally because as far as he was concerned they were in need of being loved and they mattered.

There is seldom celebration in the years that follow the loss of a child. This event allows us to celebrate his life and honor his passions and commitment to spreading love and kindness. We simply cannot do this alone, we need your support. Penzeys Spices made an incredible donation towards half of our dog adoptions, so we are tasked with fundraising the rest. Please consider helping us get to $2,200 this year to ensure that we can honor each year of Calaebs life through the adoption of the full 17 dogs.

Whether you are on this journey with us or you just happened upon our story, thank you for speaking his name aloud. We want you to know, You Matter!

Hey. My (puppy's) name is Maple Leaf.

Although Maple Leaf was homeless, fortunately, the Lynchburg Humane Society ("LHS") recently rescued him.

Currently, Maple Leaf wants to leave the LHS to be with his dad, Kristopher C. Roberts. Would you kindly consider making a donation to the Lynchburg Humane Society to show your love and support for Maple Leaf?

Thank you.