As some of you may or may not know, this has been a big year for our family, and most especially, Ryan. We lost a lot of our herd of rabbits to a mother daughter duo of bobcats this winter (including our brand new French lop Marie). This came on the heels of losing Ryan's best friend Otis, his six-year-old Australian shepherd to a sudden and unexpected pancreatic attack. Otis died within 48 hours after becoming sick. To say that Ryan was devastated, would be a grievous understatement. Meanwhile, Ryan devoted this entire last year (after rebuilding a deck destroyed by a 100 ft tree in a windstorm) to preparing for his captain's test which he finally completed today. Hoorah! This Friday Ryan will also be turning 50. In lieu of having a party (since what he told me he really wants is just a break from all the stress and sadness he has dealt with this year AND another furry companion) I've decided to take an unconventional approach to celebrating all of his many triumphs and tribulations from this year by help him find his new furry companion. There is no replacing our sweet boy Otis but I know in my heart there is another dog out there looking for someone just like Ryan to love them and to love him back with all the heart and soul that only a dog can love with. So, it is my privilege to help him start the journey to finding this new love. I am starting a go fund me in honor of this brilliant, beautiful, kind hearted, loving, devoted fireman. So, I am asking anyone who has ever been touched by the love of an animal or the kindness and strength of a firefighter to please contribute a gift to him with a kind message through this option. Thank you to all in advance for helping me to make this happen for him. Thank you my wonderful friends and family. Xo