Let’s send Keith and Wanda on a Honeymoon

Keith Benning gives his all to Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue. It is his passion and to say it has consumed his life is an understatement. The struggles that come with that consumption are real. He lives and breathes the rescue 24/7. He will go out all hours of the day and night at the drop of a hat when we have emergency messages come in. He gives his all to help the community when they are in need. Whether it is a dog hit by a car, a puppy with parvo or a community member asking for dog food til their next payday. He also spends some of his time as a county judge which is more public service than a paid position.

 

We were all so happy for him when Wanda came into his life, his happiness was outwardly visible. She has been so good for him. She was exactly what he needed in his life.

 

The elusive Wanda gave up so much for her love. She packed up her life in sunny California and moved to snowy, cold, muddy North Dakota. They do have a few warm enjoyable months in the summer. She too now is consumed by TMAR. She has become our Ferrell dog whisperer. She has a gentleness about her that speaks to the scared, timid animals that enter the doors of TMAR. We are thrilled to now have her as part of our family and just as thrilled that they allowed us to be a part of their wedding in a big surprise ceremony on Wanda’s beloved grandmothers birthday. What a tribute to her beautiful grandma. I’m sure she was watching over them and smiling at her beautiful granddaughters happiness.

 

For the vast TMAR family they are now our power couple. I am reaching out to you, our family to try to do something amazing for them. They deserve a beautiful honeymoon. Unfortunately rescue salary doesn’t necessarily allow that. Let’s pay it forward together and make this happen.

 

Who am I and why am I doing this? My name is Annette. I have known Keith since 1980 something….

We won’t talk about how long ago that was. We worked together in a little grocery store in New Lenox, Illinois. I was a cashier, he was a stocker and my husband was the assistant manager. My husband Jeff and Keith would go fishing with Keith’s Dad. Keith’s Mom would be at the store nearly every day picking things up she needed. We lost touch when he was in Minnesota. Reconnected through Facebook. I remember when he started rescuing and would post on FB. I was asked to volunteer remotely when we had less than 10,000 followers. I’ve been through good times and bad with TMAR. I’ve cried over animals that weren’t mine. The growth I’ve seen is unbelievable. I’m proud of our friend and all he’s accomplished and the lasting impact this rescue has made and will continue to make.

I’d love to do a little bit for Keith and Wanda. I know many of you would like to also.