Devlin

Submitted by Kim and Ronnie Starnes

Day One…
It was a beautiful Saturday morning in June and after many discussions, my husband had finally agreed to let me foster a Labrador. ADS had selected a senior black Labrador named Devlin for us to take home. As fostering a dog goes, we hit the jackpot. Not only were seniors by far the best dog a foster family could hope for – this gentle natured soul would become one of the most awesome dogs we will ever know. Laid back, friendly, loving – Devlin was everything a Labrador should be. This gorgeous boy was not only smart, he was a goofball just the same.

Day Two…
As soon as my husband met him the concerns he had worried about began to disappear. He was already trying to come up with a nickname for him.

Day Three…
Devlin is now a true part of the family and acquires his nickname “Sprocket the Rocket-Head”.

Day Four…
My husband informs me that Devlin is home and needs to stay with us forever.

Day Five…
Our crew of seven spoiled-rotten Labs fully accept and welcome Devlin into their home. He is now part of the pack as well.

Day Six…
Whether nap time or bed time, Murph and his new big-buddy Devlin become inseparable, sleeping together back to back, side by side.

Day Seven…
The youngest of the crew, Miss Molly, falls head over heels for her new handsome man and showers him with daily kisses always paying extra special attention to check his teeth, cheeks and gums. Remington has also taken a role of protector and stands by Devlin’s side whenever it’s time for bathroom breaks, daily walks or making the scary journey up and down the stairs.

Day Eight…
We’ve fallen hard for this beautiful black Lab and he has worked his magic on us all. He had landed a permanent place in all our hearts and touched each of our souls. Whether catching up on some much needed snooze time or being a total goofball – this special boy was the apple of my eye. As he turned on the charm he began showing us how silly he could be – most of the time rolling over on his back and perform the funniest “lab” dance I’d ever seen. If you went to pet him – he would drop to the floor, lift one of his giant paws, gaze at you with those beautiful brown eyes, tilting that big block head of his as he eagerly awaited a tummy rub and some kisses.

Day Nine…
Having Devlin in our lives was truly a blessing and are thankful to love such an incredible boy.

Day Ten…
With each day Devlin taught us little lessons in trust and steadfast affection.

Although Cancer took him from us much too soon –
our memories of ten precious days
will ease the sadness from our hearts
and keep him close to us,
always in our hearts – today and forever more.

Kim and Ronnie Starnes