"My son Ryan was 24. He came home from Afghanistan in a flag-draped coffin on a Tuesday. Max was his dog. Ryan trained him from a puppy. They were inseparable for four years. We couldn't tell Max. I don't know how you tell a dog. I don't know if you can. All I know is that Max lay against Ryan's bedroom door every single night for eleven days. Not inside the room. Against the door. Like he was keeping it for him. Like he was making sure nobody closed it all the way."
On the twelfth day I sat down on the hallway floor beside him.
I don't know why the twelfth day.
I had walked past him eleven times.
The twelfth time my legs just stopped.
I sat down on the floor and I put my hand on his back and I said Ryan's name out loud for the first time since the men in dress uniforms
came to my door.
Max lifted his head.
He looked at me.
He put his head in my lap.
We sat there on the hallway floor for a long time.
Neither of us went into the room.
Neither of us was ready.
Maybe neither of us will ever be ready.
That's okay.
The door is still not closed all the way.
Some people you just keep a place for.
Ryan.
Max is still at your door.
He's going to be at your door.
We both are.
Drop a ❤️ for Ryan.
Share this for every Gold Star family tonight.
You are not carrying this alone.
Picture Of The Day!
Location: The Wild Animal Refuge, Springfield, CO.
Imagine a life defined by freedom. Tucked away in the rugged landscape of Southern Colorado, The Wild Animal Refuge near Springfield offers a REFUGE like no other. With massive, natural habitats ranging from 5 to over 300 acres, our rescued lions, tigers, bears, wolves and other incredible animals finally have the space to roam, play, and thrive as they were meant to.
It’s a forever home dedicated to peace and restoration.
While the refuge is closed to the public to ensure the tranquility of our residents, you can be a part of their journey by supporting our mission to support our mission.
Join us in providing a second chance at a wilder life:
https://t.co/y3BONVnang
#WildAnimalRefuge #SpringfieldCO #SecondChances #TheWildAnimalRefuge
Happy Monday!
It is pretty hot out here and we really want to share a very important message: Summer temperatures in Keenesburg can hit the triple digits, and while our residents know how to keep cool in their habitats, it’s not the most comfortable time for a visit!
To ensure you have the best possible educational experience, we highly recommend planning your visit for our "Wild Nights four hours before sunset, when the heat subsides and the animals become much more active and energized.
Check out our full schedule and plan your trip for a cooler, more vibrant experience:
https://t.co/swPGs2vTWK
#TheWildAnimalSanctuary #WildAnimalSanctuary #Colorado #sanctuary
Don't call me racist, it's not the color of your skin I object to. It's your violent ideology, your savage culture, the way you behave. I'm tired of your loud, hateful, violent and obnoxious 3rd world ghetto behaviour.
I'm not a racist, you're a fucking animal.
Picture Of The Day!
Location: The Wild Horse Refuge, Craig, CO.
Warm greetings from The Wild Horse Refuge, where Lucky II (left) and Strider (right) are enjoying the peace that your support has made possible.
We are reaching out today to ask for your continued partnership. We have worked diligently to build a sanctuary that offers dignity and freedom to rescued wild horses, but maintaining and growing this sanctuary requires the collective effort of our community.
We invite you to support this mission by donating or becoming a Founding Member today. Additionally, helping us spread the word to your friends and family is an invaluable way to support our cause. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to these animals and for your role in sustaining their new home.
Make a donation today!
https://t.co/fGQN56xuF1
#thewildhorserefuge #WildHorseRefuge #Colorado #Refuge #RescuedWildHorses #coloradowildhorses #coloradowildhorsesneedyourhelp #sandwashbasinwildhorses #wildhorses
Pictures of The Day!
Location: The Wild Animal Sanctuary, Keenesburg, CO.
Hunter and Simba are back with another update! Catch up on what our favorite boys have been up to in our latest newsletter (check page 14). We love them so much.
https://t.co/ohJeEH620v
#TheWildAnimalSanctuary #WildAnimalSanctuary #sanctuary #Colorado #rescuedwildanimals #HunterandSimba