In Colorado Springs, Colorado, a French bulldog puppy, merely 10 weeks old, has woven a heartwarming tale from wandering the streets to playing a pivotal role in his new parents’ engagement.
Jason Stolz, an employee at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, had been pondering over the perfect way to propose to his long-term girlfriend, Julia Proper, for a year. The couple, who met online three years prior, realized they were destined for marriage following an early road trip to the Pacific Northwest. “It was during that trip I realized she was the one. I knew we were meant to spend our lives together,” Stolz shared with KKTV reporter Lindsey Grewe.
Finding true love came naturally to them, but crafting the ideal proposal proved challenging, until Banjo, a tiny French bulldog, entered their lives. Banjo’s journey began tragically when he was abandoned on the streets, separated from his mother and siblings, and found wandering a sidewalk in Colorado Springs at just 6 weeks old. A kind-hearted individual rescued him and brought him to where Stolz worked.
The moment Stolz saw the little stray, it was as if lightning—or perhaps Cupid’s arrow—had struck. “He was irresistibly cute,” Stolz remarked. “I immediately knew I wanted to adopt him. Plus, I had been contemplating a proposal, so the idea to combine the two sparked. Proposing with Banjo seemed like the most adorable way to do it, especially since Julia and I share a profound love for animals.”
Due to Banjo’s tender age, Stolz had to wait two weeks before he could take him home. He used this time to ensure Julia would agree to the adoption. “He kept texting me photos of this adorable puppy at work, insisting we needed him. I couldn’t help but agree,” Julia recounted.
With Julia’s approval for the adoption, Stolz began orchestrating his proposal plan. He had a dog tag engraved with “Will you marry me?” and discreetly carried it in his work backpack for a week, hoping Julia wouldn’t stumble upon it.
Once Banjo reached 8 weeks old, he was ready for adoption—and to assist in the proposal. “The moment he was old enough, we went to pick him up. Jason insisted on being the one to bring him home,” Julia said, unaware of the proposal plan.
Stolz picked up Banjo and the engagement ring while Julia was at work, set up a camera at home, and prepared for one of the most significant moments of his life. “He handed me the puppy, and I was overjoyed,” Julia recalled. “Then, he asked me to look at the dog tag. At first, I thought it was nice he got the tag so quickly.”
But as she read the tag, the realization dawned on her. “It took a moment for it to sink in. I thought, ‘This isn’t just any dog tag. This is a proposal.’ I was in disbelief, thinking it was a dream. Then, I turned around, and it was all happening,” Julia said.
Stolz was waiting on one knee. Julia said yes, and they sealed the moment with a kiss. “I was moved to tears, speechless,” she said. “I felt an overwhelming joy, as if everything was perfect in the world,” Stolz added.
Following the proposal, the couple shared the news with their loved ones and celebrated with their new puppy. They are now planning their wedding for next year, with Banjo set to play the role of ring bearer, marking a beautiful beginning to their life together.