In the picturesque city of Colorado Springs, a French bulldog puppy, merely 10 weeks old, embarked on a journey from being a lonely stray to playing a pivotal role in a heartwarming engagement story.
Jason Stolz, an employee at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region specializing in adoption services, had been pondering over the perfect way to propose to his beloved girlfriend, Julia Proper, for over a year. The couple, who met online three years prior, felt an instant connection that was solidified during an early road trip to the Pacific Northwest. “That trip was when I realized she was the one. I knew we were meant to be together forever,” Stolz shared with KKTV reporter Lindsey Grewe.
Finding true love came naturally to them, but devising the ideal proposal proved to be a challenge. That was until Banjo, a tiny French bulldog, entered their lives. Banjo was discovered wandering alone on the streets of Colorado Springs at just 6 weeks old, without his mother or siblings in sight. A kind-hearted individual found him and brought him to the Humane Society, where Stolz worked.
Upon seeing the little stray, Stolz felt an immediate connection. “He was irresistibly cute,” Stolz recalled. “I knew I wanted to adopt him, and it dawned on me that involving him in the proposal would be incredibly special, given our shared love for animals.”
Before bringing Banjo home, Stolz had to wait two weeks due to the puppy’s young age. During this time, he sought Proper’s agreement to adopt Banjo, bombarding her with adorable photos of the puppy. With her enthusiastic “yes,” Stolz began planning the ultimate proposal.
Secretly, he had a dog tag engraved with “Will you marry me?” and kept it hidden in his work backpack, anxiously hoping Proper wouldn’t stumble upon it. Once Banjo reached 8 weeks old and was ready for adoption, the stage was set for the proposal.
Stolz picked up Banjo and the engagement ring while Proper was at work. He prepared a camera at home to capture the moment and awaited her return. “When he handed me the puppy, I was overjoyed,” Proper said. “But when he asked me to check the dog tag, I initially thought it was just a regular tag.”
The realization that it was a proposal took a moment to sink in. “I couldn’t believe it. It felt like a dream,” Proper exclaimed. Turning around, she found Stolz on one knee, making the moment even more surreal.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Proper said “yes,” and the couple shared a tearful kiss. “I was speechless and filled with joy. Everything felt perfect,” Stolz expressed.
Following the proposal, the couple shared the news with their loved ones and spent the evening cuddling with their new furry family member. Proper mentioned they are considering having Banjo as the ring bearer at their wedding next year, adding a special touch to their celebration.
This heartwarming tale not only highlights the joy pets can bring into our lives but also showcases the unique and memorable ways love can be expressed and celebrated.