In Colorado Springs, Colorado, a French bulldog puppy, merely 10 weeks old, has woven a heartwarming tale, transitioning from a lonely existence on the streets to playing a pivotal role in his new parents’ 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 long-term girlfriend, Julia Proper, for the past year. The couple, who first connected online three years prior, realized early in their relationship during a road trip to the Pacific Northwest that they were destined to marry. “It was during that trip I became certain she was the one for me, and that we were meant to spend our lives together,” Stolz shared with KKTV reporter Lindsey Grewe.
Finding love came naturally to them, but crafting the perfect proposal proved to be a challenge, until a little French bulldog named Banjo entered their lives. Banjo was found alone, without his mother or siblings, scampering on a sidewalk in Colorado Springs at just 6 weeks old. A kind-hearted individual rescued him and brought him to where Stolz worked.
Upon meeting the tiny stray, Stolz felt an instant 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.”
Due to Banjo’s young age, Stolz had to wait two weeks before he could bring him home. He used this time to ensure Proper was on board with the adoption. “He kept texting me photos of the puppy at work, insisting on how much we needed him. I simply agreed,” Proper said.
With the first “yes” secured, Stolz moved on to planning the crucial second question. He had a dog tag engraved with “Will you marry me?” and discreetly kept it hidden in his work backpack for about a week, hoping Proper wouldn’t stumble upon it.
At 8 weeks old, Banjo was ready to be adopted and to play his part in the proposal. “The moment he turned 8 weeks, we went to pick him up,” Proper said. “Jason insisted on being the one to bring him home, and I was fine with that.”
Unaware of Stolz’s plans, Proper was in for a surprise. Stolz picked up Banjo and the engagement ring while Proper 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,” Proper recounted. “Then, when he asked me to look at the dog tag, I thought it was cool he had gotten one so soon.” It wasn’t until she read the message that the reality of the situation dawned on her. “I couldn’t believe it at first. I thought I was dreaming. Then, turning around to find him on one knee made it all too real,” she added.
Proper said “yes,” and the couple shared a tearful and joyous moment. “I was overwhelmed with happiness, feeling as if everything in the world was just perfect,” Stolz expressed.
Following the proposal, the couple shared the news with their loved ones and spent the rest of the evening cuddling in bed with their new puppy. Proper mentioned they are considering having Banjo as the ring bearer at their wedding next year, tentatively planning their future together with their furry friend by their side.