In the picturesque city of Colorado Springs, a French bulldog puppy, merely 10 weeks old, has woven a heartwarming tale of transformation. Once a lonely figure wandering the streets, this little canine has now played a pivotal role in uniting two hearts in love and commitment.
Jason Stolz, an employee at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region with a heart for adoption services, had been contemplating the perfect way to propose to his beloved girlfriend, Julia Proper, for over a year. The couple, who found each other online three years prior, realized early in their relationship during a memorable road trip to the Pacific Northwest that they were destined to be together. “It was at that moment I knew she was the one, and we were going to be together forever,” Stolz shared with enthusiasm.
Finding true love seemed effortless for the couple, but crafting the ideal proposal proved to be a challenge. That is until a tiny French bulldog named Banjo entered their lives, turning their world upside down. Banjo’s story began on a somber note, abandoned on the streets without his family, discovered alone on a sidewalk in Colorado Springs at the tender age of 6 weeks. Fortunately, a kind-hearted individual found him and brought him to the very place where Stolz worked.
The moment Stolz laid eyes on Banjo, it was as if fate had struck. Captivated by the puppy’s charm, Stolz knew he had found the missing piece for his proposal plan. “He was so adorable, and I knew right away I wanted to adopt him. Plus, I had been searching for a unique way to propose to Julia, and everything just clicked,” Stolz explained. The couple’s shared love for animals made the idea even more special.
However, due to Banjo’s young age, Stolz had to wait two weeks before he could bring the puppy home. He used this time to get Proper’s approval for the adoption, bombarding her with cute photos of Banjo. With her enthusiastic “yes,” Stolz set his proposal plan into motion, engraving a dog tag with the words “Will you marry me?” and keeping it hidden until the right moment.
At 8 weeks old, Banjo was finally ready to join their family and assist in the proposal. Stolz meticulously planned the moment, picking up Banjo and the engagement ring while Proper was at work, and setting up a camera to capture the unforgettable moment. When Proper arrived home, she was overjoyed to meet Banjo, unaware of the surprise awaiting her.
As she admired Banjo’s new dog tag, the words “Will you marry me?” took her by surprise. “I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was a dream,” Proper recalled. Turning around to find Stolz on one knee, reality set in, and she joyfully accepted his proposal.
The couple’s engagement was marked by tears of happiness, kisses, and a profound sense of joy. “It felt like everything was right in the world,” Stolz reflected on the moment. Following their magical proposal, the couple shared the news with loved ones and celebrated with cuddles from their new furry family member.
Looking ahead, Proper and Stolz are excitedly planning their wedding for the following year, with Banjo set to play a special role as the ring bearer. This heartwarming story not only celebrates the love between two people but also highlights the unexpected ways in which our furry friends can bring us closer together.