She had studied to be a lawyer,  but this is her true passion.  She loves helping animals and feels this is her true calling.  She has a lot on her plate.  So as the summer break approached I talked to my boys about helping out Sonya.  They thought it was a fabulous idea. 

    I didn't know what to expect when we pulled up.  But every dog, large and small were friendly and eager for a chance at a little attention, affection and exercise.  We brought some leashes and five of us... made new best friends for the day.  The dogs were wagging their tails widly and seemed to be happy about exploring the grounds. 

    My youngest boy took to a wirey terrier that seeme to have springs in his feet.   I was a little nervous hoping all would go well.  But I knew on this day God had a mission for us.  To show us we all need to do something for someone else...  it was a rich experience and I could tell Sonya was happy to have new allies in her mission to help homeless animals.

    But the sweetest moment came when it was time to go.  I could tell the boys didn't want to return the dogs to their cages... and I didn't either.  We all wanted to take a few home.  And perhaps one day soon we will make a new addition to our family in the way of a new dog. 

     The five leashes we brought were in my hand.  I asked Sonya if she wanted to keep them or if she wanted us to keep them in my car for the next excursion.  She was shy about asking for them.  But she looked at them as if they were gold.  I knew I had to insist she take the leashes.    Her face beamed and she proudly hooked them on the chain link fence.  "Oh what a blessing! She exclaimed.   You would have thought I'd given her a diamond necklace.  But no the gift was only a few red and blue leashes that cost about 20 dollars.

    The true blessing was ours.  Thank you Sonya for allowing us to be a part of a good work you are doing!