10/09/2026
I am not sure how we could ever adequately express just how many incredibly amazing people we have met through Wilson's Wish. To even begin to name them all would be impossible... but let me tell you, some of them leave such an impact, it would be impossible to forget them.
And that is EXACTLY how we feel about Amy.
Amy is the talented (and selfless) artist behind Art by Amy Jo. Her story was featured on WBAY Small Towns around the same time as ours back in spring of 2024. We STRONGLY encourage you to check it out... but grab the tissues first cause we know ya'll gonna need 'em.
https://www.wbay.com/2024/03/21/small-towns-pulcifer-artist-finds-joy-drawing-pets-helping-grieving-owners-heal/
Anywho... in late 2025 when we said our goodbyes to Beverly Rose, Amy graciously reached out to me and offered to create a drawing in her memory. She assured me that she was quite busy (given she works full time and creates her art in her "spare time"), but she would definitely add Beep Beep to the list and contact me when her drawing was completed. I was so incredibly honored given her immense talent but decided to keep our conversation to myself, so I could surprise Farmer Dave (although I don't want to admit, he and Beverly had a bond I could never compete with).
When Amy heard of our closing and relocation, she reached out to assure me that she was working on Beverly's portrait and would complete it prior to our move. With all that being said... the way our meeting played out was something I could never have dreamed of and in my opinion... was an unexpected (but much needed) message from above.
On my way to our lunch date, I received a message from our friend Mandy from Albert's Dog Lounge Rescue. They were in the process of updating their foster home listings and wanted to know if we wanted to remain active in their system. My breath caught in my throat for several moments and tears filled my eyes as I processed the message. You see, we had adopted Beverly from Albert's and then Addie as well... but unfortunately, after what happened to Sweet Addie, we weren't sure we would be accepted as suitable fosters, let alone potential adopters again. I responded candidly, sharing my concerns and assuring Mandy we would understand if that was the case... and that is when I received the most well thought-out, honest and empathetic response I could have hoped for. She assured me that mistakes DO happen, but we are all human... and the best we can do is to LEARN from those mistakes and move forward with more caution and understanding to ensure we don't have to endure those repercussions again.
So... Many... Tears.
I pulled myself together as I entered the restaurant and joined Amy and her mother Colleen. For two hours, we chatted about anything and everything... like old friends do over good coffee and shared common interests. As our discussion meandered from here to there... I shared my recent conversation with Mandy and the many, mixed emotions we have dealt with over these past few months. And that's when Amy asked if I was ready to see our drawing...
As I carefully unwrapped the frame and caught a glimpse of the drawing before me, it all came together. The chance meeting from a TV show, the timing of our move, the messages before our lunch date... and now this beautiful photo of our TWO girls, who although they never met in person, are now watching over us from The Rainbow Bridge.
I will never forget that day... or Amy. It was a reminder that it is okay to move on, to make mistakes but get back up. This past year has been so incredibly tough and most days we felt like we were failing, but now I know... that doesn't mean we should quit trying.
We can't wait to hang this beautiful piece of art in our new home. It's absolutely perfect... just like our two little girls were.
** Also... we were just THRILLED to hear that Amy's drawing of the girls won RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION at the Shawano County Fair. I know it's her talent that gained the recognition, but it still makes this Pug Mama's heart awfully proud. 🥹
