It is often true that a rescued animal picks us…we have seen it with our eyes, felt it in our hearts, and known it within the deep recesses of our souls. Seven years ago Striker chose Rexanne, she was his first real friend and shortly after his life saving rescue, Rex stepped up…..and stepped into Strikers life. He was angry and carried his long months of neglect, abuse, and starvation with an outward vengeance and deep distrust. While his body bore …the signs of malnutrition and abuse, his deeper wounds were emotional, and harder to heal. Rexanne was not deterred for even an instant and devoted many long hours that evolved into months and then years of replacing the hurt and borderline hostility with love, trust…and a sense of belonging. Rex unlocked the heart of the torment and abuse and replaced it with a family making the promise of forever by officially adopting Striker nearly 6 years ago. Striker not only learned to love and to trust, but even more remarkably, he learned to be trustworthy to Rex’s small children…his very own forever family. The problem with forever, is that it is never long enough, and while Striker held Rex’s heart, this morning Rex held Strikers head as he took his last breath after losing a painful battle with colic. Striker will be toasted, remembered, and celebrated at his brother Finbar’s stall Saturday June 4th at 5:00 pm. All those who wish to stand in celebration and respect for Striker, Rex , and the real promise of forever are warmly invited to attend.