Bieshert is Yiddish for “meant to be.”

There were a few people who chastised and criticized me for “paying for a puppy” when I bought Prince.

That hurt.

Right now, our home is filled with two rescue cats and three rescued dogs. Over the past five years, we have fostered and failed more times than I can count. The Hooker Horde provides hospice.

A year ago, I received the Huntsman Excellence in Education award along with a generous cash prize. I planned to use the money to buy a Berner puppy and train him to be a therapy dog.

After losing two Berners in the first two months of this year, I found The Little Prince; he was the runt of his litter and, when I met him, they had not taken a deposit for him.

Prince came home; ten days later, we discovered a giant liver shunt that made it impossible for him to process food and grow. His first family refunded all of my money and said prayers.

Support from friends, family and our veterinarians brought us to the teaching hospital at Colorado State University.

The Little Prince and I will celebrate Easter Sunday; the Little Prince is reborn.

The Little Prince is bieshert.

If I hadn’t won the award, bought Prince, and had the support, Prince would not be here.

Every dog deserves a life filled with love and luxury.