08/23/2026
It’s Roman’s birthday today, and this year feels a little different. Every year I celebrate Roman for the dog he is, but this past year has reminded me just how much of my life, and how much of Roman’s Rescue Mission exists because of him.
Roman has grown so much over the last year. He’s made new friends, experienced new things, and gained a level of confidence I never imagined when this journey started. A dog who once wasn’t sure about other dogs has continued opening his home to fosters, helping them feel safe while they wait for their own families. Every new dog that comes through our door teaches him something, but somehow Roman always manages to teach them something too.
And then there was Luna.
This year Roman welcomed Luna into our family. He shared his home, his people, his routines and his life with her. Luna brought something incredibly special into our house, and watching the relationship between the two of them grow is something I’ll always be grateful for.
This week, Roman also had to say goodbye to her.
Losing Luna has left a hole in our home that is impossible to describe. I know so many of you followed her story, loved her from afar, celebrated her with us and rooted for her every step of the way. She became just as much a part of this page and this mission as she became a part of our family.
Roman seems to know that something is different. He’s been looking for her, adjusting to the quiet, and figuring out life without his sister. And while I wish more than anything that she could be here celebrating his birthday with us, I also know the time they had together mattered.
This birthday, I keep thinking about just how much one dog can change.
Roman changed me. He led me into animal rescue. He inspired this page and eventually Roman’s Rescue Mission. Because of him, countless animals have been supported, foster dogs have had a safe place to land, rescues have received help when they needed it, and I’ve met some incredible people along the way.
And because Roman learned to trust, grow and accept other dogs into his world, I’ve been able to continue fostering. Luna helped him with that too. She showed him that another dog could come into his home and simply be a friend. I will always believe a little piece of what Luna taught him will live on every time Roman welcomes another foster through our door.
So this year, I’m combining Roman’s birthday fundraiser with a fundraiser in memory of Luna for the rescue that both of them came from, Operation Freedom Ride, inc.
Instead of gifts for Roman, I’d love to turn his birthday, and our heartbreak over losing Luna, into something that gives another animal a chance.
Every dollar raised will continue the mission they have both become such an important part of: helping rescues, supporting animals in need, and giving more dogs and cats the opportunity to experience the safety, comfort and love they deserve.
It feels like the most appropriate way I can celebrate Roman and honor Luna at the same time.
Happy Birthday, Roman.
You’ll probably never understand how many lives you’ve changed simply by being you. I hope I can spend the rest of your life making you as proud of me as I am of you.
And Luna… this one is for you too.
You may not physically be beside us for Roman’s birthday this year, but you will forever be part of our family, part of this mission, and part of every animal we’re able to help because you were here.
For Roman. For Luna. And for the next animal that just needs someone to give them a chance.
