- 10 hours ago
A military veteran searches for purpose in his life after an injury cut his career short. He finds it in a kind woman who runs an animal shelter. As they work together to find animals homes during the Christmas adoption season, they develop feelings for each other, and help each other with the challenges each faces.
Director: Brian Brough
Writer: Brittany Wiscombe
Cast: Ash Tsai, Eric Guilmette
Director: Brian Brough
Writer: Brittany Wiscombe
Cast: Ash Tsai, Eric Guilmette
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00Okay, Leo, let's get ready.
00:00:27All right, Pixie's all good to go.
00:00:32Great. Are the little gift bags in the car?
00:00:34Yeah, all packed away.
00:00:35Thanks, James.
00:00:36Okay, off we go.
00:00:49How about down here?
00:00:57Oh, hey, Caleb.
00:00:58Hi. I'm sorry, I'm early.
00:01:01Oh, no, you're fine. I'll take you back. Come on.
00:01:04And bring it back.
00:01:07Great.
00:01:08So how have the exercises been going at home?
00:01:12Fine.
00:01:14How's the walking part going?
00:01:16Okay.
00:01:16Do you have anyone at home to help steady you? Your mom or dad?
00:01:21They flew back to Kansas.
00:01:23Already?
00:01:24I needed some quiet.
00:01:26So who's helping you?
00:01:28I can do it on my own.
00:01:30What about the...
00:01:30Thanks for having us back.
00:01:31Oh, we love it when you come.
00:01:33Oh, great. The dogs are here.
00:01:35They come by every year at Christmas time.
00:01:37Okay, so go ahead and start on leg races,
00:01:40and I'll get some resistance bands,
00:01:42and then I'll meet you over there.
00:01:46This is Leo.
00:01:48Yay!
00:01:53So this is Pixie.
00:01:54Yeah? How long have you had her?
00:01:56I've had her for about two years now.
00:01:58Such a good boy.
00:01:59So sweet.
00:02:01Thank you for coming.
00:02:03My pleasure.
00:02:04Oh.
00:02:05Hey, Anne.
00:02:07Merry Christmas.
00:02:08Oh, thank you very much.
00:02:18Hi.
00:02:19This is Leo.
00:02:20Can we sit for a minute?
00:02:22Sure, I guess.
00:02:28I'm Amber.
00:02:28I run Davenport Animal Haven.
00:02:32What's your name?
00:02:34Caleb.
00:02:35Nice to meet you, Caleb.
00:02:37Don't worry.
00:02:38He's friendly.
00:02:41Okay, Leo.
00:02:42Sit.
00:02:44Good boy.
00:02:45So, can I tell you about him?
00:02:47Yeah.
00:02:48Leo here was at the shelter,
00:02:51and when I would tidy his kennel,
00:02:53he'd sit by my side,
00:02:54just smiling and waiting.
00:02:57And then he would lick my hand afterwards,
00:02:59kind of like he was saying thanks.
00:03:02And I would take him on walks,
00:03:03and he would then look up every few steps,
00:03:06like checking to see if I was as happy as he was.
00:03:09And, you know, I wanted him to be happy all the time.
00:03:12So, I adopted him,
00:03:14and ended up finding my best friend.
00:03:17That sounds like you're both pretty lucky.
00:03:19Yeah.
00:03:20Now, he loves coming on visits,
00:03:21and he loves Christmas.
00:03:23How can you tell?
00:03:25His tail wags more,
00:03:26and he loves to take naps by the Christmas tree.
00:03:29How do you know he's not just
00:03:30finding a warmer spot in the wintertime?
00:03:32Because he'll nap by the Christmas tree
00:03:34at my apartment and at the shelter.
00:03:37And I even move the trees around each year,
00:03:39and he always goes back to them.
00:03:41Quirky dog.
00:03:43Yeah, he is.
00:03:45Fun personalities, just like us.
00:03:49So, do you have any fun Christmas plans?
00:03:52Not really.
00:03:54It's probably hard to focus on anything
00:03:56when you're working so hard to get better.
00:03:59Yeah, it's hard to ignore.
00:04:02Here, close your eyes.
00:04:04Why?
00:04:06Just try it with me.
00:04:07Are you one of those psychologists?
00:04:10No.
00:04:11Just a girl with a dog.
00:04:13Okay.
00:04:17Now what?
00:04:18Okay.
00:04:19I imagine you aren't here.
00:04:22Nothing hurts.
00:04:23It's Christmas.
00:04:25Where are you, and what are you doing?
00:04:29I'm...
00:04:30I don't know.
00:04:34Come on.
00:04:35There's no way to wrong answer.
00:04:38Fine.
00:04:41I'm...
00:04:41outside.
00:04:46Is that it?
00:04:47I'm still thinking.
00:04:49Okay.
00:04:50Sorry.
00:04:50Keep going.
00:04:51I'm on a mountain
00:04:52with fresh snow.
00:04:55And the air is cold, but
00:04:56I like it.
00:05:00And I'm at the top of the slope
00:05:01looking down,
00:05:03and I'm ready to ski.
00:05:06I like that.
00:05:10So you're a skier.
00:05:12I've been a few times,
00:05:13but
00:05:13it's more so that I'd be able to do it,
00:05:16and I wouldn't be worried
00:05:17about my leg being weak
00:05:18or scarred.
00:05:20Maybe one day
00:05:21you won't even think about it.
00:05:25There's more to you
00:05:26than your hardest days.
00:05:29Like what?
00:05:31Like
00:05:32your smile.
00:05:35It's a great one.
00:05:37See?
00:05:38Don't make me get out my mirror.
00:05:39Please don't.
00:05:40I will take your word for it.
00:05:43Good.
00:05:44And where would you be
00:05:45at Christmas?
00:05:47I would be
00:05:48inside a cozy cabin
00:05:50sitting by a warm fire,
00:05:53and I'd be painting.
00:05:55And what's the painting of?
00:05:59Leo.
00:06:00Napping by a Christmas tree.
00:06:04Are you an artist?
00:06:05No.
00:06:06Maybe if things were different,
00:06:07but
00:06:07I'm doing what I need to do
00:06:09right now.
00:06:10I do paint for fun
00:06:11every now and then
00:06:12when I have time.
00:06:15Well,
00:06:15I'd like to see that painting.
00:06:18Really?
00:06:20Well, if I do it,
00:06:21you'll have to stop by the shelter
00:06:22to see it.
00:06:23You'd hang it up there?
00:06:24Sure.
00:06:25At least at Christmas time.
00:06:28Hi there.
00:06:29Hello.
00:06:30Hello.
00:06:31Well,
00:06:31I guess I should
00:06:32stop disturbing you.
00:06:35I mean,
00:06:36for stopping by,
00:06:37not for disturbing me.
00:06:40I'm glad we got to chat.
00:06:42Anytime you want to say hi to Leo
00:06:43or any of the other animals,
00:06:45stop by the shelter.
00:06:47Okay.
00:06:51Merry Christmas, Caleb.
00:06:53Merry Christmas.
00:06:55Go on, Leo.
00:06:56Come on.
00:06:57All right.
00:07:00The red one
00:07:01or the purple one.
00:07:13Thank you so much, Pastor.
00:07:15Take care.
00:07:16See you Sunday.
00:07:17Bye.
00:07:19Maybe some wood glue
00:07:21would help secure it.
00:07:22I have a thicker bolt in place.
00:07:24Should do the trick.
00:07:26Thank you for doing this.
00:07:28No thanks needed.
00:07:29You want to grab some lunch?
00:07:31Yeah, sure.
00:07:33By the way,
00:07:34how's the job search going?
00:07:36On hold.
00:07:37Oh?
00:07:38What I've been doing so far
00:07:39has been, uh...
00:07:40Not your cup of tea?
00:07:42Yeah.
00:07:43I think I'm rushing
00:07:44into the career
00:07:45and it's not working out.
00:07:47That office-bound marketing job
00:07:49had you climbing up the walls.
00:07:51Mm-hmm.
00:07:51Yep.
00:07:52Well, this is good.
00:07:54Take your time.
00:07:55And I remember
00:07:56when I left the army,
00:07:57I had this idea
00:07:58that I had to have
00:07:59everything figured out.
00:08:00But it's okay
00:08:01to take some time.
00:08:03It's only been a year for you,
00:08:04you know?
00:08:05More than that.
00:08:06Well, since the accident, sure.
00:08:08But then you had your surgery
00:08:10and your recovery
00:08:11took a long time
00:08:11to get through.
00:08:14Maybe keep an eye out
00:08:15for something
00:08:15that's more fulfilling.
00:08:18You trying to get me
00:08:18to become a pastor?
00:08:19If that's what you want.
00:08:22But I think there are
00:08:23better options for you
00:08:24that would be more meaningful.
00:08:26There's always
00:08:27the veterans groups.
00:08:28There's somebody
00:08:29that would need
00:08:30your experience, you know?
00:08:31You could always
00:08:32volunteer temporarily.
00:08:34Maybe.
00:08:36All right.
00:08:37Burgers or tacos?
00:08:39Mm.
00:08:40Burgers.
00:08:41There's that new place
00:08:42on Everett Parkway.
00:08:44Pick me up a combo?
00:08:45Pick up?
00:08:46I asked you
00:08:47if you wanted to grab lunch.
00:08:48I walked right
00:08:49into that one.
00:08:51It's on me.
00:08:53Thanks.
00:08:56Hello.
00:08:56Hi, how are you?
00:08:57Nice to see you.
00:08:58Yeah.
00:09:04There.
00:09:07Is it straight?
00:09:09You want no help.
00:09:12Hey, James.
00:09:13Is this straight?
00:09:14Close enough.
00:09:15Okay, good.
00:09:19Okay, guys.
00:09:20Let's get everyone
00:09:21something to eat and drink.
00:09:24Hello.
00:09:26Hi, Ryan.
00:09:27I didn't know you were coming.
00:09:28The best kind of surprise, right?
00:09:29Especially when you have this.
00:09:32What's that?
00:09:33See for yourself.
00:09:36Oh, wow.
00:09:37Ryan, you already donated
00:09:38to the shelter this year.
00:09:39Yeah, well, my accountant
00:09:40says I could use
00:09:41the deduction,
00:09:42so there you go.
00:09:45This is so helpful.
00:09:46The cost of running
00:09:47this place keeps going up,
00:09:48especially when you're
00:09:48going to be able to
00:09:49spend the rest of your life.
00:09:51You put so much time
00:09:52into this place.
00:09:54You could use a break,
00:09:55I'm sure.
00:09:55Yeah, well,
00:09:56the animals can always
00:09:57use another break.
00:09:58Anytime I have,
00:09:59I like to give them
00:10:00extra attention.
00:10:01But you can't overdo it
00:10:02and burn yourself out.
00:10:04I won't.
00:10:05Well, put that to good use
00:10:07then and take it easy, okay?
00:10:09I'll try.
00:10:11And thank you again, really.
00:10:12Happy to.
00:10:14Well, I'll see you later.
00:10:16Okay, have a great day.
00:10:20Wasn't that so nice?
00:10:21Yeah.
00:10:23I think he likes you.
00:10:25What?
00:10:26No, he doesn't.
00:10:27He's a patient
00:10:27at my dad's dental practice.
00:10:28He's just being supportive
00:10:30of a good cause.
00:10:33Sure.
00:10:34Wait a second.
00:11:03Wait a second.
00:11:04Hi, how can I help you?
00:11:31Sorry, you probably
00:11:34don't remember me.
00:11:34I was at the Veterans Clinic
00:11:35this time last year
00:11:36and I, um...
00:11:39Leo, right?
00:11:41That's right.
00:11:46Wait.
00:11:47Caleb?
00:11:49Yeah.
00:11:49Good memory.
00:11:51Your leg.
00:11:52You're walking well.
00:11:53Oh, yeah, thanks.
00:11:54It took some time,
00:11:55but it's fine now
00:11:57as long as I'm not hiking.
00:11:58That's good.
00:11:59Unless you love hiking.
00:12:02So I came by because
00:12:04I saw the sign
00:12:05and thought
00:12:05maybe you could use a hand.
00:12:07Like a volunteer.
00:12:09Oh.
00:12:10Yeah, that'd be great.
00:12:12Volunteers are awesome.
00:12:13We can sure use the help,
00:12:14especially with the
00:12:15Christmas adoption drive
00:12:16coming up,
00:12:16but it is not glamorous.
00:12:19Is it supposed to be?
00:12:20I'm just warning you,
00:12:21I have one person
00:12:22who works here
00:12:22when he's not in class.
00:12:24I'm pretty much here
00:12:25all the time,
00:12:25but an extra set of hands
00:12:26would be very welcome.
00:12:27Great.
00:12:28Well, thanks.
00:12:29Can I have your number?
00:12:31You know,
00:12:32so that we can
00:12:33coordinate schedules
00:12:33and such.
00:12:35Of course.
00:12:40Okay.
00:12:41The shelter info
00:12:42is on the front
00:12:42and then my cell
00:12:43is on the back.
00:12:44Great.
00:12:46Thanks for stopping by.
00:12:47I'll see you soon.
00:12:48Bye.
00:12:48Bye.
00:12:48Bye.
00:12:48Bye.
00:12:48Bye.
00:12:48Bye.
00:12:48Bye.
00:12:48Bye.
00:12:48Bye.
00:12:48Bye.
00:12:48Bye.
00:12:48Bye.
00:12:48Bye.
00:12:48Bye.
00:12:50Bye, Leo.
00:12:56What do you think, Leo?
00:13:00Hmm.
00:13:03I stopped by an animal shelter
00:13:04while I was out.
00:13:05Why?
00:13:06It was the one
00:13:06that brought the dogs
00:13:07by the Veterans Clinic
00:13:07when I was doing my PT.
00:13:09That was a while ago.
00:13:10Yeah, it stuck with me.
00:13:12I was thinking
00:13:13maybe it's a good way
00:13:13for me to keep busy right now.
00:13:15As a job, or...
00:13:16Hmm.
00:13:16I'm volunteering.
00:13:18Like you said,
00:13:19I don't need to rush into work,
00:13:20but this felt safe enough
00:13:22for right now.
00:13:23I think that's good.
00:13:24Especially with Christmas.
00:13:26A good time for friends.
00:13:27And family.
00:13:29I'm just saying.
00:13:31I'm fine on my own.
00:13:33Don't worry about me.
00:13:34Habit for my Army chaplain days.
00:13:36I'm not gonna change either.
00:13:38Hmm.
00:13:38Hmm.
00:13:38Hi, Caleb.
00:13:57It's Dad.
00:13:58Um, we decided
00:13:59not to go on our trip
00:14:00we planned over Christmas.
00:14:02Nothing's wrong.
00:14:03Just didn't work out.
00:14:05Anyway,
00:14:06we wanted to see
00:14:07if you want to come out.
00:14:08If you're not too busy,
00:14:09just, you know,
00:14:10no pressure.
00:14:12But if you can't,
00:14:13we'd love to have you.
00:14:15We missed you last year.
00:14:18We miss you.
00:14:21Okay, let us know.
00:14:22Are you sure it's this box, too?
00:14:43This thing has Easter stuff in here.
00:14:45Yep.
00:14:46Just dig a little.
00:14:47You could separate the decorations.
00:14:49I get lazy when I'm putting them away.
00:14:52Easter stuff goes with
00:14:53Valentine's and Halloween,
00:14:54but that box was hard to reach.
00:14:57Great effort.
00:14:58Got it.
00:15:01Ah!
00:15:02These ones!
00:15:05Hey, is your brother
00:15:07coming in to help still?
00:15:08Yeah, he said he was coaching tonight,
00:15:09but he promised he'd be by
00:15:10after the basketball game.
00:15:12Okay, good.
00:15:13Hey, when is your
00:15:15shelter adoption thing this year?
00:15:16December 23rd.
00:15:18Can I leave flyers here?
00:15:19Of course.
00:15:20Great.
00:15:20I'm just trying to come up
00:15:22with a catchy slogan,
00:15:23and then I'll print them out.
00:15:24Oh!
00:15:25How about
00:15:26save a dog,
00:15:28put a smile on your kid's face?
00:15:30It's a nice thought,
00:15:32but
00:15:32I'm not sure about that one.
00:15:34What about all those statistics
00:15:36about how many animals need homes?
00:15:38Guilting people into adopting?
00:15:40Not the best strategy.
00:15:42I'm out of ideas, then.
00:15:44Hello?
00:15:45Hello?
00:15:46Hi!
00:15:46Hey!
00:15:47Okay.
00:15:48What do you need me to do?
00:15:50Too late for the heavy lifting.
00:15:52That tree was a beast to set up.
00:15:54You're incredibly strong for your size.
00:15:55I thought you could handle it.
00:15:57There should be a couple more boxes
00:15:59in the back if you could bring those out.
00:16:01Okay, got it.
00:16:01There you go, Charles.
00:16:19Looking good.
00:16:23Someone's here?
00:16:23Oh, hi!
00:16:27Hi.
00:16:28You're early.
00:16:29I am?
00:16:31Well, actually,
00:16:32you said you were coming today,
00:16:33but I don't think we pinpointed a time, so...
00:16:36Oh.
00:16:37Sorry.
00:16:38It's fine.
00:16:38I'm glad you're here.
00:16:40That's James over there.
00:16:42Nice to meet you.
00:16:43I'm Caleb.
00:16:44Hi.
00:16:44Welcome.
00:16:46So what can I do?
00:16:48Come on back.
00:16:48I'll show you around.
00:16:49Here's the holding area.
00:16:55We have another one down the hall.
00:16:56We aim to get the animals out of their pens
00:16:58as much as we can.
00:16:59Are you comfortable handling dogs, cats, rabbits?
00:17:02All of the above.
00:17:04At least I'm willing to try.
00:17:05Great.
00:17:06It is not all playing with animals, though,
00:17:08so prepare yourself.
00:17:09Sure.
00:17:10The less glamorous stuff you warned me about.
00:17:12I'm ready.
00:17:13Okay.
00:17:14The dog and cat food is over here.
00:17:17Oh, but if you ever notice,
00:17:19we're running low on something,
00:17:20please speak up.
00:17:21That happens quicker than I realize.
00:17:25This is a kind of enrichment area
00:17:26so the animals can play,
00:17:28get wiggles out, and so forth.
00:17:29Nice.
00:17:31We have supplies in the cabinet
00:17:32to clean and whatnot,
00:17:33as well as some dog treats and toys.
00:17:35I can give you the normal chores
00:17:36we ask for help with,
00:17:37but is there anything you were thinking
00:17:39of doing specifically?
00:17:40Whatever you need.
00:17:42Any particular skills you have?
00:17:44Should I have brought a resume?
00:17:46No.
00:17:46I just don't know a lot about you.
00:17:49What do you like to do?
00:17:50Or why do you want to volunteer?
00:17:52Well, uh,
00:17:53after I was discharged from the Army,
00:17:55I worked in marketing at one company.
00:17:58Weigh Weigh,
00:17:58I've been doing handyman type stuff,
00:17:59mostly just helping a friend,
00:18:01more so than work,
00:18:01but stuff like that.
00:18:02Cool.
00:18:03And, well,
00:18:04I wanted to volunteer because,
00:18:07well, this stuck with me
00:18:08last year when you and Leo came to visit.
00:18:10I'm glad it did.
00:18:11Where is Leo, by the way?
00:18:14At home.
00:18:15I don't bring him every day.
00:18:16He likes some quiet time.
00:18:18So,
00:18:19you mind mopping?
00:18:25Hi.
00:18:26How you doing?
00:18:29Good.
00:18:29Glad to hear it.
00:18:34Hello?
00:18:37Hey, bud.
00:18:37Rex.
00:18:40Suits you.
00:18:42Later, Rex.
00:18:45Sure.
00:18:46You can come meet the animals
00:18:47between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
00:18:48We prefer if you call ahead
00:18:50so we can be ready,
00:18:50but we also understand
00:18:52if that doesn't work for everyone.
00:18:55Yes,
00:18:55we have our Christmas adoption drive
00:18:57on December 23rd.
00:18:58You can adopt anytime, though.
00:19:00Yeah, sure.
00:19:01Please do.
00:19:04Bye.
00:19:04Bye.
00:19:07Bye.
00:19:11Sorry.
00:19:12I know that's not exciting, but...
00:19:14If it helps,
00:19:15that's all that matters.
00:19:21Hey,
00:19:21you said you work with sales
00:19:22or something before?
00:19:24Yeah, marketing.
00:19:25Well,
00:19:25I've been working on this flyer
00:19:26to put out for the Christmas adoption drive.
00:19:28I'm trying to come up with a slogan
00:19:30or tagline.
00:19:31Something catchy.
00:19:33So far,
00:19:34I have
00:19:34bring home
00:19:36a new member of the family
00:19:37on the big posters.
00:19:38And I like that,
00:19:40but
00:19:40I kind of want something shorter.
00:19:42Like...
00:19:44Nothing.
00:19:47Hmm.
00:19:48How about
00:19:49a play on forever,
00:19:51but with the word fur?
00:19:52Like,
00:19:53well,
00:19:54try not to laugh,
00:19:55but
00:19:55a cute photo of a dog
00:19:57with
00:19:57forever years at Christmas
00:19:59written under it.
00:20:01Told you it was bad.
00:20:02No, no, no.
00:20:03I love it.
00:20:04What else?
00:20:05All right.
00:20:06Maybe...
00:20:09give the gift
00:20:11that loves you back.
00:20:13No, that's...
00:20:13that's too long.
00:20:15Oh,
00:20:16this Christmas,
00:20:17love
00:20:18and be loved.
00:20:20That's shorter.
00:20:21Not bad.
00:20:26Hey,
00:20:27maybe...
00:20:28maybe...
00:20:29that's a good idea.
00:20:29I think I'm going to be able to adopt.
00:20:32On the flyer?
00:20:33Probably not.
00:20:34It's too long,
00:20:35but...
00:20:36I don't know,
00:20:37success stories might make people smile
00:20:38and want that for themselves.
00:20:40Like,
00:20:41you and Leo.
00:20:42And
00:20:43what you told me about
00:20:43when you adopted him.
00:20:45You remember that?
00:20:46Yeah, mostly.
00:20:48When people come here,
00:20:49I like to share the animal story.
00:20:51It helps people think about
00:20:52how a pet could fit into their lives.
00:20:54Now we just need to get people here.
00:20:56We're pretty much at capacity
00:20:57with the number of animals
00:20:58we're sheltering,
00:20:59and
00:20:59that is never good.
00:21:01A lot of furry ones
00:21:02to take care of, huh?
00:21:03Yeah,
00:21:04it can be challenging,
00:21:05especially trying to find
00:21:06the right home for each animal.
00:21:08And the costs are...
00:21:09Ugh.
00:21:10Don't people have to pay something
00:21:11for whatever they adopt?
00:21:12Yeah, but
00:21:13it rarely covers the expense
00:21:14to shelter them.
00:21:16Really?
00:21:17So thank you
00:21:18for being here.
00:21:28Hello!
00:21:29Hi, honey.
00:21:30How was your day?
00:21:32Fine, Dad.
00:21:33Thanks.
00:21:34Hey, Becca.
00:21:35Where's this straw for the manger?
00:21:37Got it.
00:21:38Here.
00:21:39Be careful not to make a mess.
00:21:41I'll try.
00:21:42So, Heidi,
00:21:42how's the diner doing?
00:21:44It's good.
00:21:45We had a huge group
00:21:46coming for lunch,
00:21:47kept me busy
00:21:47past the usual rush.
00:21:48That's good.
00:21:49So how are things
00:21:50at the shelter?
00:21:51Good.
00:21:52Easier today.
00:21:53I have a new volunteer,
00:21:54and he did a lot of cleaning,
00:21:55so I could focus on other stuff.
00:21:57What's his name?
00:21:58Caleb.
00:21:59You know,
00:21:59it is so nice
00:22:00when the youth
00:22:00get involved in the community.
00:22:02Oh, he's not that young.
00:22:04He's not a student.
00:22:05That's James.
00:22:06Caleb is a veteran,
00:22:06but he's not that old, though.
00:22:08Wait, what?
00:22:09He was injured somehow
00:22:11and was discharged.
00:22:12So he's like your age?
00:22:14Yeah.
00:22:15Is he handsome?
00:22:16Mom.
00:22:17If she didn't ask,
00:22:18I was going to say the same thing.
00:22:19Me too.
00:22:20You went out of your way
00:22:21to not describe him
00:22:22like you were avoiding keywords.
00:22:24Yeah.
00:22:25Keywords like my age
00:22:26and suitable date?
00:22:27Exactly.
00:22:28Shush, all of you.
00:22:30He's nice,
00:22:31but I don't know
00:22:33a lot about him yet.
00:22:39Okay.
00:22:40Come on, Bella.
00:22:41Come on.
00:22:41Come on.
00:22:47Hey.
00:22:48Hey.
00:22:49Okay, Bella.
00:22:50Let's show Caleb
00:22:51what we can do.
00:22:52Ready?
00:22:54Good girl.
00:22:55Nice.
00:22:56Yeah, she's pretty good
00:22:57with other dogs,
00:22:58so I'm going to grab Thor
00:22:59and let them play a bit.
00:23:00Can you watch her?
00:23:01Sure.
00:23:03All right, Bella.
00:23:05Hey.
00:23:06Hey, you did so good
00:23:06on the course.
00:23:08Want to run it again?
00:23:09No?
00:23:12You're a heartbreaker,
00:23:13aren't you?
00:23:14You're good with dogs.
00:23:16Oh.
00:23:17Thanks.
00:23:18Yeah, it wasn't my job
00:23:19to train them in the Army
00:23:20or anything,
00:23:20but I like spending time
00:23:22with them.
00:23:23I'd help run them
00:23:23through the training course
00:23:24whenever I could.
00:23:25Kind of a bright spot
00:23:26in my day.
00:23:27They have that effect.
00:23:28Yeah.
00:23:30Oh, sorry.
00:23:31I'll get back to
00:23:32cleaning the bowls.
00:23:33James just asked me
00:23:33to watch her for a moment.
00:23:34Oh, you're fine.
00:23:35I don't think you're slacking
00:23:36if that's what you're worried about.
00:23:38Oh, good.
00:23:41Would you want to help
00:23:42with exercising the dogs
00:23:43on the course here?
00:23:44Yeah?
00:23:46Sure, I'd like that.
00:23:51Oh.
00:23:51Something wrong?
00:23:52I didn't realize
00:23:55what time it was.
00:23:56I have a doctor's appointment
00:23:57just to follow up
00:23:58for my leg.
00:24:00Sorry.
00:24:00Now I feel like I'm slacking.
00:24:03Not at all.
00:24:04I did manage to
00:24:05clean all the windows,
00:24:06I disinfected the pens
00:24:07for the cats,
00:24:08and I cleaned
00:24:09the rabbit cages.
00:24:11You got a lot done.
00:24:13No problem.
00:24:14I'll see you tomorrow.
00:24:15Thanks for coming.
00:24:16Bye, Bella.
00:24:17Come on.
00:24:18Okay, good night, everyone.
00:24:25Good night.
00:24:26Good night.
00:24:26Good night.
00:24:35Did we already
00:24:36go through it all?
00:24:47Already?
00:24:48I thought it would last longer.
00:24:53I thought it would last longer.
00:25:18I thought it would last longer.
00:25:19I thought it would last longer.
00:25:20I thought it would last longer.
00:25:21I thought it would last longer.
00:25:22I thought it would last longer.
00:25:23I thought it would last longer.
00:25:24I thought it would last longer.
00:25:25I thought it would last longer.
00:25:26I thought it would last longer.
00:25:27I thought it would last longer.
00:25:28I thought it would last longer.
00:25:29I thought it would last longer.
00:25:30I thought it would last longer.
00:25:31I thought it would last longer.
00:25:32I thought it would last longer.
00:25:33I thought it would last longer.
00:25:34I thought it would last longer.
00:25:35I thought it would last longer.
00:25:36I thought it would last longer.
00:25:37I thought it would last longer.
00:25:38I thought it would last longer.
00:25:39I thought it would last longer.
00:25:40I thought it would last longer.
00:25:41I thought it would last longer.
00:25:42You holding on the floor here, Leo?
00:25:57Wow.
00:25:58Good job.
00:26:02Come on, Tank.
00:26:03Let's stretch our legs, okay?
00:26:05Hi.
00:26:06Hi, Caleb.
00:26:06Did you want me to watch things up front, or is Leo in charge?
00:26:09It's usually slow right now.
00:26:11Leo will let me know if someone comes.
00:26:12Wow.
00:26:13He's well-trained.
00:26:15This is Tank.
00:26:18Really?
00:26:19Did you make that up?
00:26:21Maybe.
00:26:22I like the irony.
00:26:23Hi, Tank.
00:26:24Yeah, you're so tough.
00:26:28Hi, Rex.
00:26:29I was actually going to get him out, too.
00:26:31Give me a hand?
00:26:32Sure.
00:26:35Okay, Rex, you ready to come out?
00:26:39Stay.
00:26:39Okay.
00:26:42Okay.
00:26:43Hey, bud.
00:26:44He likes you.
00:26:45He does?
00:26:46Come on.
00:26:48All right.
00:26:49Come on, Rex.
00:26:50Follow me.
00:26:54That wasn't it.
00:26:56Come on.
00:26:57Come on.
00:26:59Do you need a treat to bribe him?
00:27:01Maybe.
00:27:01All right.
00:27:05Come back, you're Rex.
00:27:07All right.
00:27:08Good.
00:27:08Stay.
00:27:08Sit.
00:27:09All right.
00:27:10Ready?
00:27:10And do what I do.
00:27:15Here you go.
00:27:16Is Rex's real name?
00:27:19He arrived with it, so I assume so.
00:27:21Hmm.
00:27:21Well, dog trainer, I am not.
00:27:23He responds to you.
00:27:24Did you see what just happened?
00:27:26Okay, maybe he doesn't obey you, but he's intrigued by you.
00:27:30I'm not sure it's mutual.
00:27:31He just loves to be active.
00:27:33He's been here longer than any of the others, so this is a really nice outlet for him.
00:27:38I try to take him home as much as I can, but Leo doesn't like it.
00:27:42Territorial?
00:27:43Well, Rex hoards all the dog toys, so it annoys Leo.
00:27:46That sounds like Rex.
00:27:49Would you want to take him home for a night?
00:27:53Me?
00:27:54You're good with him.
00:27:56Have you had your own dog before?
00:27:58Uh, when I was a kid, yeah.
00:28:00So you know what to do.
00:28:01I, well, I...
00:28:03You don't have to if you don't want to, but think about it.
00:28:07Uh, James should be here soon.
00:28:10Are you hungry?
00:28:11Yeah.
00:28:12Let's get some lunch.
00:28:16This is my friend's place.
00:28:18I'll apologize in advance for anything she says.
00:28:20Okay.
00:28:21Amber!
00:28:22Hey!
00:28:23Uh, welcome.
00:28:24I'm Heidi.
00:28:25Caleb.
00:28:26Oh, volunteer.
00:28:29We have to eat quick, so...
00:28:31Sure, just look over the menu and let me know what you want.
00:28:35I'll give you guys a minute.
00:28:38I should have thought this through.
00:28:41Is everything okay?
00:28:42Yeah.
00:28:43The sandwiches are great here.
00:28:45Get whatever you like, my treat.
00:28:46Oh, no, you don't have to do that.
00:28:47I can...
00:28:47You're working for free.
00:28:48The least I can do is buy lunch.
00:28:50Well, thank you then.
00:28:53So, how'd you come to own the shelter?
00:28:56I started out like you.
00:28:57Volunteering.
00:28:59Wanted to have something to do as a teen after school.
00:29:01The founder of the shelter was a neighbor of mine, Kathy.
00:29:05She was always kind.
00:29:07And she had the biggest heart, you know?
00:29:09She never minded that I came by.
00:29:11And pretty soon, she asked me to work there for real.
00:29:15So, you've been working there since high school?
00:29:16No, I was away for a few years for college, but I came back one summer, and by then Kathy's
00:29:22health wasn't so good, and the shelter needed a lot of attention.
00:29:26She didn't want to see it close, and she always said that she felt like it was what God wanted
00:29:30her to do.
00:29:31But since she couldn't do it all, maybe I was meant to take over.
00:29:35She asked me to run it.
00:29:37That's a lot of pressure.
00:29:38Yeah, I felt like that sometimes.
00:29:41She passed away a couple years ago, and left it to me to keep it going.
00:29:46And I haven't looked back.
00:29:50So, you've never wanted to do something else?
00:29:54I studied art for a bit.
00:29:55Oh, that's right.
00:29:57You like to paint.
00:29:58I told you that?
00:30:00Last year.
00:30:01You and your memory.
00:30:03But yes, I do like painting and pottery and things like that.
00:30:07But I felt like this was more important.
00:30:10You know, it's not like I planned it or thought it would become such a big part of my life,
00:30:13but...
00:30:14And I started to see what Kathy meant.
00:30:17Sometimes God leads you to where you need to be, even if it's not what you expected to
00:30:20end up.
00:30:22Well, I suppose you're lucky.
00:30:24It's not easy to know what to do with your life.
00:30:26Is that why you joined the Army?
00:30:28At first, maybe.
00:30:30I wasn't so sure it seemed like a good solution, but then I really took to it.
00:30:35Can I ask what happened?
00:30:37Training accident.
00:30:40I got rolled in a vehicle that turned too hard during a training exercise.
00:30:43Wow.
00:30:44Yeah.
00:30:45Of all things, right?
00:30:47Nine years, and that's what takes me out of it.
00:30:49I'm sorry.
00:30:51Like I said, it was an accident.
00:30:53Back to square one.
00:30:55Starting over.
00:30:56It's a process.
00:30:58Well, I'm glad it brought you to the shelter.
00:31:00Me too.
00:31:01It's been nice.
00:31:03Sometimes loud, but nice.
00:31:06Yes, that is just one of the stresses.
00:31:09What are the others?
00:31:11Worrying about the animals.
00:31:12If I can find enough homes for them.
00:31:15Having enough resources to take in every animal and keep them sheltered and happy.
00:31:19Some days I worry about not having enough food for them.
00:31:25That's a lot on your shoulders.
00:31:27Some days are easier than others.
00:31:28I don't think my parents saw the shelter as a career at first.
00:31:34At least not the one that they imagined for me.
00:31:37But they see how much I love the animals, and they understand why I need to do it.
00:31:42They always support me now.
00:31:44That's nice.
00:31:45Having their support.
00:31:47How about you?
00:31:48Tell me about your family.
00:31:49My parents, they live in Kansas.
00:31:55Any siblings?
00:31:57Nope.
00:31:59Are you going there for Christmas then?
00:32:01No, I'll stay here.
00:32:04Are your parents coming to visit you?
00:32:07No.
00:32:08Wow.
00:32:09That must be hard.
00:32:10I can't imagine Christmas without my family around.
00:32:13You get used to it.
00:32:14Because of being in the army?
00:32:18I don't know.
00:32:20That'd make me want to see them even more when I could.
00:32:23We're, uh, not that close, are you, we?
00:32:27Oh.
00:32:28Sorry.
00:32:30So, yeah, if you need any help over the holidays, it won't interrupt anything.
00:32:34I couldn't ask that of you.
00:32:36I'm offering.
00:32:37Well, thanks.
00:32:39I'll remember that.
00:32:44How was the shelter today?
00:32:46Good.
00:32:47There are a lot of dogs there, you know.
00:32:50Something for you?
00:32:51Uh, no.
00:32:52No, no.
00:32:53Fine, fine.
00:32:54You're really liking it there, aren't you?
00:32:56So far, yeah.
00:32:58It's different.
00:33:00More fur?
00:33:02Yeah, there's that too.
00:33:05But no, there's good people.
00:33:07It's a nice change.
00:33:08I'm glad.
00:33:08But since you've been volunteering, you've been different.
00:33:13More energetic.
00:33:14You think so?
00:33:15Yeah.
00:33:16I'm glad you've found something that you're passionate about.
00:33:21I don't know if the shelter's necessarily a passion, but honestly, it is nice to keep me busy.
00:33:26Yeah, it's more than keeping you busy.
00:33:28You have to be satisfied, too.
00:33:31You remember Jessica Andre?
00:33:34Yeah, of course.
00:33:35From Lieutenant Squires platoon.
00:33:37Yeah, she's back.
00:33:38Rotated out.
00:33:39I hear she's not doing very well.
00:33:41Oh.
00:33:42Yeah.
00:33:43She hasn't found her footing.
00:33:45Purpose.
00:33:46You know it's important.
00:33:48Maybe you, with this shelter thing, maybe you found your purpose.
00:33:52And if so, I'm thrilled.
00:33:55We'll see.
00:33:56It's easy for me.
00:33:57I don't have all the responsibility like Amber does.
00:34:02Hey, you remember Mac, who trained dogs in the military?
00:34:06Yeah.
00:34:07Do you know how to get a hold of him?
00:34:08I think I have his number in here.
00:34:10Why?
00:34:11You going to get him to adopt some dogs, too?
00:34:14No.
00:34:14I'm wondering if he has any idea on how to get dog food at a better price.
00:34:18Or donated.
00:34:20Dog food?
00:34:21Sounds like things are tight at the shelter.
00:34:23Here it is.
00:34:24Sending it to you now.
00:34:27Thanks.
00:34:28You're really getting into this, aren't you?
00:34:30Just trying to help.
00:34:32Here.
00:34:32Hey, Mac.
00:34:39It's Caleb Hale.
00:34:43Come on, Leo.
00:34:45Let's get ready to go.
00:34:52Hi.
00:34:53Hi.
00:34:55Is Rex still needing a break?
00:34:58Yeah.
00:35:01Whoa.
00:35:03Okay.
00:35:08Wait, no.
00:35:08Don't go up there.
00:35:14What was I thinking?
00:35:16Come on, Rex.
00:35:17Back to the kitchen.
00:35:20There you go.
00:35:23Stay there, all right?
00:35:26Good night.
00:35:27I was surprised you took him to lunch.
00:35:40I was being nice.
00:35:42Do you have a picture?
00:35:43No.
00:35:43Why would I?
00:35:44I do.
00:35:44I took one when they weren't looking.
00:35:47Heidi!
00:35:49Nice, right?
00:35:51Back to work.
00:35:52I need to start getting these flyers out to businesses and stores.
00:35:54Becca, you're not even helping.
00:35:57Right.
00:35:59I thought he was nice.
00:36:01You said three sentences to him, if that.
00:36:04Only because you chased me away.
00:36:06I want to meet him.
00:36:08No.
00:36:09Why not?
00:36:09Just go to the shelter and meet him.
00:36:11Good idea.
00:36:11No, no, no.
00:36:12You go there to pick out a pet, not a guy.
00:36:15It was nice of him to take Rex home.
00:36:17Yeah.
00:36:18I wonder how he's doing with that.
00:36:20He sounds lonely.
00:36:22Well, Rex has been at the shelter for...
00:36:23I mean Caleb.
00:36:25Oh.
00:36:26You should invite him over for Christmas.
00:36:28No.
00:36:29At least for dinner.
00:36:30No.
00:36:31I'll tell Mom.
00:36:32She'd say it's the Christian thing to do.
00:36:34Yeah.
00:36:34No one should be alone on Christmas.
00:36:37You don't think that sends the wrong message or seems inappropriate?
00:36:39Funny you should say that.
00:36:41Unless you're worried because you do find him interesting and attractive.
00:36:44Hm.
00:36:45Excellent point.
00:36:47That's it.
00:36:48No hot chocolate for you.
00:36:49Oh, no.
00:36:53Rex, what are you doing up here?
00:37:14I have a reporter friend.
00:37:15She said she'll write up something for their website about the adoption drive.
00:37:19That'd be great.
00:37:20I also have these flyers and I've been taking them to businesses and stores.
00:37:24Do you know anyone I could take some to?
00:37:25Um, yeah.
00:37:27Let me take some.
00:37:28Thanks.
00:37:29And just let me know if your reporter friend needs any information.
00:37:32I am happy to talk with her.
00:37:33Great.
00:37:34Um, one of my clients is a therapist.
00:37:37She was asking about maybe partnering somehow so her clients can interact with the animals.
00:37:42Could I take you to meet her?
00:37:44Maybe a lunch date?
00:37:46Yeah.
00:37:47I'd love to meet her.
00:37:47I'll set it up.
00:37:49Uh, maybe after Christmas.
00:37:50Sure.
00:37:52See you later.
00:37:54Thanks again.
00:37:57How was Rex?
00:37:57Did he behave?
00:37:59Uh, I took him for a walk last night.
00:38:01We went a few miles, but he could have gone a few more.
00:38:03Then my legs started acting up.
00:38:05Thank you for giving him a break.
00:38:07Yeah.
00:38:09You want to take him tonight, too?
00:38:11Uh, no.
00:38:12It's okay.
00:38:13Uh, do you have any more flyers, though?
00:38:16I can see about handing some out later when I head out for errands.
00:38:19That'd be great.
00:38:21Oh, um, we are out of dog food, cat food, and pellets for the rabbits and guinea pigs.
00:38:26Would you mind going with James to stock up?
00:38:28It gets to be a lot of heavy lifting.
00:38:30Yeah, sure.
00:38:31Will that hurt your leg?
00:38:33No, no.
00:38:34It'll be fine.
00:38:35Okay.
00:38:36Hey, James.
00:38:36The stuff we get should be just over here.
00:38:41How many bags do we need?
00:38:42Eight for the adult kibble, two of the puppy, and one bag of senior kibble.
00:38:47We'll get this, and then we'll get the cat food.
00:38:49Got it.
00:38:50So, do you know who came by earlier?
00:38:53Uh, the guy talking with Amber?
00:38:55That was Ryan.
00:38:56He's a donor.
00:38:57Helps keep us afloat.
00:38:58I know Amber really appreciates him.
00:39:01Oh.
00:39:02I'm pretty sure he likes her, too, but she's kind of oblivious about that.
00:39:08Yeah, I got that vibe from him.
00:39:10Uh, she doesn't know?
00:39:12I don't think he's said anything directly.
00:39:15Do you think she'd be interested?
00:39:18I don't know.
00:39:20Why?
00:39:21Just wondering.
00:39:24Right.
00:39:24Right.
00:39:32Hey, Rex.
00:39:39How's it going, bud?
00:39:41Hey.
00:39:42You doing all right?
00:39:44Yeah, I gotta get back to work, but I'll take you through the obstacle course later, okay?
00:39:49All right?
00:39:50It's a date.
00:39:51Yeah.
00:39:52Hey, James.
00:40:01I forgot to ask you to get more chew toys for the dogs.
00:40:04Oh.
00:40:06I...
00:40:06I could go back.
00:40:08No, it's okay.
00:40:09Thanks.
00:40:10Hey, for visiting the Veterans Clinic tomorrow, I was thinking I might take Caleb.
00:40:15Makes sense.
00:40:16So you're okay with that?
00:40:17Yeah.
00:40:18I mean, I can look after things here.
00:40:20I think it'd be good for him.
00:40:24That's...
00:40:24very thoughtful.
00:40:26You think so?
00:40:27Sure.
00:40:27I think he'll appreciate it, too.
00:40:30Okay.
00:40:30Good.
00:40:32Not that it matters.
00:40:33He's fine with whatever tasks, right?
00:40:35Yeah.
00:40:36Good.
00:40:43You know what to do?
00:40:45Well, Pixie did the talking.
00:40:46You'll see she has more effect than anything you say.
00:40:49I don't know about that.
00:40:51You made a difference to me.
00:40:53I did?
00:40:54Yeah.
00:40:56All right.
00:40:57All right.
00:40:57I'm coming.
00:40:58This is Leo.
00:41:00Is he a poodle?
00:41:01He is a poodle.
00:41:02Full bread poodle.
00:41:03Wow.
00:41:03Wow.
00:41:04Everywhere the season's shining through.
00:41:09But all this red and green just leaves me feeling blue.
00:41:15The only wish list that I've made begins and ends with your name.
00:41:26Come on and marry me up.
00:41:29Don't let me down.
00:41:31Spin me around.
00:41:32Won't be strong.
00:41:33Let's get the ground.
00:41:34I need you to break up a cheer.
00:41:37Bring your holly downy sound right over here.
00:41:41My Christmas spirit sure could use your touch.
00:41:46So wrap me in your warm December love.
00:41:50Hey.
00:41:55For what?
00:41:56For letting me come along.
00:41:58How many times am I going to need to remind you that I am the grateful one, Mr. Volunteer?
00:42:03Well, still, that was special.
00:42:06It's a different perspective, not being the injured one.
00:42:09It looked like you were able to connect with him in a way that I can't, given your military service.
00:42:14Maybe, but that doesn't mean you coming is any less powerful.
00:42:20Do you do that every Christmas?
00:42:22I try to go every month or two, but Christmas is especially important.
00:42:26Wow, that's really impressive.
00:42:28It's good.
00:42:29Having more human interaction.
00:42:31For the dogs?
00:42:32I meant for me, but it's good for them too.
00:42:39Can I ask you something?
00:42:40Of course.
00:42:41Is your military service an issue with your family?
00:42:46I'm sorry.
00:42:47That is none of my business.
00:42:48No, it's okay.
00:42:49I just, I'm not that great at talking about it.
00:42:52But no, they didn't mind.
00:42:54They just worried.
00:42:56Who wouldn't worry in their shoes?
00:42:58Yeah, but they were supportive, so.
00:43:02Oh.
00:43:03You're wondering what happened.
00:43:06I'm sorry.
00:43:06I'm being nosy.
00:43:08It's okay.
00:43:11After the accident, I was, well, let's just say I wasn't that easy to be around.
00:43:16I was afraid I wasn't going to recover, and, well, I didn't know what I was going to do next.
00:43:22But my parents, they, they kept trying to make everything better.
00:43:27Like this relentless optimism.
00:43:30Always saying things like, you know, it's all part of God's plan.
00:43:34There's better things ahead.
00:43:36You just have to have faith.
00:43:38You know, I was raised to believe in God, but it got harder and harder to keep hearing them say it over and over.
00:43:47How could something so terrible be part of His plan, you know?
00:43:54Anyway, we had an argument.
00:43:56A big one.
00:43:57And I'll admit it was more my fault than them.
00:44:01But.
00:44:05But I pushed them away.
00:44:08There you have it.
00:44:11I'm sorry.
00:44:13You know, I haven't told anyone that except for Eli.
00:44:17Pastor Eli?
00:44:18Yeah, we served together.
00:44:21Not in the same capacity, of course, but.
00:44:24He was the army chaplain, and we stayed friends.
00:44:29I didn't realize that.
00:44:34Thank you for telling me.
00:44:39Yeah.
00:44:45Come in.
00:44:47Hey.
00:44:48Hi.
00:44:48What's up?
00:44:49Came as soon as I could.
00:44:52Ooh, those look yummy.
00:44:53Help yourself.
00:44:55I'm trying to figure out how to cut costs at the shelter.
00:44:58I thought you already cut what you could.
00:45:00Well, not enough.
00:45:02It sounds like you need to bring more money in.
00:45:04Can you raise prices to adopt?
00:45:07No, because it has the opposite effect.
00:45:09Less people adopt, and then I have more animals to care for.
00:45:12Yeah, makes sense.
00:45:12I even got an unexpected donation, but utilities, dog food rent, it's already gone.
00:45:18I'm using my own money to float the shelter.
00:45:21Can't keep this up.
00:45:23So, any ideas?
00:45:26At your basketball games, there are always banners from sponsors.
00:45:29How does that work?
00:45:30They pay to have their logo and information shown as sponsors for the event or school team, but we usually have banks and orthodontists sponsoring.
00:45:41Not sure they'll fit for the shelter.
00:45:43I was thinking vets.
00:45:45That's a good idea.
00:45:47Every pet you find a home for is a potential new patient for a veterinarian.
00:45:52Exactly what I was thinking.
00:45:54What do I do?
00:45:55Call up and say, hey, can I print your name in exchange for money?
00:45:58I think you'll need to sell it a little more than that.
00:46:00Think about how you got other donations for the shelter.
00:46:03Most came from when Kathy ran it, and a lot of those have already tapered off over time.
00:46:08What about that Ryan guy?
00:46:09He's the one who gave a little extra recently.
00:46:12I can't ask for more.
00:46:14Well, I'll write some talking points for a sponsor then.
00:46:17And I'll start compiling a list of VAL offices to call.
00:46:20Okay.
00:46:20Mac, hey, any luck?
00:46:30Really?
00:46:31Oh, thank you so much, man.
00:46:35Yeah, yeah, hold on.
00:46:41Okay, go ahead.
00:46:44Yeah, perfect.
00:46:46Yeah, I'll reach out to them about how to pick it up.
00:46:48Hey, thank you again.
00:46:50This means so much.
00:46:52I mean it.
00:46:54Okay.
00:46:56Yeah, take care.
00:46:57Hey, Merry Christmas.
00:47:00All right.
00:47:02Cheers.
00:47:06Okay, thank you.
00:47:07Bye.
00:47:10Hey.
00:47:11Caleb, I thought you weren't coming in today.
00:47:13Yeah, I wasn't, but I have some news.
00:47:15So, I reached out to an old army buddy of mine who used to train dogs in the military,
00:47:19and long story short, I told him about the shelter and asked if he had suggestions about
00:47:23getting dog food at a better price.
00:47:25You did all that?
00:47:26Yeah.
00:47:27And, well, he called and passed along what we need, and, well, guess what?
00:47:30This one company is willing to pledge a year's donation of food for all of our cats and dogs.
00:47:34Are you serious?
00:47:36Caleb, that's...
00:47:39Yeah, it wasn't me.
00:47:40It was Mac and his company.
00:47:42I can't believe you did all this.
00:47:44Seriously, you went after it, though.
00:47:45Well, you have enough to worry about.
00:47:47Not nearly as much now.
00:47:52Really, thank you.
00:47:55Yeah, of course.
00:47:56Uh, so what are you, uh, working on?
00:48:02I'm trying to find a veterinarian to sponsor the adoption drive.
00:48:05Nothing yet, but I'm not even halfway through the list.
00:48:08Do you need any help?
00:48:10Uh, I might be done with these calls before tomorrow, but if not, that'd be great.
00:48:15Sounds good.
00:48:16I'll see you tomorrow.
00:48:18Thank you again.
00:48:19Sounds great.
00:48:39We'll see you tomorrow.
00:48:41Bye-bye.
00:48:43Hi.
00:48:44Can I help you?
00:48:44Yeah, I have kind of an unusual question.
00:48:49There you go.
00:48:54It takes some time to get to know him.
00:48:56Let's get him.
00:49:05Hello, Davenport Animal Haven.
00:49:07Hi, I'm calling for Amber.
00:49:09This is she.
00:49:10I'm with First Line Animal Hospital, and we have six hospitals throughout the county.
00:49:14I just wanted to find out more about sponsoring your Christmas adoption drive.
00:49:17Oh, great.
00:49:20Wait, how did you hear about being a sponsor?
00:49:22A man came by.
00:49:23Let's see, what was his name?
00:49:25I wrote it down somewhere.
00:49:27Oh, here it is.
00:49:28Caleb Hale.
00:49:30Uh, great.
00:49:32Any questions I can answer about the sponsorship?
00:49:34Hi.
00:49:38Hi.
00:49:39Hi.
00:49:39Looking for something?
00:49:41Uh, Pim.
00:49:44Hey, what's going on?
00:49:46The Animal Hospital?
00:49:47Did they call?
00:49:48Yes.
00:49:49Oh, good.
00:49:50I wasn't sure if I was doubling up.
00:49:52You might have called already, but I was driving by and thought, why not?
00:49:55They signed on to sponsor the Christmas adoption drive.
00:49:58That's great.
00:49:59You have no idea.
00:50:01Look, are you doing anything tonight?
00:50:04Uh, no.
00:50:06Why?
00:50:07My mom always has a Christmas pie night in December.
00:50:09I want you to come.
00:50:11We'll make it a celebration.
00:50:12Okay.
00:50:13Yeah, sure.
00:50:14Sounds fun.
00:50:16I hope this crust turned out all right.
00:50:18I can tell you right now if it did.
00:50:20Oh, no, you don't.
00:50:21Ooh.
00:50:23Hello?
00:50:24Hi, everyone.
00:50:26Oh, hi.
00:50:27I'm Becca.
00:50:28Evan.
00:50:29Nice to meet you.
00:50:30Hi, Heidi.
00:50:31Good to see you again.
00:50:32And this is Caleb.
00:50:33Caleb, this is my mom and my dad.
00:50:36Pleasure.
00:50:36Oh, I'm so glad that you could join us.
00:50:39Amber told us all about those miracles that you worked for the shelter, so you get the first slice.
00:50:44Now, on Christmas pie night, we do have a little bit of everything, but we like to start with the proper dinner, so we have shepherd's pie first.
00:50:51Sounds delicious.
00:50:53Okay, well, Margaret, why don't you say the blessing of the food?
00:50:56Happy to.
00:50:58Our gracious Father in heaven, we are grateful for this fine meal and the traditions that bring us together to celebrate your son's birth at this special time of year.
00:51:09We are so pleased that Caleb could join us.
00:51:12Help him to feel at home here with us.
00:51:15Please bless this food as we know that it is from your hand, and we are thankful for all of the blessings that you give us.
00:51:21In Jesus' name, amen.
00:51:23Amen.
00:51:24Well, dig in, everybody.
00:51:25There's plenty more, but save some room for the dessert pies.
00:51:29Thanks, Mom.
00:51:30Mm-hmm.
00:51:30So, Caleb, when you're not single-handedly saving the day at the shelter, what do you do?
00:51:35Uh, I think Amber gives me too much credit. I help out an old army buddy at the church.
00:51:41Oh, how long did you serve for?
00:51:43Nine years, sir.
00:51:44Call me David.
00:51:45Amber mentioned that you had been injured. How are you feeling now?
00:51:48Mom?
00:51:49Pretty much good as new.
00:51:50Good. Your poor parents must have been beside themselves.
00:51:53This is good pie, Mom.
00:51:55Thanks, Eddie.
00:51:56So, tell us about yourself. Amber only tells me so much.
00:51:59Oh, we should do that 20 questions thing.
00:52:01You know, like what you guys do when I bring home a date to meet the family?
00:52:05Great idea.
00:52:06What do you think?
00:52:08Uh, sure. Why not?
00:52:09Brace yourself, Caleb. He's our guest. Maybe let's...
00:52:12What's your favorite meal?
00:52:13Uh, steak, I guess.
00:52:15First car? An old bronca.
00:52:17Do you have a girlfriend?
00:52:18No.
00:52:19What's your favorite pie?
00:52:21Pecan.
00:52:22Perfect, because I made some for later.
00:52:24What kind of books did you read?
00:52:25Thanks for helping me with these.
00:52:29I want to start selling them at the diner.
00:52:31I'd buy one.
00:52:32These are so cute.
00:52:33They make great neighbor gifts, too.
00:52:35Can I have one?
00:52:37Of course.
00:52:39Caleb, you want a hot chocolate pop?
00:52:41Sounds great. Thanks.
00:52:42Well, come on over here.
00:52:44All right, how's this work?
00:52:47You've never had a hot chocolate pop before?
00:52:49Uh, no.
00:52:51Come on, you'll love it.
00:52:52Pick one.
00:52:52Like that?
00:52:56Yep.
00:52:57And then we just add some milk.
00:53:04Hey, that's pretty neat.
00:53:06It tastes good, too.
00:53:08Oh, thank you.
00:53:08Mm-hmm.
00:53:09Oh, wow.
00:53:17That's good.
00:53:18I know, right?
00:53:20Hey, what if you sold these at the adoption drive?
00:53:23What do these have to do with pet adoptions?
00:53:24Oh, it fits more under Christmas, but...
00:53:27I don't know, it could be an impulse buy.
00:53:28Something festive.
00:53:30I'm just thinking out loud.
00:53:31You don't have to do it.
00:53:32No, I like that idea.
00:53:33Yeah, I'd buy them.
00:53:36Can I pay you to make some for me to sell?
00:53:38Yeah, of course.
00:53:41Something wrong?
00:53:43No, I'm just thinking.
00:53:44Hot chocolate pops work for Christmas, but you could also sell collars and leashes.
00:53:49Aw, cute.
00:53:50Or you could invite in existing pet owners to decorate a collar for their dog.
00:53:55Or...
00:53:56Decorate a leash.
00:53:57Or even photos with Santa Claus.
00:53:59Santa Paws.
00:54:01It's starting to sound less like an adoption drive, though.
00:54:04But that's good.
00:54:06Instead of just another adoption drive, it could be like...
00:54:09Like a Christmas pet fair.
00:54:12So I can tell my neighbors about it without them feeling like I'm pressuring them to adopt?
00:54:16Exactly.
00:54:17But just people being there will help spread the word and get people thinking.
00:54:21Sounds like we've got a lot of work to do.
00:54:25I need to update all the flyers and tell the reporter that Ryan arranged what we're doing.
00:54:30How did you get to be so creative?
00:54:32I don't think I've ever been called creative.
00:54:34Well, you are.
00:54:37Seriously.
00:54:38You don't know how huge all this is.
00:54:40A few days ago, the shelter was broke.
00:54:42I was trying to figure out how to keep it all going and not give more than I could afford myself.
00:54:48I didn't know what to do.
00:54:50Especially if I had to turn away an animal in need.
00:54:52I'm glad it didn't come to that.
00:54:54But then you went above and beyond.
00:54:56Like, way beyond.
00:54:58And for the first time, I am eager to get to work without the fear that I'll fail.
00:55:03Knowing that I can focus on the animals with less pressure about the money side is...
00:55:09I could tell that you were worried and sad, and I didn't want that.
00:55:13And thanks for bringing me along tonight.
00:55:16It's been a while since I've been around the family.
00:55:20They like meeting you, too.
00:55:22I'm sorry for their non-stop questions.
00:55:24I'm sorry for your non-stop questions.
00:55:48Okay.
00:55:48We are going to make this the best Christmas adoption drive yet.
00:55:51We're holding it here, right?
00:55:52Yes. And pray for good weather, because we're going to have to do crafts and things outside.
00:55:57But I think it'll work.
00:55:59Now, Heidi is making the hot chocolate pops.
00:56:02I think we put her in charge of selling that over here.
00:56:07And then we'll have somebody run decorating the collars and leashes.
00:56:11Do you want me on that?
00:56:12Mmm. I'll get my family to help out. I'd rather the three of us handle the adoptions, though.
00:56:17We can do that.
00:56:18However, I do like the Santa photo idea, especially for people who just adopted a pet.
00:56:23I'm thinking we put up a backdrop for that about here.
00:56:29Sound good?
00:56:30Yeah.
00:56:30Yep.
00:56:31Okay. Now, this is a lot to handle on top of everything we do each day.
00:56:35I can focus on it if you want.
00:56:38Mmm. It's too much, man.
00:56:39I think I can figure most of it out. You two were handling all the normal things before I came anyways.
00:56:44Okay. I'll go ahead and adjust the new flyers, but do pass along anything that's too big.
00:56:49All right. And is there a volume discount at all?
00:56:54Uh-huh.
00:56:57Okay. And all that's in stock right now?
00:57:01Cool.
00:57:04Yeah. Okay.
00:57:06All right. Well, thank you very much.
00:57:08Yeah. Goodbye.
00:57:10Sorry.
00:57:11It's fine.
00:57:12How you doing there, Rexy? Still eating all your kibble?
00:57:15Yeah. He's doing all right.
00:57:17Hey. What's his story?
00:57:19You said every animal has one?
00:57:21Yeah.
00:57:23He's someone I don't know much about.
00:57:26When I first brought him here, I was expecting someone might show up to claim him because he's so sweet.
00:57:31And he gets along with other dogs well.
00:57:33Now I just keep waiting for someone to adopt him.
00:57:36I'm not sure why no one has.
00:57:39One day, someone will see him for who he is.
00:57:42I wish everyone could see animals the way you do.
00:57:46What if they could?
00:57:47I could type up all the animal's stories for the adoption drive.
00:57:52And maybe display it next to their kennels.
00:57:54Yeah.
00:57:55That way, if I can't tell them myself, they can still learn about the animal they're looking at.
00:57:59Yeah.
00:57:59I like it.
00:58:02It's nice brainstorming with you.
00:58:05I just hope it helps enough.
00:58:08I want this to go really well.
00:58:10For you.
00:58:11Thanks.
00:58:14Hey, would you, uh, would you want to do something tonight?
00:58:19After the shelter closes?
00:58:21Yeah.
00:58:22I'd like that.
00:58:27What's this?
00:58:28You like painting and pottery.
00:58:30I thought this kind of combined both of those.
00:58:32Are you serious?
00:58:35I know the shelter is so important to you, but I thought you kind of might need a break.
00:58:39I want to reminisce.
00:58:41This is so great.
00:58:44It's been a long time since I've done anything artistic.
00:58:47Well then, shall we get started?
00:58:50Mm-hmm.
00:58:50If I paint mine camouflage, will you judge me?
00:58:55Not at all.
00:58:56So what are you painting?
00:58:58I'm thinking a dog in a Santa hat.
00:59:00Napping by a Christmas tree.
00:59:02I will save that for canvas.
00:59:04Well, either way, I think you'll put me to shame.
00:59:06Okay, do not put me on a pedestal yet.
00:59:08Who knows how the dog will turn out?
00:59:11So, if you hadn't gotten involved with the shelter, would you have pursued art?
00:59:17I don't know.
00:59:18It's kind of hard to imagine now.
00:59:20But do you regret not giving art more of a chance?
00:59:23I don't think so.
00:59:24I like the variety of things I do at the shelter.
00:59:27I'm fine with art being my hobby.
00:59:30What about you?
00:59:31If I hadn't joined the Army?
00:59:33Yeah.
00:59:34I don't know of anything specifically, but it's more so a feel of what I like to do.
00:59:39Which is?
00:59:40Being useful.
00:59:43I don't know.
00:59:44I say that, but there's a lot of ways you can be useful.
00:59:47Maybe it's the variety that helps.
00:59:48Did you have that in the Army?
00:59:51Yeah.
00:59:51Yeah.
00:59:52A lot more than you'd think.
00:59:53Well, I guess you are trained for whatever could go wrong.
00:59:56To a degree, yes.
00:59:58But there's a lot of times that you just had to improvise.
01:00:01You know, find a solution.
01:00:02I think I like that, too.
01:00:06That's why you're so amazing.
01:00:08What?
01:00:09All of your good ideas and problem solving.
01:00:11I'm willing to bet, though, you've always had that talent.
01:00:15Who knows?
01:00:16Well, I am just lucky that you stopped by the shelter and have put up with the noise and craziness.
01:00:23It's been exactly what I was missing.
01:00:26Seriously.
01:00:27And not just the work.
01:00:28It's the little smiles on all the dogs' faces, like Rex.
01:00:32The fun little personalities of all the cats.
01:00:35And James, and especially you.
01:00:39Is that okay?
01:00:45Of course.
01:00:47Good.
01:00:51There's this focus he has.
01:00:53Like an intensity that is so impressive.
01:00:56Everything he does, he does 110%.
01:00:59That's rare.
01:01:01And it's sweet, too.
01:01:03It makes me want him to have some joy from all this.
01:01:05What makes you think he doesn't?
01:01:06He seems happy, except for, well, he's alone.
01:01:11Alone or lonely?
01:01:13Both.
01:01:15He's going to be alone this Christmas.
01:01:16Well, you should invite him to spend it with us.
01:01:19That's what I was thinking.
01:01:20But?
01:01:21It helped, but it wouldn't fix what needs fixing.
01:01:25He shared some things with me the other day, and...
01:01:27And you want to make it all better.
01:01:30Just like those dogs and cats at the shelter.
01:01:32Yeah, but it's more than that.
01:01:35He deserves to be happy.
01:01:36Truly happy with nothing held back.
01:01:39But I know he can't get there without making some changes with his family.
01:01:43Well, why does it matter to you so much?
01:01:46Because it hurts when I catch glimpses of him when he's sad.
01:01:51And you care for him.
01:01:54He'll find his way.
01:01:55One day at a time.
01:01:57Not if he does it alone.
01:01:59Well, who said that we were going to leave him alone?
01:02:01What is in these, anyway?
01:02:08Nothing.
01:02:09They're just to decorate for the adoption drive tomorrow.
01:02:11What?
01:02:12Well, here, I was so curious.
01:02:13Are you ready?
01:02:24One, two, three.
01:02:27Let me know if you need any help.
01:02:52Hey, boy.
01:02:53You want to come home with me today?
01:02:55I have to admit, I'm pretty grumpy in the mornings, though, okay?
01:03:02It's the nice thing about them, huh?
01:03:04What's that?
01:03:05Dogs.
01:03:07They'll accept you as you are.
01:03:09They're holding your flaws against you.
01:03:10Yeah.
01:03:12Only we could all be that way, huh?
01:03:15Right?
01:03:17What about that guy over there?
01:03:20Yeah, so that's actually Rex.
01:03:22He has been at the shelter the longest.
01:03:24And we don't have a ton of information on him,
01:03:26but he is the sweetest dog.
01:03:28He loves to play fetch.
01:03:29He gets along with other dogs.
01:03:31Yeah, I can see how people would really like that for the cats.
01:03:35Here, I'm here at that.
01:03:38Thanks.
01:03:40This is the biggest turnout I have seen at Christmastime.
01:03:47Amber has you to thank for this.
01:03:48No, we've all pitched in, but Amber, she does so much,
01:03:52and I just hope we find homes for a lot of animals.
01:03:56Yeah.
01:03:57So, what are you doing for Christmas?
01:03:59I'm just keeping it quiet this year, relaxing on my own.
01:04:02Oh, well, we would love for you to spend it with us.
01:04:05Oh, thank you.
01:04:06I don't want to intrude.
01:04:07It's a day for family.
01:04:08It's no intrusion at all.
01:04:09Heidi's joining us for the day.
01:04:11James is coming for Christmas dinner.
01:04:13You could at least join us for that, couldn't you?
01:04:15Maybe.
01:04:18Speaking of family, where is yours?
01:04:20Won't they miss you?
01:04:21I don't think so.
01:04:22They're back in Kansas.
01:04:23Well, every parent wants to be with their child at Christmas, no matter how old or young.
01:04:29It's not that simple.
01:04:31Well, why ever not?
01:04:32Okay.
01:04:35Come on.
01:04:36Out with it.
01:04:38We're, uh, not that close anymore, and it's...
01:04:43I just don't think that they want to forgive me.
01:04:47Caleb, trust me.
01:04:49If there's anything to forgive, they've already done it.
01:04:52You know, certainly Christmas is the perfect time for healing and forgiveness.
01:04:58It's what it's all about.
01:05:02Take whatever step you can, even a small one.
01:05:06Give them something.
01:05:07You know, a way to bridge the gap between you.
01:05:10That'll be the best Christmas present.
01:05:14Thanks, Margaret.
01:05:15Yeah.
01:05:15Well, either way, the invitation still stands.
01:05:19I appreciate that.
01:05:28This is Rex who you were asking about.
01:05:30Like I said, he is great with children and a wonderful family dog.
01:05:35He's beautiful.
01:05:36So, yeah, if you just want to head over to James over there, he'll help you start the paperwork.
01:05:40Of course.
01:05:42I'll come back and check on you in a few minutes to see how you're doing.
01:05:48Hey, guess what?
01:05:50What?
01:05:51The couple over there is thinking about adopting Rex.
01:05:54Oh.
01:05:56That's great.
01:05:58They have two kids at home.
01:06:00They'll win them over, I'm sure.
01:06:02It's not certain yet.
01:06:04They're also thinking about Ollie.
01:06:06Oh.
01:06:07Ollie's great, too.
01:06:09Do you want Rex to stay?
01:06:12No, no.
01:06:13He needs a good home.
01:06:16And he looks so happy.
01:06:19Oh, he's a sweetheart, too.
01:06:21No.
01:06:23He's smaller than Rex.
01:06:25Yeah.
01:06:26I was thinking the same thing.
01:06:28But Rex is so friendly.
01:06:31And he's been here so long.
01:06:32How do we choose?
01:06:37Would you want to adopt both?
01:06:39They get along with each other and other dogs.
01:06:42I don't know.
01:06:44This would be our first dog.
01:06:46I think we need to stick with one for now.
01:06:49No pressure.
01:06:49Just a thought.
01:06:52Hi.
01:06:52Hi.
01:06:52Hi.
01:06:58I'll be right back.
01:06:59So, how's it going over there?
01:07:08They're still deciding.
01:07:09Although...
01:07:11What?
01:07:12I think Ollie's going to be their choice.
01:07:15Oh.
01:07:17I really wanted Rex to have a homeless Christmas.
01:07:20Yeah.
01:07:21Me, too.
01:07:23He still could.
01:07:25Yeah.
01:07:26The drive isn't over yet.
01:07:30What?
01:07:32There's a connection between you two.
01:07:34I mean it.
01:07:35I'm not trying to get you to do something you don't want to, but...
01:07:38I can see you love Rex.
01:07:40Amber, we all care about the animals here.
01:07:43Caring for their well-being isn't the same as worrying that he's not with you.
01:07:48Am I wrong?
01:07:53No.
01:07:54How are you going to feel if they choose Rex?
01:08:04I'm going to go check on them.
01:08:06Will you watch Rex for a second?
01:08:13How are we doing over here?
01:08:15Good.
01:08:15All right.
01:08:23What do you think, Rex?
01:08:24I'm afraid I'm not a perfect fit for you.
01:08:29It's just me.
01:08:30And I don't want to let you down, you know?
01:08:34She is right, though.
01:08:37If anyone else adopted you, I'd really miss you.
01:08:41You're my buddy.
01:08:45What do you think?
01:08:46You want to give us a shot?
01:08:47You want to give us a shot?
01:08:48You and me?
01:08:50Yeah.
01:08:51Okay.
01:08:51Let's do this.
01:09:00We're doing this.
01:09:01Yeah.
01:09:03Here's some instructions on Ollie specifically, what and how much he's used to eating, and general things as well.
01:09:08Well, okay, so we're all set?
01:09:11Yes.
01:09:12Thanks.
01:09:14Thank you so much.
01:09:15Bye, Ollie.
01:09:15So, ready to sign Rex's adoption papers?
01:09:26Yeah.
01:09:27I am.
01:09:29And, got it!
01:09:33Bye-bye.
01:09:34Merry Christmas.
01:09:36Hey!
01:09:37Looks like a successful day.
01:09:39These are all the adopted animals today.
01:09:41The biggest pile ever!
01:09:42That's so good!
01:09:44Who would have thought this would all come together?
01:09:46Not me, if I'm being honest.
01:09:47Congratulations.
01:09:50And, really, we couldn't have done it without your help, either.
01:09:52Oh, glad I could help.
01:09:54Do you know why I do it?
01:09:56For the animals?
01:09:58That's nice and all, but no.
01:10:01I do it to see that smile on your face.
01:10:03For you.
01:10:05Oh.
01:10:06Amber, I think you know how special I think you are.
01:10:10And, when I see something special, I can't let it go.
01:10:14Ryan, I...
01:10:16Thank you for thinking so much of me.
01:10:20I know you care, and...
01:10:22And...
01:10:22I appreciate all of the support that you've given to this shelter.
01:10:28And your friendship.
01:10:30But...
01:10:31But, uh...
01:10:34Nothing beyond that?
01:10:35No.
01:10:36I'm sorry.
01:10:38I had no idea.
01:10:39I, um...
01:10:40I had to try.
01:10:43Can't blame me, can you?
01:10:44No.
01:10:45And I'm flattered.
01:10:47Well, at least I got that right.
01:10:48I had hoped maybe I could at least take you out.
01:10:55Let you get to know me more.
01:10:56I appreciate that, but...
01:10:58I wouldn't want to lead you on.
01:11:00You haven't.
01:11:01Are you sure?
01:11:02I feel so silly.
01:11:05If you want to change your mind about donating to the shelter, I completely respect that.
01:11:09Amber.
01:11:11Don't worry.
01:11:12I'm okay.
01:11:12And, uh...
01:11:13Thank you for being honest with me.
01:11:16You're a wonderful person, Ryan.
01:11:24Sorry, man.
01:11:26I guess you spoke up.
01:11:28It's...
01:11:29Fine.
01:11:38A record number of adoptions in one day.
01:11:41Seriously.
01:11:41You guys were great.
01:11:43We did it.
01:11:44And I don't know about you, but I am exhausted.
01:11:47We're closed tomorrow and Christmas Day, but to take care of the animals, how about we take turns?
01:11:52Sure.
01:11:53Works for me.
01:11:54Great.
01:11:55Who wants to go out for dinner?
01:11:57I'm in.
01:11:58I'm, uh, actually kind of beat.
01:12:01And I want to get Rex settled at home.
01:12:03Uh, I'll finish up here before I go.
01:12:05Merry Christmas to you both.
01:12:07Come on, Rex.
01:12:08No!
01:12:09Hey, I found one of your toys, Rex.
01:12:21There you go.
01:12:22There's a good one.
01:12:24Stay.
01:12:25Don't move.
01:12:27You look adorable.
01:12:31Guess who joined the family?
01:12:32It feels right.
01:12:39Already the house is warmer with Rex in it.
01:12:41I can see that coming.
01:12:43You adopting him and all.
01:12:45He's a good dog.
01:12:46Yeah.
01:12:47He is.
01:12:49And you let him in.
01:12:50I'm proud of you.
01:12:51Thanks.
01:12:53So now, it's time to keep going.
01:12:55What do you mean?
01:12:56It's time to let others in your life.
01:12:59You, I...
01:12:59You isolated yourself from people who love you.
01:13:03Am I wrong?
01:13:05No.
01:13:06Not really.
01:13:08Just listen.
01:13:09I've tried to keep my friend hat on
01:13:11and support you in whatever way you feel.
01:13:14But let me put on my pastor hat for a minute, okay?
01:13:18Okay.
01:13:19It's been hard to watch you struggle this past year.
01:13:22Not only because you pushed away your parents,
01:13:25but also God.
01:13:27I'm not trying to.
01:13:29I know my parents meant well,
01:13:33and they just want what's best for me,
01:13:35but they don't know what it's like.
01:13:38They were trying in the best way they knew how.
01:13:40With faith.
01:13:41And they're not the only ones that want what's best for you.
01:13:44God does too.
01:13:46It doesn't seem like it.
01:13:48Why?
01:13:50Because the accident is the hardest thing
01:13:51you've gone through so far?
01:13:53Do you think it's easy for him to watch you struggle?
01:13:56Well, it isn't.
01:13:58Then why?
01:14:00Why would any of this happen?
01:14:02Because he loves you so much,
01:14:04he will let you go through those hard times.
01:14:06Not because he wants to see you suffer,
01:14:09but because he knows you will come out stronger and happier
01:14:12if you surrender any suffering to him,
01:14:15and if you just don't give up.
01:14:17You really believe that, don't you?
01:14:19I do.
01:14:21In the first chapter of James,
01:14:22he taught that we can see a trial as joy,
01:14:25knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience,
01:14:28and that in turn strengthens us
01:14:31and perfects us.
01:14:33So the question is,
01:14:35do you believe that?
01:14:44Rex, come here.
01:14:46Ready?
01:14:47Sit.
01:14:49Man.
01:14:51Got something for you.
01:14:55I picked it up myself.
01:14:57Do you like it?
01:14:59Should we try it out?
01:15:00Okay, here we go.
01:15:03It suits you.
01:15:07Merry Christmas, buddy.
01:15:33Hello, Caleb?
01:15:36Hi.
01:15:37How are you?
01:15:38Is everything okay?
01:15:39Is that him?
01:15:40Shh, yes.
01:15:41Yeah, yeah, everything's fine.
01:15:44Listen, I know it's been a while since we spoke,
01:15:47and I'm sorry about that,
01:15:50and a lot of other things, too.
01:15:52It's probably too late,
01:15:54and there might not be any flights left,
01:15:55but if you wanted to come visit for Christmas,
01:15:59that'd be okay.
01:16:01I'd be okay with that.
01:16:05I'm going to look up flights right now.
01:16:07We'll be there Christmas Day at the latest.
01:16:09Okay.
01:16:15Did we make cinnamon rolls this year?
01:16:17I did.
01:16:18Yes.
01:16:19All right.
01:16:20Now, all the food is out,
01:16:22so eat and graze as you wish for breakfast,
01:16:24but remember that Christmas dinner is at 5 o'clock,
01:16:27so don't stuff yourselves or you'll be sorry.
01:16:30We never do that.
01:16:32Mm-hmm.
01:16:33Did you tell James the time for dinner?
01:16:34I did.
01:16:36And you said you invited Caleb?
01:16:37I did.
01:16:38So, is he coming?
01:16:40I don't know.
01:16:41He didn't say yes,
01:16:42but he didn't exactly say no either.
01:16:44Maybe I should have said something,
01:16:46like seconded the invitation.
01:16:50He seemed...
01:16:52I don't know,
01:16:52maybe he was just tired after the adoption drive.
01:16:55Come to think of it,
01:16:57maybe I shouldn't have asked him
01:16:58to check on the animals at all over Christmas.
01:17:00He's Rex now.
01:17:01Honey, you are overthinking everything.
01:17:03And he'll probably come.
01:17:05I guess we'll see you in a few hours.
01:17:09Hold still.
01:17:10I just need to get you dry.
01:17:13Almost there.
01:17:14And good enough.
01:17:17It's better, right?
01:17:18You know, we still need to talk about
01:17:20where you're going to sleep.
01:17:21No more sleeping in my bed, okay?
01:17:23Who knows,
01:17:24maybe I'll get you one of those
01:17:25ridiculously large dog pillows.
01:17:27Would you like that?
01:17:28Is that a yes?
01:17:31Okay.
01:17:31Okay.
01:17:33What could it be?
01:17:40Hmm?
01:17:40Stay here.
01:17:49Mom.
01:17:49Caleb.
01:17:51Oh.
01:17:54Oh.
01:17:54Dad.
01:17:58Merry Christmas, son.
01:17:59Merry Christmas.
01:18:00I'm glad you guys came.
01:18:03Us two.
01:18:04Who's that?
01:18:05That's my dog, Rex.
01:18:07Come on in.
01:18:11Hi, Rex.
01:18:12Mom, hi.
01:18:15Oh.
01:18:16How are you?
01:18:17He's wonderful.
01:18:19Come here, Grandpa B.
01:18:21Oh.
01:18:26Where are the little tongs
01:18:27for the veggie tray?
01:18:28Uh, that drawer.
01:18:30David, did you find
01:18:31the cloth napkins?
01:18:34I'll get it.
01:18:36Oh, Heidi,
01:18:37would you be a dear
01:18:38and grab me a picture?
01:18:39Yeah, of course.
01:18:43Something smells good.
01:18:44Yep.
01:18:45Dinner's almost ready.
01:18:46I think Caleb's coming, too.
01:18:48Oh, he is?
01:18:49Yeah.
01:18:50Why?
01:18:52Just figured he wasn't.
01:18:54Did he say something?
01:18:56No.
01:18:57No reason.
01:18:59James?
01:19:01Maybe he just
01:19:02wanted to have some space.
01:19:04You know,
01:19:04he's independent.
01:19:07Or
01:19:07maybe
01:19:10because he
01:19:11likes you.
01:19:15He said that?
01:19:16No,
01:19:17but
01:19:17it was clear.
01:19:19Unspoken,
01:19:20but
01:19:20I could tell.
01:19:22Well,
01:19:23then
01:19:23why wouldn't he come?
01:19:25Well,
01:19:25maybe
01:19:26because he saw
01:19:27you and Ryan.
01:19:29You know,
01:19:30with the two of you
01:19:31getting together.
01:19:33I'm not with Ryan.
01:19:34Oh.
01:19:36Uh,
01:19:37it looked like it
01:19:38at the adoption fair.
01:19:40No.
01:19:41We're not together.
01:19:44But Caleb thinks I am?
01:19:45Amber.
01:20:01Hi.
01:20:03Merry Christmas.
01:20:05Merry Christmas to you, too.
01:20:06Do you want to come in?
01:20:11I didn't mean to interrupt.
01:20:12I can come back later.
01:20:13No,
01:20:15Amber,
01:20:15wait.
01:20:19Rex just in there
01:20:20getting spoiled by my parents.
01:20:24They came?
01:20:26I'm so glad.
01:20:28Yeah,
01:20:28me too.
01:20:30Hopefully I can give
01:20:31Rex a good wife here.
01:20:32I have no doubt you will.
01:20:35I think you both
01:20:35will be very happy.
01:20:41I'm not dating Ryan.
01:20:43What?
01:20:45James said that you thought I was,
01:20:47but
01:20:47we're not.
01:20:48And I have never felt that way about him.
01:20:51Especially not now.
01:20:53When I've
01:20:54come to
01:20:55admire you.
01:20:59Admire?
01:21:01More than that, really.
01:21:02I think I'm
01:21:06falling in love with you.
01:21:08And not just because of what you did for the shelter,
01:21:12but
01:21:12because you're amazing.
01:21:16All on your own.
01:21:19Is that all right?
01:21:24Amber,
01:21:24I felt something for you the first day we met.
01:21:28You did?
01:21:30How could I not?
01:21:31And I think,
01:21:34I think I've been falling in love with you a little more
01:21:37each moment we've spent together since then.
01:21:40So yes,
01:21:41it's more than all right.
01:21:43Good.
01:21:44what?
01:21:49It's just,
01:21:51it's hard for me to imagine someone
01:21:53so full of life and,
01:21:56and purpose and
01:21:57kindness
01:21:58ever being interested
01:22:00in me.
01:22:01One day,
01:22:05I hope you recognize
01:22:07all of the good and strength
01:22:08that I see each time I look at you.
01:22:11But until then,
01:22:13I am happy to remind you.
01:22:26Merry Christmas, Caleb.
01:22:28Merry Christmas.
01:22:31Merry Christmas.
01:23:01Merry Christmas.
01:23:31Merry Christmas.
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