“She loves the flowers I got her.”
When NFL player Ronnie Stanley met adoptable dog Sable for their Dream Date, he made sure to bring her something special: a bouquet of plush roses made just for chewing and playing.
Sable, a 3-year-old rescue dog at Wags and Walks in Los Angeles, was excited from the moment Ronnie arrived. She greeted him with a wagging tail, bright eyes and plenty of affection, leaning in for pets right away.
The two bonded quickly, and Sable seemed especially happy with the flowers Ronnie had brought her.
Their date began with a playful game called Dodo Playbook. Ronnie had to throw a football between goalposts and into a bin filled with toys, treats and question cards designed to help them get to know each other.
As a professional athlete, Ronnie had no problem making his shots. Sable, meanwhile, enjoyed the rewards — new toys, tasty treats and lots of attention.
During the game, Ronnie answered a question that made him think about his own experience waiting to be drafted into the NFL. He compared that feeling to what shelter dogs go through while waiting for someone to choose them and give them a home.
Ronnie, who plays for the Baltimore Ravens, has a personal connection to rescue dogs. He adopted his own beloved pittie from a shelter, and through the Ronnie Stanley Foundation, he helps train shelter dogs so they have a better chance of being adopted.
He explained that rescue dogs have brought so much good into his own life, and he wants more people to see how special they can be.
After spending time with Sable, Ronnie thought she would do well in a home with a family, possibly even one with children. He noticed that she had a calm, gentle personality and seemed very sweet.
When their date came to an end, Ronnie made sure Sable had another gift to take with her. He sent her off with a basket full of toys, hoping she could enjoy them while waiting for her forever family.
For Ronnie, the best part of the day was seeing how happy Sable became when she received her plush flowers. By the end of the date, it was clear the two had made a sweet connection.