A man has marked his wife’s 40th birthday with an extraordinary act of generosity, funding the adoption fees for 40 animals at a local animal shelter.
Andrew Duhe surprised his wife Jennifer with the unusual gift at Chesapeake Animal Services in Virginia, where the couple has volunteered for over a year.
“My wife’s love for animals is really, I’d say, above and beyond,” Andrew explained. “Trying to find something that was meaningful and practical… it kind of hit close to home for us.”
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The idea came after Andrew learned that the shelter had 40 dog kennels, coinciding with his wife’s age. He decided to cover the adoption fees for all 40 animals, a gesture costing more than $4,000.
Jennifer, who recently lost one of her own dogs, was deeply touched by the present.
She told WAVY: “It is so nice to know that he just understood in my heart.
“That’s what I value most, you know, and he’s supportive enough to even do a gesture like that… it just really meant a lot.”
The couple say volunteering at the shelter has not only been rewarding but has also strengthened their relationship.
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Jennifer added: “We have fun, and it doesn’t just help the animals. I think it really helps us.
“It’s like a cheap, cost-effective alternative to marriage therapy.”
Chesapeake Animal Services confirmed that ten adoptions have already been completed thanks to Andrew’s generosity, with more pets expected to find new homes soon.
The couple hopes their story will inspire others to consider adopting a pet.
Andrew said: “I wish more people would come in. I just want them all to have homes.”