A Legacy of Love and Loyalty: Afa’s Story

At On A Mission KC, we believe every animal has a story worth telling—and every life touched by rescue is a story worth sharing. The heartwarming and heartbreaking story of Afa, a long-time shelter dog who found his forever family and spent a decade changing lives, beautifully captures the reason we do this work. His journey—from being abandoned twice to becoming the center of a loving family and a fierce advocate for rescue—shows just how far love can go when someone is willing to give a shelter pet a chance. His family recently reached out to share this moving tribute to the dog who made them a “rescue family.”

Afa’s family.

A beautiful message, from a beautiful family, about a beautiful dog.

Hi Scott,

Ten years ago my family came into the Great Plains shelter looking for a dog and we came across Nico, who we renamed Afa. You told us his story, abandoned at the shelter not once but twice before we met him. To say he has been the best family dog ever, is an understatement. We became a “rescue family” because of him. We had the privilege of bringing in three more rescue dogs (two who have crossed over the rainbow bridge) and even have three rescue cats… all because of him.

Afa’s love and loyalty for us was unmatched and has served as a soapbox that for the last ten years we have unapologetically preached ADOPT DON’T SHOP. After raising our family in KC for thirteen years, we moved back to Idaho three years ago. Afa has been on his dream property and my hobby farm living his best life. His love for his sheep, goats and all animals that we take in has been a dream come true for him and has helped so many animals feel safe in our care.

This morning he passed away. It wasn’t like the others, who we laid with and watched them take their last breath. He just laid like the good boy he is by my bed and then he was gone. We thought he was asleep. Even in the end he didn’t want any of us fussing over him but we are practically empty nesters with only our youngest #4 who will be a senior… and he waited till everyone was home for the summer. He was the best dog. 

I just wanted you to know that you help dogs and families live a better life because of the work you do. I am so sad to drive up to my home and he is no longer here to greet me but I am thankful he came to us and we were the ones that got to love him and be loved by him.