Well, maybe Heather Herrera wasn’t technically wishing. But close enough. First, a little background. About a year ago Heather’s family dog, an English bulldog named Rosebud, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. During the months that followed, she didn’t feel ready for a new dog. That all changed a little while ago when Heather finally reached the point where she felt she could welcome another dog into her home and into her heart. As she put it, she “sent this out into the universe” but didn’t actually tell anybody.

Apparently, that’s enough to kick things into motion! Two days after making the decision, an e-mail about a pit bull named Bam Bam landed smack in her lap. By way of clarification, Heather never receives e-mails regarding animals looking for homes, and hadn’t had any experience with Best Friends before getting the e-mail. This was truly an example of fate rolling up her sleeves to do business! One look at Bam Bam’s photo and that was all she wrote. Heather was in love.

Bam Bam, renamed Toby, has settled in wonderfully with Heather and family. She calls him the best dog ever. Heather’s job is pet sitting and dog walking, so she takes Toby wherever she goes. If the dogs she walks aren’t keen on other dogs, Toby waits patiently on the sidelines until Mommy gets back. Heather, congratulations on such a happy ending. And to all the rest of you out there, better be careful what you wish for!

Written by David Dickson. Photos by Toby's family.

July 17, 2006 : 9:43 PM ET
posted by: utahiszion

God bless you for adopting this beautiful bully boy! Heather and Toby (Bam Bam), both your Guardian Angels were looking out for you that day the Best Friends email arrived in Heather's inbox!

Best wishes to you, Heather and Toby (Bam Bam), as you begin your wonderful life together.

July 16, 2006 : 12:35 AM ET
posted by: catwomn22

Toby is mighty han'some! I'm so happy he has found his "forever" home. God bless you both for finding each other to love! xo Kirstin

July 14, 2006 : 11:08 PM ET
posted by: Staicey

Heather,

Congratulations on getting such a wonderful dog! I thank God every day that we ran into the Bradpieces on our last visit and that they led Bam Bam to you! "Toby" was our favorite dog and we looked forward to our sleepovers with him each year when we visited the sanctuary. We'll miss those sweet kisses from the friendliest pit bull in the world, but our hearts smile knowing he's gotten his "forever home." God bless you and your family and take care of our "baby" for us!

Staicey, Molly, & Mindy--Vermilion, Ohio

July 14, 2006 : 5:25 PM ET
posted by: foreverutah

I'm so happy for Toby/Bam Bam. I used to see him my friend Bill walking him on the dog trails at Best Friends, and he's such a handsome boy, pictures really don't do him justice. I know that Bill worked with him alot in the hopes that he would get a loving home some day. I'm so glad it's happened, for Toby, for Bill, and for Heather . . . best wishes for a long and loving relationship. — Leslie

July 14, 2006 : 5:02 PM ET
posted by: cattees

You are both very lucky to have found each other. Best wishes for a bright and happy future!!!

July 14, 2006 : 12:54 PM ET
posted by: BECKER

BLESS YOUR HEART FOR TAKING TOBY INTO YOUR HOME. PIT BULLS ARE ALWAYS GIVEN SUCH A BAD RAP. IT LIFTS MY HEART TO SEE SOMEONE PUT THAT BEHIND AND LOOK INTO TOBY'S HEART FOR WHO HE REALLY IS.

THANK YOU. I WISH YOU BOTH MANY HAPPY YEARS TOGETHER.

MARY & BECKER XO

July 14, 2006 : 11:58 AM ET
posted by: lmiller

Great, I was wondering what had happened to Bam Bam since we wasn't in the special dog adoption part any more. I wish my rescue dogs were so appreciative.

July 14, 2006 : 11:31 AM ET
posted by: Jkrogh

Thanks to Heather for allowing herself to be open to what ever may come her way!!!! Look what she night have missed out, simply by being closed minded, what ever your religion/beliefs are things do work out for a reason!!!! This was a great one!! Good Liuck and many happy times with your new buddy!!!! JKrogh Vista

July 14, 2006 : 10:53 AM ET
posted by: utahorbust

Bam Bam (Toby) is such an awesome dog! And very smart... he passed the canine good citizens course as well, which is a great accomplishment. I was hoping he'd get a home this year! Yay!!!

July 14, 2006 : 10:51 AM ET
posted by: Karen519

Heather & Toby:

Congratulations to you both. What a wonderful story.

I'm sure that your Guardian Angels, God & Rosebug, played a HUGE PART IN THIS.

I have had two "rescued" dogs and there is no greater love.

July 14, 2006 : 10:44 AM ET
posted by: stormcagney

I am so happy about this. I was a sponsor for Bam Bam. BF told me he had been adopted and its great to read about exactly who adopted him. Way to go Bam Bam (a.k.a. Toby).

Sandy

July 14, 2006 : 10:36 AM ET
posted by: BonnieD

Congratulations, Heather!! He's a beautiful boy!