Wilson's Wish

08/17/2024

🐶 So… we just got word from Albert's Dog Lounge that our little Sprucey Brucey has been cleared for adoption! Although he is Lymes positive, he is on antibiotics and not showing any signs of being affected.

🥺 And, cue the water works friends cause this is going to be a tough one. Bruce arrived here almost on accident; we never take in dogs (cause, ya know… Moe’s a face biter, okay… not really, but he does have some serious issues with other dogs).

❤️ Yet suffice it to say that this little senior dude has wiggled his way right into my heart. He’s the goodest boy… he’s even accepted the role of “farm dog” exceptionally well!

Stay tuned for Bruce’s bio to be posted… as much as it breaks my heart to imagine him leaving, it fills it right back up knowing he’ll be so immensely loved.

08/16/2024

With the hardships of last week, we didn’t even have a chance to highlight (and THANK) our friends at Inspired Employment LLC for visiting The Wish!

Probably one of our biggest groups to date… and the perfect reminder that even in the midst of heartache, there is so much good.

As we continue to heal and move forward, we want to extend an extra special thanks to everyone in our community that has reached out to express their comfort and support. Thank you for reminding us how much we’re loved and appreciated… we appreciate y’all and hope you’ll join us on September 7th for Fall on the Farm as we celebrate the culmination of another amazing summer at …

☮️🩵The Wish🩵☮️

08/14/2024

Despite the warmer temps this week, there is a touch of fall in the air which reminds us just how excited we are that Fall on the Farm is just 24 days away! That's right, we are hosting our BIGGEST fundraiser of the year a smidge early this year, and in addition to our normal line up, we have a few new things up our sleeve that you will NOT want to miss!

Speaking of tried-and-true favorites... We have quite the AMAZING vendor line up already confirmed!! Be sure to follow the event page to learn more about who will be joining us this year! In that same regard... we are still welcoming additional vendors to join us! Any and all artisans are welcome to apply via the form below...

https://form.jotform.com/240894018975165

If you are not an artisan yourself, PLEASE share this info with others... we would love to add even MORE diversity to our line up! So... share, tag, chit chat amongst friends; help us make this the BEST Fall on the Farm yet!

We can't wait to see y'all real soon, right here at ...

☮️🩵The Wish🩵☮️

08/13/2024

Five years ago today... it's almost impossible to believe you've been gone that long. Even more impossible to believe is the legacy that's been so lovingly created in your memory.

NO ONE will ever replace you, Wilson; your gentle soul and resounding spirit was like none we have ever known. You changed our world for the better, and even still... you continue to change the world for the those in need of second chances just like you were.

We know it is beautiful there, over The Rainbow Bridge ... we envision you wagging your tail and anxiously hopping about as your family from The Wish joins you one by one. Thanks for keeping them safe and loved while we all await the day when we can be together again.

We love you, Wilson. Thank you for making all of our wishes come true.

🐾 🌈 💔

Wilson Boelter Edwards, “Big W***y Style” or “Wee W***y Wilson”, crossed the rainbow bridge peacefully at home with his family by his side on Tuesday, August 13th.

Wilson grew up on a farm in Arkansas, and although specifics are unknown, it is likely he spent many a day exploring the fields and making friends with everyone he met.

Wilson moved to Appleton in 2016 where he was adopted from the Fox Valley Humane Society by Sarah Schneider. He is forever grateful to Sarah as it was through her that he met his “Mama”, Tonya Boelter and “Dad”, Dave Edwards. Wilson was adopted into their family on October 5th, 2017.

Wilson lived out his remaining 677 days with Dave and Tonya experiencing life to the fullest. He enjoyed car rides to Grandma Barb’s as well as Uncle Bri Guy and Aunt Trish’s where he was able to roam and reminisce about his “good ole days on the farm”. Wilson greatly enjoyed attempting to play with his stepbrother, Cooper, and stepsister, Lucy. Although not often successful, he did find their shocked and semi-annoyed responses to be amusing. He was best known for his laidback personality and ability to make friends with anyone that passed by (he spent a lot of days relaxing on the front lawn). Being a transplant to WI, Wilson found his double coat to be extremely advantageous in the winter months which he enjoyed immensely.

Most of all, Wilson will be remembered for his unbreakable spirit. He taught us all that life is full of second chances if we are just willing to forgive and accept love again. Even in the last days of his courageous cancer battle, Wilson persevered. We are all better for having known him.

Wilson will be greatly missed by many, but none more than his Mama and Dad. They loved Wilson with all they had and are forever indebted to him for the joy he brought to their lives during their brief time together. He is further survived by his stepbrother, Cooper; stepsister, Lucy; loved neighbors Jaimee, Joviee and Nancy; and many other special family and friends.

Wilson will be cremated, and his remains scattered in the places he enjoyed most.

(Memorials in Wilson’s name were made to Albert’s Dog Lounge as it was Wilson’s wish that more seniors like him would get second chances.)

🐾 🌈 💔

Although we understand that most of you never met Wilson, we ask that you share any special memories or moments you have had with The Wish. We would love nothing more than to hear your stories and/or see your photos... Heck, maybe even throw on a piece of Wish apparel and snap a photo to share. Let's make today a celebration of the good that has come, despite our loss.

That's what Wilson would want... the sharing of love, kindness, patience and understanding. He'd want today to be a good day for a good day at ...

☮️🩵The Wish🩵☮️

08/12/2024

This Sunday was all about a slow down… a reset and a refocus.

Dealing with loss is inevitable in life, but multiple losses so close together can really wear on one’s heart. In those moments, the only emotions you can feel are pain, and heartache, insignificance… and complete sadness and despair.

And that’s how our week has been… quiet in the barn, quiet in our hearts. But not the silence that comes with peace… the silence that comes with loss.

But today… was a new day. We started with Sunday service with our friends at Lakeside Community Church - Algoma, WI and then welcomed the most amazing group of friends who chose the Wish as a destination for their annual girls’ day out. Introducing them to our family and sharing the story of The Wish reminded us of why we started.. and why it’s so important that we continue. It wasn’t just about the laughter and commarderie… it was about their geniune respect and interest in what we do. We needed that win today, and for that (and their very kind donation)… we’ll always be grateful.

Afterward, we continued work on the feeding room … a much needed, yet much prolonged project. We often forget how blessed we are to have such a beautiful piece of history on our farm. Our old barn is so beautiful and strong and resilient… she’s an inspiration. And today… we showed her the respect she so deserves. Her strong, stoic stature cares for our family day in and day out… much like she has for many years before us.

So, yes… today was a good day for a good day at…

☮️🩵The Wish🩵☮️

08/10/2024

God’s way of letting us know there’s something even more beautiful awaiting … over that Rainbow Bridge.

🇺🇸 ❤️ 🌈
wilson.jr - Describing the vibe in a way only he could.

08/09/2024

When someone who finds solace in writing has no words to write…

Therein lies the true definition of despair; the true definition of heartbreak. 💔

Shelly 🐑 08.07.24

** Please note that all responses to inquiries will be delayed in the coming days, perhaps weeks … as we focus on our family and process how to move forward.

08/07/2024

We're comin' at y'all with a great offer this morning, Friends!

Our friend Serendipity By Sami is going through some tough times with her beautiful rescue pup, Diamond. She hasn't been feeling well, so they are doing all they can to get the root case and get her feeling better.

As we all know, that process can be quite costly... but we would all do the same for our precious babies! So, in order to offset some of her costs, she is offering a GREAT deal on these adorable dog tags... which also come in other colors and sizes!

Just hop on over to her page (Serendipity By Sami) to message her with your order! We had been wanting to get new tags for most everyone, so let's just say we sent quite the hefty list her way last night!

We also have another fun product coming your way from her later this week; just need to get the order forms ready as we know they will be popular!

** AND ... if you ordered a PEACE, LOVE, WISH shirt (also handmade by Sami), we will be contacting you by this weekend to pick up/ship your order.

That's it... just another opportunity to make it a great day for someone in need!

☮️🩵The Wish🩵☮️

08/06/2024

It’s no secret that winter prep is ALWAYS in the back of our minds… especially with it being August already!

So, y’all can imagine how thankful we were to have the help of this hardworking crew from ESI - Empowering & Supporting Individuals today!!! This powerhouse group of four restuffed all of our treat bags for upcoming fall tours and scrubbed approximately 56 water/feed bowls!!! Phew… now, THAT’S an awesome accomplishment!

Winter prep is no joke, and we’ve been working on A LOT of projects behind the scenes! A revamped/reorganized feeding room, additional hay storage areas, new custom sliding back barn door and an expanded chicken coop and run… just to name a few.

We can’t wait to share all of these updates in the coming weeks, or… y’all can just join us for Fall on the Farm on September 7th to see for yourselves!!

☮️🩵The Wish🩵☮️

08/05/2024

Current vibe … just content to be home.

08/03/2024

Feeling incomplete … 💔

Carla 🫏 08.02.24

08/02/2024

Seems ‘bout right for a Thursday…

But hey… we got cucumbers, y’all.

07/31/2024

Hold the phone y’all!!! You need to check out this amazing news from our friends at Albert's Dog Lounge!!!!

We’ve known Mandy and her amazing organization since way back in the Wilson days, and they just continue to do the most incredible things in the world of rescue! To say this grant is well deserved is an understatement… we are just in awe of the work they do day in and day out to better the lives of senior and special needs pups!

We adopted Beverly from them last year, and they recently stepped up to help with Bruce as well. They’re relentless in their work… and this accolade proves just that.

Phew … we’ll just be over here fan-girling y’all!

07/30/2024

Shout out to these AWARD WINNING CHEFS from this past weekend’s Summer Salad Smackdown fundraiser!

🥇 Deb Szablewski "Italian Pasta Salad"
🥈 Farmer David Edwards "Chicken Mango Avocado Salad"
🥉 Anne Allen "Caprese Capone"

…. AND ….

🍻 To Thumb Knuckle Brewing Company (and their amazing staff) for always being such a supportive and gracious host... Their Radler donations alone were $250!

🧑‍🍳 To the 10 talented chefs who brought their A-Game on Saturday... Thanks for making the day extra delicious!

🎨 To the talented Aaylah for her amazing artwork and gracious donation... You all will want to stay tuned for more details on this budding artist! She just may make an appearance at Fall on the Farm!

🎶 To the fabulous Jupiter Lynx for the jammin' tunes... Thanks for braving the heat to entertain us with your medleys all afternoon!

🍪 To Patchwork Farm for serving up some delectable cookies for everyone's sweet tooth... And the generous donation back to The Wish!

🧺 To the many kind donors of our 33 FABULOUS silent auction baskets... WOW; we were blown away! What a HUGE asset these were to this fundraiser!

🫶🏼 To our supportive friends and family who were with us all day (and leading up to the event) ensuring that the event was a seamless success!

🎊 And, last but certainly not least... To everyone who came to enjoy the day with us! We hope you all had as much fun as we did! We were able to raise enough funds to get TWO WAGON LOADS of hay this week (over 200 bales) PLUS have extra funds to add to our account for upcoming expenses (you know... like more hay and grain!)!!

😊 We love nothing more than hosting fun and engaging community events right here in our beautiful Kewaunee County! We couldn't be more thankful for all of the love and support we've received since moving here less than four years ago! It's been an incredible journey, and we can't wait for all that is in store in the coming years!

☮️🩵The Wish🩵☮️

07/29/2024

Mom: “Alright, time to work on the Salad Smackdown budget and recap for our supporters (super fun … YAY).”

Bruce: “Hello, my beautiful foster Mom… shall I take you on a date this afternoon?

Mom: “Aw; what a gentleman; so very tempting Bruce.”

Bruce: “Well… you’ll have to buy the refreshments, and I’ll probably flirt with other ladies.”

Mom: “Can I least get a photo op?”

Bruce: “I’ll need the rights to this …. “

07/28/2024

Cheers to everyone who made today’s fundraiser an amazing success… y’all know who you are!!!

Can’t wait to share the deets with y’all tomorrow!

And with that… it’s a cheers and a good night, friends!

07/27/2024

It’s almost Summer Salad Smackdown! time friends!!! We hope to see y’all tomorrow at Thumb Knuckle Brewing Company…

** And if you’re so inclined, you’re welcome to listen to me ramble on and on about all the craziness going on tomorrow. Clearly, I’m a bit excited … 😊

07/26/2024

Tomorrow’s the BIG DAY friends!!!! It’s our Summer Salad Smackdown! fundraiser at Thumb Knuckle Brewing Company!!!

Phew… the competition is heatin’ up friends and so is the list of things for y’all to participate in!!! Here’s just a taste of what’s in store…

🤤 Salad Cook-Off Competition - You won’t believe the variety of entries!
🍻 Cold Craft Brews - Alster Radler proceeds being donated back to The Wish!
🎟️ 50/50 Raffles!
🧺 Silent Auction Baskets galore!
🍔 🌭 Grilled goodies from Salmon's Meat Products!
🎶 Jammin’ tunes from Jupiter Lynx!
🦙 Animal Meet & Greets!
🥏 Yard games for your competitive side!
👚 PEACE LOVE WISH T-Shirt pick up at The Wish merch area

Wow-Za!!! What an AMAZING day it’s going to be y’all!! With winter right around the corner, this fundraiser is more important than ever!!! We hope you’ll join us tomorrow to help further and support our mission of providing second chances to SO many deserving animals in need!!!

☮️🩵The Wish🩵☮️

07/26/2024

What a fun night at the Kewaunee Farmers Market!!! Brad, Chad and Artemis met so many new friends… and got so many treats!!

To all of y’all that came just to meet our crew and learn about our mission… THANK YOU!!! It always amazes us how much appreciation there is in this wonderful community for the work we do day in and day out.

The Wish started just less than five years ago in memory of our Sweet Wilson… and we can’t believe how many second chances we’ve been able to grant in his memory… because of y’all.

It was definitely a good day for a good day …

🩵 ☮️ 🩵

07/25/2024

No plans this evening? Come on down to the Kewaunee Farmers Market! We'll be hangin' out makin' new friends... and of course, visiting with old ones too!

We will have some merch available and plenty of treats to schmooze the animals with... it's really the quickest ways to their hearts, ya know!

The market is set up from 4pm-7pm and offers a wonderful variety of fresh produce, tasty baked goods and handmade crafts! You can even grab dinner compliments of the Heidel and Kunesh families in support of KHS Music Boosters!

Sounds like the perfect summer night along the lake shore! So, whatta ya say, friends?? Will we be seeing YOU there?!?!

** Also, side note... if you can't make it tonight, we hope to see you all at the Summer Salad Smackdown! this Saturday at Thumb Knuckle Brewing Company!

Make it a great day y'all!

Exciting News!

Can't wait for our best market yet! This Thursday, Wilson's Wish will be joining us with some of their adorable rescue animals.

~The Heidel and Kunesh families will be selling hotdogs and brats to support the KHS music boosters.
~Enjoy some live music as they showcase their musical talents!
~As always, I'll be posting pictures of our vendors and their products on Thursday. Here's to hoping we have plenty of
produce – most of it sold out almost immediately last week!

07/24/2024

So… for all y’all that are out there on Team Regina…

I see your pigeon and raise you a Bruce.

Come on now…. Y’all know I came to play. I ain’t goin’ down that easy friends …

** But seriously, stay tuned for more on Bruce; he’s in the market for his forever family… Will you be the lucky one??

07/24/2024

Yesterday we selfishly took a break from social media. Although it’s not our normal practice (and we inevitably end up feeling guilty), we needed the break for a little “us” time …. And felt it extra appropriate given it was Farmer Dave’s birthday!!

As y’all are aware, this gem of a guy works tirelessly to care for our family. As you can see, I couldn’t narrow down his past year of amazingness and ended up with 37 photos showcasing just how much loves our family and goes the extra mile to care for us day in and day out …

🐮 He’s the best cow cuddler around
🔨 He fixes all of the things
🍽️ He’s the Uber eats of the farm

…. And most importantly ….

👫 He’s my best friend

The Wish can only achieve what it does through the collaboration of us as a team. And some days… we’re pushed to our limits. But as long as we have each other (and our 60+ best friends), we’ve got it all.

So… Cheers to my better half; of course, I’m late in my accolades, but as y’all know… that’s how I roll.

🎊 HAPPY BIRTHDAY FARMER DAVE!! 🎊

07/23/2024

Exciting News!

Can't wait for our best market yet! This Thursday, Wilson's Wish will be joining us with some of their adorable rescue animals.

~The Heidel and Kunesh families will be selling hotdogs and brats to support the KHS music boosters.
~Enjoy some live music as they showcase their musical talents!
~As always, I'll be posting pictures of our vendors and their products on Thursday. Here's to hoping we have plenty of
produce – most of it sold out almost immediately last week!

07/22/2024

Like a broken record that can’t be mended… so is the world of rescue. Our mission here at The Wish primarily centers on special needs and senior animals… but of course, our hearts are open to any who have found themselves in a place of need.

And that’s where we met Carla…. Coming from 30+ years in a loving home, her friends had all crossed the rainbow bridge before her and her family had grown weary in their ability to offer her the best care.

We understood that moving Carla to The Wish would be a challenge, but in the same token… we were hopeful that her heart had the potential to heal here, allowing her to once again find peace and happiness.

Unfortunately, after two months here and exhausting every resource, we are faced with the unfortunate truth. Carla’s age has proven that her life has been one that was well lived and now… she’ll be soon ready to join her friends across the beautiful rainbow bridge.

So, for now… we shall shower her with love and attention, feed her the treats that make her feel satisfied and content and let her know that when she is ready, we’ll (painstakingly) be ready as well.

Special thanks to everyone who has taken an interest in Carla’s well being the past several weeks. To Dairyland Vet and Midwest Veterinary Dental Services for her examinations, Emily with for her Magna wave sessions and Purina Lifestyle Product Specialist Bridget Vandertie for the last minute stop to provide nourishment and eduction.

We ask for your love and support as we navigate the coming weeks with Carla… our beautiful girl deserves the world, and our hearts break in knowing that it’s the one thing we cannot give to her.

07/20/2024

On those days when one step forward really just equates to two steps back…

Just cuddle your dog y’all.

** And, yes… we’re all good here at The Wish; just comin’ up on some hard times.

☮️🩵☮️

07/18/2024

EEEEEEEK! We got a little bit of sushine comin' at y'all today! The "PEACE, LOVE, WISH" shirts have arrived, and Serendipity By Sami will be working hard to get them completed in time for pick up at our upcoming Summer Salad Smackdown! at Thumb Knuckle Brewing Company!

We are so pumped that y'all are lovin' our new, unique designs... and that was blatantly clear by the 60+ orders we collected! WOW-ZA!!! I am already working hard on some additional unique and creative designs for this fall... y'all won't want to miss 'em!

Also... as a side note, there is still time to enter your favorite salad in next week's cook-off! Whether it be pasta, fruit or jello fluff... there's a place for 'em all in the smackdown! Just use the form below to enter today ...

https://form.jotform.com/241695516344158

We are also still in need of silent auction baskets for the event! If you have a basket you'd like to donate, please use the link below ...

https://form.jotform.com/240104156135140

Lots of exciting things goin' on at The Wish ... be sure to join us next week to celebrate y'all!

Wilson's Wish’s shirts have arrived! Tomorrow I get the prints for them and the real work begins on the Peace, Love, Wish merch ✌️❤️

07/14/2024

When you realize that tomorrow’s school picture day, so you decide to attempt home hair cuts…

But instantly regret it. 🫣

07/11/2024

Me: Dave, get the bird OUT of the house.
Dave: Don’t come at my girl Regina like that.
Me: Dave… it’s a PIGEON in the house.
Dave: Oh, sure… you get to bring home 57 animals, and I can’t have one bird.
Me: 👀