May 12, 2009
Angel’s Rest lies within the canyon at Best Friends on a quiet stretch of road a short distance from the Welcome Center. It is the final resting place for many animals whose spirits flow with the wind while making music through the chimes that memorialize them. A most magical place, where love is everywhere and shared with all who enter the gates and walk in this garden of memories.
I’ve been drawn here today as if by a magnet and upon arriving am overcome by emotions. It’s as if the present and the future catch up with each other and I begin to cry. As I sit on a rock across the road, it is here that I am introduced to the magic that is Lenny, the caretaker of Angel’s Rest. He invites us across the road to come inside Angel’s Rest to spend some time and feel the spiritual strength that envelopes your entire being as you walk along it’s pathways. He is a gentle soul and someone who cares deeply for what he does. We have quiet conversation in the shade of a gazebo as he softly strokes Cain’s fur and he tells me of a special place where you can look out over the entire canyon and Angel’s Rest. It’s as if I’m talking to an old friend and I now realize what brought me here. Thank you Lenny.
Well, I can attest to all of this from personal experience with Lenny. There is a deep and unusual kindness to him as well as a wisdom and humility that comes only from a life lived with open minded appreciation and optimism of whatever comes his way. Aloha, Lenny from your pal Sam
I have known Lenny all my life. He truly is a gentle soul, very compassonate. He found his calling at Angels Rest. God Bless him.
I Love You , Lenny. Love Your Sis
I was blessed to be present when Lenny placed the cremains of our beloved cat “Detroit” several years ago. It was a beautiful ceremony and continues to be a vivid and calming memory for me. Lenny’s been gifted with compassion and has shared it with so many of God’s creatures – Thank you Lenny.
I have known Lenny since the mid 70′s and always knew him to be a kind a compassionate soul. It is wonderful to see what he is doing for all these beloved pets. Kudos to you, Len, and may GOD continue to bless you now and always!
Uncle Lenny is the MOST wonderful, special, and awesome person I know. I will never ever forget the first time we meant Uncle Lenny. It was several years ago on one of our many visits to Best Friends. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the Chimes were singing. Uncle Lenny came up and introduced himself to us and explained why he was known as Uncle Lenny. (When I am talking about Uncle Lenny to my friends, they look at me with this blank face “Uncle Lenny” who the hell is that? And why on earth do you refer to a person as Uncle Lenny.) Well that is when I get the GREAT fortune to talk about my favorite person with my friends. They have to cut me off after 15 minutes. J
Every time we visited Angels Rest I would always ask the Universe to make sure Uncle Lenny was there. And sure enough he was. His presence meant a lot to me. The kids would sing their beautiful songs when Uncle Lenny would show up. I believe that is there way of saying thank you for being our Uncle.
Uncle Lenny is my Angel and I know without a doubt the Angel to all those kids that go over Rainbow Bridge. He honors their life on earth and more importantly honors their life in death. I have gained so much comfort in his words and presence. Since knowing Uncle Lenny and going to the Animal Blessings, the loss of one of our kids is a peaceful experience. I can truly see that having the choice of letting the child go when they tell you it is time as a privilege and not a curse.
When Boxer, one of the FeLV kitties at Best Friends passed we had the great fortune to be a part of the placing and service that Uncle Lenny performed. The experience was so healing. Filled with love, spirituality, peace, and much comfort. It was also painful and sad. I still shed many tears. And bottom line I remember every moment of that day, that event. I knew at that moment that those kids had it good with their caretaker.
I am honored and feel privileged to know Uncle Lenny. Having him in my life is an inexpressible gift and pleasure.
We love you,
Fran, Ginger (especially her), and Mondale
Greetings, this is Bruce (AKA Big Bruno). I found out about Best Friends through the TV show “Dogtown” last year. I also found out that my former supervisor from 1985 through 1987 works at Best Friends. He’s none other than Len Domyan. We are planning a visit to Best Friends to volunteer the last week in July 2009. The folks are correct what they say about Len, he is one heck of a nice guy, even over 20 years ago. Big Bruno
The first time I visited Angels’ Rest, I was truly amazed at the serenity and sense of peace & love I found. The love people have for there companion animals is really palpable there. It is probably the most beautiful place on this earth. I was so taken by it and Lenny and all the other folks there, that when I lost my heart dog in 2008, I took his ashes out there. He is buried in Angels Rest South. The burial service for him was beautiful. It was true, the only chimes that rang out that day as he was being laid to rest were the chimes closest to his grave.