I believe in meant to be.

Like when you’re at a low moment and something happens, an unexpected occurrence that ends up being a godsend (so to speak) exactly when you need it most. That’s what happened recently to my friend Leanne.

Leanne was dealing with the possibility her black and white 15 1/2 year-old blind Papillon, Kingston, was near death. Congestive heart failure had him struggling to breathe and his seizures became more frequent.

Late one night we were texting when Leanne called in tears. Kingston was still struggling to breathe and she worried he was suffering. Soon we were on our way to pet emergency to have him humanely euthanized. It’s the toughest decision we make for our pets, knowing when it’s time to say good-bye. But they count on us to know.

Kingston had always been an integral part of Leanne’s life, not that her husband, Harris, didn’t also love him. But simply said, Kingston was a mama’s boy. Continually by her side, you could say he was a furry little leech. In fact, every night he slept at the top of her pillow, his head resting against hers.

Something Leanne mentioned that night on our way back from pet emergency was how hard losing Kingston would be for their other dog, Benny, who has separation anxiety and surely would be lost without his buddy. Even in her pain, she still worried about how he’d react to the loss.

A couple days later, Marin Humane asked me to foster two feral kittens. I needed some supplies so I entered the large kennel where the foster program food is stored and where dogs waiting to be sterilized are housed.

While collecting kitten food, I heard high-pitched crying coming from one of the runs. I yelled out, “Who’s that making all that noise?” Then I went in search of the culprit to comfort him or her. And there in run #3 was a 10-week-old black and white Papillon female named Sprinkles — a Kingston look-alike when he was a pup.

I learned Sprinkles was from another rescue and Marin Humane would be sterilizing her the next day before returning her for adoption. So impulsively, I requested they put a hold on her before someone else snatched her up because, well, just look at her! Then I called Leanne.

That night we met at the shelter and what can I say? Those two immediately fell in love. I kid you not. And who wouldn’t? This pup wants nothing more than to snuggle into your lap and never move again. She’s a perfect fit for Leanne and Harris. I should mention Sprinkles has an eardrum-piercing cry but it didn’t seem to bother Leanne. (I, on the other hand, had an earache for a half hour.)

By the end of the week, the pup, renamed Dutchess of Sprinkles (but to me she’s Sprinkles) was at her new home, immediately fitting in as though she always lived there.

She’s never peed in the house, seems to comprehend what they’re saying to her, and she tails Leanne wherever she goes. Just like Kingston.

Even Benny is smitten. They chase each other throughout the house, already fast buddies.

Now don’t get me wrong; Sprinkles isn’t a replacement for Kingston but she’s definitely filled a void left upon his passing. And the timing? Like I said, I believe it was meant to be. If I hadn’t entered that room that day to gather foster supplies and heard her crying, none of us would have met this adorably lovable character.

And you know what? I believe Kingston would definitely approve.

In loving memory of Kingston.