One could argue that Renato, the father, has practically everything he requires, including a magnificent home filled with animals and happy memories of all the creatures he has loved and lost. As a result, when Renato’s birthday recently rolled around, his family struggled to think of a gift.
Renato’s daughter, Caty Bernal Llanos, said to The Dodo, “We didn’t know what to get dad.”
But then I had a thought.
The one defining passion that has remained with Renato throughout his life is his love of animals—came to mind for his family. Renato has owned a number of cherished animals over the years.
Llanos says that they are a part of his family. He adores them so much.
Renato’s family came up with a way to let him literally wear his heart on his sleeve by giving him a shirt that was manufactured just for him and has the faces of every animal he’s ever had the pleasure of loving on it.
When Renato saw the collective happy grins of all of his pets—past and present—on that gift shirt, he became overcome with emotion. The members of Renato’s family saw his heartfelt response and couldn’t help but mimic it.
“I sobbed a lot during that time,” Llanos acknowledged.
It was lovely to see my father’s enthusiasm for his clothes. My entire family sobbed with happiness! Of course, no gift can match the love that still envelops Renato. But now that he is in its midst, he has the perfect outfit to wear. There was no doubt that the gift for Renato’s family was perfect.
We were considering giving him something special that he would love, Llanos said. We were inspired by his genuine love and concern for all animals.
