I see death a lot in my profession. Every damn day, to be more specific. I see broken and beaten and yet still manage to not let it shake me very often. I remember coming home in my first weeks of internship, crying on the bathroom floor after all I had seen the day prior. … Continue reading Not for Disposal
At the top of the hill
Colombia, its people, and their animals are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. It has been a dream to work alongside some of the best of best in high volume, proficient spay and neuter in this incredible country. We’ve worked grossly hard and played even harder. We’ve laughed until we couldn’t breathe … Continue reading At the top of the hill
Finding Fire in the Burnout
During my yoga class the other day, I felt my mind wandering. Not to anything that was on my list of "to-dos" or to the week ahead, but to the past. Every time we would settle into a pose, and begin to aim our mind towards calmness and peace, I was brought back to a … Continue reading Finding Fire in the Burnout
Change of Plans
I should be on a plane to Cambodia right now. Instead, I'm sitting in the Seoul Airport in the fetal position on one of the Delta Lounge's scoop style "relaxation chairs" on my way to the states. The only relaxation being had right now is induced by the pain killers and anti inflammatories I have … Continue reading Change of Plans
I Met Your Dog Today
The intake area at an open admittance shelter is my least favorite room in the entire building. It weighs heavy, and often times the emotions are palpable enough that once you walk through that front door, it might as well smack you in the face. The intake team is essentially the first line of defense … Continue reading I Met Your Dog Today
Being Patient In Your Present
I get asked all the time, "Why Thailand?" This question is often times followed up with, "There are so many dogs here in the states that need saving". Trust me, I am well aware of the overpopulation crisis in America, and every waking second that I am there is usually spent in some capacity trying … Continue reading Being Patient In Your Present
Five Times
Animals remind me daily why we as humans aren't close to worthy of their unconditional love, undeniable devotion, and unwavering faithfulness. I thought I would start a series of short stories of five times they have proven this to be true. I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as I did writing about … Continue reading Five Times
Be Still, My Serengeti Soul
It was almost intoxicating being there. The near perfect buzz from the blazing sun pushing down on us as we rode the four wheeler through miles of untouched land, set the prime conditions for an even greater high of what was to come in the next days. I was invited by the Serengeti Foundation's Director, … Continue reading Be Still, My Serengeti Soul
Where You Should Be
In the months leading up to my departure to Thailand, I've found myself in a constant state of "preparation". Whether I am working practically every day to ensure I have the funds to leave, or spending my few and far between off days making sure everything is in place for me to live across the … Continue reading Where You Should Be
Your Very Last Friend
I walked by your kennel last night. Your old, frail body shivered with every breath you took. The tiniest of things, your white fur thinned throughout; much better than the matted messes we are used to. When I approached, you didn't flinch; your deafness made quickly apparent. I sat with you and examined your neglected … Continue reading Your Very Last Friend
The Parvo Pups
It was absolutely frigid the day we found them. Coming from Colorado, I had high hopes of it being just a little warmer in the New Mexico sun. Clearly, after years out of the game of spay and neuter clinics, I had forgotten that just crossing a state border wouldn't do much good. In fact, … Continue reading The Parvo Pups
Rescue (The Most Heart Breaking Love Affair I’ll Ever Have)
\I am tired. I am emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted. I promised I would go easier on myself after last month of working until I was bed ridden. Turns out the flu and strep were in cahoots to get me off my feet for two seconds. It worked, for those two seconds. I received a … Continue reading Rescue (The Most Heart Breaking Love Affair I’ll Ever Have)
That Road is Far too Winding Not to Take
Recently, a friend of mine asked me about my upcoming plans, as many have done since my return to Colorado. After telling him about my future endeavors of trying to save the world one little street mutt at a time, he then asked me,"What's the drive?". My immediate response was my usual, "I am useful … Continue reading That Road is Far too Winding Not to Take
Oh, So You Work At A Kill Shelter?
It's 4:30 in the morning, and I know if I don't write this now, I won't be able to shut my eyes. I know that I need to write this while my heart still has a dull ache and the lump still resides in my throat. I just finished what seemed like a night shift … Continue reading Oh, So You Work At A Kill Shelter?
King Richard
Throughout my time in Thailand, I came across many paralyzed dogs of various degrees. Some completely immobilized and some just perfectly fine hopping around on their two front limbs. I was in awe of their strength and resilience. Coming from a shelter medicine background, it was usually a grave outcome when an animal suffered from … Continue reading King Richard
