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
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
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
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
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
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
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
\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)
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
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?
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
I'm going to start off by politely calling bullshit that "time heals all wounds". In particular, it is almost impossible for time alone to act as a bandaid after death. I do believe, instead, you adapt to what life becomes after reality sets in and the quick realization smacks you in the face that they … Continue reading When the Last Petal Falls (and a new norm starts)
It has been one week since leaving my home in Thailand. As my departure approached, I wasn't anxious or upset. Instead, I found myself at peace as I packed my bag to head back to the states. I had finished my time with Elephant Nature Park, and knew I would be back to Thailand as … Continue reading Inevitable Adjustments (and the forever challenge of living in the moment)
We have spent the last weeks preparing our departure from The Resort. For the past three months, I have shed blood, sweat, and tears ensuring the care for these animals. Sounds dramatic, I know, but it's the truth. Especially the sweat part...so sweaty. We had prepared the dogs as much as we could to ensure … Continue reading Small Victories and Precious Goodbyes
It's 6:00am, and I am laying here with a perma grin on my face. Because among the pack of dogs sprawled around me is Rocky, one of the missing dogs that escaped almost two weeks ago. I can't take my eyes off him as he sleeps peacefully beneath my feet. It's as if he never … Continue reading From My Muddy Paw Covered Bed: Part 2
