Here’s to the animals we rescue—and who, in turn, rescue us

I'm going to post my gratitude until the New Year. There are so many things I’m grateful for; it’s actually hard to focus on just one. That’s why I’m sharing multiple moments. Today, it's about the animals we rescue—and who, in turn rescue us. Expanding who we are, pushing us into new areas even introducing us to new people

If you follow my facebook feed, or even see it occasionally, you’ll know I’ve become obsessed with the plight of dogs left in shelters and the staggering number that are euthanized. The kids—mostly the boys—have told me to put down my phone as I sit in tears. But I think witnessing the brutality and horror is the least I can do, and I pray. Through this process, I’ve started to think deeply about how I can help and what I can do. It’s overwhelming, but I’ve learned that starting is part of the journey. Change begins with an awakening to the horror, followed by taking even the smallest step forward.

I found Sierra through TikTok. A young girl, who ended up helping save so many dogs, was posting videos of her and her siblings. I thought for sure they’d find homes. But week after week, there was Sierra, growing up in a shelter. One day, Dave said, “We’re going this weekend to see her. You’ll know when you get there.”

First, I’m so grateful that Dave knows me well enough to understand that, for me, this wasn’t just about a dog—it was about something more. When we visited, I was horrified at the filth of the place, but I could also appreciate that they were doing the best they could and making a difference.

I met all the pups and wanted to take every one of them home. But that wasn’t realistic. I spent a moment with each one, and we didn’t even know their names. Sierra (though we didn’t know it was her at the time) was wild and the biggest of the group. But then she sat down at my feet, and I knew she was the one. I’ve had that moment with every one—Reggie, Phoebe, and now Sierra.

I was nervous her sisters were going to howl, or that she would howl. They had rolled out of their kennel screaming and playing, and each time one was separated, the others would freak out. But maybe they knew—it was her time, and help was coming. She sat quietly all the way home. She’s definitely a puppy, and there have been many times I’ve had to remind myself of the “3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months” rule. Like when she drags me on walks—I sort of hate dog walks right now, but I know they’ll get better.

On our way out, there was another dog: Scout. Dave said, “I want him.” He was big and sweet, with eyes that could melt your soul. I tracked him after we left, hoping he’d find a home. He did, but he was returned just days later. Dave and I considered fostering him, but the shelter wasn’t supportive of that. I decided to turn it over to God. The next night, I got a text saying Scout was at risk of being put down that week. It took a lot of effort and several hurdles to rescue him, but we made it happen.

Scout—the big guy who grew up on the streets and in a kennel. He loves playing ball by himself in the garage because that’s what he knows. Sometimes he scares me because he’s so big—80 pounds. Every time I’ve rescued a dog, I’ve had that same feeling: anxiousness and worry. Every time it’s worked out, but it takes persistence, day after day, both physically and emotionally. And with a dog like Scout, it also demands rehabilitation.

Some days, it’s really hard. Someone told me, “You did this to yourself.” I know the kids think that too, and they’re not wrong. I did this to myself. But it’s a change I’ve noticed in myself the desire for less stuff, less of a need to self-satisfy and more focus on what I can do to make the world a little bit better.

This is another lesson I’ve learned. A friend and I talked about that comment: “You did this to yourself.” I thought, yes, I did, and it’s hard. But I’m embracing that it’s hard and trusting it will get easier. That’s very different from simply suffering through it. My friend said, “Embracing hard things is being a warrior. Suffering through them is being a martyr.”

So much learning. So much Gratitude.

My gratitude goes out to all the people doing the hard work of saving dogs, even when it’s crushing their souls. Maddie (for connecting me to Sierra and saving Scout), Dave (for being my partner in this crazy world and keeping up with my dreams), Jim and Tippy, Lori (for walking with me and all the dogs), the lady at Animal House who gave Scout a complimentary bath, and Jacque Brown, who saves dogs' lives every day.

My next adventure—well, I’m already on it—is to start a nonprofit that helps match people with rescue pups. We’ll make sure the dogs are ready for their next adventure and help with the transition. Stay tuned!