INTRODUCTION

Ever since I was a little kid some of my fondest memories were always centered around animals. We had quite the house growing up. Over the years we had dogs, guinea pigs, hermit crabs, birds, fish, rabbits… and even a pet skunk (Yes, his name was Pepe); and when we weren’t at home my Dad and I were horseback riding or visiting a relative/friend in our area who had a farm filled with cows, pigs, and chickens. It’s no surprise that this molded me into the person I’ve become today.

Then one very chilly winter day with below freezing temperatures my Dad went out on a call and brought home two puppies he rescued from an old, abandoned apartment building, starving and desperately needing care. A rescue group was called and almost immediately the female found a home. I was then approached about being a Foster Mom and Buster, a Pitbull/Boxer mix, came into our home… and into our hearts. Soon Buster became another member of my own personal family with 3 small children and launched the next few decades of my life (and my children's lives) in rescue. Lots of dogs came and gone (and a few cats), always happy to find them a home, but taking a little piece of our heart with each one. Adopters stayed in touch and it was always exciting to hear how all my fosters had gone on to live amazing lives! 

However, it didn’t end there. Soon I found myself at a new location and then it turned into also rescuing chickens, horses, goats, and pigs; but it always seemed like there was still a piece missing. This was at a time when we were first learning about Autism and how animals can change the lives of those suffering from many illnesses like PTSD and Depression. I decided to go back to college and get a degree in Psychology, hopefully one day helping others in need through animals and turning this into my new life.