After nearly 20 years, I'm finally practicing what I preach. I woke up and turned on Joel Osteen one morning and what he said literally changed my life. I have always love animals and always felt a deep connection to them...I'd go so far as to say, I have a highly intuitive connection in which I've rarely been wrong.
Growing up as a young girl spending the summers with my dad and step mom who is a veterinarian, I've spent a good deal of my younger days inside the clinic, behind the scenes taking in what I could observe and more than anything, trying to give love to the animals in the back room. I thought I wanted to be a vet until I realized I cannot give a shot or do anything (even hold them down if unpleasant) to cause them to feel scared or pain. So I did not pursue a career in animals as I didn't know how I could make a living just loving them. Well, over all my adult years, I've rescued opossums, rabbits, birds, cats and dogs, chickens, squirrels, frogs and toads, fish, even helped herd cattle, pigs and sheep. I willingly and anxiously offer my money to help an animal in need which drives my husband crazy.
So after countless trainings where I share my hearts passions, I finally met my match when someone asked me why I'm not pursuing my hearts passion and doing more for animals. I thought about that for some time, over a year in fact. Then a number of crazy circumstances led me to meet people and learn things that eventually had me trying to educate the community about mistreatment of animals, particularly one dog.
Then my first "rescue cat" entered my life...Lady Jane will always be one of those "identifying moments" when I realized my heart is sure to break a million times but knowing I made her life better at the very end was so worth it...to be there as she took her last breath and ended her tortured life with grace, offering her a loving, warm, embracing touch showing her unconditional love...this I realize IS INDEED my purpose in this life and the legacy I want the world to remember me by.
Growing up as a young girl spending the summers with my dad and step mom who is a veterinarian, I've spent a good deal of my younger days inside the clinic, behind the scenes taking in what I could observe and more than anything, trying to give love to the animals in the back room. I thought I wanted to be a vet until I realized I cannot give a shot or do anything (even hold them down if unpleasant) to cause them to feel scared or pain. So I did not pursue a career in animals as I didn't know how I could make a living just loving them. Well, over all my adult years, I've rescued opossums, rabbits, birds, cats and dogs, chickens, squirrels, frogs and toads, fish, even helped herd cattle, pigs and sheep. I willingly and anxiously offer my money to help an animal in need which drives my husband crazy.
So after countless trainings where I share my hearts passions, I finally met my match when someone asked me why I'm not pursuing my hearts passion and doing more for animals. I thought about that for some time, over a year in fact. Then a number of crazy circumstances led me to meet people and learn things that eventually had me trying to educate the community about mistreatment of animals, particularly one dog.
Then my first "rescue cat" entered my life...Lady Jane will always be one of those "identifying moments" when I realized my heart is sure to break a million times but knowing I made her life better at the very end was so worth it...to be there as she took her last breath and ended her tortured life with grace, offering her a loving, warm, embracing touch showing her unconditional love...this I realize IS INDEED my purpose in this life and the legacy I want the world to remember me by.
| I had to let Lady Jane go on February 5, 2014 - the 8th anniversary date of the death of my baby brother. It was a double-excruciating day for me, but one that left paw prints on my heart...a senior kitty I first saw in the picture above, then met and brought home for just 2.25 days. I pureed soft food and help feed her as she gagged it down, choking with every swallow...I held her and loved her even though she was so frail and looked mangy. I offered her love in a warm, cozy inside home and I made her feel special. The morning of the 5th, she looked up at me as if to say, "thank you for all you've done, but please end my suffering"...her eyes pierced me like a knife. The lump in my throat and the tears began to pour down my face...she told me she needed me to give her a graceful passing so she could be free from all her illnesses (FELV+ and FIV+, parasites, tumors, and so much more)...my heart melted, my stomach ached, I felt sick to the core because I then knew what I had to do. But I also had to hold onto the moments of grace, love and care I was able to provide. Here she is looking pretty alert. She literally could fall over if the door opened causing a breeze. She was skin and fur. |
So Lady Jane became my savior...she showed me the true meaning of possessing a compassionate heart and she opened my eyes to all the injured, ill, neglected, abused, abandoned, stray and homeless animals that I am called to help...and so...I am dedicated to a cause...the enhance and improve the lives of all animals. I've decided that beginning in January 2015, my primary purpose is just this. I'm in the process of setting up a Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation called Homeward Bound Companions. I'm also establishing two ventures that am using to help fund my rescue, care, advocacy and re-homing efforts while also enhancing the lives of animals. I'm pursuing my certification and I will soon be a professional pet sitter through FurPals N Critter Sitters AND I'm helping my 11 year old daughter grow her all natural, healthy pet treat and novelty business, Ali's Critter Cakes & Treats. I'm simply amazed at how so many doors are opening and therefore, I will continue to train people on how to follow their passion and purpose...and I will leave them with "the proof" that it is so much more rewarding! The sparkle in my eyes and the energy I have says it all!
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