A woman’s love and loyalty to her companion.  She spent 3 hours comforting her horse and supporting it’s head after it got stuck in the mud on a beach in Geelong, Victoria, Australia.  The horse got stuck up to his neck in mud and things became scary as the tide was starting to come in.  The 500kg horse, named Astro, was freed with the help of a local farmer’s tractor and a harness at Avalon Beach and has fully recovered from the ordeal.

Such an amazing story!  What lengths would you go to to protect and save your companion?

If you don’t already know about it – you should definitely check this out.  The No Kill Advocacy Center hosts a conference each summer in Washington DC and if you are in anyway involved in animal welfare, you must attend this conference!  I have attended twice now, and look forward to attending this year as well.  Not only will you learn invaluable information from the speakers and get to network with other attendees, but you will also be surrounded by like-minded people who all understand that no kill is most definitely possible (which in some regions of the United States is hard to find).  The energy is almost indescribable at this conference, and you will leave with the information you need to get your community to that over 90% live outcome rate and the positive energy to do it.  Interested?  You can learn more and register here!

Such a great song for inspiration and perspective, especially for those of us in animal welfare.  Look at your life through Heaven’s eyes…

Just a quick reminder that poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly berries are all poisonous plants for your pets.  Have a safe and happy holiday season!

My family

The most supportive people I have ever experienced.  My parents are always right there, cheering me on when I make (questionable) choices I feel strongly about.  “So, you want to go to graduate school to work for nonprofit organizations, basically spending money to not make money?  Sounds good, get to studying!”  “Oh, you want to move to a state you have never been in, where the closest person you know is over 1000 miles away, and you will be underpaid and receive zero benefits at a young organization but the job is exactly what you want to do?  Sure.  You go, girl.”  Seriously – how many parents would be accepting of this stuff?  Sometimes I get the much needed tough love and sometimes we don’t always see eye-to-eye, but my family is a group of rockstars that always have my back.  And I love them for it.

My friends

While my friends are all over the country and I’m lucky if I get to see most of them once a year, they are the best group of friends a girl could ask for.  They accept me for who I am, flaws and all, and I love their faces for it.  No matter what happens in our lives, I know I can call any one of them and they will do whatever is needed to help… and they know (I sincerely hope) that I will do the same for them.  I will never see them enough, but when we do meet up, it’s amazing and I’m beyond grateful to have them in my life.

My companions

Montague and Loki have been there for me over the years, unconditionally loving me and trusting me to be their mom.  Through two cross-country moves, countless heartbreaks, dozens of jobs, and five homes, my fur babies have been my true companions.  They are the most supportive and loving creatures.  I can’t imagine this journey I have been on without them.

My man

Things are still fresh and new, but he’s an amazing man that so far I somehow convinced to hang around.  He’s a man, not a boy (check Mindy Kaling’s book for the definition) which is both scary and refreshing at the same time.  He spoils me, but thankfully not too much.  And those damn butterflies – haven’t had those in years.

Myself

Yep.  I’m thankful for myself.  Sound selfish?  I don’t think so.  When I was 17, I should have died.  But by some act of grace, I was in the right place at the right time and survived a condition that less than a dozen people in this world have suffered from.  My life is definitely not perfect, I live in chronic pain, and-being human-I obviously have made my fair share of mistakes.  Nonetheless, I am so thankful to be alive and grateful to have all that I have.

Last, but not least: My haters

Yes, I am thankful for my haters.  Because if I didn’t have any, I would know I’m not doing it right.  So keep on hating – and I’ll keep on rocking.

So if you weren’t able to support my Strut Your Mutt page earlier this fall, but really wanted to (an you know you did) – you can still show me and Austin Pets Alive some love!  Vote here for either Montague or Loki (or both!) in the APA photo contest.  My fur babies and I thank you for your support.