Pit Stops

Kara, the Mahoneys, Michelle, & I

For the past 2 days, published author Michelle Sathe visited my Lucky Dog Rescue in Meridian, Mississippi. Yesterday, I hosted a book signing event for her amazing book, “Pit Stops,” and Michelle generously donated a portion of each sale to Lucky Dog Rescue. I also got to meet Michelle’s special Pit Bull Ambassador, Kara, who was super-freaking awesome.

First of all, I’d like to thank my incredible friends and family that attended the event… your support meant the world to me, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciated your willingness to be there for me and support a good cause. It’s always special when people understand how important something is to you… and actually care enough to show up.

Daisy & I

One special attendant was my death row rescue baby, Daisy Dooley. Daisy’s adoptive family, the Mahoney’s, drove an 8-hour round trip to be there to support me, and it touched my heart more than they could ever know. Daisy is truly thriving in her new home… and to know that I (and Pet Pardons) played a role in her happiness… means everything. There were several others who went out of their way to be there for me, including my parents, my brother, and his wife. Thank you, and I love you.

Today, Michelle wanted to walk a day in my shoes. She offered to help with anything and everything I needed for the rescue pups, and she also wanted to interview me for her next book, “Pit Stops 2.”

I’m honored that Michelle would think enough of me and Lucky Dog Rescue to feature us in her book… it’s truly incredible. In addition, it was so cool to hang out with her, and I truly appreciated the extra volunteer help she offered. The Mississippi heat can be unbearable, but Michelle was out there busting it with me… walking dogs, cleaning kennels, and playing fetch in the yard.

She gave special attention to each of my babies, and she asked to hear their stories. When I’d start to cry describing the horrors of their pasts, she’d reach out to hug me. I’m beyond thankful for everything she did for me during her time here. I’ll never forget it, for as long as I live.

Michelle Sathe & I

Michelle’s visit was really special to me. While I knew we’d get along, I didn’t realize just how much I’d connect with her… and the massive appreciation I’d have for that connection. Sometimes, you don’t realize how alone you are… until you’re not alone anymore. Even though she wasn’t here for long… our time together was enough to recharge my battery… to remind me that other people in this world “get it,” and that they’re out there fighting just like I am. I needed that reminder.

It’s easy to feel alone. My passion makes me very “different” from others.  A lot of people don’t understand me. A lot of people don’t want to hear about the things I do, because it’s too hard for them. Many people don’t see my “dog stuff” as important… or they consider it to be much less important than other things. I’d be lying if I said that doesn’t hurt sometimes.

But then, there are the people who are always there for me. Maybe they don’t care about dogs quite like I do, but they’re always there to support me. That’s such a special feeling… and I need more people like that in my life… I really do.

Kara & I

And now, I can add at least one more lifelong friend to the list. Michelle Sathe went well out of her way for me this weekend. She didn’t have to come to Meridian. She didn’t have to donate money out of her own pocket to my rescue. She didn’t have to bust her ass volunteering for me today, or offer to write about me in her next book. And she didn't have to let me hang out with her awesome pup buddy, Kara.

But she did all of these things out of the goodness in her heart… and I doubt she realizes the impact she had on me in her short time here. In truth, Michelle renewed my spirit… she really did. That’s the kind of gift you can’t repay… but here’s my attempt to do so…

PLEASE go to Michelle Sathe’s website, http://www.pitstopsbook.com/, and purchase a copy of “Pit Stops.” It’s an inspiring story that will make your heart soar. In addition, Michelle donates a portion of each sale toward a deserving rescue group like Lucky Dog Rescue. In doing this, she takes a lot money out of her own pocket and gives back to the animals. What an incredible act… by an incredible friend.

Running Late... Again

*A very special THANK YOU to my friend, Catherine, for my AMAZING new Lucky Dog Rescue Blog header!!!

Is your life crazy? Like, legally insane crazy? Well... maybe I can make you feel better about yourself. Here’s a glimpse into the chaos of my early morning routine: Part 1.

I wake up, look at the clock, and say, “Son-of-a-MOTHER-of-a-french-face! I’m late!”
The ridiculous part... is that I already knew I was late, before I ever saw the time. It happened yesterday... and all the days before that one. Sure.. in all honesty, I’m my own boss, so I’m only “late” ... per the rules I set for myself. The definition of “useless” is being late... per your own damn rules.

I jump out of bed. Throw on some clothes. Attempt to brush my hair. Wash my face and brush my teeth. I take a second to consider makeup. Then, I laugh out loud, and get real: “Um… yeah…no… makeup is for people who can wake up on time. You’re LATE.” I scrap that idea... and run out of the bathroom, as if there’s a bomb inside.

Meanwhile, my dogs watch, as the madness goes down. They’re used to this by now... but they still find it slightly-amusing… in a highly-useless kind of way. See... their only concern in the morning is going outside to potty... and getting their breakfast. Since my lateness affects their schedule... they’re basically pissed… every day. I see them checking their watches and tapping their feet, like, “Yeah, we’re gonna have to address the tardiness.” So, I rush to get them out and fed... before they fire my ass.

I consider breakfast for myself. It is --of course-- the most important meal. I look at the clock… and realize that breakfast is only "important" ... if you have time for it. I, however, do not have time… due to my lateness. Instead, I search for something edible and portable. I scan the kitchen, and spot a banana. Um... JACKPOT! I grab the banana... and reach for my purse to throw it inside…

Ummm… where the FRENCH is my purse? I start tossing items onto the floor, in search of the piece-of-crap purse that somehow disappears on a daily-freaking-basis. You’d think by now... I would’ve learned to simply put it in the same damn place each time. But what fun is that, right? I like a freaking-challenge every time I need to leave the house. Then... I hear myself asking the dogs if they’ve seen my purse. Yeah… they don’t respond.

Aha! There you are, Purse! What’s wrong with you, Handbag… hiding from me under the table? Come on out, Pursey-Smurse. I’m not going to rob you. We both know there’s not a stitch of cash inside your ass anyway.

Shoes... I need shoes. I find one shoe… under the couch. As I reach underneath, I find a second shoe... that doesn’t match the first… but it’s good to know I have options. When you’re late, the need to “match” is really quite low. Even still, I choose to waste an additional 10 minutes on the missing shoe. I frantically run through each room, as if in a maze... with no freaking exit. I look at the clock again, and cuss myself for being so useless. “Seriously, Ash?! EVERY FREAKING DAY?!”

... Got it! Other shoe was in Darla’s crate. It’s half-chewed… has more of that open-toed feel now… but it could still pass for a shoe in most third-world countries. So, I throw it on, and head out the door…

Crap! Keys. My car says it needs "keys." Seems a little demanding, right? But really... I need that car... more than it needs me. I search. I dig. I stop… and think: Keys… where the HELL did I put my damn keys?! My friend bought me a Key Finder… but I can’t seem to find it.

Son of a biscuit! Seriously… how can one person lose EVERYTHING they own, every single day?! It seems a little unnecessary, of course. For most people... it’s nearly impossible... to do something so damn stupid... on a consistent-freaking basis. But not for me. Oh, no. I reach for the stars.

I’m pretty pissed at myself about the missing keys... and also a little parched from the work I’ve put in thus far. So, I open the fridge, to grab a drink. JACKPOT! Keys are on the refrigerator shelf... where I always keep them. Duh.

I grab the keys. Lock the door. Run to the car. Crank the car. Run back to the door because I forgot my drink. Run back to the car because I forgot my keys. Grab keys. Unlock door. Grab drink. Lock door. Run to car. Crank and drive.

Driving to Lucky Dog… I reach for my purse… and look at that. I forgot it.  

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Noah the Bait Dog Update

Noah, the former bait dog, is doing so much better. He’s been neutered, vaccinated, and dewormed. He tested heartworm positive, so he began his heartworm treatment this week. Due to the need to stay calm during treatment, Noah can’t play as much as he’d like right now, but he’s still enjoying all the love and attention.

Noah was placed on antibiotics for the severe infections that resulted from his baiting wounds. When he first arrived at Lucky Dog Rescue, Noah’s poor little head was swollen to nearly twice its normal size. The swelling has gone down dramatically, so the vet was able to better examine the issues with Noah’s nose. It turns out that the bite wounds went all the way through Noah’s face, puncturing and crushing his nasal cavity. Once the remaining facial swelling goes down, the vet will attempt to surgically repair the damage to Noah’s nasal passages.

Despite his unimaginable pain, Noah has the sweetest, most loving spirit in the world. He loves to be right by my side, no matter what I’m doing. His favorite thing to do is to place his entire body in my lap and heavily pant right in my face while I’m working on the computer. If you’re ever talking to me on facebook chat and I don’t respond for a while—or if you see about four hundred typos in my messages—now you know why.

His second favorite thing to do is run from couch to couch in the living room. He runs, runs, runs, as fast as he can… jumps up on one couch full-speed… then bounces right off and runs, runs, runs to the other couch to do the same thing. One day, I even watched him skid across the coffee table on his way to the other couch… as he figured out that going OVER the table instead of around it ... was not only more fun for him, but also more time efficient. He plays this couch-running-game for about an hour, loving every minute of it. When he’s done, he’s so proud of himself… smiling and panting, with his head held high. For now, we’ve had to put a stop to the marathon running while he undergoes heartworm treatment, but he still tries to sneak it in every now and then, that little stinker.

He also loves fun toys. He likes to drag them under the coffee table, for chewing purposes. Sure, laying on the couch is fun and all, but there’s nothing like a coffee table “fort.” I found my phone charger in his “fort” the other day, chewed down to electronic confetti. Noah apologized, bought me a new charger, and it hasn’t happened again since. He’s such a good boy!

Noah’s smile gets me every time. When he looks up at me, with those innocent little eyes and that big, precious grin… my heart melts. I can only imagine that he’s never had a reason to smile in his whole life. Now, he smiles every day. And in return… I smile too.

When I saw Noah’s shelter photo a few weeks ago, I felt an intense anger in my soul… a severe hatred for the humans that did this to him. Noah was able to replace my resentment with joy and forgiveness. One day, Noah and I were talking…. and as I rubbed the deep scars on his face, I could feel the anger welling up inside my body. With tears in my eyes, I said: “Baby boy, I’m soo sorry. I hate those people for what they did to you. I hate them.” Noah looked up at me, and with an innocence that melted my heart, his eyes said, “If I can forgive these people for what they’ve done to me, then why can’t you?” He was right. I kissed him on the head, and said, “I love you, Noah, and I forgive them.” That’s one of the many lessons Noah’s taught me.

In a few weeks, Noah will complete all of his treatments, and he’ll be ready to find his forever home. My heart breaks every time I think of letting him go… I just love him so much. But on his adoption day, Noah’s lifelong wish of having a loving family of his own will come true… and I’ll know that I gave that to him. It seems so insignificant compared to all he’s given to me, but for him… it will mean everything.

Until then… I’ll watch him grow. I’ll help him heal. I’ll teach him... and learn from him. And I’ll love him with my whole heart. Each day with Noah is precious... as we create the memories that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. I try to appreciate every second I have with him, because I know he won’t be mine forever. And when the time comes… I’ll let him go. Not because I don’t love him. But simply because... I do.

Click here to read my original blog about Noah’s rescue story.

If you are interested in adopting Noah, please fill out the online Adoption Application: http://www.petpardons.com/adoption/

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!

Pinky's First Family

Pinky was rescued as a puppy by Animal Rescue Fund of MS (ARF). She had a severe case of sarcoptic mange, which caused her to have horribly inflamed, “pink” skin and no hair. For the next 2 years of her life, Pinky lived on the ARF Farm, waiting for a family. However, a family never came to adopt her. Then, a couple of months ago, a Pit Bull breed ban (BSL) in Rankin County, Mississippi forced Pinky and 5 other Pit mixes to be transferred from ARF to Lucky Dog Rescue in Meridian.

Despite the immense love she’s received from both ARF and Lucky Dog, Pinky has never had a family. She’s never had a home of her own. She’s always been one of many dogs… and never been the only special girl. Until now…

My friend, Jaymie, contacted me last week to inquire about fostering one of my rescue dogs. My heart was so happy. If you want to make my day, offer to foster one of my dogs—and mean it. Jaymie has one male dog named Jeff, and she wanted to find a foster playmate for her pup... while also giving a rescue dog the chance for some special love and one-on-one time in her home. I immediately thought of Pinky... my sweet, special girl, who’s never had the chance to live in a home and have a family. I knew that the foster experience would mean the world to her.

Yesterday, Jaymie and her dog, Jeff, came to visit Lucky Dog Rescue to meet Pinky. My little Pinky-girl didn’t know it at the time... but she was meeting her first foster family.

Last night, Pinky went “home” ... for the first time in her 2-year-old life. After she left, I sobbed tears of joy for her. There’s nothing like seeing one of your babies get the chance at having a family. Foster or not, it’s the first real family life she’s ever known, and they truly changed her life yesterday... by opening their home and their hearts to a girl in need of love.

I’ll let Jaymie tell you the story of her first foster experience in her own words:

My First Foster Dog, By: Jaymie

A few weeks ago, I found Ashley Owen Hill’s facebook page, and I secretly began to stalk her profile and her blog (sorry Ash). Seeing her passion... set fire to my soul. After talking it over with my boyfriend, we decided to become a foster family for one of Ashley’s rescue dogs, until the pup could find their forever home.

Why did we come to this decision? 1) Our dog, Jeff, loves, loves, loves the company of other dogs. 2) It would help take some of the burden off of Ashley. 3) It was the perfect way for me to help a precious soul, who truly needs some extra-special love and attention.

Yesterday, we met our first foster dog, Pinky, and we brought her into our home. At 2 years old, Pinky has never been in a home environment. She’s never known what it was like to have all the love and affection to herself... always being one of many other dogs.

When she arrived, Pinky was somewhat unsure of everything. It took us about 20 minutes, just to get her to walk-up three steps into the house. But I was patient with her, knowing that she just didn't understand where we were taking her...

For the first hour, the lights, the ceiling fan, the refrigerator cutting on… every little thing spooked this sweet girl. She just wasn't quite sure what to think of all this... or of us.

But she's a smart pup and a quick learner. A couple of hours in, she started to feel safe. She laid down on the couch and even watched a movie with us. She had the best time playing with our dog, Jeff, and they’ve become fast BFFs.

She loves her crate with the comfy bed we bought for her. It makes her feel very safe. I decided to be brave and leave her crate door open all night. Pinky did perfect. She didn't mess anywhere in the house, and she didn't tear anything up! She’s such a good girl!

 

Today is Day 2, and she's already made a huge improvement. As the hours press on, I'm seeing more and more of this girl’s sweet, quirky personality. Her favorite thing is to run-off with the clean laundry as you’re trying to fold it. She'll run circles around the house... just to keep it from you. It’s her way of playing a fun little game, saying “You want your clothes? Then you better catch me!!!” But as soon as you turn your back and act like you don't care... she drops the clothing and walks away. It’s so funny to watch!

My dog, Jeff, and Pinky are best buds. They sleep next to each other, eat and drink at the same time, play tug of war with the rope toy, and wrestle almost nonstop. It melts my heart to see this girl so happy. When she looks at you, her eyes say it all. You can tell she's so very thankful for everything Ashley and ARF did to save her. She's truly an ambassador for rescue dogs.

Making the decision to foster a rescue dog is the best decision we’ve ever made. I didn’t know my heart could be so happy, and this experience has touched our lives more than we knew possible. When you bring a foster dog into your home, you intend to make a difference for them. But you don’t realize... the difference they’ll make for you.

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The Night That Changed Everything

Certain events in our lives shape who we are. These events can make you, or break you. They can make you weaker, or they can make you stronger. They often change your entire outlook on life, and push you to follow your dreams. When tragedy strikes, the outcome… is what you make it…

The Night That Changed My Life

It was April 10, 2003. My boyfriend at the time, Philip, was driving my car. I was in the passenger seat, and my best friend, Jessica, was in the backseat. We were driving to my friend Tiffani’s house. We turned down an old Mississippi country road…

And then… 
I woke up.

The screaming woke me. 

It took me a minute to realize... that the screams were coming from me. As I opened my eyes, I saw the windshield… completely shattered. I looked around, and realized that my car was in a body of water. 

Panic set in… but I had no idea just how bad things really were. My mind started racing, and I couldn’t comprehend what was happening.

The pain in my body was unbearable, but I didn’t have time to figure out where it was coming from. I looked at Jessica, and saw the blood on her face. I went to open my car door, but it was jammed. I went to move… and that’s when I realized… I couldn’t.

I said, “Jess, I can’t move my legs!”

That’s when I looked down… and I heard myself scream in a voice I didn’t recognize. My left kneecap was in the middle of my thigh, all my bones were coming through my skin... and my left foot… was hanging by a thread. I didn’t even think I had a foot anymore. My right leg was also broken, and I literally couldn’t move. There was blood everywhere. And the pain… I’ve never known that kind of physical agony.

Jessica got the rear door to open, and she said, “It’s okay, Ash. I’m going to get help.”

I heard her step out into the water...
And then… I was alone in the darkness.

I looked at Philip. Blood was pouring from his face. I shook him, but he didn’t flinch. I started shaking him as hard as I could, yelling, “Philip! Wake up! Please! You have to wake up! Philip, PLEASE!!!”

That’s when I came to the realization that Philip was probably dead. I heard a blood curdling scream come out of my body: “NOOOOOOO!” 

And I passed out from the pain.

I woke up, as Jessica got back to the car. On this particular road, there are only 2 houses. Jessica had walked for a very long time in the wrong direction, and she was turning back to try to find help the other way. She said, “I’m gonna go this way now, Ash. Please hold on for me. I’ll be right back.” 

I said, “Jess, please don’t leave me!” 
But of course, she had to leave to find help.

The pain in my legs was so unbelievable. I wanted to crawl out of my own body. I was shaking uncontrollably from the pain. I was losing so much blood, and I could feel myself going in and out.

And that’s when it hit me: I’m going to die here. At 18 years old.

It hurt so much… I couldn’t imagine surviving. Plus, we were in the middle of nowhere. It would take forever for an ambulance to get there. Then, they’d have to find a way into the water to get us out.

With that realization, I could feel all the hope leaving my heart...
Suddenly, I knew: I'm about to die.

I thought about my parents and my little brother… getting the call to say there'd been an accident... and that I didn’t make it. I thought about my dogs, Darby and Goldie… waiting for me to come home again. I thought about all of the things I wanted to do with my life. Everything I wanted to be. I was a Freshman in college, and just a few hours before, I had my whole life ahead of me. Now, I was sure that today would be my last.

But then... I decided that I couldn’t let that happen. So, the next time I started to lose consciousness, I thought about my family, and I fought to stay awake. I prayed. I held onto my dreams, and made a promise to myself that I’d achieve those goals someday. I wasn't sure how long I held on for, but it felt like days.

Eventually, I reached the point... where I couldn’t hold on any longer.

As I felt myself letting go... of my life and this world...
I heard the sirens.
The sirens that would save my life.

I was in the hospital for weeks. My body and my legs were severely damaged... especially my left leg, which had been completely crushed. Further, my left foot was essentially ripped from my body.

The initial surgical plan was to amputate my foot. At 18 years old, I didn’t even know how to process that information. But an amazing surgeon stepped up and offered to try and repair the damage.

After multiple surgeries, Dr. Durgin saved my foot. And after months in a wheelchair, I finally learned to walk again.

I went on to finish college, get my Master of Business Administration (MBA), and start my own business, Lucky Dog Retreat, and my own nonprofit rescue, Lucky Dog Rescue. I kept all of the promises I made to myself that night. For me, it was the night that changed everything.

I'd later find out that the old country road we were driving down, had been washed away in the severe weather the week before, and our car had plummeted off a steep embankment... into a creek, landing on a tree stump. We never saw it coming.  

While I had no concept of time that night, I'd later learn that it took well-over an hour, from the time the wreck occurred.... until help finally arrived. I was seconds from death, when the ambulance got there.

Without my best friend, Jessica, I would have died that night. She truly saved my life.

I would also find out that Philip didn’t die in the accident. However, Philip died one year later, on St. Patrick’s day, in a tragic house fire. It was beyond-devastating.

I wanted to share this story, because it made me… me. If you’ve ever wondered why I’m so driven, why I care so much, why I follow my dreams --above all else, now you know. If you’ve wondered why I have my own business and nonprofit rescue at 26 years old, now you know. My life… is happening right now. I don’t wait for someday down the road.

Because, on April 10, 2003, I didn’t think “down the road” existed for me. But 8 years later, I’m exactly where I promised myself I would be. Even though I'm in pain every day, I walk the dogs anyway... because I can. And while that night was the worst night of my life… it was the best thing that ever happened to me.

*Written in loving memory of Philip Lindsey

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