My Dad

For my Dad, the best dad in the world

Growing up, I was such a Daddy’s girl. I wanted to be just like my dad, so I was a major tomboy. When I was little, I never wanted to wear a shirt around the house, because my dad never did. My dad just wore shorts… so I just wore shorts. I got into my mom’s makeup once, and used the eye-shadow to draw a mustache, because my dad had a mustache. Everything my dad did was so cool, and I wanted to be just like him. He’s my dad… that made him the coolest person on the planet.

I received so many of my dad’s traits. My blonde hair, my blue eyes, and that damn cowlick I hate so much. I also have my dad to thank for my determination, my passionate nature, and my sarcasm.

My dad is an amazing, loving, and supportive father. My entire life, he’s always told me that I could be anything I wanted to be, giving me the confidence to follow my dreams. My dad has never allowed me to put myself down… telling me, “Above all else, be proud of who you are.” Few people are lucky enough to have a dad like that, but for whatever reason, God gave the best dad to me.

I also got my writing ability from my dad. He’s not a “writer,” but he could be, and I love to read his words. Throughout my life, my dad has always written me little notes, in his messy, left-handed scrawl. On those notes, which I still have today, he’d write words of encouragement, wisdom, and love. Sometimes he’d just leave a post-it on my mirror:

“I love you!”

“You can do it!”

“I’m so proud of you!”

“You’re an Owen. There’s nothing an Owen can’t do.”

On Christmas Day, Santa Clause would always leave us a note on the mantle, with hints to help us find our “big” present. I was always amazed that Santa’s handwriting looked so much like my dad’s. I just assumed Santa was left-handed too.

My dad is such a funny guy, and he could always make me laugh, even when I was mad at him. He’s really just a big kid at heart... and despite my mom’s annoyance at this sometimes, I don’t think he’ll ever grow up. In all honesty, he tries to annoy us... He’ll be doing something ridiculous, like whistling really loudly for no reason, and I’ll say, “Dad, could you please stop?” To which he’ll reply, “Stop what?” And whistle even louder. My brother does the exact same thing. Multiply that out by 26 years… and you’ll see why I have very little patience at this point.

My dad loves to travel, and every year, we’d take a big family vacation. I was often annoyed on these trips, because vacation with my dad isn’t always “vacation.” It’s a little like boot camp, in a cool location. It was always: Wake up early, follow the itinerary, go-go-go, see-see-see, etc. But it wasn’t worth it to complain, because then I’d have to listen to Dad say, “Aww. I feel so bad for you. Your dad took you on a nice trip and forced you to do fun things. It’s such a tough life. Your mean daddy should be in jail for taking you to Lake Tahoe.” I couldn’t really argue with that, but I hated when he was right…

As an adult, I can really appreciate those trips we took, because I could never afford them now. And a lot of our favorite family memories were made on some of Dad’s crazy vacations.

My dad is a hard man to argue with, which has been a good quality for him, but bad for my brother and I. In disputes, Dad thought he was right, and Matt and I thought we were right. But lucky for Dad… he was the dad, so by default, he won every time. We soon learned that pouting only works with Mom, because when Dad says “No,” it does NOT mean “Yes.” Very early on, I decided that the words “Because I said so,” were a mild form of child abuse. Now, I’m tempted to say those very words to my dogs.

My mom has always been the more rational parent, while my dad has more of a stubborn fire inside. I turned out to be a mix of both… I’m a rational thinker with a stubborn streak. But looking at my dad now, I can see that he really isn’t that stubborn… he just fights for what he believes in. And if he believes in his kids being home at midnight, then your ass better be in the door by 11:59. I was constantly grounded for being late for curfew, and I’m not quite sure why I couldn’t grasp the concept. It seems pretty simple… if I stay out late tonight, then by the time I can leave the house again, my friends won’t remember what I look like. At the time, curfew seemed ridiculous, but now, I can admit that my dad was right. Few legal things were happening for us teenagers after midnight.

My high school years were a tough time for my dad and I. I was ready to grow up, and my dad wanted me to remain his little girl. He was desperately holding onto my childhood… and now I wish I would’ve held on a little longer too. That was a difficult time for my father, and back then, I couldn’t for the life of me understand him. But now, I can see that he just wanted to be a part of my life. I can also see that his “silly and ridiculous” rules weren’t really that silly or ridiculous. My dad just wanted us to be safe and responsible.

At 16, I thought my dad was over-protective. At 26, I can see that my dad is just lovingly protective over his kids... especially me. I was his first child… his little girl. And suddenly, I was growing up so fast, and he wasn’t quite ready for that yet. Looking back, I remember the pain in his eyes as I told him I wasn’t a “little girl” anymore… and I remember him saying, “But Ashley… you’ll always be my little girl.”

If I could go back in time and change ONE thing, I’d go back to 10 years ago… just to give my dad a hug, and say, “I love you, Dad, and I’m still your little girl.” Honestly, that’s all he needed to hear…  

I’ve watched my dad go through good times and bad in his life, and I’ve learned so much from him through it all. He probably doesn’t even realize how much he’s taught me, but he and mom were the 2 greatest teachers I ever had. My dad’s struggles taught me so much about life and hardship. I watched my dad follow his dream of owning his own business… I saw him succeed… and then I watched his dream die, as the very people he trusted, betrayed him, stole from him, and caused his business to close. That was a hard time for my dad, but he never felt sorry for himself, and he never asked for any pity. Through that experience, my dad taught me humility, strength, and tenacity. I’ve also seen my dad succeed more times than I can count, and through the good times, my dad taught me the importance of following your dreams, remaining humble through success, and always appreciating the things you have. He’s taught me so many lessons, and I honestly wouldn't be me without him.

I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life… many that I was ashamed to tell my dad about. But every time I’ve said, “I’m sorry I disappointed you,” my dad would say, “I’m proud of you no matter what, and you have never disappointed me.” I know he means that, even though I can’t for the life of me understand how, with all the stupid junk I’ve done.

Looking back, I can see my dad cheering on the sidelines at every stage of my life. He, my mom, and my brother have always been there, no matter what. I can see that everything he has done, since the day I was born, has been for me. I can see that my dad often didn’t get the things he needed, just so I could have the things I needed. I can see that he often missed out on the things he wanted to do, just so I could do the things I wanted to do.

I can see that my dad was right about most things, whether I could understand it at the time or not. I can see that he was never trying to “ruin my life,” he just wanted my life to be everything it could be. I can see that he has always been there… guiding me, protecting me, and loving me. I can see that my father has supported me through every decision I’ve made, whether he agreed with my choices or not. I can see him delighting in my successes, and helping me pick up the pieces when I’ve failed.

I can see the joy in his heart for the daughter he raised, and the pride in his eyes for the woman I’ve become. And while I know that he gives my mom full credit for how I turned out, he’s leaving out one major piece of the puzzle. Because so much of me… is my dad…

And so much of my dad… is me…

Happy Father’s Day, Dad. I love you, and I will always be your little girl.

Maddie, Heaven-Sent

The other night, I received an email from one of my friends, Vanessa Ryan. She needed my help.

Vanessa was driving down an old, Alabama highway... when she saw one of the most heartbreaking, neglected dogs she’d ever seen.

In days prior, many others had driven down that same highway… and seen the same dog…

Yet... no one stopped. Instead... the others turned their heads, shielded their children’s eyes, and ignored the obvious suffering in front of them. Not one person cared enough to help… until Vanessa came along.

She immediately stopped her car, opened the door, and got out to do something about it. When Vanessa reached out her hand, the dog was so afraid… and in so much physical agony… that this dog cowered, on the scorching pavement... and began to cry. Her tiny whimpers said, “Please help me. I’ve been waiting for months... for someone to help me.”

The whimpering of this wounded soul broke Vanessa’s heart, so she picked-up the sick little girl, put her in the car, and drove home.

Her email said, “Ash, I need your help. I know you’re already overloaded, and I promise I’m not asking you to take this dog. I’m just hoping... maybe you can help me find someone who can.”

Then, I scrolled down and viewed the attached photo.

Sometimes, a photo... can make my heart stop beating for a second. While I’m rarely shocked anymore, I can still feel the pain of the tortured souls in my own body… and I'm incapable of looking away. For this particular dog, the obvious neglect was heartbreaking. The photo conveyed one of the worst cases of demodectic mange (demodex) I’ve ever seen.

But it also conveyed one other thing… hope. This dog has been given no reason to “hope” anymore. So, it’s amazing, despite the abuse and neglect she has suffered, that she has any shred of hope left.

Demodex thrives on time and neglect... and this girl has clearly been suffering for most of her short life. Demodectic mange is a non-contagious form of mange caused by the Demodex canis mite. These mites occur naturally in the hair follicles of most dogs, and usually, the mites don’t cause any problems. However, the mites can rapidly reproduce... when a dog is under immense stress, has an impaired immune system, or is suffering from malnutrition.

In those cases, the dogs suffer from severe skin inflammation, which leads to intense scratching, discomfort, pain, hair loss, and secondary infection. Hair loss usually begins around the face, limbs, and paws... but when left untreated.. can extend to the entire body. Dogs with demodex live in sheer agony.

Yet, people rarely stop to help them... fearing that they may “catch” the dog’s mange. However, demodectic mange is not contagious to humans... so there’s no excuse to turn your head when you see an animal in this condition. Demodex may cause them to look like monsters, but trust me: their hearts are more wounded than their bodies... and they need you.

I responded to Vanessa’s email, and simply said, “Can you get her to Meridian?”

So, on Monday, Maddie made the trip to me. When I met her, Maddie was utterly terrified --and in obvious pain. She trembled when I introduced myself, and she whimpered... as I lifted her and gently placed her in my car. She cried all the way home…

I carried her into the house, but she just cowered by the door in fear. So, I decided to sit on the floor, by the door too. I gave her medication for the pain, started treatment for the mange, and then rubbed her and said, “Please don’t cry. It’s okay now, I promise.”

She started to whimper, then crawled into my lap... and cried herself to sleep. I cried myself to sleep that night, too.

After her vet visit the next day, Maddie started to open up a little more. She began to follow me around the house, as she became increasingly curious about this whole “being inside” thing. Then… she started to smile…

That day...  just so happened to be the day that my IRS 501(c)(3) letter arrived, and I was able to share one of the biggest moments of my life with Maddie. I was so excited when I saw the letter, and Maddie was, too. In that moment, I picked up her front paws and we did our special Maddie-Moo-Happy-Dance. As we danced... her smile was so big... and when I put her paws down, she jumped right back up to do it again. So, we danced around the living room and the kitchen… and then... I stopped for a minute... to acknowledge the weight that moment.

I sat down and cried… for everything that this particular day meant to me… and also... for having Maddie to share it with.

But this time, Maddie didn’t cry. This time, Maddie smiled and comforted me… the very act I’d done for her... just the day before.

I looked at my letter… and I looked at Maddie… and in that moment, I felt Rudy’s love so strongly in my heart. I don’t always feel him here with me anymore… he’s been gone for almost a year… but at that moment, I knew that he was there.

And finally... I understood... why he had to leave me. He had to go, so this moment could be possible. I felt him saying, “Since I couldn’t be there today... I sent Maddie there... to share this with you instead. I’m so proud of you, Mom.”

In the photos I took with my letter... you can’t see her, but Maddie is lying on the floor just below me.

 But… there’s one other thing you may not have noticed. There are 2 orbs of light, to the right of me in the picture. I truly believe in my heart, that the larger orb --the one closest to me-- is my Rudy. He was right next to me on my big day. And the smaller orb, is Rudy’s best friend in Heaven, my Annie.

Thank you, Rudy and Annie, for guiding me through this life. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sending Maddie to me. Today, I know.... that she’s truly a gift from Heaven.

*Maddie’s has a long road of recovery ahead, due to the severity of her condition.

Click here to donate for Maddie

Lucky Dog Rescue: Non-Profit Status

It’s been an insane week, for many reasons. So much has happened this week… good, bad, and everything in between. Normally, writing is my therapy. But this week, every time I’d sit down to write… the words just weren’t there. Even now, it’s taken me a good 15 minutes to type just 4 sentences. Make that 5... well, 6. 

I’m sure I’ll get some rest tonight, and maybe my brain will work again tomorrow. I hope, at least, because I really have so much to share…

But working-brain or not, there’s one thing I couldn’t wait any longer to tell y’all about. One of the best things that’s ever happened in my life, happened this week. On Tuesday, I opened my mailbox ... to find the letter I’ve been waiting for... my entire life. Most people aren’t too thrilled to find a letter from the IRS… but I’ve been checking my mailbox for this particular envelope... for weeks now.

I saw the return address, Internal Revenue Service, and I ran into the house screaming, “It’s here! It’s here!” Maddie, my new foster baby, was waiting in the kitchen, and she watched with excitement, as I ripped through the envelope. I think I tore the envelope in half trying to get to the damn letter, but I didn’t even care.  Then I saw the date stamped at the top, and I read the sentence that changes everything:

We are pleased to inform you that upon review of your application for tax exempt status, we have determined that you are exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

At that moment, my lifelong dream came true. Through my tears, I said, “Maddie, I did it! I really did it!” She was really proud of me, too.

Then, I took a minute, to let myself cry. I looked at my letter, through tears of joy, tears of relief, and tears of gratitude. It was one of those moments where all the pieces fell together… everything made sense. Every single thing that’s happened in my life—good or bad—led me to that moment.

I’m 26 years old, and I've founded my own non-profit rescue. I rarely say this, but I’m damn proud of me. I’m so proud of every dog I’ve saved up to this point, and every dog this will allow me to save in the future. I’m proud. I’m thankful. And I’m honored.

I sobbed for a few minutes… but then I realized that this letter is pretty freaking important, and I tend to lose important things on a regular basis. So, I jumped up, ran to the copy machine, and made about 100 copies. Then, since I really suck a filing things, I stuck one copy of my letter, in every single file folder, and then... I littered them all over the house, just in case. Next, I took about 20 pictures of me holding my letter, because this was a really important day, and I want to remember it forever. And trust me, I will…

Lucky Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. YAY!!! I DID IT!!!!!

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!

Adoptable Dogs: New Pics!!!

Mimi

My name is Mimi, and I want a family to love me. I had a family once… I was a treasured family pet and the children’s best friend. When I was a young pup, the children loved me so much, and oh how I loved them. Every day, they would feed me, walk me, and snuggle with me at bedtime. Those times will be forever treasured in my heart…

But the children grew up, and so did I… and suddenly, I wasn’t so special anymore. They kicked me out of the house, and made me live outside. They forgot to feed me; they forgot to walk me; and they forgot all about our special bedtime snuggles. They never even looked at me anymore. When I’d run up to greet them--as I always had--they’d say, “Ew! No! Go away! You stink!” So I would bow my head and slowly walk away… Heartbroken.

One day, my family dumped me at a shelter… and they never even looked back. I cried out for them, but they just hurried out the door. I guess they couldn't get away from me fast enough... After years of my unwavering love and devotion, they threw me away. I didn’t know my heart could hurt this bad…

I’m an adult, female Pit Bull mix, and I am super loving and loyal. I love people! If you love me, I love you. I like boy dogs better than girls, and I prefer an older male to a young pup. I like to roll in the grass and enjoy the sunshine, and I love belly rubs. My foster mom, Ashley, says I’m her little angel.

Most of all, I love having a family. I love to matter to someone. If you are looking for a special girl, can I be the one? Please… I need you.

If you’d like to adopt me, please fill out online Adoption Application: http://www.petpardons.com/adoption/

Melody

My name is Melody. I’m a 10 year old, Pit Bull mix. I’ve lived my whole life on a chain… never able to run and play. Never touched by a loving hand. I was so sad every day… for 10 whole years.

Then, one day, a big scary tornado came through. I saw it coming, but I couldn’t get away… because of the chain. So I had to stay out there, while a tornado threw me around in the air & the chain choked me real bad. My house took a direct hit, and everything was gone… everything except for me.

I was without food and water for a long time, and then I ended up at the pound. It was real scary for me, and I prayed every day that my family would come save me. But my heart was broken, when they left me there to die.

One day, a nice man named Adrian took me from the pound, and then he got me to my Ashley-Mom! Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve been the happiest girl around! I LOVE to run and play outside! I’ve never been able to run before now! It’s so fun… it’s my new thing! I also like to be inside with you… snuggling or chewing a toy at your feet. I’m not a huge fan of other dogs, so I’d prefer to be the only dog in the home. Will you take me home with you forever? I promise to love you with my whole heart!

If you’d like to adopt me, please fill out online Adoption Application: http://www.petpardons.com/adoption/

Teddy

My name is Teddy. I’m a 5 month old, male, Boxer mix. As a pup, I was faced with being put-to-sleep. My brothers and sisters were all real scared too, because we had tried to be real good. Thankfully, my Ashley-Mom saved all 8 of us. But now, almost all of my brothers and sisters have left me for their forever families.

For 5 months now, I’ve been looking for my own family, but they haven’t found me yet. I was supposed to get adopted 2 times now, but it fell through both times because of things that weren’t my fault. Every day, I hope this day will be different.

 

My Ashley-Mom says I have the most fun, outgoing personality of any pup around! I LOVE dogs, and I love LOVE people! I love bathtime and hoses, because the water makes me smile. If you spray a hose, I’ll gladly open my mouth to take a sip. I love playtime outside, and inside cuddles. I love to sleep on the couch next to you, or on a comfy pup bed. I love treats and bones too, and I’m a boy who likes to eat a good dinner! I smile all the time, and it makes me happy when everyone else smiles too. But my smile will never be so big, as the day I get to finally go home.

I'm neutered, fully vaccinated, dewormed, and on heartworm preventative. I’m as healthy as a pup can be! All I need now is a family. Are you my mom or dad? If so, can you take me home? I’ve been waiting for you my whole life.

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

Brody

My name is Brody. I’m a 5 month old, male, Boxer mix. I’m Teddy’s brother, and I look up to him a lot. When we were babies, we weren’t real sure what would happen to us. But Teddy always made me know that things would be okay. When our Ashley-Mom saved us, I knew that Teddy was a smart brother because he'd told me it would all be okay, so I try to be just like him.

My Ashley-Mom says I have a loving personality that can melt your heart. I like to give hugs and kisses, and I love to snuggle by your side. But I also LOVE other pups, and I could play with them all day long! I’m smaller than Teddy, but I can give him a run for his money when we wrestle! After I run and play, I like to cuddle with someone who loves me. That’s why I’m looking for my family… so I can have that love forever.

I’m neutered, fully vaccinated, dewormed, and on monthly heartworm preventative. I guess the only thing that’s left is finding a forever home. I’ve been alive for what seems like forever, but I’d never had a home of my own. I hope it’s not because no one wants me… I hope I’m special enough. Maybe you could take me home with you? All I ask is for a little love, and I’ll give you all of my love in return. Please make my wish come true. Take me home.

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

Heidi

My name is Heidi (formerly known as Grandma because of my age). I am a Senior Pit Bull mix. All my life, I have lived on a chain that I called "home." People have never treated me real nice, but I always loved them anyway. When I was younger, those people decided to cut my ears off with a knife at our house. I cried and squealed, but they wouldn’t stop until my ears were gone. I was left with no ears at all, because they wanted me to look mean. So now, people are scared of me sometimes. But I promise I would never hurt anyone.

I have been bred more times than I can remember. Even though I didn’t want to have more puppies, those mean people didn’t care. They rarely fed me and never loved me. All of this makes me sad... because I’ve never been anything more than a chained breeder dog.

On April 27, 2011, I was lying in the dirt on my chain, like I always do, when the weather started to get real bad. Then, a big tornado swept through and tried to take me with it. It was the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me. But I fought to survive on my chain in the storm… and I did survive. Only to end up at the pound.

But I was surprised to learn that the people there were real nice, because that’s the first time anyone’s ever been kind to me. The shelter staff said I was one of their favorites, and I’ve definitely never been special. Then, those nice people did the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me. They got me to my Ashley-Mom.

My Ashley-Mom says I’m a fun girl with a great personality. I smile almost all the time now, and she says I make her smile too. I like to play with other big dogs and love running in the yard. I’m real smart and have learned to sit and shake. All I need now is a family to love me forever. For my whole life, I’ve dreamed of coming inside and being part of a family. Please make my wish come true. Please make me special for the first time ever.

If you’d like to adopt me, please fill out the online Adoption Application: http://www.petpardons.com/adoption/

Wink

My name is Wink. I’m a 2 year old, male, Lab/Pit Bull Mix. For the last 2 years, I’ve been living on a chain. Never free to run. Never taken for a walk. Never given any love or attention. I know what it’s like to be hungry… because the food was never there. I know what it’s like to be sad… because that’s all I’ve ever been. I know what it’s like to be lonely… because that’s all I’ve ever known.

I’ve had an eye condition for a while now, that my owners never treated. They never took me to the vet for anything… not one time. My eye has been hurting me, but they didn’t seem to care. I honestly don’t even think they noticed…

On April 27, 2011, a tornado tried to kill me while I was outside on my chain. All of my days have been hard, but that was the worst day of my life. After the storm, almost everything was gone. But I was still there… so I landed at the pound.

I was scared at the shelter, because I knew what was to come. At least I thought I did. One day, I was taken to my Ashley-Mom, and when I got there, I didn’t know if I could trust her either. I’ve never been able to trust anyone, so I couldn’t really be sure. But she showed me love and helped me, and now I’m the happiest boy in the world! She even took me to the vet and fixed my eye! It’s still healing now, but soon it will be good as new!

I’m neutered, vaccinated, and undergoing heartworm treatment. Soon, I’ll be ready to find my family. Even though no one has ever really wanted me, I’m hoping this time will be different. Boy oh boy… if I could find a family to love me, that would be the only thing I’d want! Are you my family? I have a great personality and love to run and play. I like other dogs and I’m learning to love all people. I can be a little shy at first, but my heart is as big as they come! I wish you’d take me home with you, I’ve never really had a home.

If you’d like to adopt me, please fill out the online Adoption Application: http://www.petpardons.com/adoption/

Catie

My name is Catie (formerly MeeMaw). I am an Adult, female, Lab/Hound mix. I’ve lived all of my years at the end of a chain. I could see the grass for running, but it was always just beyond my reach. I could see the other dogs playing, but they would never play with me. I was a chained dog, a “bad” dog, an unwanted dog. At least, that’s what my family told me…

I have been bred over-and-over again for years. That’s really the only reason they kept me around. Even still, they never took me to a vet when I needed help. I had an eye issue that was never treated, and now I’m blind in my left eye. It makes me sad, because people look at me different… but it’s not my fault. I didn’t want to look this way. I used to be what people would call a “pretty” dog, but years of neglect on a chain left me like this.

On April 27, 2011, I heard the tornado coming toward me. I tried to run away, but the chain kept me there. The storm really hurt me… I was flung all around and nearly died. When it was over, I opened my eyes and couldn’t believe I was still alive. If I was going to have to stay on that chain, I was secretly wishing I’d die.

But then I was taken to the shelter where some people finally helped me. Even better, they got me to my Ashley-Mom, and now I get more love each day than I’ve had altogether my whole life! I’m vaccinated and receiving vet care, and soon I will need a family to love me. I know most dogs don’t get that lucky, but I’m hoping maybe I’ll be different. Maybe someone will think I’m special, even though I’m not perfect. My heart is perfect, and I love you already. Please take me home.

If you’d like to adopt me, please fill out the online Adoption Application: http://www.petpardons.com/adoption/

*Special thanks to Corcoran Photography for taking these beautiful new photos!