I'm Me. Who Are You?

I write.

Some preach. Some dance. Some sing.

I write.

When it hurts... I write.
When it's good... I write.
When I think... I write.
When I wish... I write.

I write... because it's what I do.
I'm a writer.

I rescue.

Some fight. Some research. Some cure.

I rescue.

When I see despair... I rescue.
When I feel pain... I rescue.
When I encounter suffering... I rescue.
When I witness injustice... I rescue.

I rescue... because it's what I do.
I'm a rescuer.

Who are you?
Does the "who" in you match the "what" in your actions?
Are you the "you" that you want to be?

Each day, I do the things that make me... "me."
And so... I'm me.
That's something no one else can be.

Are you "you?"

If not... what are you waiting for??

No one else can do it for you.
There's only one you.
Be you. Do you. Live you.

Become you today.

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!

Letting Go

Letting go.

It’s one of the hardest things we ever have to do… but nevertheless, we have to do it.

Sometimes, the choice is ours. Other times, the choice is made for us. Either way, we're often forced to let go… to release the past in order to embrace the future. This is how we grow.

But even still... it never sucks any less…

In life, I have to let go of people. I have to let go of places and things. I have to let go of memories, dreams, and nightmares. I have to let go of the things I cannot change. I have to let go of mistakes and misfortune. I have to let go of the person I thought I’d be… in order to face the person I’ve become.

In animal rescue, I have to let go of my dogs. I have to let go of my heart. I have to let go of my desire to save them all. I have to let go of the wish for a better world, and simply face reality for what it is today. I have to let go of those I couldn’t reach. I have to let go of my pain, my anger, and my guilt. I have to let go of “life,” as most people know it. And often, I have to let go of me… for them.

Each and every time I let go, it feels like my heart is being ripped from my chest. The pain is truly unbearable. I feel that pain… I breathe that hurt… I can almost taste the sadness.

But life forces us to let go for a reason. Sometimes, we know what that reason is… and we can clearly see where the change will lead. But most of the time, we must blindly let go... and take that leap… with no parachute.

It’s terrifying, uncomfortable, and heartbreaking. It’s also life-changing… and really, life-saving.

Because when we least expect it, the reason why we had to let go becomes clear… and suddenly, everything makes sense.

When you let go of your past… always grab onto your present… and never lose faith in your future. Because I can promise you this: letting go leads to possibility... every single time.

And just remember: as we let go, sometimes hope is all we have. Never let go of that.

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!

Save the Beers

Funny....
I should be "funny" today.

Yep

I'm sure everyone can use a laugh... so let's make that happen at my expense, okay? 

PS- For anyone who is "lacking" in the sense of humor department, it's probably best to leave now... before your unnecessary judgment begins to eat away at your soul.

(I mean that in a loving way. Really.)

Sooo, I won't lie... I'm feeling a little rough today. I'm not technically "sick." At least, not in the general sense of the word. Yet, I'm slightly functional... and hey... that's something.

But regardless of how I feel today, the laughs I had last night were totally worth the semi-permanent reduction in physical strength and mental capacity. Totally.

Most of you have no idea what I'm talking about right now. Yeah, me neither. But I know this much for sure: sometimes, you have to take a step back from all of the serious junk in the world... and just allow yourself to have some fun. I'm talking ridiculously stupid, completely nonsensical, seemingly-immature-but-well-worth-the-effort fun.

I try to have fun every day, but let's be honest... some days, it just ain't gonna happen. Certain days may start off on a decent foot, but it doesn't take long for the asshats to show-up, the bills to arrive, and the world to say, "Oh really?! You thought today was going to be 'fun?!' That's hilarious! Good luck, stupid!"

Other days, you never had a shot at fun. You wake up late, and the first words out of your mouth are, "Son-of-a-piece-of-a-mother-jank-face!" And from there... it's game over. On days like that, your only hope for sanity (or maybe the opposite?) is that end-of-day beer drinking.

Welcome to yesterday for me.

Reba McEntire, circa 1995

Last night, I altered my mission just a smidge: Save the beers. That's right. I said it. Judge me if you like, but those beers were cold and suffering... they needed me. And guess what? I was there for them. I certainly was.

After a trip to the shelter (beer store), several other facebook friends joined me... and within just a few short hours, we were able to create a nationwide network of beer rescuers.

Wait, crap... I forgot about all of the help we had in Canada, too. Why do I always seem to forget about Canada?? Oh, that's right... it's because most Mississippians are totally unaware that Canada is an actual country. I've had many arguments about this topic... and even though I'm unmistakably correct when I say, "It IS a country," I somehow always lose that battle 'round these parts. Oh well... small price to pay...

Okay, back to the pointless blog post that will inevitably ruin my reputation...

Sooo, last night's beer rescue league managed to produce one of the funniest nights ever recorded on facebook... with more than 268 hilarious comments on a photo of me drinking a beer-- Bud Light to be exact (I'm hoping for some kind of sponsorship).

Honestly, there's nothing better than a ridiculously long thread filled with inappropriate comments, political incorrectness, and borderline illegality. Well... depends on your definition of "borderline." I haven't heard from a few of you today... so... if you're looking to make bail, call someone else. I'm waaay low on cash, and my 2011 New Year's Resolution was to stay FAR AWAY from prison... at all costs. Sorry.

So, the first unnecessary thread led to a dare from Jodi Chick (proud Canadian) to upload a photo of myself posing as Reba McEntire, circa 1995 (don't ask). Since the word "dare" means "you have to," I made it happen. (And I scored a 5 spot. Ja-ja-ja- jackpot!)

$5 richer

That photo led to another ridiculous thread, and another photo request/dare from another random person. The stakes were high... he offered to be my friend in return for a photo with a special pose just for him. And so, once again, I was able to save yet another beer, and make another 5 bucks. If I'm being honest, I was damn proud of me.

Soooo, $10 and an unspecified number of beers later, I had accomplished my mission. That's right: I saved the beers last night, ladies and gentlemen. But really--as with all rescues--they saved me.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that a few dedicated beer drinkers changed the world last night. We made a difference by opening our hearts and veins to those in need. Thank you... to each and every one of you... for being selfless and giving enough to save sooo many sad, very cold beers from suffering. I believe a few Doritos found homes as well, and that's huge.

Thanks y'all, really. Because of you, I feel like pure ass today. It means so much.

How to Change the World

Here's my best advice:

The people who truly change the world have the following mindset: They don't just accept things for the way they are. They don't just wish things were better. They look at each situation, and ask, "How can I change this for the better... given the existing limitations?" And BAM-- the world is suddenly more awesome.

This represents my core view of change... and the thought process behind each of my decisions and actions.

Basically, I look at life as a series of obstacles... a unique set of challenges that can either be:
accepted for what they are,
wished away for what they're not,
or changed into what they should be.

The third option requires the most work, as well as the right mindset, proper strategy, and most importantly... action.

But, we live in a world of complacency... mixed with a controlled desire for things to be different. Thus, our society often lacks the motivation to take any credible action toward change.

And, therein lies the problem. Accepting injustice only breeds more injustice. Wishing for change only brings less change.  

There's no question that the world is full of barriers and limitations. In the short-term, certain conditions exist... whether you like them or not. Sometimes, the laws are the problem. Sometimes, it's the people, or the finances, or the environment. You may want to change these things... but, as far as today--right now--goes... you aren't moving that mountain before dark.

So, instead, many people just accept these stumbling blocks as concrete walls, claiming, "It is what it is. Why try? I can't change it." 

And trust me on this: if you believe that you can't change something... you won't.

Other people wish. They wish that things could be different... they hope... they pray... that maybe--someday, somehow--the world will be a better place. Maybe things will magically change without the need to take action, or maybe someone else will do something about it...

Maybe someone else will save all the pets in the animal shelters. Maybe someone else will foster that dog. Maybe someone else will donate to charities. Maybe someone else will adopt a pet. Maybe someone else will volunteer for the dog rescue. Maybe someone else will change the laws. Maybe someone else will end the killing. Maybe someone... anyone... but me.

 If enough of those narrow-minded thinkers get together... nothing will ever change for the better. Nothing.

Change only occurs with action-- the right action, driven by the right plan, made at the right time. Anyone who has ever changed anything understands this. If you've never truly changed the world, even in some small way, re-read that sentence. Then, go out and do something about it.

In the short-term, change requires a realistic approach... taking action, based on the unlimited possibilities within the limited circumstances. Essentially, you're thinking outside-the-box... while staying inside-the-box.

In the long-term, the "box" becomes irrelevant... because the unlimited possibilities can be leveraged to "un-limit" the circumstances.

This is where the world really changes--forever. Think big. Think different. Think no-kill.

Short-term changes lead to long-term changes. Small differences lead to big differences. But here's the best part: anyone can contribute. Everyone can do something. Never ever say that you can't change the world. You can.

And when you do... BAM-- the world is suddenly more awesome.

*If you'd like to help animal shelters, adopt a pet, or volunteer for Lucky Dog Rescue, send me an email: luckydogrescueblog@gmail.com. 

**If you'd like to donate to charities, I've got one here for ya! 

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!

Helping Others

Last year, my friend, Katie Autry, gave me a special birthday gift… a card filled with the life-saving donations from those willing to donate to charities. But within that gift, I also found a world of thought, time, and effort... love, goodwill, and empathy. And, most of all… hope.

I’ll never forget how I felt that day: the overwhelming sense of gratitude, the warmth of understanding, the power of compassion, and the many possibilities of hope.

In the year since, I’ve tried to share that incredible feeling with as many people and animals as possible. On my birthday last year, I wrote the following goals on a piece of paper:

This year, every chance I get, I will do these things:  give back, pay it forward, and inspire change.

And so, in addition to dog rescue, I’ve been able to help a lot of people this year… some truly amazing people. People who give far more than they ever take, and receive far less than they really deserve.

When I look at the people I’ve helped the most, I realize that none of these people ever asked for my help… and most of them never saw it coming. That was the most rewarding part for me, because without their knowledge or request, I was able to plant seeds of hope for each of these people… seeds that would sprout as inspiration, and bloom into the change I wish to see in the world. It’s been incredible to witness.

I’d like to honor a couple of the amazing people I’ve had the privilege of working with this past year... and thank them for helping me accomplish my goals for age 26: give back, pay it forward, and inspire change…

Give Back: ARF of MS & Pippa Jackson

I often write about Pippa Jackson of the wonderful animal shelter, Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) of MS, because she’s an incredible friend, animal rescue advocate, and human being. When it comes to people who inspire me, Pippa is at the very top of my list. She gives everything of herself and takes nothing in return. And honestly, she makes the world a better place, just by being in it. 

Yet… I watch her constantly struggle beneath the weight of a world that doesn’t always appreciate the beauty and rarity of a Pippa Jackson. A world that expects of her, takes from her, and tries to break her spirit. Despite this, Pippa has always been there for me. Always. But, I never really felt like I was able to give back at the level she deserved.

Then, a couple of months ago, I got that opportunity… my chance to say “Thank you for all that you do.”  Due to a county breed ban, Pippa was forced to find immediate placement for 6 Pit Bulls at her animal shelter, which is no easy task for any animal rescue. She called me… not for help, but for friendship and understanding in her time of despair.

That’s when I finally got the chance to give back the hope she’s given to me so many times. I offered to take all 6 Pit Bulls at Lucky Dog Rescue… to remove the entire burden from her shoulders at once. For me, that act was nothing compared to all of the incredible work Pippa does for this world. But for her, it was everything.

*ARF of MS is in desperate need of donations. Please donate to this amazing shelter! 

Pay It Forward: Stacey Mae & Maria Mandel

Few humans or dogs have ever inspired me quite like Maria Mandel & her dog Stacey Mae. A few months ago, I found Stacey Mae’s facebook page and learned of her mission. I was so moved by her incredible work in nursing homes and children’s hospitals, and I wanted to help.

I asked Maria if I could feature Stacey Mae’s mission on my blog, and I started promoting Stacey Mae on all of my facebook pages… encouraging more people to support her incredible work.

At that time, Stacey Mae’s page had 1,800 Likes. Today, Stacey Mae has 11,717 fans.

In addition, through my desire to help Stacey’s love reach even more people in need, I promoted Stacey Mae’s Teddy Bear Project. For the summer project, Maria set a goal of 100 bears. To date, she has received 1,237 teddy bears for delivery to children’s hospitals and nursing homes.

And so, by paying it forward, more than 1,000 additional people were touched by Stacey Mae’s love in their time of need. Unreal.

Thank you, Maria and Stacey Mae, for making this a world that I’m proud to live in.

Inspire Change: Save the Animal Kisses & Arianna

A couple months back, I received a very touching message from the father of a 13-year-old girl named Arianna. Arianna had been so inspired by my blog that she’d started an organization called Save the Animal Kisses (SWAK), in order to raise funds to donate to charities.

Arianna's dad sent me a link to the SWAK website and fan page, and said: “If you don’t mind, it would really mean the world to Arianna if you would Like her page. You’re her inspiration.”

I was beyond touched, so I quickly checked out her website and Liked her facebook page. Then, I looked over at the number of Likes: 19 fans. With a mischievous grin on my face, I developed the following goal: Get Arianna to 100 Likes by the time she gets out of school today.

It doesn’t sound like much, but I knew what that simple act could do for the confidence of a 13-year-old girl with a dream of saving the world. I was once that little girl… and I wanted Arianna to know that anything is possible when you believe.

Well, my plan backfired, because Save the Animal Kisses had 100 Likes within the first 20 minutes. By the end of the school day, Arianna came home to find 1,000 Likes on her SWAK page, with messages from around the world.

I later received the most touching follow-up message from Arianna’s dad, followed by a hand-written thank you note from Arianna. Her letter said:

Ashley, Thank you for what you did for me! I couldn’t even believe it! That was the coolest thing that has ever happened to me! From the first time I found your blog, I decided that I want to be just like you when I grow up. You help so many animals, and you even help girls like me too! That makes you so cool to me! If YOU think I can change the world, then I think I can too. You made my wish come true, Ashley! Thank you! Love, Arianna

That was on March 31, 2011. Today, Save the Animal Kisses has nearly 3,500 Likes, and Arianna has been able to sell many items to help “save the animal kisses.”

In addition, Arianna and I became close buddies, and a couple of text messages from Arianna led me to a conversation with her parents about fostering a dog. So, I was thrilled when they recently made the decision to become a foster home for animal shelter pets, and I helped them with the pet adoption of their first foster baby.

It was truly amazing to play a part in making Arianna's dreams come true. Inspiring change in one young girl will lead to a lifetime of saved animal kisses. Arianna, as always, I'm so proud of you.

*Please lend your support to these incredible people/groups by Liking their facebook pages, visiting their websites, and giving to their causes.

**My newest "Pay It Forward" project is for my friends at Find Pet Friendly Hotels. PLEASE LIKE their facebook page & use the mobile app anytime you need to find a pet friendly hotel for travel!!!