Until Next Time...

I've decided to take a break from writing for a little while. 

In the last year, this blog has completely changed my life. I've poured my heart into each and every post... and as a result, I've been able to connect with so many amazing people. I've shared tears with you. I've shared laughs with you. I've shared my life with you.

It's been nothing short of incredible.

While I'm not quite sure how long my "writing hiatus" will last, I'm positive that it won't last forever. I could "break" for just a few days... or maybe weeks or months. Tonight, I really don't know.

But here's what I do know: the next time I feel compelled to write something... I'll know it... and then, you'll know it. Because I promise to share it with you.

Until then... I'm sure I'll miss this dinky-ole blog like crazy. And of course, I'll miss all of you.

Until next time...
-Ash

*In the meantime, I'll still be running Lucky Dog Rescue, which relies on donations. Please don't forget about my Lucky Dogs while I'm "gone."

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE

My Grandparents

My grandparents

I wouldn't be the person I am today... if not for my incredible family. I was blessed with 2 amazing parents, who each had 2 amazing parents of their own... also known as my grandparents.

These are the people who built the foundation. These are the people who helped me grow into the "me" you all know today. These are the people who've loved and supported me every single day of my life.

But yesterday... my world was shaken.

On their way to Christmas dinner, my dad's parents --my Gran and Granddad-- were in a terrible car accident. When another car pulled out in front of them, my grandparents' car was sent rolling through the woods. Later, they had to be cut-out of the car... which was wrapped around a tree.

The rest of my family spent Christmas day at the hospital... just waiting to hear something. Today, my grandparents are still in ICU.

But as you already know, I was here at Lucky Dog, working on Christmas day. And since my grandparents live more than 4 hours away from me... I wasn't able to be there with my family.

For most of the day, I was paralyzed by fear and helplessness. I worked; I cried; I paced; I cried; then I worked, paced, and cried some more. My heart was truly broken... because I couldn't be there for the people who have always been there for me.

My granddad and I

So, today, I thought I'd write a special post about my grandparents... who are two of the most inspiring, wonderful people I've ever known.

In their hometown, my grandparents are nothing-short of local celebrities. My grandfather, Coach Owen, is admired by every single person he's ever taught, coached, or even met. In the high school gym, there's a large mural on the wall... of my grandfather. A few years ago, his former players compiled a book of letters and sentiments for him called The Tom Owen Story, which included some special words written about my granddad by his friend, Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. And the town even dedicated a day to him: Tom Owen Day.

My Gran and I

My grandmother has been named "Woman of the Year" in their town. In the many years she worked as an elementary school teacher, she managed to inspire every student she ever taught. My Gran also volunteers for several different charitable causes, like Meals on Wheels. This woman never meets a stranger, and honestly, she seems to know every person in town.

My grandparents have always been special to me, but I guess I never realized just how many others felt the same about them... until I went to college at the University of Alabama. When I'd meet someone from my grandparents' hometown, they'd excitedly say, "Hold on... you mean to tell me that you're Coach Owen's granddaughter?! Mrs. Owen is your grandmother?! No way!!! Are you serious?!!"

Apparently, that info alone made me insanely cool to these people.

A dress Gran bought me

But in the eyes of my grandparents... I'm the one who hung the moon. I was their first grandchild, and I was the first little girl in the family. To them, I'm pretty much the best thing ever.

My grandmother couldn't wait to buy dresses for her first granddaughter... but as a kid, I was quite the tomboy... who wanted nothing to do with her frilly gifts. I'm also pretty sure that I was a total pain-in-the-ass... at least 70% of the time.

But honestly, to my grandparents, none of that really mattered. I was their Ashley-Cakes, and to them, I've always been perfect.

I've been so blessed to have such wonderful grandparents in my life. Since the day I was born, I've had amazing role models; I've had advisors; I've had coaches; I've had cheerleaders.

I have a family who would do anything for me. I have a family who's done everything possible to grant my wishes... to encourage my dreams... to support my decisions. I have a family who loves me no matter what I do... or don't do. I have a family who has been there for me... every single day of my life.

Yesterday, I nearly lost two of them. On Christmas day, two of the most important people in my life were almost taken from me.

And suddenly, I had just one Christmas wish... for God: Please don't take my family.

I guess He heard me. They're still here.

I love you, Gran and Granddad. I'm so sorry that you're hurting... I'm so sorry that I can't be there with you. I'm thinking of you every second and praying you'll both be okay.

Thank you for everything you've done --and continue to do-- for me. Please stick around for many more years. I need you.
Love,
Ash

If anyone would like to donate in honor of my grandparents, please click the link below:
http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html

A Letter to my Family

A letter to my family

Dear Mom & Dad,

I'm so sorry I couldn't be with you today. It's not because I didn't want to spend Christmas with my family. I did... more than anything... and I miss you very much.

I hope you understand why I'm not there today. I hope you understand why you didn't see me much this year. I hope you understand why I couldn't be with you... on Christmas day, or Thanksgiving day, or my birthday, or either of your birthdays.

It's not because I don't love you. It's not because I don't need you. It's not because I don't care.

I did it... for them. 

I hope you understand why I'm always working. I hope you can appreciate the importance of my job. I hope you can at least feel comforted... by my love for what I do.

Honestly, I don't do it for me. I do it for them.

Mom- I know that your heart is broken today, as you spend Christmas without your daughter. I know how much you want me there... I know how much it means to you. I know that you'll have to go through this day... just trying not to cry. I know that you'll pretend to be okay, even though you're not. I know that your only wish today... is to have me there to share it with you. And I know that... in any joyful family moment today, you'll stop and think, "I wish Ashley were here." I know that I won't be there. 

I'm so sorry, Mom. 

Dad- I know that you understand my responsibilities, but obviously... you still miss me. I know it's been so hard for you... to watch your daughter struggle, despite how hard I work. I know that you'd do everything in your power... just to lighten my load... just to see me more. I know that you're just waiting... for the day when I get to take a break and come visit. I know how much it hurts you... when that day never comes. And I know that our family isn't complete today --and most days-- because I'm not there. 

I'm so sorry, Dad. 

I realize that I'm not the only one who's had to sacrifice here. With each of my personal sacrifices... you've both been forced to sacrifice as well. You've had to sacrifice your time with me. You've had to sacrifice your weekends with me, trips with me, and holiday dinners with me. You've had to sacrifice... your daughter.  

But I also know... that you'd sacrifice everything --a million times over... just to see me smile. 

I know how incredibly lucky I am... to have 2 parents who would do anything for me. I know how much you want to help me... and I know just how helpless it makes you feel when I ask you not to.

It's not because I don't appreciate your offers. It's not because I don't want your help. It's not because I don't need you.

It's only because... quite honestly... you've done more than enough for me... all my life.

And even as I say things like, "I hope you understand" ... I already know in my heart... that you do understand. You do get it. You do support me. You're beyond proud of me.

Even still... I know that it's hard... to constantly miss your daughter. To always worry about me. To always make wishes for me... and have them not come true.

But no matter what, I want you to know... that I'm okay. I promise you I am. You don't have to worry so much.

And more than anything... today, I want to say thank you. Thank you for understanding me. Thank you for encouraging me. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for loving me through it all.

Thank you for teaching me responsibility. Thank you for showing me compassion. Thank you for helping me each and every time I need you. Thank you for guiding me through my journey.

And thank you... for the unconditional love I've known... every single day of my life. 

Because of my sacrifices --and your sacrifices-- I'm able to make a difference in this world. And because I do without --and you do without-- my dogs don't have to. From the bottom of my heart and their's... thank you, Mom and Dad. 

While I can't physically be with you today... or most days... my heart is always there. I'm always thinking of you, missing you, and loving you. I'm always with you... always, always, and forever.

And no matter where life takes me... there will never come a day when I don't need you. Because no matter how old I get... I will always be your little girl.

Merry Christmas, Mom & Dad. I love you.
-Ash

Their Only Christmas Wish

Christmas is just 3 days away. As many of you prepare to spend the holiday with your loved ones, I'd like to give a voice to my loved ones... to the millions of homeless animals in this country... who may not have anyone to love them this Christmas... if not for you. 

For shelter pets, Christmas is just another day. Obviously, dogs and cats can't understand why this particular day is significant to so many people... because the day itself isn't what's important to them.

Yet... these shelter dogs (and cats) still have needs on Christmas day... and New Year's day... and every other day of the year. To them, there's no such thing as a "holiday." 

While the rest of the world takes a break for the holidays, these animals don't get a "break." Regardless of the time of year... every single pet, in every single animal shelter, still needs food, water, walks, and love... every single day of the year. 

But... if everyone else is busy with family, who takes care of these animals on the holidays?

Well, for the luckiest shelter pets, a special someone offers to sacrifice their own holiday... for them. Someone offers to sacrifice time with their own family... for them. Someone offers to sacrifice their own needs and desires... for them.

Someone... like me.

This someone... is usually the someone... who needs a holiday break more than anyone. This someone is usually the someone... who rarely gets to see their family. This someone is usually the someone... who denies their own needs, over-and-over-and-over again... for others.  

And this someone... the someone who sacrifices so much... is also the someone who never even complains about it...

And because of that someone... the luckiest shelter pets are fed, walked, and loved every single day of the year --including holidays... without question. 

But honestly... those are the lucky dogs...

In many shelters, one person is left to work on holidays-- alone. That someone is expected to do the jobs of many other people... without help. And because that person has no additional help, many of those shelter animals... just have to do without...  

Maybe the shelter is hoping that volunteers will show that day, to lend a helping hand... but in reality, that's rarely the case. Volunteers are usually non-existent on those days...

And so... on holidays, many shelter dogs don't get that much-needed walk. Many shelter dogs don't receive that desperately-desired special attention. On those days... many shelter dogs... don't even get noticed. 

On holidays, many shelter pets wait in a cage. They wait for their favorite volunteer to arrive... to take them for their special walk. But these dogs just can't understand... why no one will come for them today. And so... they wait.

They wait for someone to notice them... an employee, a volunteer, or an adopter. But that day, no one is there for them. They won't get to be special today. And so... they wait.

They wait for the touch of a caring hand. They wait for a comforting smile. They wait... for their chance to smile, too. But those pets must keep waiting... because today is not their day.

As each of you spends time with your families this holiday season... please remember that millions of homeless animals are not so lucky. Please remember that not everyone gets to go home for the holidays. Please remember that not everyone has someone to love them that day.

And please... if you can, use the time with your family this holiday... to volunteer at your local animal shelter. Please approach that over-worked shelter employee... as they work alone on Christmas day... and thank them for sacrificing their holiday for these animals. Please say, "We're here to help you."

And please... take the time to approach each shelter cage... to give love to a dog who didn't expect anyone to care about them that day, and say, "You are not alone. Merry Christmas." 

*If you can't volunteer this holiday season, you can still help! PLEASE DONATE! Any donation at all would make a huge difference for so many deserving animals!

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!

My Only Christmas Wish

Please help Chance

*I'm begging everyone to PLEASE READ & SHARE!

Before Thanksgiving, I wrote a post titled "I Need Your Help." In that post, I described the stressful, heartbreaking dilemma I face every holiday... when I'm forced to choose between my rescue dogs' needs and my ability to pay the Lucky Dog bills.

Then... at the end of that post, I asked for your help.

I'm so incredibly thankful to each and every person who stepped up to help. If only you could know what it meant to me... and most of all, to my dogs. I'll never find the words to fully describe my gratitude. "Thank you" is all I have. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

However... while I wish the problem was entirely solved... that's just not the case. Let me explain...

You see... the boarding income from Thanksgiving week only covered the Lucky Dog bills for November. December is a whole new month... with a new set of struggles.

The Christmas holidays (including New Year's) represent the busiest time of year for travel... and obviously, dog boarding. Therefore, I depend on that holiday income to help cover the bills for December... and also for January, which is the slowest month of the year for boarding... and the toughest month for me to pay the bills here.

Now... let me just say this: my dog boarding business, Lucky Dog Retreat, is an extremely successful business. With the number of boarding clients I have, I could easily fill every kennel space --and then some-- with paying clients' dogs... and never have to worry about my bills.

Please help Pinky

However, I donate more than half of my business facility to Lucky Dog Rescue... allowing the rescue dogs to live here for free. And that's why... most of the year... I struggle.

Because... when my rescue babies have nowhere else to go, I'm forced to turn-away the many paying clients who request my services... for the sake of my rescue dogs.

In doing so... I reject the much-needed income that allows me to pay the bills here. And again, if I can't cover the Lucky Dog bills... then my Lucky Dogs will have nowhere to go...

I've sacrificed everything, in order to care for my rescue babies. I own and operate a very successful business... but from a financial standpoint, I'm dirt-poor. Because nearly all of my income goes to those rescue dogs. And despite the fact that I work every single day... there are many months of the year, when I pay myself nothing.

Of course, these are things I choose to do... things I want to do... for them. So... that's why... I'm asking for your help again. And yes, I'm begging. But I'm not begging for me. I'm begging for them. 

This is my only Christmas wish...

Here's what I need:
My boarding rate is $20 per day.
Cost to board one dog for 5 days: $100
Cost to board one dog for 7 days: $140
Cost to board one dog for 14 days: $280

Somehow, someway... I need to cover the cost of 25 rescue dogs for the next 14 days. That's $7,000 total. 


Please help Wonder

 And without help, that's the amount of income I'll be forced to turn away.That's $7,000 worth of bills that I cannot pay here.

Honestly, any donation at all would do so much. If you can spare anything... $5, $10, $20... it will make a huge difference. Even if it seems like nothing to you... it would mean everything to me. To them.

Please... I'm begging you... please help me help my rescue babies. It's my only Christmas wish.

*PLEASE SHARE THIS POST!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

Make checks payable to:

Lucky Dog Rescue

P.O. Box 3224

Meridian, MS 39303

Paypal email: luckydogrescueblog@gmail.com