Thank You!

It's hard for me to admit when I'm struggling. Sometimes, it's just tough for me to say the words, "I need help." And most of the time, I'll gladly deny my own needs... just to help someone else get what they need.

Yesterday, I finally mustered the courage to say, "I'm struggling, and I need help." I was drowning, and I asked for a lifeline. I asked if each of you could toss me something, anything, to help me stay afloat.

I put out my plea to a group of people --who, quite honestly-- owed me nothing. And out of sheer desperation, I begged for your help. 

That was really hard for me, because I rarely ask for the help I so desperately need. I'd just rather give to someone else instead. Ask anyone who knows me, and they'll tell you... that's just the way I am. And I'm sure it makes me eligible for all kinds of counseling.

So, through my tears, I wrote a post from my heart. I felt hopeless, helpless, and desperate. I also felt ashamed, to finally say the words: "I'm struggling to pay my bills." But more than anything, a big part of me felt like I'd failed my rescue dogs.

But regardless of how I felt, I needed help, and I asked for it. I shared my post, hoped for the best, and then got back to work.

And when I finally returned to the computer... I was absolutely speechless.

My facebook home page was filled with one thing: shares of my post. I saw so many pleas for help, all written on my behalf: "Please help Ashley. She needs us." Posted by friends, strangers, and fan pages, large and small.

I saw so many comments... amazing comments, heartwarming comments... about me and the work that I do. In these posts, I read the words "hero," "role model," and "inspirational." I saw requests for donations, fosters, and volunteers... for me. I saw support, encouragement, and most of all, hope.

Honestly, with or without donations, the response alone would've been enough for me. I'd never feel deserving of that level of kindness, but it was truly incredible... just to know that so many people cared. And while the simple act of sharing my post may have seemed small, even insignificant, to you... I want you to know that it meant everything to me.

But... that was only the beginning...

In my post, I asked the following question: Would you be willing to sponsor at least one of my rescue dogs for the week, so I don't have to choose between my bills and their needs?

Here was the answer I received, over and over again: "You shouldn't have to choose. I just donated so you don't have to."

The day began with tears of sadness, uncertainty, and despair. The rest of the day was filled with tears of joy, relief, and the sincerest form of gratitude. Today... I feel alive again.

And because of YOU... I reached my goal. I can pay my bills and keep my rescue babies safe for another month. I'm speechless. It's just the most incredible gift I've ever received.

I wish I could find the words to say just how much your generosity means to me. I wish I could truly express the gratitude in my heart for what you've done for me and my special dogs. I wish you could know exactly what you did for me yesterday.

In all my life, I've never felt so touched, or humbled, or grateful. Words just aren't enough... but here's my best attempt to explain how you made me feel:

I rescue dogs for a living. I save them; I give them hope. I choose to do without, so that they don't have to. When they need me, I'm always there.

Yesterday, I became a rescue dog. Yesterday, I knew exactly how my pups must feel. Because yesterday, I was rescued... by all of you.

I asked for help, and you helped me. You owed me nothing, but you gave to me anyway. From the bottom of my heart... thank you. You just can't know what you've done for me. You just can't know how much I needed you. You just can't know how much I appreciate you.

This Thanksgiving, when asked what I'm most thankful for, the answer will be easy. I'm thankful... for you. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*I'll still face this same problem at Christmas and New Year's. So if you didn't get a chance to donate yesterday, you can pay-it-forward for next month! It's still VERY needed and appreciated!

CLICK TO SPONSOR A LUCKY DOG FOR CHRISTMAS!

I Need Your Help

Noah & I need your help

I hate begging for help... but right now, I don't have much choice. I need your help, and yes... I'm begging for it.

I own a dog boarding business, Lucky Dog Retreat, and I donate more than half of my business facility (and nearly all of my income) to Lucky Dog Rescue. The income from boarding allows my rescue pups to live here for free.

Boarding is a seasonal business, and I depend on the busy weeks/months to give me any chance at all of paying my bills. Obviously, the holidays are the busiest time for travel... and dog boarding. Well... Thanksgiving is next week, and that's why I need you.

I'll disregard my pride and just be blatantly honest right now: the last few months, I've been struggling... really struggling, to pay the bills here. Fall is one of the slowest times of the year for boarding, and some days... many days, the tears flow... because I just don't know how I'm going to make it. 

But even when I have no paying clients, the bills are still there... and so are my rescue dogs. Therefore, I still have to work every day, 7 days a week, without pay... and without much hope that I'll be able to get by.

Freddy & Pepsi need your help

So, here's the deal: Thanksgiving week is one of my busiest weeks all year, and honestly, next week is my only shot at covering my bills this month. But in order to do that, every kennel space needs to be available for boarding business. And yet... more than half of those kennels are currently occupied by my rescue babies.

I've been begging for temporary fosters, in order to open up my kennel spaces for paying clients next week. I've had one foster offer. That's sad, and I won't lie... it hurts. A lot.

But with or without foster help, I'd never abandon my rescue dogs, which leaves only one option: turning away the income from clients, and rejecting any chance of paying my bills.

Let's just be real honest: if I can't pay the bills here... then eventually, my rescue dogs won't have anywhere to go. I cannot allow that to happen... but I need your help to make sure that it doesn't.

Right now, I'm going to do something that I truly hate doing: I'm going to beg. I'm begging each of you to help me keep the roof over my babies' precious little heads. I'm begging you to help them stay in their home. I'm begging you to help me ensure their futures.

Here's my request: Would you be willing to sponsor at least one of my rescue dogs for the week of Thanksgiving, so I don't have to choose between my bills and their needs? Would you be willing to help them stay "home" with me for the holiday? Would you be willing to give anything at all to my deserving little angels?

My boarding rate is $20 per day.
It's $140 to board one dog for 7 days.
It's $100 to board one dog for 5 days.
But any amount at all would be such an appreciated relief for me and my dogs.

Somehow, some way, I need to receive enough funding to board at least 25 rescue dogs here, for at least 7 days. And fast. That's $3500 total. And at the moment, tears are streaming down my face, because it just seems impossible.

But maybe... just maybe... you'll prove me wrong. I'm begging you. Please donate what you can, if you can, and PLEASE SHARE THIS POST!

Toby needs your help.

PLEASE SPONSOR A LUCKY DOG FOR THANKSGIVING:

OR

Donate Options

Option 1 : $10.00USD - monthly Option 2 : $25.00USD - monthly Option 3 : $50.00USD - monthly Option 4 : $100.00USD - monthly

Lucky Dog Rescue Paypal email:
luckydogrescueblog@gmail.com

Make checks payable to:

Lucky Dog Rescue

P.O. Box 3224

Meridian, MS 39303

Guarding Dogs - The Documentary

J.R. Fleming & I

A few months ago, I received an email from J.R. Fleming, the producer/director of an upcoming film project: Guarding Dogs-The Documentary. He asked if I'd be willing to give my input on the project, and I responded, "Of course!" So, we scheduled a time to chat about it.

In talking to J.R., I could hear his genuine desire to make a difference for the millions of deserving rescue dogs in this country, and I was really touched that he wanted to use his talent and passion for filmmaking to bring awareness to this cause.

He explained the basic premise of the film: Guarding Dogs is an upcoming documentary film that strives to raise awareness of all of the wonderful dogs that are waiting to find their forever homes, and the rescuers who devote their time and energy to reaching that goal. It is the film's mission to not only emphasize the importance of rescue and adoption, but to also influence the way people think about animal companionship; not as an owner/property relationship but rather as a guardian/companion dynamic that encourages respect, and reduces abuse and neglect.

I loved it! Then, he asked me to share my own input regarding the direction of the film. So, I was open, honest, and candid... giving as many thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the project as he was willing to hear. It was really cool, because he not only listened to everything I had to say, but he truly valued my input.

That first conversation with J.R. gave me a lot of hope for the future of my cause. I was so excited about the potential impact that a much-needed film like this could have, and I was truly honored to have the opportunity to provide any input at all on the project.

I just wanted to do everything I possibly could to help make this film happen, and to make it everything it could be. I never expected to be included in the film itself; I was just honored to be involved in the brainstorming process.

Over time, we continued to talk about the project. But then... one day... I got the call of a lifetime.

J.R. wanted to feature Lucky Dog Rescue, and me, in Guarding Dogs-The Documentary. And if it was okay with me, he wanted to come to Meridian, Mississippi to begin filming in November.

What?! Are you serious?? Me?! Umm... that's more than okay! That's amazing!!! Wow!!!!!

I was speechless. I was just so honored to be asked to be part of this amazing project. I was touched beyond words. "Thank you" was all I could muster... but it seemed like such a lame, insignificant way to express my gratitude for this opportunity.

Talk about adding 10 lbs with that jacket of mine

So, this week, J.R. came to Mississippi, to film me here at Lucky Dog Rescue.... giving me the chance to tell my story... my dogs' stories... and to share my life in a way I never dreamed possible.

Now, I should say this: I wasn't excited that a camera would be here to film me. Honestly, just the thought of myself on camera made me so unbelievably freaking nervous. But for me, any form of creation --whether it's writing about my work, or filming it-- is never about the recognition.

It's about the potential impact of that creation. It's about reaching new people... with the opportunity to influence their thoughts, decisions, and actions... in ways you could never do otherwise.

So... if putting my (very-nervous, most-likely-awkward, 10-pounds-added-by-the-camera) face on film allows me to share my experiences... and if my words could potentially have any impact on the future of my cause, then I'm all in. I can get over the nerves, the awkward feelings, and the 10-additional-pounds... to save lives.

So, for now, Guarding Dogs-The Documentary at Lucky Dog Rescue is a wrap. But they'll be back here soon, to wrap-up filming and the project.

This film has the potential to change things for the better, and I just have to believe that these important changes can be made. So, my greatest hope is that some of those very changes...will be made.

No matter what, it isn't impossible. And honestly... that's all I need to know.

Do me a favor! Please support this amazing project!

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LIKE Guarding Dogs-The Documentary on facebook!

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!

Silent White

Certain breeds aren't meant to be white. However, many people desire the look of an all-white or mostly-white dog.

But what happens when the must-have breed... doesn't come in white?

Well, in order to accommodate those buyers, some breeders choose to make their "supply" decisions based solely on demand, while disregarding health and responsibility.

Why do health and responsibility come into play? Because irresponsible breeding practices (such as inbreeding) can lead to severe health problems, for both the canine parents and their offspring. Example: for certain breeds, white offspring are more likely to be deaf and/or blind.

Why so? In an attempt to avoid the boredom factor, here's a quick overview: Piebald genes are the pigmentation genes that determine a dog's coat color. For affected breeds, a predominantly-white coat color increases the risk of hereditary deafness. That risk is even higher for dogs with little pigmentation around the face area (which is often the look that's desired by breeders and buyers of white dogs.)

These affected breeds aren't necessarily meant to be white... they're bred to be white. So, in simple terms, their white appearance is often acquired through genetic defects, which can lead to health issues such as deafness, blindness, skin allergies, etc. (This is the case for affected breeds, not all breeds.)

But let's be honest... do most buyers want to purchase a deaf or blind dog? Well, no. Do most buyers even realize that they're buying a deaf or blind puppy upon purchase? Of course not. Sooo... what happens next? Well, that's where the heartbreak comes in...

When someone doesn't know that their dog is deaf, they'll often wrongfully accuse that dog of mischief... because the puppy "doesn't listen." And before the owner realizes that the problem is actually deafness --not misbehavior-- many of these dogs are punished for their "misbehavior" with beatings and abuse.

But sooner or later, the owner will realize that their new puppy is deaf, blind, or unhealthy. Once that happens, the dog is often dumped at an animal shelter.

Deaf puppies don't last long in shelters. Their disability is what got them there, and that's what'll keep them there. And more often than not, that's the reason they'll be killed there.

Unless... they're a Lucky Dog...

Tucker & Diamond

Meet Tucker

This past summer, Tucker survived the devastating F5 tornado that swept through the city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After enduring the terrifying, traumatic storm --and miraculously, surviving the ordeal-- he ended up in the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter.

The shelter quickly fell in love with Tucker's adorable face, ears, and personality. But regardless... from an adoption standpoint, Tucker already had 3 strikes against him. Tucker is a Pit Bull. Strike one. Tucker is a very large dog. Strike two. Tucker has special needs; he is deaf. Strike three.

When I called the shelter after the storm, I asked them to send me the dogs that no one else would take. And for obvious reasons, Tucker was on the list.

Tucker had lived a very "unlucky" life. Irresponsible breeding brought him into a world without sound. Later, a horrifying tornado almost ended his life. Then, a tragedy-stricken shelter became his final option.

Until... he came to me. That's when Tucker became a Lucky Dog.

Tucker is one of the most handsome, loving, loyal boys I know. He has the most adorable spotted ears --one floppy, one standing at-attention. And his athletic physique would make any of my guy friends way-jealous.

Obviously, Tucker is deaf. But Tucker doesn't listen with his ears... he listens with his heart. Maybe he doesn't know the sound of my voice. Maybe he doesn't even know his own name. But when I call him, he comes running every time. Not because he hears my voice... but because he feels my love.

Meet Diamond

Diamond was dumped in an animal shelter in Andalusia, Alabama. Just like Tucker, she had the same three strikes against her: Pit Bull. Large. Deaf.

The shelter workers fell in love with Diamond's adorable little face, her fun spirit, and her loving nature. But of course, none of the adopters ever looked Diamond's way.

For months, that shelter was Diamond's home, and for the first time in her life, she had food, warmth, and love. Finally, she felt safe.

But Diamond wasn't safe. The shelter was filling quickly, with no potential adopters for Diamond. So, in an attempt to give her one last shot at life and love, the shelter director, Christin Ball, placed Diamond on Pet Pardons.  

Christin is a friend of mine, so I knew just how much Diamond meant to her. I also knew that she'd had no offers of help, and time was out. 

So... I made the decision to take Diamond. What I didn't realize... was that I made that decision... on Christin's birthday. So, with a little mischief and a lot of love, I sent her the following message: "I couldn't afford to buy you a present, so I'm saving Diamond instead. Happy Birthday, Christin.Your wish came true."

Diamond is so special... I could immediately see why the shelter workers loved her so much. She's so eager to please, and so proud of herself when she does something good. I'm proud of her, too.

Diamond and I communicate through hand signals and positive reinforcement. But mostly, we communicate through love. And trust me... there isn't a word of it she doesn't hear with her heart.

Tucker & Diamond are both fully-vetted & ready for adoption with Lucky Dog Rescue in Meridian, Mississippi (transport can be arranged to amazing adopters).

Click to fill out Adoption Application for Tucker or Diamond: http://www.petpardons.com/adoption 

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE! 

Alone

No one wants to feel alone.

But regardless... at some point, we've all been there.

"Alone" means different things to different people. It's not just about the absence of physical companionship and social interactions-- not even close. "Alone" can exist in a crowded room, or a busy office building, or a jam-packed house. "Alone" can exist... within your heart.

But how is it possible for someone to feel alone... while surrounded by so many people?

At the core of each of us, there's the basic need for understanding... the desire to feel understood by, and connected to, others. The absence of understanding leads to feelings of loneliness, rejection, and despair.

But why is it so important for us to feel understood?

Because within understanding... we find these words: "You are not alone."  And I don't care who you are... you need to hear those words. No matter how strong, how confident, or how independent you may be... every single person needs to hear or feel that statement at least once in their lives.

And without it, we hear the following message loud and clear: "You ARE alone."

When it comes down to it, we all just want our feelings to be heard, respected, and validated. This allows us to feel connected, valued, and understood. And that allows us to feel loved.

Without understanding, we begin to feel disconnected from those around us. Without empathy, we begin to feel abandoned and isolated. Without compassion, support, and encouragement, our inner monologue begins to reflect our deepest, darkest fears: "No one understands me. No one cares about me. I must be crazy. I must deserve to be alone."

To everyone who has ever felt this way, I'm here to say: "You are not alone." I can promise you that someone, somewhere understands you. Someone cares about you. Someone wants to connect with you. Someone wants to love you through it...

Even if that someone --the only someone-- is a rescue dog.

Right now, you may feel desperate, heartbroken, and alone. You may feel like no one in the world could ever understand you. But at this very moment, there's a rescue dog sitting in an animal shelter... who knows exactly how you feel.

You may feel unworthy, rejected, and abandoned. There's a shelter dog who feels the same.

You may feel like no one --not one single person-- cares about your pain. There's a shelter dog who shares your fears.

And unlike any person in your life, that shelter dog will love you... more than he loves himself.

You don't have to feel so alone. Even if no one else has ever cared to be there for you, there's a shelter dog who's been waiting his entire life... just for you to show up. For a lifetime, he's been waiting for his chance to look at you, with eyes that say: "You are not alone."

And his only hope... is that one day, before he dies... you'll tell him the same.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!