Life has a funny way of guiding you to exactly where you're meant to be, even if the path is full of twists, turns, and obstacles. For me, it all started as a Ball State dropout, caught in the downward spiral of opiate addiction for years. My life was consumed by darkness until January 2018, when I overdosed. That moment was my rock bottom-- a wake-up call (figuratively and literally) that forced me to make the hardest decision I'd ever made: to change.

A Lifelong Dog Lover

Growing up in a family that adored dogs, I've always had a deep connection with them. Their loyalty and unconditional love resonated with me, but it wasn't until I started healing that I truly understood just how much dogs could help heal the broken parts of ourselves. Dogs, much like people, can carry the weight of past trauma, and it takes patience and understanding to help them heal.

A Fleetwood Mac CD and a Life-Changing Reminder

While I was coming out of active addiction, my grandpa sent me something I'll never forget-- an old CD player, headphones, a Fleetwood Mac CD, and a letter. In that letter, he told me to listen to a specific track. When I did, I cried. It was Fleetwood Mac's iconic song, "Don't Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow)". That song became a symbol of hope for me, a reminder that no matter what we've been through, tomorrow holds the potential for something better. I found my tomorrow in rescue work, and at Housin Hounds Animal Rescue, I have discovered my calling. 

Rescuing Dogs and Healing Together

Years after my overdose, I devoted myself to rescuing and rehabilitating with my own rescue dogs. Four of my own dogs came with a difficult past, much like mine. Their journeys to recovery were long, requiring patience, dedication, and love; things I was also learning to give myself. 

When I look at these dogs, I see myself in them. I see their fear, their confusion, and their uncertainty about what's next. I see the unhealed trauma that holds them back. And just like I needed someone to help me heal, these dogs need someone to guide them through their own pain and show them the way forward. For me, rescuing dogs has become more than just a passion; it's a reflection of my own journey toward healing. 

Blaze's Story: A Reminder to Never Give Up

One dog, in particular, has reminded me of my journey-- Blaze, a misunderstood Pitbull who has endured so much yet is still waiting for his second chance. I rescued Blaze after finding him tied up at an abandoned house, neglected, with an inconsistent supply of food and water (which led to his resource guarding). Earning his trust was easy but finding him a home has been one of the most challenging things I've ever done, but I refuse to give up on him, just like I refused to give up on myself.

I built Blaze an air-conditioned dog house, set up a secure dog run (by myself, mind you), and work tirelessly on his leash training, recall and handling his food. Despite being antagonized by my neighbor's husky, and having trouble trusting men, Blaze's progress has been a labor of love. While we've rehomed over 25 other dogs at Housin Hounds, Blaze is still waiting for that one special person to see the goodness in him. 

Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow

Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop" continues to be a guiding light in my life and rescue work. Every time I hear that song, it reminds me of the hope that exists for tomorrow, for both humans and dogs. Blaze, like so many rescue dogs, has been through unimaginable pain, but his tomorrow is out there. He just needs someone to believe in him and help him heal.

The Power of Rescue Work

Rescue dogs, like Blaze, aren't broken; they're survivors. They've faced trauma, just like people, but with patience and care, they can come out on the other side. Every rescue dog is a reminder to me that we all need a helping hand to heal the wounds of our past and look forward to a brighter tomorrow.

My hope is others can see these dogs for what they really are: resilient, hopeful, and capable of love. Just like us, they need someone to believe in them and guide them toward healing. 

Finding Purpose Through Rescue:

At Housin Hounds Animal Rescue, we give dogs the second chance they deserve, and in doing so, it's given me a purpose I never knew I was searching for. We all need a helping hand, whether we're recovering from addiction or from the trauma of being abandoned. My journey from addiction to finding purpose in animal rescue has given my life meaning. And just like I found healing, these dogs can too. 

Blaze's story is one of many, but he's a constant reminder of why I do what I do. If you're reading this, I hope you'll consider opening your heart to a rescue dog, sharing Blaze's story, or simply lending a hand to those who need it. Together, we can help them heal, and in doing so, we might just find healing ourselves.

For those of you out there feeling lost, I encourage you to "don't stop, thinking about tomorrow." There is always hope, always a new day, and always a chance to turn things around, whether it's for a person or a dog. <3

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Thanks for reading and joining me on this journey!