So I confirmed my travel arrangements today and I will be leaving the great state of Michigan on Feb 17th!!!!! It looks like My Pleasant to Omaha. Omaha to Denver. Denver to Kanab. Kanab to Vegas. Vegas to Kanab. But before I can actually leave I have this little thing called packing to do. As many of you know, I hate packing. a lot. I have to fit four years of life into one blazer with 3 cats and my best friend. This is going to be a challenge to say the least. However I am looking forward to packing light and starting my new life off living simply :)
Before I leave I not only need to pack up my life. I also need to see as many people as possible, adopt out as many dogs as possible, and locate a gps, bike rack, and computer. So if you know me and you are an important person in my life, you know if you are, lets make plans asap! If you know anyone looking for a female black lab who is blind in one eye send them my way. Her name is Trinity and she is the current love of my life. And if you are super nice and have a bike rack or gps that I could borrow lets be friends :) The computer search continues.... BUT I'M MOVING TO UTAH!!!! TO WORK AT BEST FRIENDS!!!!! WITH MY CATS!!!!!!! AND MOUNTAINS!!!! AND NO MORE EUTHANASIA!!! Does it get better than this?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Good News At Last!
SO as many of you know I LOVED my time in Utah and with Best Friends this past December and I have been waiting, very impatiently, to hear back from them. Last night Michelle Logan and I played phone tag for a while before actually connecting today.... AND IT WAS GREAT NEWS!!! I got the job!!!!! I am going to be working for Best Friends!!! In Dog Town!! Oreo and I will be Utah bound in a few short weeks. So hard to believe but such great news :)
I truly dont know how to feel right now. It is an intense mixture of excited/overwhelmed and sad/nervous. I mean when you are a kid the goal is always to reach for the stars. Then as an adult you do everything in your power to make your childhood dreams come true. But what do you do when you actually reach your goal? When you actually obtain your dream job? I for one jumped up and down, screamed a bit, and then did a happy dance. Although working for Best Friends and being a voice for animals has always been my goal obtaining it is bitter sweet because it means that I will be leaving everything and everyone I have ever known. Now for me the unknown is pretty exciting!!! It's the leaving part that gets me. So I arm myself with courage and hope for the journey ahead. Leaving HATS and all of the animals it cares for is a huge leap of faith and I can tell you a whole lot of courage. But I have hope that the excellent staff and dedicated volunteers will carry the torch in my absence because unlike last time this leave is permanent.
So in 4 short weeks I need to train staff and share as much knowledge and as many connections as I possibly can. I need to pack my 23 yrs of life, say my good byes to family and friends, grab my cat and hit the road! I'M MOVING TO UTAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I truly dont know how to feel right now. It is an intense mixture of excited/overwhelmed and sad/nervous. I mean when you are a kid the goal is always to reach for the stars. Then as an adult you do everything in your power to make your childhood dreams come true. But what do you do when you actually reach your goal? When you actually obtain your dream job? I for one jumped up and down, screamed a bit, and then did a happy dance. Although working for Best Friends and being a voice for animals has always been my goal obtaining it is bitter sweet because it means that I will be leaving everything and everyone I have ever known. Now for me the unknown is pretty exciting!!! It's the leaving part that gets me. So I arm myself with courage and hope for the journey ahead. Leaving HATS and all of the animals it cares for is a huge leap of faith and I can tell you a whole lot of courage. But I have hope that the excellent staff and dedicated volunteers will carry the torch in my absence because unlike last time this leave is permanent.
So in 4 short weeks I need to train staff and share as much knowledge and as many connections as I possibly can. I need to pack my 23 yrs of life, say my good byes to family and friends, grab my cat and hit the road! I'M MOVING TO UTAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Friday, December 16, 2011
Conrad & Leopolds, Back to the Garden, and Homeward Bound
My second day in the lodges was as awesome as the first. Still really love that Lucus boy :) Also, a huge fan of Garbanzo :)I got to do some dog walks on day to which are always refreshing and they always give you a new perspective on the dog. China was very animated on our walk. Snow was very affectionate and Hummer was all over the place. Silly silly dog. After finishing out my time at the Lodges I headed over to Conrad & Leopolds for the next two days. C&L is also part of Dog Town and has a good variety of dog ages and collar colors. Mitchel and Billy Bob are spunky younger kids who just like to run and play. Bentley, brother to Cashmere from the Garden, is also quite the character. Jagger, the kitchen dog over at Conrad's is from hurricane Katrina. Such a lover but she likes to counter surf a lot;)
On my second day at Conrad's I heard over the radio that Angel Lodges had to euthanize Old Lady Bell. The new was both saddening and grounding. Even here there is euthanasia, however the circumstances are COMPLETELY different. Old Lady Bell was a 16 year old german shepherd. Yup that's right 16! This girl died at a ripe old age, surrounded by the people that loved and cared for her. Her journey ended so that she was no longer i n pain. Not because there wasn't space for her, not because someone didn't have the time or resources to treat or rehabilitate her. Simply because of old age and the gradual wearing out of the body. So although I was sad I was also encouraged. There is hope. There are places that can give animals everything that they need until that time comes.
Today was my last day and I can't believe how fast the time went by! I finished out my day in the Garden with Haven and Deb. Those two are both incredible people. Truly. I took Cyrus for a car ride and spent some time with Meg and some others. I am deeply saddened to be leaving them all. I can't believe in 24 hours I will be states away from them! That being said my time here has been nothing but positive and educational. No news so far as to if a job offer will be made. They tell me I will know in one to two weeks. (I may have no finger nails left by that time) But either way I have learned so very much and I am very excited to share what I have learned with everyone back home. I am excited to make improvements to the shelter back home so that our dogs may live healthier, happier, more enriched lives. And if I don't get this job I know it's not the end of my love affair with Utah or Best Friends. It just means I have more work to do in Michigan with HATS before I make the move!
Peace & Love from a Sunny Utah,
Summer
On my second day at Conrad's I heard over the radio that Angel Lodges had to euthanize Old Lady Bell. The new was both saddening and grounding. Even here there is euthanasia, however the circumstances are COMPLETELY different. Old Lady Bell was a 16 year old german shepherd. Yup that's right 16! This girl died at a ripe old age, surrounded by the people that loved and cared for her. Her journey ended so that she was no longer i n pain. Not because there wasn't space for her, not because someone didn't have the time or resources to treat or rehabilitate her. Simply because of old age and the gradual wearing out of the body. So although I was sad I was also encouraged. There is hope. There are places that can give animals everything that they need until that time comes.
Today was my last day and I can't believe how fast the time went by! I finished out my day in the Garden with Haven and Deb. Those two are both incredible people. Truly. I took Cyrus for a car ride and spent some time with Meg and some others. I am deeply saddened to be leaving them all. I can't believe in 24 hours I will be states away from them! That being said my time here has been nothing but positive and educational. No news so far as to if a job offer will be made. They tell me I will know in one to two weeks. (I may have no finger nails left by that time) But either way I have learned so very much and I am very excited to share what I have learned with everyone back home. I am excited to make improvements to the shelter back home so that our dogs may live healthier, happier, more enriched lives. And if I don't get this job I know it's not the end of my love affair with Utah or Best Friends. It just means I have more work to do in Michigan with HATS before I make the move!
Peace & Love from a Sunny Utah,
Summer
Monday, December 12, 2011
Zion, the Lodges, and Snow!!
So I wasn't quite sure what to do with the entire weekend off with absolutely no work to do. The beautiful thing about Kanab is that it is surrounded by all sorts of natural beauty. It's truly refreshing. After surveying my options I decided to spend a day hiking in Zion even though I had already been there once. It is truly breathtaking and it holds many fond memories :) Shout out SUS '11!! So I spent the day hiking around and really taking in everything Zion has to offer. I found it impossible not to just stare in amazement!!! After heading back to Kanab I decided to get some groceries and make some dinner. If I make the move here I think cooking will be a new hobby. Something almost therapeutic about coming home, putting on some sweats and making a meal. I still cannot get over how nice everyone is here!!! Everyone waves and says good morning. The door is held for you all the time. People genuinely want to know you.
Today was my first working day of week two and I am working in Dog Town this week. Last Week I was mostly in Dog Town Heights. Anyways, today and then again tomorrow I am working in Angel Lodges. Angel Lodges are lodges 5-12 and between all of them there are about 40-50 dogs. At least 50% of the dogs back here are red collar dogs. The other 50 % is evenly divided between purple and green collar dogs. So today I worked with Terry, who is a wonderful lady, and she showed me the ins and outs of the lodges. I can tell you after one day the lodges are much more labor intensive than any of the other areas I have worked in so far. I also smelt poop for the first time today since I arrived. Oddly refreshing, as it reminded me of the shelter and all of the amazing dogs waiting for me in Michigan. Today I met lots of new dogs. One of my favorites is definitely Lucus. Lucus is a former Vick dog and boy is he a lover. I love pit bulls and was deeply saddened and enraged when the MIchael Vick case came about. But I am very happy that dogs like Lucus have a chance at a healthy happy life hear at best friends. Although Lucus' scars on his face tell the story of his past, the hope in his eyes and the gentle wagging of his tail tell the story of his future. LOVE THAT DOG.
Meeting Lucus was the highlight of my day for sure but I also got another pleasant surprise! It snowed here today!! Now many of you know that snow is not exactly my favorite thing in the world however the white snow falling on the red cliffs was unlike anything I had ever seen before so I smiled and welcomed it. I cannot wait to go to work again tomorrow but more importantly I cannot wait to share everything I am learning with all of you again very soon!!!
Peace & Love,
Summer
Today was my first working day of week two and I am working in Dog Town this week. Last Week I was mostly in Dog Town Heights. Anyways, today and then again tomorrow I am working in Angel Lodges. Angel Lodges are lodges 5-12 and between all of them there are about 40-50 dogs. At least 50% of the dogs back here are red collar dogs. The other 50 % is evenly divided between purple and green collar dogs. So today I worked with Terry, who is a wonderful lady, and she showed me the ins and outs of the lodges. I can tell you after one day the lodges are much more labor intensive than any of the other areas I have worked in so far. I also smelt poop for the first time today since I arrived. Oddly refreshing, as it reminded me of the shelter and all of the amazing dogs waiting for me in Michigan. Today I met lots of new dogs. One of my favorites is definitely Lucus. Lucus is a former Vick dog and boy is he a lover. I love pit bulls and was deeply saddened and enraged when the MIchael Vick case came about. But I am very happy that dogs like Lucus have a chance at a healthy happy life hear at best friends. Although Lucus' scars on his face tell the story of his past, the hope in his eyes and the gentle wagging of his tail tell the story of his future. LOVE THAT DOG.
Meeting Lucus was the highlight of my day for sure but I also got another pleasant surprise! It snowed here today!! Now many of you know that snow is not exactly my favorite thing in the world however the white snow falling on the red cliffs was unlike anything I had ever seen before so I smiled and welcomed it. I cannot wait to go to work again tomorrow but more importantly I cannot wait to share everything I am learning with all of you again very soon!!!
Peace & Love,
Summer
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Kanab, Utah: The Begining
So as many of you know I have been pretty passionate about animal rescue for a few years now and I have also been pretty fond of Utah for quite some time. It just so happens that Utah is home to the largest no kill animal rescue in the country, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. This past summer while biking through Utah I fell even more in love with the state and what it has to offer. I mean who doesn't love Zion National Park? And this is just one of the many things that southern Utah has to offer.
So after biking across the country for affordable housing I was feeling rather invisible, like I could do anything that I wanted to, so I decided to apply for a position at Best Friends. I knew it was a long shot but what's the harm in trying right? So here I am almost four months after I applied for the position doing my two week working evaluation for a dog caregiver position!!!! I never thought I actually stood a shot at this whole thing but here I am!
Since arriving I have already learned so much about not only the organization but also about the dogs and the all around kindness of strangers. My first day was spent touring the santuary and learning what exactly it is that they do here at Best Friends. I got to visit the feline luekemia cat house and the old dog area!!! I met my first Vick dog, something I had been dying to do for quite some time. Everyone was super friendly and supportive. Tuesday the real work began. I got assigned to work in The Garden with Deb. The Garden houses close to 30 dogs at any given time. Let's just say I fell in love a lot :) A few of my favorites include Cyrus, an old pit bull boy who absolutely LOVES car rides. His roommate Karina is also a pretty wonderful girl. Super active and too smart for her own good but enjoying life here at Best Friends none the less. Cashmere is a beautiful old english sheep dog that came from a puppy mill situation who is learning socialization and basic obedience skills here. Her roommate is Azure, a spunky mixed breed who was hit by a car and has some spinal and hip issues as a result. Azure would have no doubt been euthanized in a shelter but here she gets to live out her life, healthy and happy. Disability doesn't result in death here and it's so very refreshing!
Thursday it was time for me to move to a new area and train with other people. So I headed up to Maggie's to work with Jackie. Jackie has been with Best Friends for four years and she is a wealth of knowledge. I have learned so much from her in my two short days working along side her. Something I really love about Jackie is that she knows each dogs story and loves to share it with others. Truly a women after my own hearts :) Some of the highlights from my time at Maggie's include doing some agility training in Tara's run and helping (very minimal helping) film a commercial with Gregory Castle, CEO of Best Friends!!!! Some of my favorite residents at Maggie's include Honey Bun a female pit from L.A. She has severe food allergies and a torn ACL but she is making quite the recovery here :) Yoyo is also a female pit she comes to Kanab from Salt Lake City. Apparently she has some issues with other dogs. But boy does she love people!!! This girl will follow you around everywhere when you clean her kennel and when you are finished she rolls over on her bed so that you can rub her belly. One of my favorite experiences so far involves a dog named Tahiti. Tahiti is an aussie mix that is quite possibly the smartest dog I know! I had the chance to take her to Tara's run and do some agility work with her and she tore up the place. So wonderful to see her using her intelligence and athleticism.
So after my first week here I am convinced that this place is magic. It truly caters to each animals specific needs and everyone here believes in make a difference in the lives of other, animal and human alike, through kindness and compassion. This doesn't feel like real life right now!!! I hope week two is as amazing as week one and with any luck I will get the job and be moving to this great state of Utah!
Thanks for all of your support! Now go volunteer or donate to your local shelter or human society or check out the Best Friends website at www.bestfriends.org and sponsor one of these incredible animals.
Summer
So after biking across the country for affordable housing I was feeling rather invisible, like I could do anything that I wanted to, so I decided to apply for a position at Best Friends. I knew it was a long shot but what's the harm in trying right? So here I am almost four months after I applied for the position doing my two week working evaluation for a dog caregiver position!!!! I never thought I actually stood a shot at this whole thing but here I am!
Since arriving I have already learned so much about not only the organization but also about the dogs and the all around kindness of strangers. My first day was spent touring the santuary and learning what exactly it is that they do here at Best Friends. I got to visit the feline luekemia cat house and the old dog area!!! I met my first Vick dog, something I had been dying to do for quite some time. Everyone was super friendly and supportive. Tuesday the real work began. I got assigned to work in The Garden with Deb. The Garden houses close to 30 dogs at any given time. Let's just say I fell in love a lot :) A few of my favorites include Cyrus, an old pit bull boy who absolutely LOVES car rides. His roommate Karina is also a pretty wonderful girl. Super active and too smart for her own good but enjoying life here at Best Friends none the less. Cashmere is a beautiful old english sheep dog that came from a puppy mill situation who is learning socialization and basic obedience skills here. Her roommate is Azure, a spunky mixed breed who was hit by a car and has some spinal and hip issues as a result. Azure would have no doubt been euthanized in a shelter but here she gets to live out her life, healthy and happy. Disability doesn't result in death here and it's so very refreshing!
Thursday it was time for me to move to a new area and train with other people. So I headed up to Maggie's to work with Jackie. Jackie has been with Best Friends for four years and she is a wealth of knowledge. I have learned so much from her in my two short days working along side her. Something I really love about Jackie is that she knows each dogs story and loves to share it with others. Truly a women after my own hearts :) Some of the highlights from my time at Maggie's include doing some agility training in Tara's run and helping (very minimal helping) film a commercial with Gregory Castle, CEO of Best Friends!!!! Some of my favorite residents at Maggie's include Honey Bun a female pit from L.A. She has severe food allergies and a torn ACL but she is making quite the recovery here :) Yoyo is also a female pit she comes to Kanab from Salt Lake City. Apparently she has some issues with other dogs. But boy does she love people!!! This girl will follow you around everywhere when you clean her kennel and when you are finished she rolls over on her bed so that you can rub her belly. One of my favorite experiences so far involves a dog named Tahiti. Tahiti is an aussie mix that is quite possibly the smartest dog I know! I had the chance to take her to Tara's run and do some agility work with her and she tore up the place. So wonderful to see her using her intelligence and athleticism.
So after my first week here I am convinced that this place is magic. It truly caters to each animals specific needs and everyone here believes in make a difference in the lives of other, animal and human alike, through kindness and compassion. This doesn't feel like real life right now!!! I hope week two is as amazing as week one and with any luck I will get the job and be moving to this great state of Utah!
Thanks for all of your support! Now go volunteer or donate to your local shelter or human society or check out the Best Friends website at www.bestfriends.org and sponsor one of these incredible animals.
Summer
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