There is the article you write and then the article you want to write.
The story of how Gretel changed my life and allowed me to help needy animals recently appeared in Pet Connection Magazine, a local pet-focused publication. I waited excitedly for the issue with my story to come out. I’m very critical of myself though and mostly saw the several glaring things I would change when I read it.
Below is the article with the few changes I wanted to make. If you read the story in the magazine, it’s the same one. However, I took the liberty of tweaking a few small things here so I loved the story even more. I tried not to change it too much though since my friend found the original version so touching that it made her friend cry when I read it to her 🙂
I hope you like it.
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“I gave $2,000 to Motley Zoo Animal Rescue to help save animals.”
I never thought I would be saying that. I never had that much money at my disposal and, honestly, would have been more likely to give to environmental or humanitarian groups if I had.
In 2012, I was a frustrated woman disillusioned with her job. I had fiercely pursued a job managing and protecting the environment, but my dream didn’t turn out the way I planned. I found myself “escaping” at lunch by searching Petfinder for a second dog.
When I saw Gretel, it was love at first sight. Her sad, bright eyes and precious dappled face compelled me to contact the rescue that had her – Motley Zoo Animal Rescue in Redmond, WA – and fill out an application instantly.
Our story is one of fate.
After sorting through over 100 adoption applications, Motley Zoo Animal Rescue chose me as the perfect new “Mom” for Gretel. But, I got cold feet due to my self-doubt about being able to care properly for a second dog. However, despite there being a lengthy waiting list for Gretel, Motley Zoo rescue did something they almost never do: they waited almost 4 days for me to come around. Thankfully, I did.
I learned later that Gretel’s path to me was even more twisted than I had imagined, both literally and figuratively. She was surrendered to Motley Zoo Animal Rescue, in large part because she was the victim of a dog flipper. Her life before the dog flipper is unknown, but it’s safe to say that she had at least three “homes” before she came to live with me. The dog flipper got her from another home and then sold her to an unwitting couple. The couple eventually learned they had bought a dog under false pretenses and found that their beautiful little pup was anxious, aggressive, and possibly sick. Eventually, they had no choice but to surrender her to a rescue.
My life completely changed after adopting Gretel. During her first hike, the day after we brought her home, I decided to start a blog about hiking with my dogs. You Did What With Your Wiener? – an outdoor and travel lifestyle blog that focuses on being active with your small dog – was born.
Through my blog, I became connected with the animal community. I realized that, although I have a very inquisitive mind, my science job was not where I was meant to be. My true gift is being able to communicate and make personal connections with people – both in person and online. I also longed to spend more time at home with my dogs and help other people improve their relationship with their pets. Two years later, when the Grandma who helped raise me died unexpectedly, I took the leap to start my own business.
Today, I own a pet-focused social media consulting business – Niche Blog Biz. My blog has continued to grow and has won several awards. In 2014 and 2015, I won three prestigious awards. My blog won “Best Active Living Blog” in the 2014 DogTime Media Petties Awards and, in 2015, I won “Best Pet Blog Design” and “Best Dog Blog” in the 2015 BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Awards. Prizes for these three awards totaled $2,000 that I could donate to my favorite pet rescue. I donated the entire amount to Motley Zoo Animal Rescue because none of this would have been possible without them.
Five years ago, I didn’t understand what a “heart dog” was. I loved every pet I had owned completely and equally. Gretel is different than the rest. Perhaps it’s the fateful circumstances that brought us together; maybe it is the way we had to learn to trust each other to work through her severe anxiety; or, maybe, it’s the way she gazes lovingly into my eyes but there has been no other dog in my life like her.
Today, I am living my dream working for myself and I am so glad I took the leap to self-employment. I am able to spend more precious moments with Gretel and focus on the things that matter most to me in life. Last month, I was able to be there when my step-Dad unexpectedly found himself in the hospital needing heart surgery. I can head out into the woods with Gretel to clear my mind and heal my soul when I need to instead of continuing to feel trapped and stressed. I’m a much happier person today than I was 5 years ago when I adopted Gretel.
I am not sure whether I am Gretel’s hero or she is mine, but my life wouldn’t be so overwhelmingly perfect if we hadn’t found each other. I certainly wouldn’t have been giving $2,000 to an animal rescue. If all goes as planned, Gretel and I will be completing a 72-mile Hike-A-Thon this summer in hopes of raising another $5,000 for animals in need.
Connie says
Jessica, I loved your story!!
You and Gretel were meant to be together! You both have healed each other!
Jack is my first Doxie and there are times that he looks into my eyes like he’s looking into my soul! He is my companion after my husband passed away. I don’t know what I would do without him!
Like Gretel, he has saved me and made me a better person!
I now have Hank for a companion for Jack! They are inseparable!! They both bring me much delight but Jack and I have that something special relationship!
There is something about unconditional love, friendship and companionship that these little fur babies bring to us!
Blessings for you, Gretel, Chester and doggie daddy!!
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks Connie. I know what you mean about looking into your eyes. Gretel will gaze up and me and it feels like she’s looking right through me. It’s like she can see the love in there. I love my little man Chester so much too but he’s never looked at me that way.
Donna says
What a wonderful tribute to Gretel. And I’m glad you decided to work for yourself. Otherwise we wouldn’t have this great blog, You Did What With Your Wiener. Thank you. Good luck on your 72 mile hike. My dachshund, Heidi, and i will be rooting for you and Gretel.
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks Donna. Dogs and connecting with people in meaningful ways has really become the focus of my life since bringing Gretel home. I appreciate every person who reads and takes time to comment on our blog.
JOE MALTESE says
Grest,great story. You both are so lucky to have found each other. Love your fur babies…. Ok,you too 🙂 Give them both a belly rub for me. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks Joe. I appreciate you following along with us all this time.
Susan and the gang from Life with Dogs and Cats says
What a lovely story. I think you both “saved” each other.
—Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks Susan. Yes, we did. It took Gretel a couple of years to totally trust us but now I can see she knows that I am hers and she is not going anywhere.
Carma Allen says
What a wonderful story! Our stories are similar in ways more than I knew. I was Carma Poodale’s 4th a final home. If it wasn’t for Carma , I wouldn’t have our blog. She is my female heart dog. I had a male heart dog for 17 years. I was never a person who wanted a poodle but as soon as I seen her photo that was posted from a pit bull rescue, I knew she was the one for me.
I love that 1 photo was all it took to change your life.
Jessica Rhae says
Wow. I didn’t know Carma had such a tumultuous past. I’m glad you guys found each other. You both care for each other 100%
Bonnie Stowell says
I loved your story. Growing up I have had about 14-15 Doxie’s in my life. I love all animals but Doxie’s are my favorite dog breed! My daughter brought me ELVIS in 2000 & ended up leaving him & his brother CUJO with me & my husband. They were inseparable. When they laid together, you could not even tell that their was two dogs laying there, they were so close. Unfortunately Cujo was hit by a car a year and a half later. It broke my heart and even more so Elvis’s. He would go lay on his grave out back for hours. He did this for 2 years. From the moment my daughter left Elvis with me, we knew we were soulmates. He would look into my eyes and I know he knew what I was thinking & feeling every minute of every day. In 2005 my son brought me Presley. Elvis looked at me like really? But he became his dad & taught Presley everything. In about 2011 my husband brought me Pricilla. She is a long haired black & tan & Elvis & Presley are black & tans also On Feb. 11, 2012, I lost me son Josh, and 2 months later my beloved Elvis died too. It was almost more than I could bear. Presley & Pricilla would go and lay on ELVIS’S grave too. They would not eat for 4 days. We all missed JOSH & ELVIS terribly. Thank God I had them to take care of because I was in a deep depression & not in my right mind. They probably saved my life. And I thank God every day that I have them & my Loving husband. Especially Presley, because my son got him for me. And he is such a GREAT DOG! Can’t imagine my life without them. I see all these pics of Doxie’s that need a good & loving home & I wish I could help them all. I can’t take them because I cannot bear the heartache of losing them. Presley is 10 going on 11 & Pricilla is 4 going on 5. My ELVIS died at the age of 12, he had a massive heart attack so quick, thank God it was quick, but we did not have time to even call the Vet. I Miss him soooooooooo much. I have an IRON GATE, my friend gave me with ELVIS welded in the middle. It sits over his grave & people ask me about it, because it is so big. I tell them if I had a bigger one it would be up too. Thanks for listening. Good Luck with your endeavers!.
Jessica Rhae says
Thank you for sharing your story Bonnie. Your loss is heartbreaking and I’m sorry but your story really does emphasize how important and special our dogs can be for us. Both Chester and Gretel have helped me through hard times. Chester has been with me through more and has always been my rock.
Rebekah Lu says
Made me cry too!
Lorraine says
Awesome story. Thanks for sharing it Jessica.
Judi Lin Huffman says
Great story, Jessica, and great blog! Our doxie (and his brother who has crossed the Rainbow Bridge ) came to us because they’re Mommy couldn’t keep them where she was living. We took them “temporarily” until her circumstances changed. That was 5 years ago. While we always thought we were large dog people, we fell in love with these two angel pups and it worked out that they became permanent residents at our home. They have given us so much and we love them both so much (even though Santana has passed). We love following your story with Gretel and Chester! I, too, have a government job and find myself escaping to the Oregon Dachshund Rescue and Angel’s Among Us Rescue in Atlanta Facebook posts at lunch and during breaks. The rescue needs in this country are staggering …. it is heart breaking! We need to shut down the puppy mills! I so wish I could find affordable health insurance on my own so I could follow my conscience and work full time with animal rescue. Keep up the good work, Jessica. … it’s entertaining and it helps raise awareness.
Judi Lin Huffman
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Judi. Health insurance is a biggie for sure. I still get mine through my hubby but he wants to leave his job and start his own business too. Figuring out how we are going to afford private health care for the both of us is one of the big things holding him up. There is a lot to be said for health insurance and a steady paycheck for sure.
That was generous of you to take in dogs in need of a new home. Before Chester, I dreamed of a big dog too. Now I am not sure I would ever own one. I’m glad those little dogs brought joy into your life… and converted you to a little dog person 🙂
Jenn says
This post made my Monday infinitely better! It is beautiful. I look forward to hearing more about your Hike-a-thon!
Jessica Rhae says
Awww…. thanks Jenn. I hope that our hike-a-thon will raise awareness for shelter dogs and help me tell more of our story.
Dachshund Nola says
Such a wonderful story, and good for you for taking that leap of faith!
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks! I don’t have any issue with dogs from breeders – my next Doxie might be a puppy from one – but I’ve always felt a special connection with rescue animals.
DZ Dogs says
Good job on your blog!! I love this story. 🙂
And I LOVE that you hike with a doxie!!
Jessica Rhae says
Ha, ha. Thanks. We do certainly get a lot of attention out on the trail. I like getting the attention so we can challenge people’s beliefs about what little dogs can do.
Carol A Howle says
Love your story!!! I have a black and ten 10 year old Dachshund (Rocco), a mixed Dachshund/Chihuahua (Chanel – adopted in 2014), and approximately one year old miniature pinscher (Astro – a stray I found three weeks ago and decided to keep). Never thought I would have two dogs – now I have three! I lost Buster, my second black and tan Dachshund, in 2013 from cancer of the spleen. Buster loved life – and lived life to its fullest with the insidious disease raging in his body. He is my hero for his courage and strength!!! Buster and Rocco led me to the UC Davis Behavioral Animal clinic as Buster became aggressive towards Rocco. The clinic put us on treatment plan, which I followed. Rocco and Buster became inseparable buddies. They ran in the UC Davis Doxie Derby and each won their individual heat, and Rocco won a group title. I am a donor of the Vet School because of the students, faculty and staff – amazing innovative School!!!!
Thank you for your incredible story!!! Keep up the great work! All the best with your new adventure!
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks for sharing your story Carol! I am so glad there was a happy ending for Rocco and Buster. I really appreciate that you give back to the Vet School because of their help too.
Thanks for reading along with our adventures.
MattieDog says
Absolutely love, love, love your story! You and Gretel are made for each other – and life put you together! Once you’ve got that heart connection – you become so blessed, the life you share together become exponentially more blessed!
Jessica Rhae says
I feel the same way about my husband also 🙂 Our little family is all “made for each other” and has helped me to be happier and grow so much as a person. I am blessed for sure!
melf says
I never knew Gretel’s story. What an amazing convergence of the universe that she would go through so much and end up in a home where she is not only loved, but exercised and given the chance to go on the most amazing adventures. Based on her past, you could have thought she was doomed to always be shipped from home to home. Thank goodness you made the leap and chose to take her. I can see why you fell in love. When dogs get matched with the right owner, they flourish. Loved the story.
Jessica Rhae says
I wrote a fair amount about her story in the beginning but not many people knew about my blog back then 🙂 Those stories were just about her dog flipper experience though. The story is better and so much more robust now that we’ve had 5 years together.
I’ve talked with an animal psychic before about Gretel and her past. It was a year to two ago. I asked why Gretel was so nervous all of the time and what I could do to help her. The woman said that Gretel was happy with her home before the dog flipper but was suddenly ripped from the people she loved when there was some kind of accident. That was the start of her journey to me and she went through several homes. The psychic said that Gretel was so nervous at our house because she was waiting for the “other shoe to drop” – waiting for that moment when she is taken from our home too. I am not sure I totally buy that “story” because no one can ever know for sure but my attitude towards her changed at that moment and she was come a long way in her anxiety since then…. so it helped.
Carmen says
When I found your blog three years ago my dachshund, Frida, was 15 lbs and chunky. Through you blog I’ve learned about nutrition and cool products but what I learned the most is how much more I can do with my dachshund. Frida is now a very slim 12 lbs and we are outside often until the Texas heat forces us inside. Our current favorite activity is paddle boarding where Frida jumps off the board over and over and swims along side me until she gets tired.
Thank you for your blog!
Jessica Rhae says
Yay! We inspired somebody 🙂 That is about the best “news” I can hear. I’m super excited you guys took up paddleboarding too. I can’t wait for the weather to turn nicer so we can take ours out again. It’s so much fun and a great way to be active while escaping the heat.
Tracy Norwood says
What a great story. I had a miniature, Fearless, much like Gretel, who I lost a few years back. After reading your story, I know what he was now. He was my heart dog. I never knew how to describe him before. Thanks for the story and give Chester and Gretel a belly rub for me.
Jessica Rhae says
Sorry you lost your pup – your heart dog. I am sure you try to hold onto the fond memories but I also bet some days are hard. I’ll give Chester and Gretel an extra squeeze for you 😉
Jose says
We adopted a dachshund named Amy about a year ago from PAWS in Lynnwood. My wife was has brain cancer and she said she wanted a dog, so I adopted the first dog my kids wanted. I knew nothing about Dachshunds. We were all pleasntly surprised. Amy does a great job of calming my wife down and cheering up my children. Amy does need to know where I am at all times and will only leave me alone at night, probably because she gets to sleep under the covers with my daughters. She has turned me into a “dog person”. Her next job is to help both of us lose weight.
Jessica Rhae says
I didn’t know anything about Dachshunds when I inherited Chester either but now they have a very special place in my heart. They are a unique breed for sure. Walking dogs is great exercise for you and spring and summer is a great time to get out in Washington, as you know. Good luck to you guys on your weight loss goal. You can do it! 🙂