How a Little Rescue Dog Saved Me and Helped Animals

Note: The original article first appeared in the Mar/April 2016 edition of Pet Connection Magazine. This version contains minor edits.

“I gave $2,000 to Motley Zoo Animal Rescue in 2015 to help save animals”

I never thought I would be saying that. I never had that much money at my disposal and, honestly, was more likely to give to environmental and humanitarian groups.

In 2012, I was a frustrated woman disillusioned with her job. I had fiercely pursued a job managing and protecting the environment but the dream didn’t turn out the way I planned. I found myself “escaping” at lunch by searching Petfinder.com for a second dog.

When I saw Gretel, it was love at first sight. Her sad but bright eyes, and precious dappled face, compelled me to instantly message the rescue that had her – Motley Zoo Animal Rescue in Redmond, WA – and fill out an application.

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. I then got cold feet due to my self-doubt about being able to care properly for a second dog. The second act of fate was that, despite there being a lengthy waiting list for Gretel, Motley Zoo did something they almost never do – they waited almost 4 days for me to come around. Eventually 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 that 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. 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 my Grandmother died unexpectedly, I took the leap to start my own business.

Today, I own my own pet-focused social media consulting business – PetTalk Media.

My blog has continued to grow and has won several awards. In 2015, I won three prestigious awards. My blog won “Best Active Living Blog” in the DogTime Media Petties. My blog also won “Best Pet Blog Design” and “Best Dog Blog” from BlogPaws. Prizes for these three awards included $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.

Today, I am living the dream. I am able to spend more quality time with my dogs and focus on the things that matter most to me in life. 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.

I am not sure 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 animal rescue. Her story is literally one of rags to riches and beyond.

Read more about Gretel’s tumultuous beginning in my article Gretel, Hookers and Blow.