Good Citizen

Day: Twenty Six

Organization: Pet Orphans of Southern California

Activity: Caring for Dogs

Today was pure joy!

You don’t know this about me, but I LOVE dogs and have my entire life. I remember getting my first dog as a kid. When I was around 8, a man came driving down our street in a station wagon and said he had some puppies he was giving away. I immediately fell in love with one and I basically begged and pleaded with my parents to let my sister Tammy and I have her. My dad wasn’t a “dog person” back then, although he has since seen the light, so it wasn’t easy getting a “yes,” but we did. And, Jamie (a play off Jamison) became our first dog. She was a sweet mutt, who spent most of her time outside in a nice pen that included a dog house I built with my dad. But, sadly she wasn’t a great fit for the family and we eventually found her a new home.

Years later, when I was a teenager, we got dog number two, Casey. She was a beautiful, all white Samoyed. While she wasn’t the best behaved dog in the world, I loved her so much. And, she put up with a lot — I have pictures of her in sunglasses, Hawaiian leis and more. Then, as the daily lives of a single mom and two teenage kids got more and more hectic, we all decided it was best to give Casey to a family with younger kids who could give her the time and attention she deserved. It was a sad day, but best for my sweet girl Casey.

Then, when I was home for a college break, my mom and I talked about her and my stepdad getting a dog. With her almost convinced it was a good idea, we went looking and I witnessed mutual love at first sight for the first time ever. My mom picked up a Corgie that was just a few months old — tiny legs, oversized ears that weren’t strong enough to stand upright and just the cutest thing you could imagine. And, the look she gave my mom sealed her fate and Mom and Corky were best buddies for many years to come. And, since I spent most of my college breaks, as well as my first post-college year, at my mom’s, I got lots of quality time with Corky and just adored her.

Once I was out on my own, I contemplated getting a dog at least once a month. There was even a time I knew what I wanted to name my dog and Tammy gave me a dog collar with the name on it as a gift. But, the timing was never right. Then, when I was 30 I met my now partner Greg and two dogs entered my life — Molly and Mason. They are the greatest gifts in the world. To say I am madly in love with them, would be an understatement. They are great companions, stress relievers, playmates and confidants. And, they love Greg and I unconditionally (as long as we keep the food coming).

So, why all this talk of my love of dogs? Well, today’s service was at a great organization called Pet Orphans. And, my job was to care for dogs, hence the day was pure joy.

Pet Orphans is a no-kill shelter that rescues unwanted and abused dogs, rehabilitates them and finds new families for them. While I certainly don’t condone violence among humans, I can understand it. But, I can’t understand how people can be cruel to animals and I am so thankful for all of the organizations out there dedicated to saving animals.

Have a look at today’s video and meet some adorable dogs…and you’ll see how just when I thought my day couldn’t get any better, it did! Oh, you’ll get to see my loves Molly and Mason too!