Meet Colby...

Colby teaches me to approach everything and everyone with care and sensitivity.  She is our nurse-dog, who dotes on any person or animal who is sick or in distress and will not leave their side until they are well again.

Meet Zac...

Zac teaches me to look and feel deeply, where all the good stuff is.  He is a very sensitive cat, and looking in his eyes, you get the sense that he has an old soul, with a deep well of wisdom and heart to share.

Meet Jake...

Jake teaches me to always breathe deep and give thanks, for life is good!  Jake spent much of his young life in shelters, and was brought north from Georgia when a wonderful woman donated enough money to temporarily halt euthanasia in the kill shelter where he was living.  When I walked and massaged him as a rescue volunteer, I could see how deeply grateful he was.  Jake has savored every breath, step, leap, romp, swim, ball, bone, and nap ever since!

Meet Elvis...

Elvis teaches me hope.  He and his sister, Olive, were the only surviving kittens at a construction site accident before their eyes were even fully opened.  While death would have been a likely outcome for them, I know their mother cat would have hoped for the miracle of a different, happier fate.  And though she may never have known it to come true for them, that is exactly what her babies got when they were brought to our door for bottle feeding and life-long loving care.

Meet Little Friend...

Little Friend teaches me to appreciate the power of love, and not to miss even one bit of its bliss once you have found it!  This sweetheart was thrown aside twice in his little life - once onto harsh city streets and other time surrendered to a shelter - but he is the very, very best friend a person could have, and he doesn't pass up a single chance to share his gigantic heart!

 Meet Zoe...

Zoe teaches me both pride and forgiveness.  She is a truly elegant girl who knows who she is.  Still, she is generous, and never holds a grudge.  Miss Zoe will crawl, purring sweetly into our laps again and again, no matter how many times we aggravate her by clipping her nails or brushing out her long, tangley hair.

Meet Blitzen...

Blitzen teaches me cheerful resilience.  This guy makes it a point to enjoy every hop, every day, no matter what!  He was kept as a pet, then abandoned to the great outdoors, where he would easily have fallen prey to the same coyotes he would have no doubt tried to befriend.  This sweet rabbit is too fearless for his own good, and can't seem to imagine that anyone would ever want to do anyone else harm.  I like Blitzen's world very much, and I vow to do what I can to make it a reality.

Meet Butterscotch...

Butters teaches me to be still.  He is careful about where he puts himself, and once there he knows not to mess with a good thing!  He is loyal, affectionate, and confident.  Butterscotch embraces the tenet, "Live and let live".  He doesn't get involved in petty conflicts or politics.  If only the rest of the world followed his lead!

Meet Sadie...

Sadie teaches me flexibility.  This little girl has been through a lot, and she shines on through it all.  Her past is a rough one, but despite that she is one of those sweet cats who just soaks up love.  She adores the friendship of her own kind, and she is not afraid to ask for a snuggle from Elvis, Butterscotch, or Blitzen.  These kind gentlemen have learned, in turn, the value of a good hug!  While Sadie has what it takes to be an independent survivor, she sure knows how to ask for a little love to brighten her day!

Meet Daisy...

Daisy teaches me quiet leadership and patience.   She can calm any animal quarrel peacefully and seamlessly simply by standing between the two aggravated parties, not uttering a word or passing a bit of judgement.  And she makes sure everyone is safe and sound, too, corralling all the other dogs when they become tempted to run after deer, making sure the cats don't get out the door... I count on Daisy's help and intelligence every day.  And does she love being a country dog!  Despite the burrs it puts in her long and beautiful coat, this girl knows the joy of a starlit sky or a rejuvenating walk along the river!

 Stay tuned to see what we learn from our next rescue adventure!

Meet River...

My Riv teaches me the infinite beauty of kindness.  Loving beyond loving, she had a way of soothing the most anxious heart, with her silky-soft touch and her sweet, attentive voice.  She asked for very little, and enjoyed a quiet life.  In fact, few people even knew she was here.  Even so, her life meant more than the most famed star or visible extrovert.  She taught me that whether or not we are well-known has no bearing on how powerful we are.

Meet Bunny...

Miss Bunn taught me perseverance and a sense of humor!  This girl always made us smile and laugh out loud, just by being her cheerful self.  She struggled with so many medical obstacles, but she was always upbeat, always a joy, and always brings a smile to my face.

  Meet Olive...

Oh, does Olive teach me spunk!  She knew that life must be lived, and live it she did!  She was funny and bold, full of affection and jest.  Olive was always herself, and I thin of her every time I am tempted to put on a mask and act like someone I am not.

Meet Gwenevere...

Gwen taught me love!  She was our original.  Our very first pet as grown-ups, and oh, how we loved her so!  She continues to warm my heart with memories of play, of naps in the sun, of the best company you could ask for.  Gwen taught us the vulnerability of unwanted animals, and oh how valuable and want-worthy they are!