“In the eyes of the law, animals are seen to lack moral agency, or the ability to act with reference to right and wrong. Unlike humans, they are believed to lack higher-order thinking skills and cannot choose between courses of action. Their actions are driven by instincts and behaviors influenced by genetics and environment. For…
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TAME Pet Magazine: If Laughter is Medicine, Pets are the Cure!
“They lower stress levels and encourage physical activity. They love unconditionally and are loyal to a fault. They improve our social lives. But one of the biggest reasons pets hold such a special place in our hearts–they are simply so much fun to be around! Pets make us laugh when nobody else can, and provide…
Saving Brennivin: A Story Bigger Than Her Own
She emerged from a dirty plastic doghouse. I took a moment to take in the sight before me. We were in the brush, yet somehow light filtered in and illuminated the skeleton just feet ahead. One by one, you could see her ribs down her back, each more prominent than the last until her rear,…
Work Meets Passion Meets Play
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved animals. Five years ago, I discovered my passion in animal welfare after I moved to St. Louis and started volunteering with Gateway Pet Guardians. The first few years, I was completely devoted to the animals. I fostered, volunteered at the shelter, worked at adoption events. I…
Gateway Pet Guardians Emergency Cold Weather Outreach
During the week of December 25 through January 3, the temperatures in the Metro East dipped to single digits, making it frigid cold for pets left outside. Gateway Pet Guardians volunteers were out in full force, encouraging pet owners to bring their pets inside and if they are unable to, providing doghouses and straw to…
TAME Pet Magazine – Pets Welcome!
This summer, I helped TAME Pet Magazine research and write copy for an article titled “Pets Welcome!” The goal of the feature was to provide a comprehensive list of pet-friendly (or rather, pet-encouraging) businesses and venues for pet owners and families to enjoy. Categories included restaurants/bars, breweries, wineries, frozen treats, lodging, recreation, and pet stores. …
Holiday Wishes TV Debut
This morning, me and Harley made our TV debut on Fox 2 News! The station invited us on to talk about the Petco Foundation Holiday Wishes grant that Gateway Pet Guardians received because of our story. We also brought our foster Bagheera, and together the two dogs stole the show! We talked about the importance…
2017 Petco Foundation Holiday Wishes Campaign
I wrote this story for the 2017 Petco Foundation Holiday Wishes Campaign. Thousands of adopters shared their amazing stories, and the foundation awarded 52 Holiday Wishes grants to organizations throughout the country. My story, which highlights my move to St. Louis, foster failing with Harley and meeting the love of my life was selected as…
2017 WHY Holiday Campaign
I wrote this story for the Gateway Pet Guardians WHY Holiday Campaign. In conjunction with Newman’s Own and #GivingTuesday, Gateway Pet Guardians hosted their 2017 WHY Holiday Campaign, encouraging supporters to tell others their WHY. Why do they volunteer? Why do they foster? Why do they donate? WHY Gateway Pet Guardians? The goal of the…
#MyGivingStory: For Puppies, and the People
I wrote this story for Giving Tuesday’s #MyGivingStory campaign. #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and…