​I'm the brains and the muscle behind this operation. Well...I'm definitely the muscle. I'm also an animal lover and have been volunteering and fostering for the past several years. I'm the creative genius who will be designing our logo and fundraising items.

​This is Journey, formerly known as "Savage." In November, 2011, we brought him into our home as a foster. The local animal shelter was overcrowded, and the Foster Coordinator sent out a plea for help - "please come and walk the kennels - take a dog you feel will work for you." As we went through the shelter that day, we found Journey huddled into a ball, shivering, afraid and totally shut down. I pleaded with my husband to give him a chance. He agreed, and I carried Journey to our car - he was too afraid to walk.

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Within a day or two of getting him to our home, we realized Journey had been abused. He had severe behavioral and aggression issues. He had no idea how to live a "normal" life, and would not be eligible for adoption. The most humane thing we could do for him was to let him have his final moments with people who loved and cared for him deeply.

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On November 12th, 2011, Journey was humanely euthanized while surrounded by his foster family. It was very hard to accept that this was the only choice for him, but I realized that I did the best I could for him and I loved him so much. I gave him my best and I know that he trusted me as much as he could. In the end, I kissed his head and held him in my arms and loved him with all my heart. I know he left this world feeling my love for him. He did not die in a dog fight, or at the end of a chain, or being starved for food, shelter and human contact. He was loved by me, if only me, and that was the best I could do.

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My hope for The Journey Project is to share knowledge. So many dogs die every single day, and WE are their only hope. We can spread this message to everyone who can hear us:  Spay. Neuter. Foster. Adopt. Help stop over-population. Help keep our shelters NO KILL.

 

The Journey Project: Be a Hero.

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I'm a mom, a wife, a daughter, and a sister. I'm also a former nurse, a dog rescuer, foster mom, animal lover and activist. I believe that every animal has the right to food, shelter, routine medical care and a loving family to call its' own.

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I know there are many well-meaning people out there who are doing their best for their animals, and I want to help those people do better. Austin is an amazing city, with so many wonderful programs designed to help people struggling to keep their dogs healthy. I hope to empower dog owners around Central Texas as they learn about these free and low-cost health care options for their pets!

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I want to share this message with all pet owners: Your dog relies on you to give them what they need. Give them love. Give them health. Give them a life with a family! Don't breed them for money. Don't fight them for money. Don't chain them up or leave them alone in a yard. If you can't provide these things for your dog, please, ask for our help.

The Journey Project was created in honor of our friend and former foster, Savage (aka Journey). We believe that every human can be a hero, and every dog deserves a chance to live a full and happy life! Our rescue work began in October, 2009, after losing our dear friend, Sissy. Sissy was a Boxer dog, and she inspired us to foster many dogs in the years following her death. We have fostered Boxers, American Pit Bull Terriers, Bully mix dogs, pound puppies (aka "Mutts") and more.

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We are a small family with a bunch of big hearts. We hope to inspire others with our cause.

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