Meet Rawley! The inspiration behind the mission. Growing up I have always had a passion for animals, dogs especially. Rawley and I were best friends in the truest sense. When he was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 9, I was devastated. We quickly sought out every medical expert, explored every option, nothing was too crazy or expensive to try. I was lucky enough to come across a group of doctors and staff who specialize in walking people through their end of life journey with their pets. It was this group of women who sat me down and said, “your passion for animals is special. You need to go do that.”

I had always wanted to help, but frankly I was too scared. Too scared to go into a shelter and look into the eyes of dogs who needed, not necessarily me, but someone. Anyone. Too scared to interact with a homeless dog that may be begging for food. It just all seemed like it would hurt too bad. But after losing Rawley, the pain was so real that I didn’t think much could hurt more so I took the suggestion to go explore Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT. This is where it all changed for me…

Not only did I come home with a new best friend (Willow) but I realized, I can do this! I can look into these dogs eyes, I can help. And so my journey in animal welfare began. I started volunteering at the local shelter in San Diego. When I moved back to Bend I volunteered at the local shelter here (and still do), became a Board Member, and got involved in other rescue organizations. Becoming an active member of my community helped me identify the areas in need. To help reduce the homeless pet population by providing low cost spay, neuter, vaccine and microchip resources to our community and working to find homes for dogs that otherwise do not have chance at adoption in their current situations. There is a lot of need but there are many who give. Together, we will make a difference in as many lives as possible.

~Amanda