Some here that “know” me know I love dogs … hence my “name” – Dawg – I take in older, unadoptable and handicapped/damaged dogs that no one wants. I have a few that are permanent residents and I try to foster one or two that  have no place to go or that need a temporary place while they await medical treatment or a permanent home.
I have had more dogs die or be put down while they were “waiting” … each one kills me a little … but strangely makes me happy in that they died loved in a way they may have never experienced. You see, I spoil them – they eat with me, sleep with me, play with me, laugh with me and cry with me … and we all hurt together because we all have problems that challenge our lives. Some are blind, some are deaf, some are missing an eye others are mentally challenged and some have physical damage of spine or limb that limits their mobility.
Now – I am pretty damn poor – I wasn’t always that way – but it is what it is … there’s no need to cry about it … I eat, have a roof (at least for now) and a job and a car (thanks to a friend). So me and my mutts eat and stay warm. We’re better of than most. so that’s me in a nutshell – I wanted to give you a basic scenario of who I am because while I kind of wallow in my life sometimes I see the most amazing things happen and it doesn’t make me jealous, it makes me happy that I saw it or participated – like going to a baseball game and seeing a triple play (a rare feat for the non-sports fan).
So that said – and knowing my life long love and passion for my dogs – I tend to read and subscribe to things about dogs. I watch the Dog Whisperer, Dogtown – both fantastic shows. so I have this friend – he’s a lawyer – and on Facebook one day, he “likes” a dog related website, so I go look … and it’s a site called “Lucky Dog Rescue Blog” and it’s all about how this lovely young woman – who had generally a non-nondescript regular life (i know – many here have it much harder) in a small town who had one dream – to rescue dogs. And not just any dogs – but pit bulls.
Now I think for the most part, she thought like me – “I’ll do what I can, when I can” and then while doing that – one at a time – doors opened for her. And she started a business. and about a year a go she started her blog http://www.luckydogrescueblog.com/
Why is ANY of this relevant?!? Because even though, to my knowledge, she was never suicidal or depressed or even unhappy as far as I know – she almost … ALMOST had to be DRAGGED kicking and screaming to the place she is at today! today she touches the lives of TENS of Thousands … in just ONE year because of ONE choice that a friend had to CONVINCE her was good enough to make!
So I ask that you go and read her blog to see how random and unlikely it was that her world changed from anonymous to almost celebrity .
To read her story and follow her path – I’ve watched her ups and downs through her blog. her words have made me cry, laugh, get mad and feel joy. But they ALWAYS inspire me to think – even though I am TWICE her age – that maybe one person somewhere will hear or see ME do ONE thing … anything and say “Dude – you REALLY should do THAT!”
And it will be my chance at a better day – But I have to LIVE for that … and while i live – I have room for one more dog because it will die if my door is not open.
dawg
33 comments
Thank you Dawg. I’ll visit her blog daily and be inspired. Told you yesterday that it is difficult for me to leave my man. What I didn’t tell you is that we have got 9 dogs and 13 puppies…and I love them sooooo much.
What would I do without them…
Well, thanks again:-)
Thanks Kristin – I cannot help but love the way Ashely (the woman at LuckyDog) has immeasurable strength to work through damn near anything – and I love what she does for dogs. Most of us will not get a big break like she did – and the more you read about her you find that she struggles every single day with life and death decisions – and even though she is “successful” in regards to being known for her work – she struggles to pay bills just like the rest of us. But her logic and humor and most importantly her resolve to carry on in spite of the odds is inspirational – at least to me.
i hope a few here can see that the only way you ever will know is to keep on living and trying. I’ve made enough mistakes for 3 lifetimes, I don’t know if the walls around me will crumble and I have to execute my “plan” or if I will find that one small break. but until I’ve made every attempt I can I will keep marching forward – no matter how slowly.
I wish you all the best
dawg
Hey Dawg,
There is nothing stopping you (other then effort and some research) in starting a similiar blog and promoting it via emails to local papers, charities, animal shelters, dog related websites and having a “donate” button on your website. Maybe seek out possible govt funding for such ventures? The animal shelters may give you some tips on raising money.
You may not necessarily make a living from it per se, and that shouldn’t be the objective, but it may allow you to well n truly cover ‘some costs associated’ with what you do.
There are plenty of “blog template” sites you can research. From a marketing angle, the more professional/appealing your website, the better chance of success.
Just some thoughts. It’s definitely possible.
Admirable work mate.
Ad..
Damn Dawg!!! You are the man! The world needs people like you! Your heart is definitely in the right place. Man, it really really hope that “one break” finds you so you can be around for the hurting dogs out there. You are one of the good guys!
@Adastra – thanks for the insight … however If i can’t clearly convey my point of my essay to you, how am I supposed to do it for a broader audience?
my essay was supposed to convey that no one can get a “break” if they don’t at least try – I was referring to the Luckydog blog to illustrate how basically random a stoke of good luck can come when you are just trying to “do what you do”. and the fact that one must remain alive to do it – to ‘be there” for that moment to occur
in other words – i was “trying” to ‘inspire’ and give example of something/someone who represents that positive inspiration in a positive, yet selfless way.
FAIL dawg
That last sentence you just commented…that’s you.
@ I get it dawg and i def ‘like’ your sentiments. But im also saying, why can’t you be like her also? ie … extending your ‘interest/passion’ from what they are now, to something that pays the bills and even generates an income?
A little bit of guile, research, effort and a decent web design and ‘you’ just never know ….
Extend to selling some ‘pet related accessories’ as well and you could at some point have a viable business. Contact pet suppliers/wholesalers etc ….and you never know …
“The significant problems we create cannot be solved by the same thinking that created them” ~ Albert Einstein.
ie.. it takes neww thinking ….
Good work anyway.
Did you go read the blog that I linked to? THAT is truly inspirational … however, if my words here are helpful, that’s fine too. although I have my reasons for being here, there are just so many people here that have so much untapped potential they haven’t even attempted to explore yet (including myself to some degree)
I’d just like to see some of these people take that negative energy that is focused on “lost love” and cutting etc. and focus it on something constructive positive and good, and they might be surprised with something great and life changing … neither of which necessarily have to be fame or fortune. that 16 year old suicidal person who is here because they lost the “love of their life” might channel that energy in a more positive way by doing something like volunteering somewhere and meet a new love vs. sitting in the dark cutting words in their forearm
give life a chance 🙂
convoluted dawg
@adastra – trust me when I say, I am no stranger to technology, ideas and small business – not necessarily successful but certainly no stranger. what I do and how I get there are not my major road blocks. i believe I’ve outlined them in other posts so i shan’t rehash them, but let’s just say I’m down off the ledge at this time.
dawg
agree wholeheartedly re ‘untapped potential’ & ‘give life a chance’ ….
Whilst i agree comforting people is useful, i also think many of the people that post on this site want a mixture of being heard and sometimes advice, and so would be better served by a bunch of regular admin pple here that can hep these people in times when they need it.
ps, did read the site link yep. she’s cute too. gtg …work beckons…
Hey Dawg, gonna make an uninformed comment and then go back and read it all…..so maybe you’re already doing it…..do all your dogs have to have fur????….did i miss???….i hope not ….some pretty amazing things are happening for me as well but moocho private….yes there is a private memaw as well….would love to talk someday….the old fashioned way….but a pleasure and a privelege to have met and worked with you these last few weeks….oh yeah and always laugh….how did you know that was the way to get through to this old puppy????
Still think you’re a genious…..love to talk….i think the giants are almost awake….if you know what i mean….need to talk
Later Gator
Amakua
okay heavy stuff here Dawg…so bear with me…gonna download as i go….sorry…way it has to work sometimes….ready….set…..go…..
Excerpt from LuckyDog link:
This is the most signifigant part to me soooo farr….but….wait…..you have done that to me on this very site….what the hell is going on Dawg?….can i be your disciple????
or should i take over so you can do what you love…..would rather you do both cuz puppies really are smarter than us….welllll except the children…they’re smarter than anyone….that is my passion…where yours is dogs….my old man is friggin’ amazed that anyone could get through to me….he has tried….but i didn’t even get me until i met u….you are a blessing indeed Dawg….i will continue and wait for your guidance…pretty new at this as i have often said….but felt called to come here to meet you….yes you….not that i don’t love all the others here….i do….there’s just something special about the old Dawg…i’ve said it from day one….now i think i’m starting to understand…..oh God….thank you….you have inspired me for sure Dawg….i said day one….you rock….or should i have said…..”You are a rock”
Please do me the honour kind sir….dedicated to you and i but mostly you….for sure
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB6efuMpr5Q
i wait
okay i lied….i’m kinda scared shitless..
Our Father who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy Name
Thy Kingdom Come
Thy Will Be Done
On earth as it is in Heaven
Give us this day our daily bread….today it tasted like campfire
And forgive us our trespasses…mine are many
As we forgive those who trespass against us…even adastra
For Thine is the Kingdom
The Power and the Glory
For ever and ever
Blessed Be….
I’ve been trying to make it through that quote since i learned to read at 3…what the
okay not scared anymore Dawg….now you breathe
I remain standing….they can beat me down like a dog in the street and again i stand to save my children…..this is quote from my first day here….I AM…..strong and fierce and loyal and lots of other things i didn’t even notice….until you….as well as those other nasty parts of me which i won’t name here….ummm asshat ring any bells….lol….Master…..I AM….and I STAND READY
oh yeah and still a wee bit scared
But I stand
Love ya Dawg….sneaky old bastard
Aine
Ok … I’m kind of lost as to exactly what it is you’re “waiting” for and why you’d be “scared sh!tless”
I appreciate the kind words but I am in no way some sort of “messiah” that should be followed – but if something I say helps you or others in a positive way … well the maybe i have tipped the karma scale a little bit in my favor.
peaceful dawg
Skyrim: “Sweet Mother, sweet Mother, bring your child unto me, for the sins of the unworthy must be baptized in blood and fear.”
sorry Dawg….no I don’t want you going all messianic on me….got enough problems already….lol….are you telling me i didn’t get it???….i admit slow learner….lol….
okay wipe the damn chalkboard….lol
direct quote from the Dawg:
Most of us will not get a big break like she did – and the more you read about her you find that she struggles every single day with life and death decisions – and even though she is “successful†in regards to being known for her work – she struggles to pay bills just like the rest of us. But her logic and humor and most importantly her resolve to carry on in spite of the odds is inspirational – at least to me.
i hope a few here can see that the only way you ever will know is to keep on living and trying. I’ve made enough mistakes for 3 lifetimes, I don’t know if the walls around me will crumble and I have to execute my “plan†or if I will find that one small break. but until I’ve made every attempt I can I will keep marching forward – no matter how slowly.
I wish you all the best
dawg
Now….let me try again please…..when i was 35 I had an experience which changed my life…at the time i was told that i had lived enough, loved enough, laughed enough and cried enough and suffered enough for 7 lifetimes….so now I’m 50
sigh…then the year before i turned 40…the year i was told i would change….i was given less than 6 months to live….in January 2001 i had an NDE which lasted 6 hours or more in this time space continuum after my 7th suicide attempt….when i got to the suicide project I was about to attempt my 8th exit…notice i did not say my first exit or success….sigh….i…yes i was hopeless…..and i have never felt so lost and alone and abandoned and worthless and talk about wasted potential is killing me…..just saying….the potential is what has always tortured me….okay….back on track…just a little derail….whew….that said….even after that experience the pain here got to much…now i know why Jesus cried out on the cross…..that is what i did in January 2001….direct quote…..”Why me God?…Why me?…Please God I can’t do one more day…please not one more day…haven’t I done enough??…can’t I come home now??” and then I was gone in the blink of an eye….and then i was back…and the pain almost killed me again…..but i have continued to fight the demons as i come across them…i kill them with love and forgiveness and compassion…only love will work….but when i got here i was ready to beg, i was already howling….making noises humans should never have to make….no shit Dawg….i was going down for the count….just didn’t want to scare anyone more than i had to…i was scaring the hell into myself i tell ya….never want to share that kind of pain and fear with anyone…no one could handle it….and then I met the Dawg….remember curiosity killed the cat and the cat only had 9 lives….i really only had one left…seriously….and you saved a wretch like me….was it you…no….but God working through you….for sure….i really am quite sane….sorry….but Dawg in the end what i was clumsily trying to say was….thank you….would like to assist you by becoming your apprentice on this site….maybe be able to help you out more…you know learn to behave properly….so you can concentrate more on the doggies….let you know that you are amazing….even though your name isn’t Grace….lol
All kidding aside….is that what you really got from the video???…seriously…maybe you should watch it again….just saying….love ya Dawg
Amakua, Aine, Spirit, Memaw, Hippie Chick, Chrysanthemum and Lori over and out
excuse me attheend….i told you i am slow and old….were you speaking to me or Dawg…could have sworn you were talking to me….i’m ready….
Skyrim: “Sweet Mother, sweet Mother, bring your child unto me, for the sins of the unworthy must be baptized in blood and fear.â€
please explain if you would….remember i just learned what a steezer is…lol
Amakua
Tis from this years game of the year. A chant that accompanies creating an effigy of someone you want dead made out of human parts. Together it is a ritual used to summon an assassin from the dark brotherhood to kill someone for you. I like the chant because of how it sounds :3
and one more try….kiss….keep it simple stupid
But her logic and humor and most importantly her resolve to carry on in spite of the odds is inspirational – at least to me.
And it will be my chance at a better day – But I have to LIVE for that … and while i live – I have room for one more dog because it will die if my door is not open
I AM that dog Dawg…get it???….sigh….if not i’m going to bed….lol…kidding….but only about going to bed
Amakua
who are you trying to kill????….or rather whom do you want killed????….lol….me….not a problem….bring it on….lol…but pray tell…what is :3??….how much more is there to learn???….please explain
Amakua
Isn’t it obvious?
And loom at it sideways….I thought dawg was old.
If you see me type something random your best bet is to look at it sideways
I “get” it what you’re trying to say but … as I wrote it I was being literal in that i really do have space for one more canine dog in my house – my thought/belief that if I should ‘exit” – that space and my current dogs would no longer have a safe place and would need o be cared for by others … if possible.
I hope that interpretation is not a disappointment
only human dawg
@Dawg…starting to think you’re the slow one…lol….men….so literal all the time….no patience for a good story…..to lazy to glean the wheat from the chaff…lmao
in the end….wanted you to know you saved me if no one else….here…..i will never fall so far or so hard again….i promise….but am I done hounding you?…sorry…NO…
gonna try…i said try…to cut you some slack so you can focus more of your attention and intention to save another doggie….whether here or there….lol….and i appreciate that you are “only human dawg”….your the most human person i’ve met in years and years until I met Brownie….speaking of which….she sent me a message…maybe I should share it with you….
And yes, I was a child first, and then I spent my life trying to be a grown up, just to learn that all I ever really wanted to be was a child again….TRUTH
I AM a child
Thank God for me Brownie….I Thank God for You Brownie….And Thank God for Dawg
Lori
sorry attheend….told you ….slooooowwww….still don’t get it….sorry….i know i’m gonna feel like an asshat when someone finally explains this one to me…..but nope nothing zip zilch….blind perhaps…so please….just explain
I AM an old woman
Amakua
okay attheend…i asked my daughter…don’t feel quite so stoopid now….she tells me it’s an anime thing…smiley face….lol….silly youngsters
Amakua
yes – I do tend to be and interpret things very literal. especially when I have no visual or audio clues to hint at a different interpretation
clueless dawg
hey Dawg; Thanks for sharing. For what it’s worth, the message I got out of this is “keep trying, don’t give up”. We never know when our words or actions will have a positive impact on somebody else. Even if our lives seem mundane, uneventful, pedestrian, etc., we all have the potential to bring sunshine into another beings life. Thanks again for the positivity.
Hey Dawg….are you trying to tell me that you can’t or won’t or didn’t watch the damn video…OMG….you must think i’m a nut….lol
Damn Dawg….it’s one of my songs….my husband gave it to me….he used to pick it out on a mean Fender acoustic 12 string with a sweet but full bottom….ahhh…heaven….the man was a true gift…at least his music was….but i destroyed him….i meaning all of us….what i did was focus on what i was trying to say and went click…and this is what i got….was thinking of you….it represents the you i’ve come to know….blah
watch it or don’t….but i apologize for confusing me with your confusion…thought you’d done me the honour sir
Love ya Dawg
Amakua
Amakua – i visited the link and saw what the song was but in order to not have competing media sources … and since I know the song … I did not watch the video – apologies – no disrespect or dishonor intended. I do appreciate the sentiment and I am humbled 🙂
@lucy – thank you – I’m glad you found it useful 🙂
thankful dawg
I GIVE DAWG….lol…if you ever do watch it….i didn’t say listen to it…lmao….how much more literal can a woman ever get…lol…let me know what you think….from my perspective if you can see it….and from yours if you would be kind enough to share….i would most humbly appreciate any and all comments….until then i’m just looking like a cocknozzle again….lol….but i keep telling folk i find the words so damn hard….unless i can take em with a healthy shot of music….i understand words…most words atleast…lmao…but how do i say it….the message for me is best understood in the music…sometimes they even give me lyrics to help represent the same thing….then i really get it….truthfully sometimes i need to get my medicine from the words, the emotions, the music, the pictures, the geometry,…blah…derail….
It’s all good Dawg….will try to leave you in peace
i did say try….lol
Amakua
I watched it … it was lines and lyrics … what did I miss? i know the song – it’s not exactly one of my faves so I’m sorry if I didn’t see or get the same inspiration for it as you. although there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting inspiration from music – but not everyone will be similarly inspired by that which inspires us.
apologetic dawg
ahhh Dawg….still nothing eh?….no inspiration to be found….explanation and a thank you and a tribute to an amazing Soul….YOU….nothing else really there to find….hope you didn’t hurt your old eyes a lookin’
You keep me grounded
Love Ya Dawg
Amakua