Last Monday I was unloading some items from my shopping cart and placing them into my truck when the hair stood up on the back of my neck, my skull got extremely hot, my body felt like it was going to explode from the inside out and my extremities burned and tingled like I had grabbed onto one of our electric fences for our livestock. A blue, electrical dome was all around me for a moment before the strike of lightening hit the ground feet from me. I immediately dropped to my knees, then plunged into the backseat of my truck with my daughter watching. I won’t lie, as soon as I realized I was still alive, safe, I burst into tears. I did not die and my daughter didn’t have to witness my death.
The sense of relief I felt brought a newfound clarity to my purpose. For some time, I had been grappling with the desire to create a documentary addressing the dire issues of overpopulation, abuse, and inadequate protection laws for dogs in Arkansas. Drawing on my background in criminal law, I aimed to expose the grim reality faced by countless dogs in the state, where they are often subjected to torture and abandoned in the woods to perish. The situation is exacerbated by frequent incidents of abuse, bestiality, and the presence of unspayed dogs roaming freely, causing distress to livestock on farms and ranches.
The tragic death of a 15-year-old girl, who was killed while trying to feed abandoned dogs, should have prompted immediate action from state officials. I anticipated that her death would lead to the implementation of laws targeting backyard breeders and negligent owners, as well as the enforcement of spay/neuter regulations. However, the state turned a blind eye, ignoring the numerous complaints from neighbors about the 30-40 neglected dogs on the property prior to this heartbreaking incident. Motivated to document this crisis and advocate for change at the state level, I was determined to make a difference.
I remain committed to helping these dogs, having rescued eight so far and ensuring they receive veterinary care to prevent further litters. While this effort may seem small in the grand scheme, it is still a meaningful step. I’m also exploring a gentler approach to raise awareness about their plight. Instead of confronting the issue aggressively, I believe a softer, more compassionate perspective will resonate better with others. Witnessing the suffering of these abandoned dogs and their fearful reactions to kindness fuels my passion, yet I often feel overwhelmed by those who view animals merely as possessions.
In reflecting on our society, I recognize that much of the anger stems from justified frustrations with a corrupt government. Over the past six years, the spotlight on this corruption has intensified, revealing misconduct across the political spectrum. I have distanced myself from party affiliations, having seen evidence of wrongdoing on both sides. Many remain fixated on partisan divides, missing the broader issue of systemic failure within our government and justice system. The pervasive anger is palpable, and I find myself questioning whether I want to contribute to that negativity.
Lately, I have chosen to live from a place of peace and kindness. My daughters and I actively seek opportunities to spread positivity, whether through kind words, generous tips, or lending a helping hand. This commitment to kindness is a response to the negativity that surrounds us. A recent experience reaffirmed my desire to embody the loving person I aspire to be, focusing on what brings me joy. I am excited to soon share Azreon’s first story and complete a whimsical romantic fantasy parody, allowing me time to reflect on how to advocate for these vulnerable animals effectively.
I feel a deep sense of gratitude for being here and for your presence as well. It’s essential to cherish each moment, focusing not on the past or the future, but on the present. This very instant, this breath, and the unique spirit that defines you are what truly matter.
At the moment, my attention is devoted to my beloved pets. We are in the process of trying to save Pebble, who has suffered from severe neglect and abuse. The journey is challenging, as her little body is battling the effects of heartworms and malnutrition, but both the veterinarians and our family remain optimistic about her recovery.
May we all be blessed in our endeavors.
