A long, long time ago, not even three months back, the February brief was all about traveling and dogs. How visiting other lands and having a dog in your life can both be profound experiences. Then I was talking up a trip to Italy, now I don’t even consider wandering off my patio. As we are suddenly putting travel plans on hold, we have an opportunity to look for ways to be of service in our communities. That’s where the dogs make another ‘brief’ appearance. This time the ways that dogs help us.
My good friends Penny Ellison and Marian Marchese are like lighthouses on a dark, rocky shoreline. They run two amazing programs in our area that you may be interested in getting involved with.
Penny is the Executive Director of HAND2PAW a non-profit focused on empowering young adults to take charge of their lives, learn real marketable skills, and pursue fulfilling employment through working with animals. Click on the image to the left to visit the HAND2PAW website.
photo: Wide Eyed Studios
Marian is the Founder and CEO of New Leash on Life USA, a new generation non-profit prison dog-training program that saves the lives of shelter dogs at-risk of euthanasia and gives incarcerated inmates a chance for redemption.
Click the photo to visit New Leash on Life.
photo: Alan Brian Nilsen Photography LLC
As I have watched these two women work with, build up and inspire so many, I am repeatedly, and sincerely, struck with admiration. Not only are they carrying out the words of one of my faves… Madeleine Albright, they are expanding on that quote from above. They know that by upholding human rights, by way of upholding the rights of animals, they are helping create communities that are full of opportunities, success and bright futures. Practically Einsteins.
Please visit their websites and considering getting involved, at some level, while we wait to see what summer and autumn will bring us. We are all in this together, some more together than others.
As Madeleine also said,
“Go for it, never back down, and don’t give in, because there’s no greater satisfaction in life than using your gifts to help others and to contribute to your community and country.”
Isn’t she great? Penny and Marian are great too.
The Brave of Heart Fund is a new program for the financial and emotional support for the survivors of front line healthcare workers (including volunteers) who have died during this pandemic.
If you know someone who could use the help please feel free to share the link with them.
Click here or on the photo above to visit their website for more information.
In brief: now is a great time to consider how you can be of service in your community.
Through social media, volunteering or donations. We are the ones upholding basic rights, for humans, animals and the environment.
Let’s go for it.
Click on Jane’s image on the left to watch a video about what Jane Barr Horstman is about.
More than ever… Have a Magical Day!
Jane, CEO, Jane Barr Horstman & Associates