Today I want to start the week by saying how much I appreciate all of you. For believing in me. For supporting me. For teaching me. For your patience, your ideas. And dare I say, for loving me. For all of that, I just want to say thank you. Wishing you a beautiful Monday as meaningful as what you’ve given here. Thank you 🤍

I got a lot of feedback on my t-shirt test, one being my Skool logo. 50% of people had zip idea what my logo was. I got snail antennas, Kraken, sea creature, snakes, etc. Most did see the heart though, so that was a plus. So, instead of reverting back to my childhood nightmare of my drawing disability and tossing it out, I attempted to make it 10% better. 😂👏 I need your honest opinion. I’m not looking for atta boys, I’m looking for feedback that will improve visibility for our community. Lay it on me. 🤣 1st photo before. Second photo after.

Good morning everyone. Came across this video in my feed this this morning and thought to share. https://youtube.com/shorts/7yJX5QIRm1k?si=d_cuaYjWTbwwoiWr

One of the toughest parts of loving an animal is having to say goodbye. Just typing that brings up tears for me, because it doesn’t get easier. Some people swear they will never get another companion because it hurts too much to lose them and I understand why they feel that way. I can only say this. They loved you just as much, and you were both blessed to have each other. But the question was asked, how do we know when it is time? Being an ordained Animal Chaplain, I do believe animals are more connected than we are in many ways. They don’t carry the same ego we do, and there is something very natural in how they move through life and death. You’ll often see changes in their body and habits. They may slow down, stop eating, withdraw, or hide. That instinct to hide is real. It’s part of how animals protect themselves when they feel vulnerable. They won’t show their weakness. But here’s the hard truth about when that time comes. Animals don’t always “decide” on their own, sometimes they need us to make that decision for them. And that’s where this becomes one of the most loving and heartbreaking responsibilities we will ever carry. Of course, your vet should always be part of the conversation. There are physical things to look at like pain, eating, mobility, quality of life. But even with all of that, there is still that moment you will need to decide. And I wish I could tell you how to recognize that without question, but I can’t. Because even when you know, you still question it. And then there is that all too familiar guilt trip we humans love to put ourselves through, "Did I make the right decision". All of us take on this responsibility when we bring an animal into our lives. We love them, care for them, grow with them and that is for all of their life. And when the time comes, we carry them through the end of it too. We all have our own beliefs, and we cannot judge or second guess a guardian’s decision, even when we are tempted to ask, “are you sure?” Unless we are living in that exact moment with that animal, we don’t know.

The idea behind Empowering Animals is simple…to grow and thrive together as a community, with the shared goal of helping animals. But community doesn’t just happen, we create together. What do you think would help us grow stronger? More education? More connection? More ways to take action? I’d really love to hear your thoughts.