Working with animals isn't easy. As a wildlife rehabilitator, you have about a 50% chance of successfully raising an orphaned animal to the point it can be released. Every baby you take in comes with hope and the risk of heartbreak. Then, if you succeed, another kind of heartbreak begins. You open that carrier, watch them disappear into the wild, and wonder, "Did I do enough? Will they make it?" I'm only a parent of paws, but if you've ever raised children or become an empty nester, you probably understand that feeling. You do everything you can, then you have to let them go and trust they'll find their own way. For five years I rehabilitated wildlife for All Things Wild while also serving as their grant writer. Finding money for animals is never easy. People often think nonprofits simply apply for grants and the money appears. Most grants are small, and fundraisers and community support are what keep the doors open. Before wildlife rehabilitation, I founded a feral cat rescue, created the 501(c)(3), raised the money, trapped cats, organized adoptions, and helped more than 500 cats. I've lived this work from every angle. That's why I know it takes a community to save animals. So why do I do what I do? Because I can't imagine my life without animals. And I can't imagine reaching the end of my life knowing I didn't fully use the gifts GOD gave me to help them. That's why I created Empowering Animals. I know I can't save them all. But together, we can save far more than any of us could alone.

Yes, I'm fully aware someone here is laughing... Okay... now that the twelve-year-olds have finished giggling... 😂 Clear the room... About a month ago, I realized I had stopped creating. I felt stuck, disconnected from my purpose, and honestly wondered where I belonged. So I made myself one simple promise. Show up every day. Nothing huge. Just keep moving, and each day I would quietly say, "Done." One day became a week. A week became two. Before I knew it, I had completely lost track of the count. Then yesterday... 🔥 popped up next to my name in Skool. It took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting it. I was genuinely proud of myself and a self-high-five ensued. Not only am I celebrating that this girl is on 🔥, I'm celebrating keeping a promise to myself. If you've been waiting until you feel motivated, inspired, or "ready," maybe don't. Pick one small thing that matters to you and simply show up, if only for a few minutes. One "Done" may not seem like much. But enough "Dones" can change the way you see yourself. Here's to showing up, one day at a time.

Drop in, sip some tea, and have a chat. Line will be open 9-11 a.m CST. Come join the fun!

If you could spend one day observing any wild animal in its natural habitat, what would you choose?

I'm excited to introduce a new member benefit beginning Friday, July 31! I have some wonderful members here who also have animal-related Skool communities, and I'd love for everyone to have the opportunity to discover the amazing work you're doing. Empowering Animals isn't a promotional community. It's a community for people who love animals and want to make a difference. I want to keep our feed focused on that mission. That's why the last Friday of every month will now be Free Friday for Level 5! If you've reached Level 5, you'll be invited to share your animal-related Skool community in the monthly Free Friday thread. If your community isn't directly about animals but has a clear animal connection, such as pet photography, animal art, video creation for animal lovers, or helping people make financial plans that include caring for their animals, you're welcome to share it too. Just keep it reasonably connected to animals, please. 😁 A few simple guidelines: 🐾 You must be Level 5 or higher. 🐾 Please share only your Skool community link. No links to websites, social media, or other platforms. 🐾To keep our community focused, promotional posts are only allowed in the monthly Free Friday thread. Posts shared elsewhere will be removed. 🐾 If you'd like to share an animal organization instead of your own Skool community, please DM me first so I can review it before it's posted. My hope is that, over time, this grows into a collaboration where animal-focused communities can support one another, learn from each other, and ultimately make an even bigger difference for the animals. ❤️ You have a whole month to reach Level 5! Share your companion, tell an animal story, ask questions, encourage others, and join the conversations. Before you know it, you'll be there.