Staying on the subject of dogs, I received a newsletter this morning from Harmony Fund with updates about Sasha’s Shelter in Serbia. It literally made my eyes fill with tears or deep gratitude. As you probably recall from past posts, they were up against a May 1st deadline, or the city would take the 750 dogs to certain death. Laura Simpson, the founder, has been helping underdogs around the world for over 30 years. And if a mountain needs to be moved, she moves it. She rallied and kept going and didn’t give up, even when all they were seeing was darkness. Thanks to people like us in Empowering Animals, a community of animal lovers who shared what they could, little by little the money was raised and construction is underway and on schedule to move all 750 dogs to their new, safe home. Now, some dogs will go on to find their forever homes, and some will have a safe, permanent and loving home with Sasha, because they have nowhere else to go. Sasha and Laura are sending their love and appreciation to all of us who helped move this mountain for the underdog. This is why I created Empowering Animals. To bring us together to make a difference in animals’ lives. Thank you from my heart to yours for being part of Empowering Animals. Small acts add up. 💚🐾

I read a great article today from Good News Network about a rescue that really touched my heart. A conservation group called Wildlife SOS recently launched a specially designed elephant ambulance to transport injured elephants safely to their hospital. Its very first rescue was a 27-year-old elephant named Veer who had been used as a “begging elephant,” meaning he was taken into busy streets where handlers ask the public for money. Veer was suffering from a painful leg injury, so the veterinary team treated him on site and carefully transported him to their Elephant Hospital in India where he can now receive long-term care. The ambulance is specially designed for elephants, with harness systems that allow them to stand safely during transport while veterinarians monitor them and provide treatment along the way. Sometimes helping animals means thinking bigger. And in this case… really big. One elephant helped, one life changed, and a reminder that compassion travels in many forms… even an elephant ambulance. If you'd like to read the story that inspired this post, go here. What’s the most unusual animal rescue story you’ve heard about?

I just read the most beautiful news and I am still emotional. Harmony Fund has officially reached the goal to save Sasha’s Shelter. Seven hundred and fifty dogs are now safe. They are free to live out their lives in peace, love, and without fear. There are still two months left before the deadline, and the goal has already been met. I cried when I read it. This is what happens when people come together for animals. This is what hope looks like. If you want to see their announcement, here is the link to their Facebook post. This is a huge win for the underdogs. 💛 Yah team!