Ever since I can remember, I have had strong feelings of empathy and compassion for animals. They hold a unique space in my heart. I grew up with small critters – hamsters, birds, bunnies, and cats – and as soon as I was able, I adopted a dog, Emma. My journey with her and all of the subsequent dogs that have been in my life – Tiva, Penny, Greta, and Rosie – have led me to this time and place. They shaped who I am today – someone with the desire to help those that don’t have a voice and can’t help themselves. They all taught me invaluable lessons in how to hold space and really listen to those silent voices that surround me.

Old Soul Canine Rescue is a culmination of my personal experiences with animals and my desire for them to be treated with dignity and respect. I want people to understand that humanity is no better or more intelligent than any other living being. They just speak in their own unique languages. We need to be open to receiving their messages and helping them in whatever ways we can. It’s the least we can do for the unconditional love and knowledge that they give to us. I believe that through this work we can expand our community’s compassion footprint, one canine soul at a time.

When I moved to Colorado in 2010, my lifestyle and space finally allowed for me to have dogs. I foster failed with my first personal dog and helped place his mate and 9 puppies with loving families. I already knew that I wanted to have as much exposure to as many dogs as possible, so a couple years later I was ready for my second addition to the pack. That’s where Jackson came in, an enormous senior American Bulldog stray that had a horrible upper respiratory infection and moved at a snail’s pace. It was love at first sight and senior animals became my passion.

I now live on 35 acres and bought the property with the intention of having an animal sanctuary as part of the property’s design and had slowly been crafting a plan. I couldn’t have been more delighted when Rachel reached out with her own dream about senior dogs and from the synchronicity of our aspirations came Old Soul. It has been a literal dream come true! I am so excited to share our vision with the larger community and fulfill our collective vision of supporting senior dogs by giving them our best for the rest of their lives.

 I am a Colorado native, and was raised with animals of all varieties including fish, birds, rodents, reptiles and dogs. I am a Certified Therapy Dog Handler with my beautiful senior Colorado Mountain Dog, Gracie.

My mom’s golden retriever, Cassie, joined our family at 16 when my mom passed away. She was so gentle and loving, and despite a multitude of health issues and the disruption in her life, she learned our routines and fit right in with the other family dogs here in the mountains. She died a year later on my mom’s birthday. My sweet Boomer came into my life at age 2. He became became my shadow within days and gave me his best 12 years. He had impeccable health until his final year. Despite the obvious pain and discomfort he was in, that beautiful old gray face would gaze at me with complete adoration. Sometimes I feel like Peter Pan, having lost my shadow, but he will always live in my heart.

Dogs are there for us at all times, good and bad, easy and difficult. I believe that humans need to reciprocate that loyalty and fervor especially when a dog enters their golden years. I joined Old Soul Canine Rescue to help ensure that senior dogs live out the remainder of their lives protected and cherished.