Category: Inspiration & Happy Stories

A Dog Foster's Open Letter to Open Hearts

A Dog Foster's Open Letter to Open Hearts
When rescue friend, Candice, recently commented that her dog fostering experience has made her wonder why anyone would not do it, I was anxious to hear more. Everything about her honest and heartwarming answer touched me as I hope it will you. Maybe she will even inspire you to team up with a rescue near you to give... Read more »
By Laura Young,
December 16, 2016 at 7:50 am • 

Puppy's First Snow

My husband, about to introduce Effy to her first snowball.
I am pet sitting the most ridiculously cute and well-behaved puppy this weekend. That would have been enough. But seeing her discover snow for the first time.  Ohhhhh goodness. Just…ohmygosh… You. Are. Welcome. Effy is a 5 month old Golden/English Cream retriever mix. I’m so sorry her parents missed this day and I know they... Read more »
By Laura Young,
December 4, 2016 at 6:08 pm • 

For This Company, Giving Back is So Much More Than a Tuesday Thing

For This Company, Giving Back is So Much More Than a Tuesday Thing
This time of year and with the huge success of the #GivingTuesday initiative, many people are turning their thoughts to how they can give back to their communities. But what happens after the spirit of the season starts to fade? In response to ongoing community needs, this Chicago company has set out to make charitable works an ongoing... Read more »
By Laura Young,
December 2, 2016 at 9:12 am • 
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Pickle - A Short Film About Love, Pets and Death That Will Leave You Smiling (Really)

Pickle - A Short Film About Love, Pets and Death That Will Leave You Smiling (Really)
Could you use a little bright spot in your life right about now? A little something to make you smile in the face of the sometimes ridiculous predicament of being alive? The raising of a graveside toast in honor of the crazy things we do for love? You know you do. If you have two bucks and... Read more »
By Laura Young,
November 22, 2016 at 4:43 pm • 

This Artist Basically Paints the Coolest Pet Portraits Ever (and Her Story is as Unique as Her Work)

Be sure to read the artist interview to learn about this portrait of Hamish.
Yes. Yes,  I did find the pet portrait artist you have been searching for your whole life (whether you realized it or not). You are welcome. Recently I went to my high school reunion and while it was great to see old familiar faces, the real gem of the evening for me was meeting Jennie... Read more »
By Laura Young,
September 30, 2016 at 7:48 am • 

Radar's Marvelous, Mysterious Rescue

Radar's Marvelous, Mysterious Rescue
I am so happy to share this video with you, with the gracious permissions of author Peter Stern and Waterline Writers. If you have not heard of Waterline Writers, you have been missing out on a sweet little literary gem in Batavia. Housed in the gorgeous Water Street Studios, these monthly gatherings feature curated readings... Read more »
By Laura Young,
September 29, 2016 at 10:01 am • 
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Good Night, Pup, Good Night, Kitty (Rescues Snoozing in Safety)

This is the guy who kicked off the whole post idea. I sat him and his pupmates for many days and took a ridiculous number of photos of him sleeping.
Bed hogs. Blanket stealers. Mind-boggling contortionists. People with pets do not always sleep well but our four-legged sleep stealers are so stinking entertaining that somehow makes it okay. Recently , I posted some photos of questionable sleeping arrangements and crazy canine snoozing positions from my pet sitting adventures on Facebook and other folks started sharing theirs. One... Read more »
By Laura Young,
July 29, 2016 at 5:12 pm • 

Trip to Spain Opens Minds, Hearts, Homes for Galgos (And Another Reactive Dog Gets a BFF)

Trip to Spain Opens Minds, Hearts, Homes for Galgos (And Another Reactive Dog Gets a BFF)
Are you familiar with plight of the Spanish Galgo? I recently had the opportunity to view a short film chronicling a trip several trainers and veterinary staff took with Crystal Lake-based rescue, Love, Hope, Believe Galgo Adoption,  to assist Fundacion Benjamin Mehnhart, a facility which houses some 600 Galgos and Podencos. I found it fascinating and informative... Read more »
By Laura Young,
July 19, 2016 at 11:40 am • 

Five Lessons in Love from Pixie, The Senior Cat Who Ended Well

Five Lessons in Love from Pixie, The Senior Cat Who Ended Well
It is my great pleasure to share this story written by Pixie’s foster mom, Christy Cirino. I’ll share more about Christy below, but first…Miss Pixie. We didn’t intend to adopt Pixie, our first foster, when this journey started. We had simply offered to foster her until “someone” else adopted her. Her journey to us was... Read more »
By Laura Young,
May 24, 2016 at 11:17 am • 
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Rescue Dog Birthday Party Smashes Cute-o-Meter, Sends Puptastic Medicine Straight to Hurting Hearts

Rescue Dog Birthday Party Smashes Cute-o-Meter, Sends Puptastic Medicine Straight to Hurting Hearts
Yeah. We are. We are talking dog birthday parties today and you, my friend, are going to love it even if you think the whole idea is goofy (at first). OF COURSE it is silly, and anthropomorphic and all that but there is also seriously awesome juju at work here. I mean, just look at those guys. You gonna... Read more »
By Laura Young,
March 4, 2016 at 10:23 am •