So, what does one do with the money Prilosec OTC so generously gives? For me, that is easy...help save more lives! 3 animals who were suffering, no longer are due to the wonderful sponsorship money awarded to me for my passion. Most people do not realize what is happening in the lives of many stray, abused, abandoned, and neglected animals all across this world. Most people don't want to know because the truth is awful. Most people prefer to keep their eyes closed and pretend that inhumane treatment of all animals does not exist. I am one who can not keep my eyes closed. I cry everyday as I read stories of animals needing someone to see them, feel their pain and suffering, and do something about it.

This is just one story (the other 2 will soon follow) Dylan is a shepherd/lab mix who sat in fear at an awful shelter in North Carolina where dogs are cruelly treated and killed in a gas chamber where suffering can last for over 30 minutes. Dylan caught the attention of a rescuer who pleaded for people to come together to sponser his medical treatment, provide a foster home, and arrange transportation to safety. Every day these types of urgent pleas come through email and/or Facebook. Everyday I read them and everyday I cry wishing to be able to save them all.

Dylans picture (attached) was embedded in my brain from the moment his story was posted on Facebook on 6/12/10. I decided that this was the boy I would sponsor with a portion of my Prilosec award. There were, get this, 550 comments on Facebook from people all over the country trying to arrange to help this angel. You would think with all of these comments, mine stating that I could help, would go unnoticed but it didn't. These people are amazing, they don't miss a thing because they are so dedicated to saving every life they can. With the help of an experienced rescuer familiar with this particular shelter, she guided me to the place where my donation to pay his medical bill could be made. Today Dylan is safe in a foster home, and is receiving much needed medical treatment. I promise an update will shortly follow. I am crying as I write this as I think of all the people out there who never have met one another, but who through the wonderful world of the internet, pull together from across the country and the world to help save one with the goal to continue until there are none. Here is Dylan sitting in that awful place never knowing that hundreds of people worked around the clock to save his life. Now he is safe. To be continued... "Dyan before rescue....terrified as he awaited his fate." Click to Enlarge

Wow. I still can not believe that I am Prilosec OTCs "Official Poochie-Mama"! When I got the call, I was in tears. I am a pretty modest person so to enter this in the first place was a challenge for me. I feel that the rescue work I do and starting my own business is not that fascinating but what I realized is that if I enter this and win, I can help more animals and that is my passion!

It is a wonderful thing to be recognized and chosen as someone who is pursuing their passion. Knowing that I will be able to help more animals with this honor makes me proud of the work I, and other like me, do. Once I started my own Pet Care business, I realized that doing what you love can truly make you happy. To know that I am providing a great service to my community, gives me a sense of accomplishment that I was never able to feel before. If you have a love and a heart for something, do it! I still can't believe that I was chosen because there are so many people out there deserving of recognition; but I do feel good that my love for animals has been acknowledged. I look forward to many years of doing work I truly love, and providing even more care to those in need.

I will be posting pictures and videos very soon so I can share with others how Prilosecs sponsorship has helped. Here are 2 of the dogs that I am currently fostering. Juliet is a pit mix from Alabama who is shy and loving, gentle yet playful. She was found as a stray and has been in NJ looking for her forever family since February 2010. "Juliet" Click to Enlarge

China was surrendered by her family who kept her crated most of the day and never socialized her, played with her, took her on walks, or gave her belly rubs. She is a pit as well and loves everyone she meets. She plays all day with our other 3 dogs and she cuddles very close to us at night.  "China" Click to Enlarge
These 2 sweet angels are only 2 of the millions of dogs that are in need of a family to call their own. They are also 2 very lucky dogs who thanks to foster care are alive.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and if you have been lucky enough to be sponsored by Prilosec OTC, Congrats to you. If you are considering filling out that application, DO IT! You deserve this chance. Good Luck and I look forward to updating this blog and sharing my and their stories with you!