Seven years ago Chrissy became my foster dog. It was supposed to last 3 months as I was just working at Animal Care Sanctuary in rural Pennsylvania for the summer. She had lived at the shelter for 3 years already and was a stray before that, so she was riddled with anxiety stemming from abusive humans and being left alone. I knew early on as we bonded that I wouldn’t be able to leave her, and so she ended up coming home with me — becoming a “foster failure” as they say.

 

Chrissy has shown me the unbridled power of love and patience, which have completely transformed this dog as well as myself. We have developed a language that's based primarily on non-verbal communication, which has only solidified my beliefs that all beings, no matter how they measure up to our human-created standards of value, are deserving of respect and liberation. She’s more trusting and relaxed than I could have ever envisioned her becoming. To her core, she is a wild and fiery hunter, but her divine feminine gentle energy towards those she loves only expands with every day. I have learned to not impose my human values and anthropomorphism upon her but instead, embrace her for the dynamic animal that she is. I’m grateful for all the lessons she’s taught me and the person she’s shaped me to become. Nothing brings me more joy in this world than seeing her happiness.

 

I hope everyone is able to unlock the part of their soul that is experienced through a partnership based on mutual love and devotion, regardless of species.