Finding Joy - Guest Submission
My adult life has been one big paradoxical experience. When I decided not to go to medical school after college because I wanted to “heal” instead of just “treat” people, I joined a pharmaceutical company where I could get my education in nutrition reimbursed. I ultimately worked for the largest pharmaceutical company in the world at the same time I became a certified health coach through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. While I pursued my nutrition education, I worked in an analytical chemistry lab that was unfortunately situated next to the only beagle lab on campus outside of the separate toxicology building. When I was unable to transfer labs to avoid the constant barking and cries that permeated my every thought, I left the role determined to bring about change in the industry through technology innovation and new data methodologies that could reshape the way clinical and pre-clinical research is conducted.
When I found myself involuntarily retired in 2025, I made the decision to volunteer at Kindness Ranch where I could give back in my own small way to the lives that were sacrificed for my livelihood for 3+ decades. I had been following Kindness Ranch on social media for the last few years and committed to myself that when the timing was right, I would visit for a week and offer up my hands and heart to whatever the needs of the ranch might be at the time.
That time presented itself this April and after one wonderful day cleaning pig stalls I had the great fortune to be volunteering the day 22 new beagles arrived. Witnessing these innocent babies take their first steps on solid ground, receive their own toy, their own bed and their own harness and leash for the first time opened a floodgate of emotions that didn’t stop flowing for the next 5 days. My heart filled as I stepped into each pen and sat among the wood chips giving each dog the space to approach me when ready to receive affection – something that was completely novel to every one of them.
My intention was to serve these dogs with a sincere heart, an open mind and able hands. What I did not expect was to connect with an animal on a heart and soul level the way I did when "Sal" (aka Salvador Dali) made eye contact with me, fell belly-up into my lap and wrapped his front paws around my arm as if begging me not to leave. In that moment, he chose me, and I experienced the most unexpected burst of heartfelt joy.
Adopting a dog from 27 hours away may seem impractical, but Sal brought healing to me in ways I never anticipated. If I can reciprocate by offering him relief from his past of fear, pain, and uncertainty, I can close the chapter of my 33-year career knowing that I not only did well, but I have also done good in the most meaningful way I could have ever dreamed. As I look forward to finally welcoming Sal home, this remarkable experience continues to remind me of the power of compassion.
