08/05/2025
I just want to make things clear if you are a new follower of Woof & Willow.
Ever since I was a little girl, my dream has been to help save animals in any way that I could. Dogs in particular were my favorite. I noticed they never judged you, took you for granted, said hurtful things to you, or left you; they were just happy to be with you.
I started Woof and Willow Puppy Rescue last April, after taking in a heavily pregnant dog who gave birth right here in our home. And regardless of the sleepless nights, I fell in love with caring for this little family. It was during that time that I joined multiple online communities exposing the realities of shelters across America. Newborn puppies, pregnant dogs, healthy dogs, you name it, all are being euthanized simply because there isn't enough space.
When most people think of a "shelter" or "rescue" dog, they think of a pitbull that they can't trust (just want to add, I have been working with dogs almost my entire life, and it's never the pits, always the little dogs that bite). When that is far from the truth, you can find almost every breed in a shelter or rescue somewhere, and most are extremely loving and just happy to be with you.
If you knew me two years ago, you would never have guessed the life I live now. I had a massive social circle, worked a job I loved, engaged daily in habits that made me happy, and had a routine. I was not a shell of a person. That's what rescue work does to you: it's 24/7, it's demanding, it's losing all of your friends, it's never having energy, it's being emotionally numb. But, typical of me, I became so passionate about rescuing, it's all I focused on.
It's the one thing I know that when my time comes, I'll be able to say I did the best I can in this world. I didn't just care about the amount I was worth or how I looked; I cared about the innocent lives that I saved while remembering the ones I couldn't. I know deep down that I am not just saving animals, but I am saving people too. If you own a pet, you understand.
I always try my best to be kind, to give people the benefit of the doubt. I couldn't care less about what is said about me personally, but when it affects the organization, it affects the lives being saved, and that crosses the line.
People have SO much to say online that they would never in a million years, say to you in person, and I am not one of them.
I no longer have the time or energy to engage with ANYONE questioning my intentions or what Woof and Willow stand for. Yes, you will be blocked if you begin to comment, questioning my intentions, or asking sarcastic questions.
I want to thank each and everyone of you who have supported me, I can't thank you enough. I look at every note that comes with every Amazon order, every comment, I notice who always likes our posts, and I see you, and I appreciate you.
I wouldn't be able to do any of this without you, or without the help of Viviana Nickerson • Barkyard Properties, who joined me a few months ago.