I have always been drawn to the dogs who need extra time — the ones overwhelmed by the world, trying to understand whether they are safe. I recognize something familiar in them: what it feels like to move through life with a nervous system always on alert, scanning places, people, and situations before being able to settle. I have never been at ease in loud, chaotic, or unpredictable environments. I feel safest in quiet spaces, slow connection, and relationships where trust can build gently over time. From the time I was a child, the place I felt safest — the place I felt most like myself — was with dogs. Dogs have always felt like home to me. They have given me a sense of belonging. That is a big part of why Artemis House exists. I know safety is not a small thing. For a vulnerable dog, safety is the beginning of everything. Artemis House is my way of giving back to the dogs who have given me so much. They have been home for me. Now I get to be part of home for them.

I didn’t grow up with dogs, but I am committed to growing old with them. When I was pursuing my degree in social work at Georgia State University, I dog sat for a friend. Walking that sweet miniature pinscher around the city, I connected with neighbors, conversed with strangers, and found that caring for dogs was a doorway to community. And when I adopted my first dog Duncan soon after, I experienced the depth of love and commitment possible. He taught me unconditional love and how much better life is with a sidekick. Since then, I’ve had the honor of sharing life and home with 5 dog family members and fostered 10 more. They’ve taught me how to care-give, how to let go, and how to honor death and life with reverence. I’m never more present than when I’m walking, snuggling, brushing, and playing with dogs. They have made me a better human. I celebrate the blessing of interspecies love that dogs have shown me.

I always knew I had a calling to be a mom and I was blessed with two amazing sons who support and love me through it all!!! I was then blessed enough to have a second calling. And that was for dogs. They are the extra special something God gave us, just to nourish our souls and teach us of true and unconditional love. A gift. Dogs are a part of me. They complete me. I am ready and more than willing to give all that I am…physically, mentally and emotionally to all of the babies of Artemis House. It is the least I can do to even begin to give back and honor what they have always given me. They have always been my sanity, my happiness, my teachers, my therapists and my best friends. They ground me and keep my heart safe. If they feel sad, I will help them find their happy ever after. If they cry, I will comfort and hold them. If they are lost, I will be their home and if someone breaks their heart, I will mend it with all the love in mine. I want to be by their side…always…in all ways.