Building a Place of Safety
Behind the Scenes: Preparing Our Home Base
Founder Reflections No. 002
“I believe in you. I believe in your dream. I’ll take care of it.” — Keith, my husband
As I continue sharing what inspired Artemis House, I also want to bring you a little glimpse behind the scenes into what it looks like to build it today.
Our Georgia Department of Agriculture pre-inspection is complete. We now have a clear list of the work the inspector identified as required for license approval at a final inspection. That includes drywall, painting, doors, and sealing the concrete floors and back deck.
Having that clarity is an important step forward. But the scope of the work—and its cost—were more than we had anticipated. For a while, I had to take a breath and absorb what that meant for the dream I have been working so hard to bring to life.
Every dream has to have a foundation of support that makes it possible. For Artemis House and for me, so much of that foundation belongs to my husband, Keith. His belief in me has given me the support and reassurance to bring this dream into the world.
When I shared what the pre-inspection would require, his response was simple:
“I believe in you. I believe in your dream. I’ll take care of it.”
He has chosen to personally cover these unexpected renovation costs, outside the Artemis House budget.
I am deeply grateful for that generosity. But there is something beyond the financial help that is difficult to put into words: being met with that kind of belief when you are trying to find your footing. His support has given me room to work through what comes next, and keep moving forward.
Right now, that looks like supplies temporarily moved onto the deck, a basement cleared for work, and new drywall turning an unfinished space into something closer to the home base that will welcome dogs safely and with so much love.
A heartfelt thank-you, too, to Lopez Painting & Renovations LLC for answering the call, getting started so quickly, and showing up consistently to move this work forward. Seeing this space come together has been such an encouragement.
These walls are only one part of preparing Artemis House. Alongside the physical work, we are developing the care plans, procedures, veterinary and emergency arrangements, and foster TEAM support that must be ready before we welcome our first dogs. Once licensed, we will begin when we can responsibly support the dogs we take into our care.
My conversations with the GDA supervisor and inspector reinforced the weight of that responsibility. Every dog we accept will depend on us to follow through, including when needs change or something unexpected happens. I want to build a rescue that can keep that commitment over many years. That means beginning thoughtfully and carefully and making sure our capacity grows alongside our ability to provide care.
To everyone who has contributed through our Founding Wish List and Giving Pathways, or offered encouragement along the way: thank you. Your trust during this early stage means so much to me. The supplies and support you have given are part of the welcome we are preparing.
There is still work ahead before final inspection and before the first dog arrives. Today, though, I can stand in this space and see progress. I can picture a dog resting here. A little more settled. A little more able to choose, explore, and begin to feel safe. That is what we are working toward, one thoughtful step at a time.
Thank you for being here while Artemis House takes shape.
A Place to Heal. A Home to Belong.
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