To The Rescue: The Inspiration Behind Back From Barkin’

Eight years ago today, I met a shy and scared little girl at a Denver shelter and asked her if she wanted to come home with me.

I was told that she had been moved from shelter to shelter, from Texas to Denver, and that she had yet to warm up to humans. She may have seen abuse at her young age. She avoided eye contact and scurried to the corner of room when I approached her.

“I know you don’t know me,” I said as I picked her up. “But I promise I will always keep you fed and safe and happy and loved.” She’s been my perfect little Lovelight ever since.

I was two years sober when I adopted Rider. My first dog, Bennie, helped me get clean 10 years ago and got to see me sober, healthy and happy the final months of his life. When a rescue animal enters our lives, we do in fact rescue each other— especially those of us in recovery, who have earned new starts in life and seek healthy companionship that fosters accountability.

One of the things we want to do at the Back From Broken Foundation is to help people in recovery adopt rescue animals by offsetting adoption fees. We also want to establish a foster care network for people entering in-patient treatment programs. This would give pet owners peace of mind knowing that their companions are being cared for while they get help. Your financial support of our nonprofit goes a long way in helping us do that: TheBFBF.org/donate.

Dogs are simply the best. And they bring out the best in us. If you’re in a position to do so, please consider adopting a rescue animal that deserves a good home. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

Happy Gotcha Day, Rider. Thank you for entering my life 8 years ago. I love you so, so much.