About Me
Sharing my lifelong love for our furry family members
Animals have been the heartbeat of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a home filled with dogs and all kinds of animals. My family fostered multiple dogs over the years and never hesitated to take in a stray who needed love, patience, and a safe place to land. From an early age, I learned that every animal deserves compassion and a second chance.
When I moved out on my own, I bought my first dog, a Shiba Inu. She remains the only dog I have ever purchased. Fun fact: she was also the only dog who ever bit me with her sharp little puppy teeth… and drew blood! And I still bought her. I guess that says a lot about my commitment.
My first apartment once looked more like a small zoo: my dog, two rabbits, and several reptiles. We would get the reptiles/lizards from pet stores for free, as they were dying. Some just needed TLC and others had broken legs that we were able to fix. They added up so quickly it was too much to count! Bearded dragons quickly became my favorite though! I also had a 90-gallon aquarium filled with colorful fish/cichlids.
Every dog I’ve had since then has been taken in from someone who could no longer care for them. Giving animals a stable, loving home has always felt natural to me.
One of the biggest moments that shaped me happened when I had my first child as a single mom. I was staying with family in a county that didn’t allow pit bulls. Someone complained about my dog, even though he was the sweetest soul. I was faced with a choice: stay where I had support, or leave the county so I could keep my dog. I chose my dog. I moved and built my own path rather than give him up. To me, they aren’t “just dogs.” They’re family.
As my family grew, so did our animal crew. My children were involved in FFA, and before long we had a mini pig, a mini cow, three goats, and several chickens. Through every stage of life, there has never been a time I didn’t have at least one dog by my side.
Today, my home includes one dog, one cat, mini pig, and a beloved bearded dragon. And of course, there’s Loki, the heart of Wiggle Butts. Loki loves playing with every dog he meets, happily shares his toys (most of the time!), and never turns down extra belly rubs. He helps set the tone here: welcoming, playful, and full of love.
Animals have been my therapy on hard days, my joy on the best days, and yes, they’ve driven me a little crazy sometimes too. But I truly cannot imagine my life without them.
Caring for animals isn’t just something I do, it’s who I am. When your dog is here, they are treated like family, because that’s all I’ve ever known!