Hold on to your hats, Path of Hope followers. This is going to be a long one!

I wanted to share my “why” of volunteering for Path of Hope.

I’ve honestly been following them for a few years without really knowing how I found out about them in the first place. At first I saw this as something I couldn’t do because there’s no way I can foster puppies... I’d want to keep them all!! So, I just watched from the sidelines.

Fast forward to just about 2 years ago. I was in the grocery store late one night and there was a man holding a puppy in his coat. I heard someone ask about it and he replied “We’re fostering this puppy for Path of Hope.” To which I responded “I know them and have been following them!” I was so happy to actually meet one of these puppies that I’ve seen on their Facebook page, plus it just touched my heart.

A beautiful cute mother dog with black dark brown fur white spot big round eyes floppy ears and nose named Mabel taking afternoon nap on a pet bed with fluffy cover looking at camera while human volunteer takes pictures — Can you believe Mama Mabel is still waiting for her furever home? (Path of Hope Facebook)

I’m a dog lover to the core. My mother always said that “Dogs are God’s greatest inventions!”. That’s how I live my life!

I’m going to be completely transparent for a moment. During this time, I was experiencing the beginning of what would be the most horrid mental health battle that I’ve ever experienced. This is an important fact and a huge reason for my “why”. I was starting to feel a bit lost and was needing something for me, something to focus on outside of my home.

I’m the mother of 6 kiddos, even though 4 are no longer living in our home, the 2 that are, come with some high special needs. So, it’s super easy to not have something just for me.

While scrolling through Social Media, I saw that Path of Hope had other positions that they needed filled. More administrative and behind the scenes. I honestly took the puppy in the store and the plea for help beyond fostering as a sign.

A cute little young foster puppy with dark light brown fur white spot big round eyes and adorable nose named Gertrude sitting up inside a pet cradle with red soft covering pad along other puppy litter siblings — Why are you looking at me? Will you adopt me? (Path of Hope Facebook)

I thought to myself, “I can do that! I think I can honestly help.” So, I became the Spay and Neuter Scheduler. It took only a few hours every month and it was something I could do even during, I’ll be honest, my really dark days. It gave me a sense of purpose beyond myself.

As I was starting to feel more myself and navigating what my world was starting to look like, I NEEDED more. I needed a challenge, something to take me out of the safety bubble I had created for myself to cope.

Before all that happened, I loved socializing and working with people. Unfortunately, one of the side effects was an almost crippling social anxiety which was new for me. I needed to push myself somewhere, and try to connect with the world again.

A cute mother dog with dark brown white fur big round eyes and nose named Godiva wearing red collar with tag sitting on a couch with floppy ears looking at human volunteer taking picture for social media adoption post — Godiva here. Just popping in to show you my adorable face! (Path of Hope Facebook)

After a long talk with Caitlin, and my husband I literally told Caitlin to “PUT ME IN COACH” as a case manager. We work hand in hand with the fosters, answer their questions and be their support. It’s a position that is so needed. It’s also one that would completely push me out of that comfort zone, something that I can’t avoid or hide from, which is exactly what I needed. Plus, it’s helping me overcome a deep seeded fear... which is a story for another day.

At first, my “why” can be seen as a little selfish. I came here for ME, for MY mental health, for MY growth, for MY need to feel like I’m contributing somewhere, for MY love of 4 legged babies.

However, after one of my first foster home visits as a case manager, I sat in my car and cried. I knew I’m meant to be here at this time. I went into their home and met the puppy placed with them and saw the selflessness they have to care, and provide safety for this baby. To give this pup a fighting chance, to show this pup that was taken from the streets in Texas what a loving forever home feels like.

A cute brown dark fur little 7 month old puppy named Mule sleeping on the wooden floor with pad and cloth upside down looking relaxed playful and enegetic while waiting for dog rescue volunteer to take pictures — We need more volunteers to help us save more dogs. Will you join us? (Path of Hope Facebook)

I’ve now experienced my first intake of puppies that literally just got off a plane, with complete fear in their eyes, a stinky mess, and being able to promise them that they are safe now. Then to see those same pups a few weeks later running around like puppies, and loving life.

I know without a shadow of a doubt that while my first intentions were for ME, I know it’s all about THEM. Those pups that need a loving, safe house and those fosters that have the passion to help them realize it. I get to serve THEM. This has brought such joy to my life.

I’m here to tell you, if you have any desire, even if it’s just a glimmer to help, WE NEED YOU!!

It’s okay if you can’t foster, it’s okay that you don’t have several hours a week to help. There’s something here for you that can fit in your life and will bring a light and joy into your heart. I promise!

Patti. Case Manager at PHR.

Featured