❤️ SOMETIMES RESCUE ISN’T ABOUT TAKING A DOG — IT’S ABOUT HELPING THE PERSON WHO LOVES THEM. ❤️

An individual named Jessica recently reached out to us because she was facing the heartbreaking possibility of surrendering her two dogs, Benji and Echo.

When I began reading her surrender request, I had to stop.

I had tears in my eyes.

It was, without a doubt, one of the most heartfelt surrender stories I have ever read.

Jessica is a veteran who has sacrificed for our country and for the freedoms we have today. She is living with the effects of that sacrifice and, during an incredibly difficult year, found herself in a position where she was worried she could no longer financially provide the medical care her dogs might need.

And then she told us what Benji and Echo mean to her.

These aren't simply her dogs.

They are her reason to get out of her room each day.

They comfort her. They give her purpose. They are there when the days are difficult.

Benji is an almost 5-year-old yellow Lab/Border Collie mix. He is incredibly intelligent, potty trained and kennel trained, but he has severe fear surrounding veterinary care and requires special handling.

And then there is Echo.

A 3-year-old Husky who Jessica calls her soul dog.

She described how Echo will climb onto the couch, lean his entire chest and head into her, and hug her.

She knows when her PTSD is bad.

And somehow, he knows exactly what she needs.

As I read her words, I couldn't stop thinking:

How could we possibly ask this woman to give up the very dogs that help her get through each day?

So we reached back out to Jessica.

And we told her something very important:

We don't want to take her dogs away from her. We want to help her keep them.

Because this is what rescue is supposed to be.

It isn't always about bringing another dog into rescue.

Sometimes, rescue means looking at the person standing in front of you and saying:

"You don't have to do this alone."

Jessica responded with words that broke my heart all over again.

She told us that she couldn't even put into words what our kindness meant to her. She said writing her original surrender request had left her sobbing and struggling to breathe.

And then she thanked us.

Over and over again.

Jessica, this is our turn to thank you.

You sacrificed so others could have freedoms you might never personally benefit from.

You sacrificed so people could wake up every morning, see the beautiful world around them, make their own choices, love their families, and yes — love their dogs.

Your sacrifice gave others a voice.

Now it is our turn to give you a voice.

It is our turn to surround you with a community you didn't even know was standing behind you.

❤️ WE WANT TO HELP JESSICA KEEP HER FAMILY TOGETHER. ❤️

We are going to begin a fundraiser to create a financial cushion for Jessica and her dogs.

Our goal is to help provide reassurance that if an unexpected veterinary need arises, she won't immediately have to face the fear of losing the two lives that mean so much to her.

If something significant happens, we will continue to stand beside her and help advocate for her and her dogs.

We will also be creating an Amazon Wish List to help keep Benji and Echo's bellies full and take some of the everyday financial pressure off Jessica.

We want her to wake up knowing that there are people who care.

People who are grateful.

People who are willing to say:

"You sacrificed for us. Now let us stand beside you."

Please consider donating if you are able.

Even a small contribution can remind Jessica that she is not alone.

And if you aren't able to donate, please share this story.

Most importantly, please take a moment to thank Jessica.

Tell her that her service matters.

Tell her that her sacrifice matters.

Tell her that there are people who appreciate what she has done for our country and for the freedoms we have today.

Jessica, from all of us at The Hope Highway and from a community you didn't know was waiting for you:

Thank you.

Thank you for your dedication.

Thank you for your sacrifice.

Thank you for putting others before yourself.

And most of all, thank you for trusting us with your story.

You spent years helping protect our freedoms.

Now it is our turn to help protect what gives you comfort, purpose, love and the strength to keep moving forward.

Benji and Echo aren't going anywhere.

We're going to help you keep your family together. ❤️🐾🇺🇸

Helping Community Jessica

Please help Jessica secure her dogs