11/01/2024
We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect day than we had on Saturday 19th for this year’s Shine On For Shelby volunteer day. We take on many volunteer projects throughout the year, but the Saturday closest to the date that Shelby and Azaia were stolen from us has become the most special time of giving back in the way that Shelby always did – helping out in many ways to make the world around us a little better and to spread love and kindness wherever life may have led her at that particular time.
This year we returned to Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG). Their mission not only as an animal shelter but also as a wildlife rehabilitation center and sanctuary is a perfect fit to some of the things Shelby cared most about. Hundreds of animals of all imaginable species are given a chance to recover from injuries or illness to live their best lives either being returned to the wild, or if this isn’t possible, to live out their days in loving care on the farm or another suitable location.
We love going to DAWG at any time, but especially at this time and in particular this year. Many will remember the Rainbow Bridge that we helped build last year. This would be a place where people could leave a collar in remembrance of their beloved pets who had gone on before them. When we were presented with the idea, we thought this was one of the most fitting projects we could take on and were honored to be able help bring this idea into reality.
This year we were asked to help transform the area around the bridge into a peaceful memorial garden where one could sit remembering those special times and listen to the soft jingling of the nametags in the gentle breeze. We couldn’t think of a more fitting tribute as we mark ten years since Shelby and Azaia were so suddenly taken from those who love them so much. So we got to work taking measurements, purchasing a bench, accumulating the needed materials and setting the plan into motion. As always, we had an incredible group of volunteers made up not only of Shelby’s family and friends, but also some who had never met Shelby or Azaia but have been touched by their story these past ten years and feel compelled to be a part of these efforts to keep Shelby’s light shining bright. With a little old-fashioned manual labor and some inspiration from Kelly and Janet at DAWG this is now a tranquil setting for visitors to come and reminisce of the days they spent with their beloved pets.
These type of things are only possible because of the love and generosity of many who donate or sponsor fundraisers or participate in the Kroger Community Rewards program which provides funds to purchase items for these projects.
Shine On!!
