09/04/2026
13 years ago, Second Chance Dog Ranch was born in the woods beside a quiet tree.
Not many people know the real story behind how it started.
I’ve struggled with my mental health for most of my life, and 13 years ago, I reached a breaking point where I simply didn’t think I could keep going.
I walked into those woods with a fi***rm, knowing exactly what I had planned to do.
I had rehearsed counting down from 10 thousands of times in my head. But when I was finally standing there, my hands wouldn't stop shaking. I was terrified. So I started at 20 instead, desperately hoping those extra ten seconds would somehow make it easier.
When I hit 10, my mind did something I still can’t fully explain.
I saw the face of a dog I had rescued.
Then another.
And another.
With every number I counted down, another face appeared.
Dogs who had been terrified.
Dogs who had been hurt and discarded.
Dogs everyone else had given up on.
Dogs I had looked in the eyes and decided that their worst day would not be the end of their story.
Then I counted down to 1.
And there was Cassie. My soul dog.
I watched our entire life together play out in front of me in an instant, and something shifted deep inside me. All those animals I had fought tooth and nail to keep alive were suddenly standing there with me, reminding me to fight just as hard for myself.
I walked out of those woods that day.
And I made them a promise: if they could give me my second chance at life, I would spend every day I have left giving second chances to the dogs who needed someone to believe in them.
That is where Second Chance Dog Ranch truly came from. That’s why our shirts say, “Long story short, I survived.”
September is Su***de Prevention Month, and this is my story. Second Chance was never just about me rescuing dogs. It was born on the exact day they saved me.
Thirteen years later, I’m still here. I’m still fighting. And I will spend the rest of my life keeping the promise I made beside that tree. ❤️🐾
If you or someone you love is hurting and struggling to see tomorrow, please don't face it alone. Call or text 988 (Su***de & Crisis Lifeline). Your story isn't over yet.
