Hello, my name is Jenna and I am a crazy dog lady. This week the house has been filled with stampedes of ten pound dogs running throughout the house, hog piles on the bed, and the most epic tug of war matches my eyes have even witnessed. No, we didn’t add to our family (and if I ever say I have big news, please don’t ask if I’m pregnant, I’ll let you know when we decide we are ready…  in the next five years, promise) but we did get a temporary house guest with furry speckled boots and the cutest dip dyed tail. She made the trek from Houston, then from Chicago to spend some time at the Kutcher casa and we are soaking up every ounce of our foster, Tootsie, while she is here. You see, since leaving Houston in December I’ve been dreaming and scheming about helping more dogs get off of the streets and into homes. It’s far too easy to feel helpless when it comes to such a daunting task with even more daunting figures but the truth is, it just starts with one. One yes to help, one yes to open the doors of your home, one Tootsie who hangs with you until she finds her forever family. It’s pretty easy, when you think about it.

In life, we often wait for the perfect moment, the perfect opportunity, or the perfect timing… guess what, we often wait forever to do the things we’ve been wanting to do. These animals don’t need the perfect space, they don’t need perfect foster siblings (ahem, I’m looking at you Chloe and Tucker) and they don’t need perfect circumstance. All they need is one imperfect person to say “yes” to loving them until the time comes for them to settle in for good. Fostering isn’t for the faint of heart, we have failed before (Tucker, you’re a lucky son of a gun) but the truth is, I know that Tootsie isn’t ours, I know that we are just loving on her temporarily. I also know I couldn’t manage three four-legged friends forever but for now, the chaos is welcomed and the puppy kisses brighten my days. People keep saying they don’t think they could do it, I challenge you to try. We are so fortunate and are always trying to come up with ways to give back, who knew opening the door to our home (and adding one more pooch to our bed at night) would be such a reminder that it just takes a simple “yes” to change a life. Add bonus if you have a husband who is the best ever and loves you and your crazy dreams, that definitely helps!

If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it. You can help, whether you say yes to donating food or money, yes to opening the door of your home for a pet in need, yes to spreading the rescue message or yes to adding to your family. The reward is so great, it is immeasurable. The timing will never be perfect, these dogs don’t need perfect, they just need willing and loving people to prove that they are worthy of a second chance. I will love on her until her forever home says yes, until then I will be soaking in all the Tootsie kisses, snuggles, and stampedes in the home and I will feel lucky that she took me, imperfect as ever, as her temporary mama. She wasn’t our first and she won’t be our last, I pray our home is a revolving door for these sweet animals in need! This little one, I tell you. She is one in a million, but she is unfortunately also one of millions that still need homes! Email paddyspawswi@gmail.com for an application for Tootsie or any of our other available pooches! Don’t see the dog for you? Get approved and have us help you find the perfect companion!

Learn more about Houston // Check out available pets 

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Want more info on my rescue endeavors, click a link below:

• Wisconsin or Bust : Houston Rescue Mission
• Lola’s Lucky Day – A Houston Dog Rescue Effort
• 3 Girls, 22 Dogs, and One Cross Country Road Trip
• Why I Shouldn’t Have a Child #2384