For as long as I can remember, my family and I have been involved with animal rescue. People who know me probably associate me with my endless dog stories and sales pitches for dog adoption. My social media site content is divided equally between dogs without homes and pictures of our baby, while my closet is shared by adoption paraphernalia, workout clothes, and a few pairs of jeans.
When I think about the road that led me to the start of Diamond In The Ruff, my heart is filled with joy. One particular date, March 27, 2011, sticks out as a game-changer among all the rest. That was the day I brought home my first pit bull foster, Kierra. I have always loved the breed, but some of my neighbors, family members, and friends were slightly unsure. To no fault of their own, they had many misconceptions about the breed. It only took a couple days for them to realize that Kierra was just like any other dog. I fell in love and realized that she was meant to stay in my home forever. I officially adopted Kierra, now named Izzy, on July 13, 2012, and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Izzy can be found at my side for almost all of the public speaking and educational events that I do.
Since owning a pit bull, I have learned a few things. This 60 lb. hunk of love scares people for no reason other than her breed type. People cross the street to avoid her on walks, move out of aisles in the pet store, and have a look of confusion on their face when we tell them about my pit bull and child cuddling. Izzy has always been a welcoming foster sister and helps teach our foster animals important lessons about love and trust. I still continue to foster others after adopting her because my life just isn’t the same without sharing it with an animal in need. The more I foster, the more I realize there are still so many animals that need a home.
I wish I could say there was a fancier story other than I just woke up one day and decided I wanted to do something more about the animal overpopulation and under-education problem. I want to give more people the joy of owning an animal that is the perfect fit for their family. I want to give more children the experience my son has of doggy kisses and a best friend. I want to be a part of educating society that a pit bull is just another dog, and that there is no reason to cross the street when you see us passing. I want to decrease dog bites, increase the amount of animals sterilized each year, and increase responsible pet ownership behaviors. I dream of a day where animal rescues don’t have to scramble for room for the overwhelming amounts of animals that need a place to stay.
I woke up and decided I could do something, should do something, and was blessed with the best group of volunteers I ever could have imagined to help launch my dream – Diamond In The Ruff Pet Rescue. The power of a small group of motivated individuals that believe in a cause continues to amaze me on a daily basis. We are here to help, we are here to be the advocates of those who don’t have a voice, and we hope you will join us in our cause. You can make a difference, you can save a life today.
Sincerely,
Amy Dusek