When I went to the animal shelter to donate food, I decided to take a peek at the dogs. This blue eyed dog at the far end of the shelter, sat by the cage door. The smell was very overwhelming. There were so many dogs barking and jumping up on their cage doors. Ripley just sat quietly and did not jump up or down at all. I went down to see her and as I talked to her, she just sat patiently. Ripley picked me. Some people say I am her guardian angel but I am not. She is my guardian angel. Ripley has put so much love into our lives.

Ripley and I are joined at the hip. We are never apart. She has been with us for three years now. We got her healthy and with her training, she is now a Licensed Service Dog. We also started a charity in her name, Lt. Ripley Kids. We go around our county and neighboring counties and deliver stuffed toy animals with her picture on them. These are to be put in police cars, fire trucks and first responders. This way, they can be handed out to kids who are in distress or hurt.

On our first year, we delivered over 800 stuffed toy animals, donated over 2000 dollars to the heart house homeless shelter for baby blankets, healthy snacks, socks, and Christmas toys for the kids. Ripley brings out the best in people. Veterans and kids are her favorite people, and yes, we support all our veterans. So how can this small blue-eyed dog be so forgiving and loving when humans are just plain horrible to one another? Ripley always brings the best out of people. We can all learn from her and cherish what she has to offer to mankind. She is our baby, best friend and she will never be cold or left behind again.

I was born and raised in a logging camp high in California Sierras. It was a time and place that is now long gone. We grew up eating our food off on wood cook stoves. We slept under ten army blankets and would bath at community bath house. From the time I started walking, my love for animals grew. As early as five years old if I see a dog laying on grandpa's porch in the warm sunlight, I would curl up next to him and fall asleep. My whole life revolved around animals. As I got older, I advanced to horses. I trained horses for handicap people or first time riders. I was heavily into 4H, and then advance to FFA rodeos. My horses or dogs were never far from me in my life. I cannot count how many animals I rescued. Each and every one so priceless to me. Goats, pigs, fawns, dogs, cats and horses, I would save and keep them healthy; for animals never hurt me nor betray me. Their love and dedication to me is more than any humans can give me. I can live a perfect peaceful life with my animals. If my animals do not accept you when you come in my home, you did not pass the test. They are truly my guardian angels. I can spend a day riding horses with the dogs in tow and never see one person all day. Just the sound of hoofs and my dogs running beside us are enough to make my day. I did graduate from college but it's not my biggest accomplishment. My animals and husband are my biggest accomplishments and nature breathes peace into my soul.