Refilling My Cup (and Saving More Dogs Along the Way)

It might sound a little woo-woo, but keeping your emotional cup full is one of the best ways to fend off burnout. If your cup’s been running low lately, I’ve found a surprisingly fulfilling way to refill mine.

Recently, I was honored to be asked to join the Board of Directors for Toby's Pack: K9 Rehab & Rehoming Center, a newly formed 501(c)(3) right here in Coshocton county.

“But Wait — Weren’t You Just Talking About How Exhausted You Are?”

Yes. Guilty as charged. And I know it might sound a little crazy to take on another commitment right now... but hear me out.

I started My Barking Life with the intent of helping animals, specifically dogs. I love all animals, but dogs hold a special place in my heart. When I was a child, I wanted nothing more than to be a veterinarian so that I could spend my days with dogs and horses. That's still my dream, and this initiative helps me get another step closer to fulfilling it.

But it's another thing on your plate.

True. But I feel like if you see a problem, it's your responsibility to try to do something about it. That's why we're here on this planet — to be better, do better, and make things better for all living things.

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The Reality for Dogs (and Shelters) Today

The truth is, shelters and rescues are overwhelmed. They’re taking in more animals than they can possibly handle, forcing them to make heartbreaking decisions.

Every day, “problematic” dogs are surrendered.

What makes a dog problematic? It might be a puppy with endless energy, a teenage dog with zero training, or an anxious adult who reacts out of fear. These dogs aren’t bad — they just need time, structure, and understanding. But those are hard to come by when resources are thin.

Most people have the expectation that their dog will automatically exhibit perfect behavior and will instinctively know how to be a proper dog. But that's not how it works. Different breeds require different levels and types of training, and many people just aren't prepared for that.

So what happens to these dogs? Too often, they’re euthanized.

I’m not naive enough to think every dog can be saved. But many can — if someone’s willing to put in the time and effort.

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Meet Pike — The Dog Who Changed Everything

I think about young Pike a lot. We were in way over our heads when we added him to our pack. We foolishly thought that if we gave him enough physical exercise, he'd be the dog that would lay on the couch and snuggle as we watched TV in the evenings.

But, in reality, physical exercise was just the tip of the iceberg on his list of needs. As a Vizsla-Weimaraner mix, his breed was meant to hunt, point, and retrieve. You know, to work. We don't hunt and had no job to give him so, of course, he was frustrated. He needed mental stimulation that we were unprepared to provide.

He lacked impulse control and would vocally react to other people and dogs. His prey drive was off the hook — and he's got the baby bunny and groundhog notches on his belt to prove it.

We'd go on walks and he would bark at the seemingly empty sky. Except, it wasn't empty. If you really looked — far up into the clouds — you'd see the tiny speck of a turkey buzzard. His nemesis. Miles and miles and miles up there — but he could see it. And would react to let us know it was there.

Before we were (thankfully) connected to Ashton & Co. K9 Academy, we considered taking him to the pound or a shelter. We'd have listed his quirks on his intake form, unknowingly setting him up for an early demise. His prey drive would render him unsuitable for many homes, especially those with other small animals or humans. And, even though he doesn't have an aggressive bone in his body, his reactivity would get him tagged as a danger. He almost certainly would have been "humanely euthanized."

And that thought still haunts me. Because Pike is now one of the best dogs I’ve ever known. How many “Pikes” never get that second chance?

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That’s Where Toby’s Pack Comes In

Our mission is to give dogs with moderate behavioral challenges a path to success. We’ll focus on dogs with issues like leash reactivity, fear, anxiety, or lack of socialization — not severe aggression.

Our professional team will create individualized training plans and match each dog with an adopter who’s prepared and supported for long-term success.

We envision a world where at-risk dogs are understood, guided, and given the chance to thrive in homes that truly get them.

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How You Can Help

If that vision speaks to you, we’d love for you to be part of it. Your tax-deductible donation will help us make this mission possible. We're tobyspack@outlook.com on PayPal. We'll soon have an Amazon Wish List and other ways to donate as well, but it takes time to build something from the ground up.

And, look, we get that times are tough and uncertain right now. If you can’t donate funds but you live locally, sign up to volunteer! We’ll need event planners, grant writers, dog fosters, and passionate helpers of all kinds. There’s a place for everyone. Message us on Facebook and tell us you want to join the Pack today. Fill your cup by being part of something good. WOOF!