The day I met Trakxx, October 22, 2011, is etched in my memory. He wasn’t just a dog; he became my world. In a house that had felt empty, he filled every corner with warmth, joy, hope, and boundless love. For just over four years, we shared adventures, and countless moments of companionship. Then, in 2015, our world was shattered when Trakxx was diagnosed with cancer.
I embarked on a relentless quest to save him. Countless vet visits, surgeries, and chemo treatments across state lines, medications, and emotional roller coasters all became a part of our daily routine. I researched, and exhausted every avenue to give him a fighting chance. But on January 21, 2016, I said a tearful goodbye to my loyal friend. Trakxx never made it to his fifth birthday, leaving a void that was almost too painful to bear.
Losing Trakxx was a heart-wrenching experience, but it was through this pain that I discovered the incredible depth of love and the lessons he had imparted. He taught me what it means to love unconditionally, to treasure every moment, and to focus on what truly matters in life. His memory became the guiding light, the inspiration behind everything I would go on to do.
A little over a year after Trakxx’s passing, I decided to foster my first shelter dog. It was my way of giving back and filling the emptiness that came from not having a four-legged companion by my side. It marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
Over the following years, I ventured into various avenues of dog-related activities. I volunteered for dog-supported causes, became a pet sitter and dog walker, and sought out ways to support organizations that were working tirelessly to improve the lives of dogs in need. I was passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of these animals, even though I hadn’t brought another dog into my home after Trakxx.
My heart and soul were increasingly drawn to the world of animal welfare. I realized that I could touch even more puppy lives by dedicating my time to volunteering at shelters and collaborating with other animal support organizations. And then, life brought me to Northern Arizona, where my commitment to dogs in need deepened.
In this serene landscape, I found myself yearning to devote all my free time and resources to supporting the sweet and loving dogs who depended on the community’s kindness. My love for these animals was unwavering, and I was eager to do more for them.
But a question loomed in my mind: how could I turn this passion into work that not only fulfilled me but also had a significant and lasting impact? I wondered, could I start my own foundation, a platform through which I could amplify my efforts and make a more substantial difference in the lives of these animals?
I won’t sugarcoat it – starting a foundation is no easy feat. It requires countless hours of hard work, dedication, and an unshakable belief in the cause. But it is also incredibly fulfilling, because it allows me to turn my passion into a purpose, and to contribute to the well-being of others, both the two-legged and four-legged kind.
Today, The Trakxx Foundation is a testament to the love I had for Trakxx and the profound lessons he imparted. It’s a reflection of the countless shelter dogs waiting for a chance at a better life. Through our work, we hope to honor Trakxx’s memory, and every day, I’m reminded that we can turn heartache into hope, despair into determination, and love into a force for good in the world.
In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to follow their passions, to turn their love for animals into meaningful action, and to create positive change in the lives of those who need it most. My journey is a testament to the incredible transformation that can occur when we choose to channel our love into a cause that matters. It’s a journey from heartache to hope, and it’s one that I’m profoundly grateful to be a part of.
