SOMETIMES, JUST LISTEN TO YOUR HEART

Growing up, my parents instilled a very strong work ethic in me. I watched my father work long hours (a trait I inherited), doing projects that he loved, and my mother returned to work as soon as I and my siblings were old enough. They drummed into me how important it was to work for a reputable company (till i retired), save money, buy a house, pay off the mortgage, buy your own car, and not have any debt! This advice was about preparing myself for retirement even at a young age.?

Another lesson and core value my parents bestowed on me, was to treat all animals with kindness, especially our family dogs, hamsters and chickens. My parents devoted time volunteering, and donating their earnings to help the RSPCA animal charity. I remember vividly my parents at the end of a work day, whipping up a big batch of food, and all of us piling into the car to go and feed many of the stray cats in our neighbourhood.?

What they did not realise is they taught me to have a sense of purpose with my life.

Almost three decades on, I have spent my adult life building my career, taking with me friendships, knowledge, skills and learning experiences that I am extremely grateful for. I followed in my parents footsteps, donating to charities, and volunteering on Saturdays, walking dogs in my local animal shelter. However, I always longed to do more. I was so focused on my career, and preparing for my retirement until one day, I reflected, and thought, am I starting to burn out??

So rather than reach a definite “Yes” response, I decided to take this year out, to mix things up, and become a full time student, studying Portuguese and Permaculture. Little did I know, it would lead me to embrace the opportunity to respond to a nudge I've felt for a long time. I finally listened to my heart and have taken on the huge responsibility to foster dogs that have been abandoned or rescued. Whilst I may not be any wealthier financially, as I work with unpaid volunteers, I am blissfully happy.?

The biggest and most precious project of my life now, is caring for an abandoned Mum and her eight puppies. They are healthy and thriving as am I! I am amazed by how many of my business skills I use everyday, in such a radically different role. It may be a 7 day work week, but it is incredibly rewarding to see them all flourish, and move on to fantastic loving new homes. And I am learning so much every day!

To all the people who supported me, and taught me so many skills throughout my career, I am deeply grateful! Your belief in me, gave me confidence to believe in myself.?

If you would like to visit the life of a Doggy Foster Mum, and check out puppy antics, please come and visit us on my social media channels. I am intentionally trying to keep it positive. They are all rescues for a sad reason. But now they have another chance at living their best lives!?

Or if you know anyone who is looking for a four legged companion, please keep me in mind.

(Apologise to all my marketing colleagues, I am still obsessively learning about how to become a social media expect, and all advice is welcome!)?

Facebook: Doggy Foster Mum

Instagram: doggyfostermum

TikTok: Doggyfostermum

See you there, and have an awesome day!