Almost a year ago, I found myself starting over in a new city—no family, no close friends, and no familiar faces. Like many of us navigating a fresh chapter in our lives, I was searching for ways to connect, engage, and make a meaningful impact. I knew I wanted to contribute to something greater than myself, but I wasn't sure where to begin. Then, an unexpected opportunity came my way.
At a local charity event, I discovered Rosie Rescue, a nonprofit organization focused on rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. Their mission resonated with me immediately. I had always wanted to do more for rescue animals but had struggled to find the time or the right outlet. That day, something clicked—I knew I had to get involved.
At first, I started small. I donated what I could, attended adoption events, and offered support in whatever ways were needed. But the more I learned about the organization and the incredible work they were doing, the more my involvement grew. I began to realize that, in order to truly make a difference, it wasn’t just about donating money or supplies—it was about being present, taking action, and leading by example.
And then, just a few months later, life threw me another curveball: A post appeared on social media looking for a temporary foster for a rescue dog named Emory. Emory’s story was heartbreaking. He was previously abused and abandoned, he’d spent 3 months in a shelter before being rescued and placed with a foster family. When I saw his picture, I couldn’t ignore the call. I decided to step up and offer Emory a temporary home.
The first few days were challenging. Emory was terrified—of people, of new surroundings, of the world in general. But what struck me was his willingness to trust. Slowly, over time, we began to see signs of progress. Then, on his second evening with us, Emory did something that changed everything: As we were going to sleep, he jumped into our bed between us, rolled over, and exposed his belly—a gesture of trust and vulnerability. Without saying a word, he made it clear he wanted to be part of our family. At that moment, I knew: this was no longer temporary.
Adopting Emory wasn’t just a personal decision—it was a reminder that change, growth, and transformation often come with discomfort.
One of the biggest lessons Emory taught me was the power of resilience in the face of adversity. His early days in foster care were full of setbacks—he was scared, confused, and wary of anything new. But he kept moving forward. The slow progress he made was a reminder that overcoming adversity isn’t about avoiding pain or discomfort, but rather about pushing through it with patience and perseverance. Every small step he took toward trusting again was a victory over his past trauma. In our own lives, we often encounter situations that feel insurmountable or too challenging to bear. But just like Emory, when we refuse to let fear or past pain define us, we open ourselves up to new possibilities. True growth happens when we choose to keep going, even when it’s hard.
What Emory has taught me is profound, not just in the context of personal growth, but in how we lead and influence those around us. His journey of recovery is a testament to the power of patience, love, and second chances. And it’s a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to create change in our own lives—and in the lives of others.
Leadership isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s about showing up when it’s hard, making space for growth, and trusting that small acts of kindness can spark massive change. Whether it's fostering a dog, mentoring someone, or supporting a cause, our actions have a ripple effect on the world around us.
Emory’s journey mirrors the challenges and opportunities we all face when embracing new beginnings. Starting fresh isn’t easy, but it’s in the messy, uncomfortable moments that we learn the most about ourselves—and about what we’re capable of.
As Emory and I approach our one-year mark together, I look back and see how far we’ve both come. His transformation has been remarkable, but so has mine. Emory didn’t just find a forever home—he reminded me of the power of compassion, resilience, and the importance of showing up, no matter how uncertain the journey might seem.
In the end, adopting Emory wasn’t just about giving him a second chance. It was about creating an opportunity for both of us to grow, lead, and inspire others through our actions. Leadership starts with us—how we show up, how we take responsibility, and how we influence the world around us, one small act at a time.
If we want to make a difference, we must be willing to lead through action. The power to create change is in our hands.
-Maggie
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