But I'm Just One Woman

Two weeks ago, I embarked on a great journey to Texas, a place I had never been to share a week with people I've never met. I figured I'd be the only animal rescue person, but was so thrilled to meet some fellow over-achievers. These women are amazing, giving of themselves for others. I was overwhelmed at some of the live experiences - spending two years in Kenya, growing up in Pakistan, working with battered women, becoming entreprenuers in their early 20s - I couldn't see what in the world I was doing there amongst them. But for five days, I was part of an elite and very well admired sorority. I avoided them in college, knowing that I had nothing in common with the ladies enrolled in such, and I have never done well with having other people tell me what to do, when, where and who with. But for five days, I walked around with a big badge of honor, smiling every time another conference attendee would say "wow, we are amazed by all that you all do."

But it wasn't all play. No, this beach bum gave in to peer pressure and gussied up a bit for the gala evening. For one night, I traded my flip flops, shorts and tank top for a little black dress, sparkling jewels, and rhinestone high heels. For one night, Pet Rescue Barbie was just Barbie. I felt like I was in a Miss America pagent. We even had a rehearsal where we got instructions on how to stand, smile, turn, and hold the award if we were the winner. It went so quickly. I didn't win, and my heart sank a little, but I took pride in knowing the company in which I was being associated.

While I could go on and on about the week, I will save that for another time. What I learned most about this weekend is that I am just one woman, and I can make a difference. I was amazed at the number of business women who would marvel when they read my tag saying I was with Coastal Pet Rescue. I had offers of radio interviews, talks with magazine publishers, and hugs from some of the major speakers at the event. What I do, while it may go unnoticed on a local level, really does impress people elsewhere.

I try to set the example for our volunteers, and I feel like it is working. We have a group of sincerely dedicated volunteers, and new people are joining us each week. Just this past Friday, we rescued our 84th and 85th dogs of the year. I still can't wrap my mind around it; we only had 70 all of last year.

So what is this one woman to do next? I couldn't hold my head high as a part of this new sorority without working harder to increase our successes. So, my hope is to close on new property within the next two weeks where I can start a small rehab facility for our pets. The place is an excellent candidate for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, but I will make it work for the dogs and me. But I take so much comfort in knowing I won't have to go it alone. Several volunteers have offered their services, from packing and cleaning the old place to helping with the new one. I'm hopeful that this will grow strong and make an even larger impact in our community than we have before.

So yes, I may be just one woman, but I am one woman with the support of many others and who has a very hard time taking "No" for an answer.