I was sitting in my therapist’s office, tears streaming down my face, completely shattered by years of pain, betrayal, and loss. Exhausted and hopeless, I begged her to help me—to fix whatever was broken inside me so I could finally be loved. She gently calmed me, wrapped me in a much-needed hug, and then said something that caught me off guard: “I want you to get a dog.”

I stared at her in disbelief, thinking she must have lost her mind. “There’s no way I can afford that,” I protested. and how could I love a puppy when I can’t love myself, She asked how much money I had, and I told her, “Not enough for a dog!” Yet in that moment, for the first time in so long, I saw what true empathy and love looked like

She smiled softly and said, “I’m going to pay half the cost for your new puppy, and I know just the place for you to go.” Somehow, I trusted her—and in that moment, hope began to flicker inside me. I broke down in tears, hugged her tightly, and agreed. Sometimes, the smallest gestures of kindness can open the door to a new life. I was willing to accept it, and to this day I'm humbled to have known her.

The day I met Zeus is one I will never forget, as if it happened just moments ago. I remember pulling up to the breeder, my heart heavy with uncertainty. I wasn’t sure if I even had enough to bring a dog home. At that point in my life, I was completely adrift—alone, broken, teetering on the edge of homelessness, and feeling like I had nothing left. Sitting in my car, I realized I hadn’t prayed in a long time, but in that moment, I poured my heart out to the universe, desperate for hope. After what felt like a lifetime, I gathered what little courage I had and stepped out, walking slowly toward the play area just beyond the parking lot.

Three playpens overflowed with nearly two dozen pug puppies, but my eyes found him instantly. There, in the middle, was this chubby little boy, radiating a light that drew me in. As I approached, he spun around, and our eyes met—his face split into the biggest, goofiest smile, tongue rolling almost to the ground. I called to him, and he ran toward me, tripping over his own excitement. When I scooped him up, he showered me with sloppy kisses and playful nibbles on my ear. Suddenly, I was laughing—really, truly laughing—until my stomach ached. It was the first time in so long that I remembered what joy felt like.

In that moment, I felt a surge of connection so strong I felt like it would take my breath away. All the doubts and the pain of everything I’d lost seemed to melt away. I just knew—deep in my soul—that he was meant for me, and I was meant for him. For the first time in as long as I could remember, I felt I had something, someone, to live for. Hope began to bloom where there had only been emptiness.

I handed over every last dollar I owned to bring him home that day. Even though I was flat broke, I was rich with hope for the first time—I knew, deep in my heart, that my life was about to change. He was more than just a dog; he was my hero, my lifeline. For a spirit like his, there was only one name worthy enough: Zeus.

Day by day, I began to heal. With Zeus by my side, I found my way out of the darkness. He showed me that life could be more than just surviving—it could be thriving. Zeus didn’t just change my life; he saved it. He gave me the courage to believe again.

When I lost him, the pain was indescribable—a soul-deep ache, as if a piece of my heart had been torn away. the feeling of true loss. Still, I would endure that pain a thousand times over if it meant I could relive those fifteen precious years with him again and again.

I knew I had to honor Zeus’s memory, but I also wanted others to experience the incredible healing these beautiful fur angels can bring. Opening this nonprofit didn’t just help me heal—it gave me a new purpose. I was inspired to create a sanctuary where others could find hope and healing, just as I had.

My mission is simple, yet it burns bright:

To help children and adults who have survived sexual assault rediscover hope and purpose through the unconditional love of a fur baby.

And to create a safe, welcoming space for boys and men to share their pain. We’ve made great strides in helping women find their voices and healing, but I also want to shine a light on why so many boys and men keep their trauma locked away, suffering in silence. They deserve to be seen, to be heard, and to heal too.

Sexual assault knows no boundaries. It leaves scars on people of every gender, every age, every walk of life.

I am honored to take this journey with all of you. Thank you, from the deepest part of my heart, for your love and support. I owe everything to my fur baby—and to every survivor out there. If my story proves anything, it’s this: you can survive, and with unconditional love, you can truly thrive.

Though we are new, small, and learning every single day, my team and I are fierce in our determination to make a difference. The healing I received, I now fight to give to others—because even the smallest spark can ignite great change.

With endless gratitude, I thank you all—today and always—for believing in this mission and for standing beside us.

Remember: love is free, and a helping hand or a heartfelt hug can change someone’s world. Let’s lift each other up—because together, we are unstoppable.

Derek

president and founder

A message from the founder: