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. I know now that she made the wish that changed my life come true.

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 started to recover. With Zeus beside me, I found a path out of the darkness. He revealed that life could be more than mere survival—it could be growth. Zeus did more than alter my life; he preserved it. He offered the courage to trust again. Above all, he traveled many more fractured roads before I reached my purpose and my calm. Without exception, he remained with me and accepted me regardless of my flaws; he accepted me, recognized me as I was, and valued every part of me.

No bond is stronger than unconditional love.

When I lost him, the grief was profound—a deep, internal ache, as if part of my heart had been pulled away. It was the essence of true loss. Yet I would accept that pain a thousand times if it allowed me to relive those fifteen precious years with him repeatedly. If I had a single wish for anything in the world, I would still choose him. I am speaking today because I am alive. That outcome exists because Zeus saved my life. No other wish could surpass it.

I knew I had to honor Zeus’s memory, yet I also wanted others to find healing through their own wishes, since every child carries something that can revive that spark after enduring deep darkness.

Sexual assault crosses every boundary. It leaves marks on people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. It shows no mercy, forming a dark void we feel compelled to flee. Yet I am here to say we will stand with you, and you will no longer need to run because unconditional love can make any wish come true.

I am honored to share this journey with you all. Thank you, from the heart, for your love and support. I owe everything to my fur baby—and to every survivor. If my story shows anything, it is this: you can survive, and with unconditional love, you can truly thrive.

Though we are new, small, and learning daily, my team and I are resolute in our drive to make a difference. The healing I gained, I now strive to offer others—because even a small spark can ignite great change.

If my story has touched your heart, I invite you to become part of what happens next. That spark began for me with Zeusy, whose unconditional love brought comfort when I needed it most.

Zeusy could never know how much his love changed my life, but I carry it into everything I’m trying to build. If you’re able, please consider donating and helping me pass it on. My deepest wish is for a child to look back one day and say, “I remember how happy I felt.” To help give another child that memory would mean more to me than I can put into words.

With deep gratitude, I thank you all—today and always—for trusting this mission and standing beside us.

Derek

president and founder

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