Taking the Corporate Off-Ramp

I knew that I aways wanted to get into dog rescue full-time but figured it would be later when I retired from the corporate world. Sure we did our part volunteering, donating and adopting but our lives changed when we met an amazing selfless couple, in Brazil rescuing the worst of street dogs and bringing them back to health and ready for adoption.

My husband and I adopted our first dog from them in 2016. We flew down and saw all the dogs that I had been following on Facebook. It was humbling for what they had been through, yet still had so much love to give to humans. Inspired to do more, we returned home and started the US charity using the same name so their US supporters could get tax deductions. We were an administrative office working on fundraising, marketing, adoption inquiry support, etc all in our spare time while we worked full time corporate jobs. But there always was a need for more.

So in 2017, after 18 years in the corporate world, and much contemplation, I decided to leave. We bought an old horse rescue farm in Pennsylvania to convert for the dogs. We do the same as before but now we bring dogs here in hopes of adoption. I thought I worked hard before, but I work harder and longer hours than ever. Every day is a chance to learn and help. We have met so many great people along the way, domestic and international, because of the dogs.

I don't have a paycheck now, but I get paid in dog kisses and seeing them happy in their furever homes. It makes it all worth it. The corporate off-ramp is not for everyone, but we can all do our part by helping others in need. Every day is a new day to make a difference.

Nicole Green
Glenville, PA