I
spend a lot of time on this blog writing about either my career or
the ups and downs of being single. This week, I wanted to shine the
spotlight on a group of special people that deserve a huge pat on
their shoulders for making this past Sunday night a memorable one.
Not
too long ago, two women by the name of Emily Strope and Michelle
James started an organization in Jackson, TN called Downtown Dogs
Group. It is an animal rescue organization. They have devoted
countless hours in saving and enriching the lives of our canine
companions, helping many of them to find homes. Anyone who works with
pets has my ultimate respect. I don’t consider animals to be less
than humans – by any stretch of the imagination. All of the pets
that I have had over the years have been not “just like family,”
but have been family. I could tell you many occasions when an animal
has gotten me through a tough period or moment in my life. I can also
tell you the times they have made me laugh. In the past two years of
my life, there have been several lonely moments – all made better
by the personalities of several furry friends of mine.
But,
back to Emily and Michelle. Not only have they given of their time
and energy, but also their own finances to keep the Downtown Dogs
Group running. A few months ago, some of their friends decided to
give them a helping hand by planning an event called Bone Appetit! A
celebration of all things southern, the event featured many talented
musicians, as well as food from some of the greatest chefs in the
mid-South, including the Peabody Hotel’s Andreas Kisler. The music
was first-rate – and the food? Wow. Personally, I can’t say that
I have ever been more impressed with a food spread since the first
time I had lunch at Oma Pickard’s house in Centerville! Fried
Chicken. Catfish, and some of the most unbelievable brisket that I
have ever had. I went down to Jackson to cover the event, and I
thoroughly enjoyed it. It was southern hospitality at its’ finest!
Emily
and Michelle would be the first to tell you this was a group effort,
and many people came together for this great cause. But, to Emily and
Michelle, I say thank you. I have a habit of getting very attached to
animals. For years, at Christmas, I would take toys and treats to the
local Humane Society. I would watch these dogs play with them, and
cry all the way home. And, though my home life isn’t as neat as it
would be if I didn’t have my cats....it wouldn’t be with living
if I didn’t at the same time. Even those 3am wake up calls where I
get lightly scratched in the nose to get up and feed them....they are
still my babies.
I
can only imagine how emotional their jobs are. I can also tell you
that both of them are more man than I am, because there are moments I
know I couldn’t handle. You gals are a couple of angels on this
earth. Thanks to Madison County for coming together and helping you
out. It was a great night for a great cause. But, then again, who can
resist the charms of our furry angels.....or for that matter, a call
from Libby Murphy? God bless you both, and all who contributed to
this event...
