Austin started Every Bark Counts when he was 6. Today he is 18. 🥳 If you want to send him some birthday love today to help him continue his mission helping the animals, here is his GoFundMe link. Or simple send him some Happy Birthday! love with wishes of many more years on his beautiful journey.

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has rescued a new elephant orphan. Alia was found alone in Lumo Conservancy; she was thin, weak, and struggling. With night approaching, the Sheldrick rescue team moved quickly and brought her to safety. At first, she was nervous and withdrawn after her traumatic beginning to life. But with milk, rest, and the steady love and care of Keepers and fellow orphans, she is beginning to regain strength. Now she has gentle elephant friends who love and protect her, and she is slowly coming out of her shell. Every orphan Sheldrick rescues is ultimately reintegrated into protected wilderness. Their legacy now includes more than 90 elephant grand-calves born to ex-orphans; three wild babies already born this year. If you’d like to follow Alia’s journey, you can adopt her through Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and receive updates, photos, and videos as she grows. Here is her rescue video. 🤍

I got completely sidetracked yesterday, but in the best possible way. I spent the day working on a project that I hope will help fund the rehabilitation and education of one of the most misunderstood animals out there… the wonderful skunk. About ten years ago, I wrote a children’s book. I always hoped I would one day bring it to life with illustrations. Sunday, I decided to stop hoping and start building. I’m beginning with a digital version first. If all goes well, I’m aiming to have it ready in about a month. So stay tuned. In the meantime, meet my girl, Tami Tango. 🖤🤍🖤 Do you love children’s book or know a little human who does? ❤️

Pause for a moment. Take a breath. Look at your furry friend. No… not that one. The one with paws. If they aren’t nearby, close your eyes, if it’s safe, and picture them. Now tell me: What has your critter taught, shown, or helped you understand? Drop your answer below. 💛

Austin was six years old when he decided to spend his Christmas money on blankets for shelter dogs. Not toys. Not gadgets. Blankets. He wanted the dogs to be warm. That simple choice turned into something bigger than anyone expected. He kept going by doing odd jobs to raise money to help animals. He showed up for animals who had no one else showing up for them. Now he’s 17, and his mission continues through Every Bark Counts, a fundraiser that helps him keep supporting animals in need. His dream is to one day open his own shelter. I’ve followed his journey since the early days, and watching his compassion grow alongside him has been something special. Some love is loud. Some love is flashy. And some love quietly buys blankets and never stops. If you’d like to share a little Valentine love with someone whose heart has been giving all year long, here is the link. And if you want to see this precious soul when he first started out, I am attaching the video. His mission and heart have remained the same.