Downtown Dog Rescue started over 20 years ago by Lori Weise, an animal lover, an advocate for justice, and a woman who wanted to provide a solution to the  suffering she saw all around her. People starving, people who were homeless, people trying to do do right by their pets yet lacking in resources and support. Lori didn't set out to fix the whole world at once; she just decided to do something where she could, how she could, one step at a time.From hearing her share her story of the animal who changed her to the insightful look into her work keeping families together, this conversation with Lori highlights the importance of staying patient and waiting out the long game when it comes to helping people and their pets. By providing care for communities that need it most and by offering shelter intervention support, Downtown Dog Rescue is a movement, a paradigm shift, with no room for blame or judgment. This inspiring work is the gentle nudge we all need to take control of our own stories, which are crucial to our wellness, and to allow others to have their own stories too. Sit with me and Lori as she discusses the sad, tough, scary situations her work forces her to face, how she must accept what is, and what the future of Downtown Dog Rescue holds. As a role model, as a friend, I'm honored she's here with me, for you.Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!Feel free to call ‪(415) 787-3159 to leave a short story about the animal who changed you - we might play yours on our next episode!Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course you know that means thanks for listening.)