I’ve had dogs my whole life. One of my first was a little Chihuahua named Coco — people thought she was a miniature Doberman, but she was all heart. Then came Bandit and Jake. They were brothers, and when I had to put Bandit down, Jake followed not long after — I swear, from heartbreak.
There was a long stretch where I didn’t have any animals. I couldn’t even take care of myself, much less another life. But when I finally crawled out of that dark place, I realized I didn’t just want a dog — I needed one. I needed something that loved me with no strings, no judgment, just pure love.
That’s when I found Whiskey — a scrappy little puppy in a trailer park in Hickory Flat, Mississippi. She slept on my neck the first night, and she still does to this day. She started what became our pack — twelve dogs now, each one rescued, each one a story. Winter, Draven, Shelly Doo, Alyria, Nova, and Whiskey’s six pups — Sable, Katniss, Jock, Claudia, Emma, and Punk. Every one of them has a heartbeat that matters.
But here’s the truth: too many down here in Mississippi don’t see it that way. I’ve seen dogs chained to trees, left alone in fenced yards with no love or human touch. I’ve seen strays shot, poisoned, starved — all because people can’t see their worth. We live in a world where folks get offended over statues, but not over a living soul chained to a tree.
If that doesn’t bother you, it should.
When you bring a dog into your life, you’re taking responsibility for a life. Not a toy, not a trend, not a status symbol — a life. You wouldn’t chain your kid to a tree or let them run loose in the street. So why would you do it to an animal that would die for you without a second thought?
Here in Marshall County, we don’t even have a humane society. No shelter. The only ones fighting the good fight are two women running Abandoned to Adored in Holly Springs — out of their own pockets — taking care of over 200 dogs at a time. Two women doing what an entire county should be ashamed for not doing.
So if you’ve ever felt love from a wagging tail, a wet nose, or a paw on your chest when you’re broken — give back. Donate, foster, adopt, volunteer. Help turn “abandoned” into “adored.”
Their lives are short. Let’s make them beautiful. 🐾❤️
Mornings With Doc 
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