"At first, it was just something fun ... a way to celebrate her and share her joy with others. To have her on the cover of Modern Dog magazine would be something that I would cherish forever. However, the competition took on a deeper purpose once she learned that donation votes support the nonprofit Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a group helping animals find homes and thrive."
"She's brought stability, comfort and unconditional love into my life. She has an incredible ability to sense when I'm overwhelmed or stressed and simply stays close. She doesn't just provide companionship - she provides presence."
"Even if we don't win, funds raised from donation votes go toward helping other animals receive care and protection. That turns something fun into something impactful."
Madeleine Ryder entered her golden retriever Daisy Mae in the "America's Favorite Pet" competition as a fun way to celebrate her dog. Upon learning that donation votes support the nonprofit Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), the competition gained deeper significance. Daisy Mae, given to Ryder in 2022, has been instrumental in her life, providing stability and comfort through anxiety, stress, and major life transitions. The dog demonstrates remarkable intuition, sensing when Ryder is overwhelmed and remaining close during emotional moments. After moving 11 times in eight years and facing personal challenges, Daisy Mae helped Ryder rebuild her life and become stronger. The competition now represents both a celebration of their bond and a meaningful contribution to animal welfare.
#emotional-support-animals #animal-welfare-fundraising #human-animal-bond #golden-retrievers #personal-resilience
Read at The Mercury News
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