Young Divas That Care by Candace Gish

Author:Candace Gish
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: teens, motivational, inspirational, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, young women, teen nonfiction
Publisher: BHC Press
Published: 2019-12-29T00:00:00+00:00

Amber S. Nelson founded Amber’s Animal Outreach, a Florida 501c3, at just thirteen years old, in 2014. AAO’s focus is on abused, neglected, and at-risk dogs in high-kill shelters. Amber is an advocate for kindness, education, and the importance of spaying/neutering. Like most teens, she enjoys shopping and spending time with friends and family along with baking, crafting, and country music. She is originally from and resides in Palm Beach County, Florida.

I have always been very shy and quiet. Talking to people I didn’t know well was extremely uncomfortable. However, the one thing I could easily talk about to anyone is animals. Ever since I was very young, I have loved animals, especially dogs. My parents would take me on golf cart rides around the neighborhood just so I could give treats to the dogs (permission granted from owners). Dogs are always so accepting and sweet.

Even after the worst day, when I come home from school, my dogs are so happy to see me. I forget about all the events of the day and worries and surround myself with my dogs’ happy attitudes. They immediately put a smile on my face.

With my mom, Kelly, I have volunteered with many dog rescues since I was seven years old. Years later, I realized some dogs were no longer in the shelter but had not been adopted. I learned they had been euthanized, due to shelter capacity constraints, or needed medical attention (which there were no funds). Rescue groups were full or did not have the space or extra money to give these poor souls the chance they deserved. I felt so bad. Those terrible feelings of sadness and helplessness haunted me. I was only a kid, not even a bona fide rescuer or a nonprofit organization.

I wanted to do more than just give treats and belly rubs. My dream was to work toward saving and helping dogs, especially those who had been neglected, abused, and/or abandoned. I could never imagine how anyone would want to hurt a poor, innocent animal. Dogs are so loyal, sharing unconditional love.

I knew I had to do something that your typical teenager doesn’t. I asked my parents if I could start my own nonprofit dog rescue so I had a say in helping dogs in need. Yes, I may be shy, but when there are dogs that need help, look out because I suddenly go into overdrive! It doesn’t matter if they have behavioral or health issues. I weed the ones out who I know we can help.

Amber’s Animal Outreach was granted official status as a Florida 501c3 in July 2014. Even though I was just thirteen years old, this was a major accomplishment. I felt on top of the world! To date we have rescued, vetted, fostered, and rehomed hundreds of dogs.

There is no stopping me. Juggling school, friends, and the normal things teenagers are into—I went into action. I was able to obtain death row dogs, scheduled for euthanization due to space constraints at high kill shelters.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.