Last week we celebrated Dolly Parton on 9/25.  We were so lucky to have had her in our lives for as long as we did.  She was kind and generous to everyone.  Her Imagination Library was one of the best things she could have done for children.  Getting books in their hands to bring them on adventures, other countries, learn so many new things all in the privacy of their own room.  As a business woman myself I saw the genius in Dolly Parton. She built an empire on her talent and personality. Many laughed at her but she had the last laugh.

Did you know that Dolly also supported animals?  She started a company Doggy Parton that produces pet apparel and accessories with a portion of the proceeds going to  Willa B. Farms, a non-profit animal rescue located in Old Hickory, Tennessee.  At Dollywood she partnered with American Eagle Foundation to help rehabilitate bald eagles so they can be released back into the wild.  Together they released 400 bald eagles!  She works with pet rescues and opened her own rescue Dolly’s Paws & Whiskers providing forever homes for abandoned, neglected and rescued cats and dogs.  She even worked with PETA to write children’s books about being kind to animals featuring her dog Billy the KId.  I’m sure there is more she has done for animals that we may never know about.

We may never be able to do anything close to all of what Dolly did but we can all do something.  You may have a local animal shelter where you can donate money or check their wish list on Chewy or Amazon. If you don’t have disposable cash, a lot of us don’t, maybe you could volunteer a shift a week.  You can look into different organizations you can support. Many organizations have Wish Lists on their websites so you can see how to help.  Even if you share events or special fundraisers they have on your social media.  Spreading the word about your favorite animal charity gets their name out there and people want to help.  

You don’t have to do everything or give all you have to make a difference.  You just do what you can and let others see you doing that and they may follow.  If everyone did their part we could make a huge difference for animals.  What may surprise you the most is when you give you get so much out of it.  Knowing you helped a furry creature or person who will never be able to pay you back have a better life is a beautiful thing.  

All you need to do is give what you can even if it takes a couple of clicks to share a post.  Remember what Dolly said, “If you see someone without a smile, give them yours.”

Thank you Dolly for all  you did for people and animals!