The name of our sanctuary reflects the gratitude I feel about being able to do this work. From the time that I was a tiny child, I was enchanted by animals of every kind. I continually brought home little wild creatures and homeless dogs and cats, and was grieved by any sight of a stray animal, or one who was mistreated. Though I ate what was placed before me, I cried many tears for cows and pigs and chickens, feeling even then that it was wrong to eat them. A burgeoning writer by the age of seven, I penned an essay about my goal to someday have an animal sanctuary, where I would take in "all the unwanted pets and get them spayed and neutered!" As I grew older, I attracted homeless animals wherever I went, and helped them in any way I could. I was still a young adult when my eyes were opened even further, and I became aware of the growing movement of people who felt the same as I did. These animal activists became my most important peers and supporters, who encouraged me to pursue my dream of creating a sanctuary. These friends have continued to provide moral and financial support for Grateful Acres, some of them for over ten years now.

But the main reason for the name, Grateful Acres, is that I hope never to lose sight of the fact that I have so very much to be grateful for. My dream is realized on this farm. My life's purpose was revealed to me at a young age, and I was given the tools to achieve that purpose. For this, I am grateful to God, for I know that many good people feel like they don't really know what exactly it is that they are supposed to do during their time on earth, and this lack of purpose causes untold frustration in their lives. I am thankful that I am able to live and do my heart's desire, and more importantly, to fulfill God's desire for my life.