Throughout my entire life I have always felt a certain apprehension towards animals that I couldn't explain - whether it was a tiny hummingbird or a Great Dane - I just refused to be in the same room. 

I used to pretend that if the cruelty doesn't happen in front of my own eyes then it must not be true - so I kept my head buried in the sand and just ignored issues that others felt passionate about. 

I would hear about stray dogs being attacked, killed or trained for fighting but since it never happened in front of me, I never really took the time to understand animals (dogs particularly) or show any compassion. 

However, all that changed the day I met 'Courage'. 

You see, Courage came from the streets, she fought for her life on multiple occasions, survived the heat, the starvation, the vicious attacks by other stronger dogs as well as being chased by bullies and survived all of this as a young orphaned puppy - alone and scared. 

The day Courage joined our family was the day that our family (especially me) changed forever. I never really understood the power that lies within dogs until the day Courage trusted me enough to place her paw on my hand - believe me when I tell you my world shifted the moment that happened. 

Through all of her trauma and struggles here was this little puppy that trusted me enough to accept my fear of animals and teach me to love unconditionally, selflessly, compassionately and without limits. 

I won't lie - it took me a while to get over my fear - but the second that happened I never looked back. 

Courage has changed my outlook on life and has changed me. We owe it to the animals of this planet to show them the same compassion, love, empathy and understanding that Courage has shown me the moment she chose to trust me and touch my hand. 

I hope you enjoy the picture of Courage in her mini-pool before Dad bought her a luxurious pool that she now lounges in on a daily basis. Bear in mind, my dad never wanted a dog! Now, we have three dogs of our own and we're fostering another three to prepare them for their forever homes. 

Life changes in a moment - all you need is the courage to take the first step like Courage did.