Most of my Friends are Dogs

I'm Shannon and this journal is about my rescue homestead in progress. This is a labor of love, not a registered nonprofit, that I am working on with my partner of 8 years.

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

links Adoptable Animals Monthly Updates contact [email protected] Shannon's INSTA

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

June 2026

June was FUN! Box turtles are nesting around the property, the heron chicks above the cabin are now over 2 feet tall, and blackberries are everywhere. Fate has allowed me to cross something major off my bucket list: fostering orphaned Virginia opossums. I’m so grateful to the people who helped me accomplish this; it is something I have looked forward to doing for a very long time. Virginia opossums are North America’s only marsupial and one of my all-time favorite animals. I love to help animals in need. The experience changes me every time, whether the animal is with me for a long time or only a few days. It hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows. We’ve been having a difficult time making ends meet. Fuel, water, and food are difficult to maintain. Supplies, medication, and other necessities have fallen to mounting debt. Bills aren’t being paid or aren’t being paid in full. 3 months ago, I took a risk, leaving a position I love for an opportunity that offered me more. It was immediately a bad fit, and I have regretted the shift ever since. Valuable lessons were learned, but now I need to get us out of this hole. I have never struggled so much for necessities in my life, and frankly, it scares the shit out of me. We've sold everything that isn't nailed down. Our focus is on surviving and making tangible improvements. I almost feel silly for having dreams, with how hard things are. I dream of a future where I can pour from my cup again. I suppose I didn’t have much to share, but you can’t build a foundation of transparency by going quiet when times get difficult. This is a bad time. If nothing changes, my little family won't make it. We're scared and stressed out right now. Conditions are deteriorating. Adopt, don’t shop. Spay and neuter your pets. Drink water.

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

May 2026

Life is tough, right now. How does one pay their bills, buy food, pay for insurance, afford healthcare, and put gas in their car? It seems like much of my community is having to do without. What will happen when people can no longer feed their families? I’m afraid that things will get worse. Animals will surely suffer as their care becomes unaffordable. Local shelters are full and struggling to feed their animals, let alone provide preventive medications or veterinary care. It is so widespread that there’s virtually no one to ask for help. Struggles aside, there’s still been work done! We’ve fixed up a door. We have trees! We’ve got dogwood trees, flowering cherry, pawpaws, lily of the valley, and sassafras! There are blackberries, gooseberries, pumpkins, and sunflowers too! I hope they all make it because I love them. My step-dog turned 14 years old, going by his age estimate and Gotcha Day. FH is an American Pit Bull Terrier who found himself at the county road department. This was a temporary animal holding facility before Johnson County, KY got an animal shelter. Sadly, pit bulls are still the primary type of dog euthanized in United States animal shelters. I hope I have more wind beneath my wings when I update you again in June. Stress has soured my mood, but I’m doing everything I can to regulate. I know y’all feel it too. I’m grateful to my partner, to my friend, and to the animals that lift me when my soul feels sick. If you’re reading this, I hope you are well. Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. Please, spay and neuter your pets.

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

April 2026

April was lovely and afforded us comfortable weather. We got lots of outdoor jobs done, and the animals enjoyed regular exercise. Nova and Molly are really getting the hang of Fetch!

I've taken detailed notes of what Donnie and I do each day, and when. Where is there room for improvement, I ask myself. Organizing life on paper makes strengths and challenges clearer to me. I want to maximize the amount of time spent working on the Lake House itself and training dogs. I hope that smoothing some of these edges will hasten finishing our house and road.

I’m taking small steps toward big plans. As I look around my community, I see animals in need. I notice the stray dog from the underpass has buddied up with another that's living in the shopping plaza. Out-of-control cat populations soar and then plummet from disease. The situation does make me angry, but I'm doing the best I can. I have vet debt, repairs to make, things to build, and animals to care for. We've saved a few lives here, and will again, because of the work we're doing right now.

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

March 2026

I have been looking forward to March. I have spent all the time I can outside. Donnie and I have gotten lots of work done and have had plenty of time for exploring. We got to see the waters at Yatesville Lake and Dewey Lake reach historic lows.

A chocolate mama dog is living in the Mayo Plaza in my town, and a male heeler mix is living next to the highway. They need to be trapped to be caught, and they could be fearful or aggressive if that happens. Even if I caught them, I can’t do anything for them now. It costs me about $375 to take in a dog, before unexpected medications or procedures they might need. I’m feeding them what and when I can.

I’ve been spending a lot of time on Bodhi and Barrel, in the hopes that this year they can find their forever homes. We’ve been training at home and in public spaces with lots of success. Additionally, I’ve been educating myself on everything from shelter management to grooming.

Y’all… I don’t have much yet, and I know what I need to address several things before I can help more animals, so that is exactly what I intend to do. Resources are stretched thinner than ever for rescues and shelters in the United States. I can’t even ponder it on a macro level until I address these five things: 1. Vet Debt/Vet Queue 2. Int/Ext Finishing 3. Road Work 4. Overwhelmed

So, this will be a challenging year. I plan to improve my little operation and look for ways to help my community. Let's win some battles this year and always remember to: 1. Adopt Don't Shop 2. Spay & Neuter Your Pets

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

PAINTSVILLE, KENTUCKY - ADOPTABLE DOG General: Barrel’s estimated birthday is 6-21-22. His owner had a health issue and had to give him away. We took him in on 12-21-22, as a foster. I think he is a terrier/hound. He was adopted once, and it didn’t work out because the new fence was too short. He’s wonderful with kids and other pets. Barrel weighs 45-50lbs and is already neutered. Training & Behavior: Barrel is your goofy little guy,motivated by treats, squirrels, rabbits, and affection. Barrel likes frequent play with dogs and humans, and a fenced-in place to run. He knows the cues “In” and “Out” for crates, cars, doors, gates, etc. He knows “up” and “down” in regard to being on furniture or your lap. He can also “sit”, give paws, and more. He’s good on a leash if properly exercised. He is housebroken and crate-trained. Compatibility: Barrel is a little shy at first, but he gives ‘little brother’ vibes when he gets to know another dog. He wants to play, has unlimited energy, and can run faster than a speeding bullet. Additionally Asked Questions How old is he? He will be 4 years old in June 2026. How big will he get? Barrel is fully grown, and usually weighs between 45 and 50lb. Does he have any aggressive mannerisms? No. Barrel does not start fights or show signs of stress/discomfort when interacting with humans or animals. He does chase squirrels and rabbits. BARREL is seeking a rescue or adoptive home. [email protected]

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

February 2026

My 2 kittens (above, left) went to a foster-based animal rescue on 2/6. They were vaccinated and finished a round of dewormer beforehand. Do you remember the feral colony we finished up with, earlier this year? That is where they came from! Just one cat remains now: Betty (above, right). She is still home with me, warming up to indoor life.

Bodhi was courted by a potential adopter. Her vet references were great, but shortly before the first meet-and-greet, she pulled out. Of course, I feel disappointed. Bodhi has been looking for a home since November 2022. He is a sleek boxer mix who gets along great with every animal or person he meets. He just needs a fenced-in yard or a very dedicated dog-walker.

Stella had a big month. That is the little gray cat my friend found discarded in a pink airline crate. Her xray revealed femoracetabular impingement (severe), patellar luxation (severe), and resulting limb deformity; aka her leg is fucked up and it hurts. On February 24, we had the bad leg amputated. The cost was over twice the price quoted so now we’re in the red with our vet. This sort of thing happens. My rescue goal for March is to finish paying it off. We are $362 in the negative at the time of posting this.

We’ve had Nova (above) for over 6 months now. In that time, we’ve grown certain that she’ll never be compatible with other dogs. She is still available to a reputable German Shepherd rescue or an only-dog household with an experienced owner. She's a complicated lady, and we expect she'll stay with us.

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

Adoptable Animals

Bodhi is a boxer mix! He is good with dogs, cats, and kids. He has a submissive temperament when he meets other dogs, and will exchange sniffs and play bows. He likes to romp with other dogs! He is neutered. He needs a secure fence. He is 4-5 years old and weighs about 45lb. Click here to learn more about Bodhi.

Barrel is a 45lb terrier mix, and he is almost 4. Barrel is good with dogs, cats, and kids. He is meek and submissive when he meets other dogs, wants to play once they have some nice sniffs. He loves to run. Barrel has already been neutered. He needs a secure fence. Click here to learn more about Barrel.

Jess is good with cats, kids, and dogs that she's gotten to know. She's most hesitant with larger dogs. She does not like to share. We think she could be a cattle dog or a plott hound mix. She's 55lb and 6 or 7 years old.

Nova has aggression issues with dogs and humans. We would love to find a capable rescue to take this German shepherd, but have realistic expectations about the likelihood of that happening. I was lucky enough to bond with her when she was with a rescue and brought her home to live with me when they were faced with the need to humanely euthanise her. Nova is 5-6 years old and weighs almost 60lb.

Stella is good with dogs, kids, and she would adjust to living with another cat or cats. She's silly, sweet, and playful. You don't get to touch the fluff if you can't handle the claws. She is spayed and her rabies vaccine is Up To Date. She has 3 legs, but uses a litter box just fine. She's only about a year old and still on the smaller side.

Betty came from the streets. She likes to be petted and she is warming up to dogs. She's apt to throw hands when she encounters another cat. She has average energy and is already spayed. Her rabies vaccine is Up To Date and she has a tipped ear to indicate she's been spayed.

NOT PICTURED, ALSO ADOPTABLE Iggy the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) Milk the Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) Reptile experience preferred.

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

January 2026

In November, Donnie and I started trapping feral cats at his job. We got them fixed (spay/neuter), recovered, and put them back at a place they'd been fed and sheltered for years. When area management realized they couldn’t support them anymore, I sought additional assistance. The situation was now urgent; the cats faced impending death by freezing and starvation. Soon, a small community of people was able to safely relocate an estimated 40 cats. 4 of them are here at my cabin. Orangey 2 is completely feral, requiring some medical observation. The vet believes this cat may be suffering from cancer. I have pictures of the cat’s abdomen if anyone wants more details. Betty and her two 11-week-old kittens are here, too.

Rory's 14th Gotcha Day was this month. He is 15+ years old. He came from the streets, now he shits in my sheets.

Stella is the gray cat that arrived in November. She's been spayed, vaccinated against rabies, and we finally got her that X-ray. She suffers from femoroacetabular impingement and patellar luxation. Her hip is broken, her knee is twisted. The affected leg is also smaller than her other legs. It is painful and difficult to move. We have scheduled surgery for 2/24 and need to address a respiratory issue. Amputation is $200-$250. Office Visits usually cost $40-$50. That is a $300 vet bill before medications. Please let me know if you have any questions or know of cat rescues that take medical cases. She was thrown away like garbage, but she is an angel.

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

December 2025 We made progress with a colony of feral cats we want to help. 4 cats, so far; we trapped them and took them to the vet to be fixed and get the rabies vaccine. They stayed with me while they recovered. Now, all have been released and are behaving normally since their procedures. Happy New Year I am grateful for another year. I couldn’t have accomplished anything without y'all. Please support your local animal rescues, shelters, friends, allies, and welfare groups. Let’s look back on 2025 together because I didn't do any of this alone. 3 Saved From The Streets

2 Sent To Rescues

3 Fosters For 3 Years

2 Adopted

2 Neutered

5 Spayed (one not pictured)

We Said Goodbye To Dharma, Luna, & Helen Keller

& I welcome 2026 with my 3 teens: Rory, Puddle, & Fat Head

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

2025 TNR Project Timeline

October 2025 - plea for help with a population explosion; feral cats residing in Prestonsburg, KY, USA

November 2025-acquired supplies & vouchers, December 2025- "Betty" was fixed Dec 9 and released Dec 17. "Will Feral" was fixed Dec 15 and released Dec 17. "Orangey" was fixed Dec 18 and released Dec 27. "Thissy" was fixed Dec 22 and released Dec 26. January 2026- "Orangey 2" was fixed + received shot for skin infection. Betty and 2 kittens were retrapped. Others mobilized in response to a complete loss of food and shelter at the site. The colony has been totally trapped and relocated safely. Vetting has been provided to every cat. February 2026- The two 11-week-old kittens recieved some additional medications and then went to an excellent foster-based rescue up north! Betty and O2 remain.

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

November 2025

Foster Bodhi has now been with us for 3 years! (11-18-22) We are getting help for the feral cat colony in Prestonsburg, KY! We have several veterinary appointments arranged by a local organization. Thank you! Thank you to the people who gave me cat food, airline crates, and money for 2 live traps! We got a quote on a secure fence around the cabin and grounds: $7,500. I found a puppy and secured rescue. The little thing was jetting in front of cars, and I never could find the owner. Still, the puppy got a happy ending. Donnie thinks someone dumped him. UPDATE: He has been adopted.

Stella Luna (above) was abandoned in Prestonsburg, KY. My friend found her and helped her. Now I have her, but she has to spend most of her time in a hospital crate. We have given her flea meds and cleaned her up a bit. She is hurt. She needs an exam, antibiotics, parasite treatment, vaccines, and probably an X-ray just to start with. I had oral surgery this month. This was followed by two separate rounds of antibiotics, plus fun side effects and drug interactions. Good News: I'm officially concluding my content moderation job in December and I got a $1.00 an hour raise at my new job.

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

October 2025

This month, my Helen Keller was laid to rest. She was adopted from the Floyd County Animal Shelter in 2013. I shared my entire adult life with her until now. She was intelligent, capable, adventurous, and silly. I feel like a different person without her.

On October 14, I asked for help with some feral cats; at least 15 adults and multiple litters. An org is funding 8 spay/neuter surgeries (with rabies and ear tipping) throughout December + January.

October 4 marked 9 years since I picked up Piper, my soul dog.

October 14 was Jess’ 3rd "fosterversary" and you can make it her last by adopting her! Just email [email protected] for more info.

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

September 2025

Someone wanted me to take this spaghetti doodle to the animal shelter, but I did not take her to the shelter. Helen's cancer has progressed. My time with sweet Helen Keller is coming to a close. I am blessed with every second we have. I love her and I'm afraid. I have communicated with the water company. Donnie and I developed a plan, but it will take some work. We need a big truck and some special tools.

Puddle came home with me on September 5, 12 years ago, from the Pike County Animal Shelter in Pike County, Kentucky. Today, she is a tiny Buddha, always encouraging me to celebrate this moment. I love her. My first foster fail deserves the world!

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

August 2025

What a month: 1. Helen Keller has a mass growing on her chest that we have to routinely photograph and measure. She's on special meds. 2. Puddle has had SIXTEEN teeth removed. 3. Madam is spayed!

We still cannot establish water service! We used to just buy a truckload a month and collect rainwater, but the water company stopped selling bulk water. So right now, we have to fill and transport water ourselves in smaller containers. At home, we can heat it, and we have pumps that allow us to use it for dishes, grooming, bathing, cleaning, and flushing.

My car, Muddy, is sick. I believe in repairing what I already have, not replacing things before they're worn out. Wish me luck with that.

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

July 2025

I adopted a "feral" cat. Madam's kittens went to a foster, but she wasn't having the same luck. The next day, the same thing happened with a big, black German Shepherd called Nova. She's got behavioral issues. They were going to be euthanized.

Fosters Bodhi and Barrel visited my work. It is good to have people who can speak to their gentle natures. I am so pleased with their behavior. These two are adoptable dogs in Paintsville, KY, USA. Email [email protected] for more information!

Foster Jess has been with me for 1,000 days and I rescued my cat, Quiche, 5 years ago. I think that would make her about 6 years old. Jess is an adoptable dog in Paintsville, KY, USA, and you can email [email protected] for more information about her.

We said Goodbye to Luna. I miss her so much. She was so special and beautiful. She had energy and a silly soul right to the very end. My life was better for having her in it. I will cherish the years we spent together, always.

I got a “gently used” milk snake after she was purchased from a pet store and then lost inside the person's car for over 1 week! I named her Milk, for her species and for the Curry Barker thriller, Milk and Serial. Milk is decompressing and displaying her natural behaviors. If you are interested in adopting Milk, please send an email to [email protected] I saw FREE PUPPIES at Walmart, and I got the last puppy. I was afraid of who might take it or what might happen to it. If you know.. you know. Anyway, he started with me at 9.5lb and by the time I put him on a rescue transport, he weighed 13lbs! I'm grateful that this rescue took him, but since they don't want me to follow up about him, I don't think I will send any more animals their way.

[mostofmyfriendsaredogs]

June 2025 Puddle’s oral surgery had to be postponed. I got hired as an animal caregiver at a rescue facility. This is a welcome change, as my current role at Superfy becomes increasingly automated. Maintaining my animals is a struggle with the reduced hours. Donnie works long hours at multiple jobs, but food and water insecurity creep into my dreams. I hope to have more progress to report next month; lately, the name of the game has been surviving, not thriving.