Strays of St. Vincent
Donation protected
CLICK THE UPDATES PAGE FOR MY 2019 FUNDRAISER! ONE YEAR LATER: TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE MAINLAND!
The story of this year's birthday fundraiser: Strays of St. Vincent.
In May of 2018, I made an enormous leap and transferred to Trinity School of Medicine in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. That is a story for another time.
My first few weeks here were lonely- in a new country, without the constant noise of four dogs at home, craving my daily jog with my dad. Having left one medical school in hopes of trying a new environment, I still felt like I did not really belong anywhere.
As always, running is how adapted, explored, and inevitably found these two orphan pups. They were underfed, covered in fleas, crusted in ticks, and terrified of me. The older one looked incredibly worse off, and I could barely get him to stand.
With several weeks of work, carrying food on every run, these little guys started to trust me. Many more cans of stewed beef, dozens of hot dogs, and hundreds of cuddles, and many runs later - they now wait on the corner for me to jog by. They give me a reason to get motivated in the morning, and to see the brighter sides of my temporary home. Feeling needed by these tiny friends was the first moment I felt I belonged in St. Vincent.
Over these past few months, my little friends (now named Oliver Vincent and Isabelle Grenadine) and I have changed considerably. I am braver, stronger, and more at home. They are healthy, thriving, and even though they are still living at the sometimes-occupied residence I found them- I hope they have found a home with me. These two have brought me closer to other students, to several locals, and to the VSPCA (Vincentian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Without all of their love, time, and hard work- these two may not be the happy and energetic dogs we see today.
So what is the purpose of my fundraiser? I am setting up a bit of a fund for the two best things to happen to my life in St. Vincent. In an ideal world, I hope to sponsor them back to the U.S. when I leave the island in April. In an even more ideal world, relocate them to my much safer apartment complex- off the busy road. For now, however, while we are just working through the owners intentions, Oliver and Isabelle still deserve the best life they can have. I want to continue to care for them and the other pups I have met through the VSPCA. This means food, meds, spay/neutering, and hopefully continuously donating back to the organization for their generous time and supplies watching "my" dogs over break. 100% of funds donated will go directly to Oliver and Isabelle- through the several amazing students of Trinity School of Medicine, Jhanice Nelson of the VSPCA, and yours truly- who hope to provide them with the love they deserve as long as possible. Residual funds will go directly to the VSPCA, to help other dogs and cats like these, who have not yet found their forever homes.
I do not know what the future holds for Oliver and Isabelle, but I do hope to remain a part of it as long as I am able. They helped me create a home for myself on this island in the Caribbean. When I started to feel like I was not fitting-in anywhere, I now start every day with two anxious pups beyond excited that I even stop by.
So here's to Oliver Vincent and Isabelle Grenadine, and for all of your donations big and small. Thank you for being a part of my medical school journey. Like Oliver and Isabelle, our paths started out rocky- but with enough love, strength, and support- I think we will all get our happy endings.
As always,
Embrace Every Step. Love, Emily
The story of this year's birthday fundraiser: Strays of St. Vincent.
In May of 2018, I made an enormous leap and transferred to Trinity School of Medicine in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. That is a story for another time.
My first few weeks here were lonely- in a new country, without the constant noise of four dogs at home, craving my daily jog with my dad. Having left one medical school in hopes of trying a new environment, I still felt like I did not really belong anywhere.
As always, running is how adapted, explored, and inevitably found these two orphan pups. They were underfed, covered in fleas, crusted in ticks, and terrified of me. The older one looked incredibly worse off, and I could barely get him to stand.
With several weeks of work, carrying food on every run, these little guys started to trust me. Many more cans of stewed beef, dozens of hot dogs, and hundreds of cuddles, and many runs later - they now wait on the corner for me to jog by. They give me a reason to get motivated in the morning, and to see the brighter sides of my temporary home. Feeling needed by these tiny friends was the first moment I felt I belonged in St. Vincent.
Over these past few months, my little friends (now named Oliver Vincent and Isabelle Grenadine) and I have changed considerably. I am braver, stronger, and more at home. They are healthy, thriving, and even though they are still living at the sometimes-occupied residence I found them- I hope they have found a home with me. These two have brought me closer to other students, to several locals, and to the VSPCA (Vincentian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Without all of their love, time, and hard work- these two may not be the happy and energetic dogs we see today.
So what is the purpose of my fundraiser? I am setting up a bit of a fund for the two best things to happen to my life in St. Vincent. In an ideal world, I hope to sponsor them back to the U.S. when I leave the island in April. In an even more ideal world, relocate them to my much safer apartment complex- off the busy road. For now, however, while we are just working through the owners intentions, Oliver and Isabelle still deserve the best life they can have. I want to continue to care for them and the other pups I have met through the VSPCA. This means food, meds, spay/neutering, and hopefully continuously donating back to the organization for their generous time and supplies watching "my" dogs over break. 100% of funds donated will go directly to Oliver and Isabelle- through the several amazing students of Trinity School of Medicine, Jhanice Nelson of the VSPCA, and yours truly- who hope to provide them with the love they deserve as long as possible. Residual funds will go directly to the VSPCA, to help other dogs and cats like these, who have not yet found their forever homes.
I do not know what the future holds for Oliver and Isabelle, but I do hope to remain a part of it as long as I am able. They helped me create a home for myself on this island in the Caribbean. When I started to feel like I was not fitting-in anywhere, I now start every day with two anxious pups beyond excited that I even stop by.
So here's to Oliver Vincent and Isabelle Grenadine, and for all of your donations big and small. Thank you for being a part of my medical school journey. Like Oliver and Isabelle, our paths started out rocky- but with enough love, strength, and support- I think we will all get our happy endings.
As always,
Embrace Every Step. Love, Emily
Organizer
Emily Jones
Organizer
Springfield, IL
