ABSTRACT
Being raised in Inkster, Michigan, as an only child by a single mother, and then moving to Big Rapids, Michigan, at the age of 8 with Mom and my new stepdad, I was lucky to meet my best-friend, Heidi, that same year. Heidi, her family, and her home at the Circle W Ranch allowed me to become immersed into the amazing magic of animals. My mother astutely permitted me to spend as much time as possible with Heidi and the Ranch, and I am certain that my sanity and stability come from that escape. Learning responsibility and hard work that comes with caring for animals and receiving the rewards of love and unconditional acceptance is something I wish all children could experience in their lives. This experience guided the rest of my life and increased my love of animals.
