The road to building Duty Danes has never been a simple one, and lately, the challenges feel like they are coming from every direction. My biggest hurdle right now is the balancing act of finishing my Bachelor of Science degree while simultaneously managing and growing the kennel. It is a constant race against the clock to manage my time every single day.
On the kennel side, I am essentially starting over with a new bloodline. This means the long, expensive process of getting all the health testing complete to ensure the highest standards for these dogs. At the same time, I am focused on the physical work of building our new facility, including a dedicated office space for the Danes to ensure they have the best environment possible.
Perhaps the most personal challenge is doing all of this while managing my health. I battle fibromyalgia and two autoimmune conditions daily, which means I have to be extremely careful not to overload my body even when the to do list is long.
Looking ahead brings its own set of worries. I am already thinking about the next steps my Masters and eventually my PhD and how to navigate those academic goals while on a fixed income. Budgeting for the kennel, the building, and my education requires strict organization. Through all of this, my ultimate hope remains the same: organizing a non profit that uses my Great Danes to provide mental health support for those who need it most. It is a lot to manage, but every step is toward that bigger vision.