
Hello!
Hello, I’m Jen Simmons, Atlanta native, Public Health Project Manager, and, most importantly, rescue Mom of Cooper the Pittie, Hank Williams the Beagle, and Goldie the Supermutt!
The Heart Behind the Work: Meet Bella
Along with my husband Warren, we were parents to Bella, my first rescue baby (and Warren’s third!). Bella was a black pitbull off the streets of Atlanta, and Warren found her as a stray with battle wounds on her face and body and severe anxiety that we presume to be from being used as a bait dog. This strong, resilient girl motivated us daily with her love of life and, in time, her trust of humans despite being failed by them. Bella inspired us to become involved in rescue in our own community here in North Atlanta, and for the past 12 years, we have volunteered directly in rescues/shelters, fostered (and foster-failed!), donated to rescue and animal welfare causes, and worked to bring free veterinary events to our local community in Doraville.
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Bella passed at the ripe old age of about 16.5 in January 2022, but we still speak of our heart dog in the present tense because we know she is still with us, just in another form. Bella’s life was a testament to hope, and likewise every Bella’s Blessing box represents a small act of hope—an invitation for neighbors to care for one another and their pets with dignity, respect, and compassion. When communities come together, no pet should ever go hungry, and no family should have to choose between feeding themselves or their pets.
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Ready to talk about installing a pet blessing box in your community? Please reach out to Jen using the "Let's Chat" bottom on the bottom right of the screen or directly at jennifer@petblessingboxes.org. I’m excited to get started helping your neighbors help neighbors!
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