Meet Ruby! (and Molly)

 Welcome!




Hi, I'm Molly, and this is my dog, Ruby.

 


Molly and Nate

I live in beautiful Durham, North Carolina, with my wonderful husband, Nate, Ruby, and my so-ugly-she's-cute cat, Lily May. I can't seem to find a picture of Lily at the moment, so I guess you'll have to wait until next time (Oh, the suspense!) I am a 25 year old  graduate student in Clinical Psychology at North Carolina Central University.  I enjoy running, ice cream, and reading true crime books in my spare time.  I'm sure those interests (and more) may make an appearance on here every once and a while, but the real reason I have created this blog is to share my story of finding my "Ruby in the Rough" with you. 

Allow me to Explain!

I believe that everyone has a purpose.  Ever since I was a child, I have aspired to grow up and "make the world a better place."  In the past year, I have slowly come to realize my purpose, my passion, my joy.  This realization came when Ruby came back into my life and joined our (little) family.  A year ago today, I was in a dark place.  Struggling with seasonal depression, working in a position that I didn't enjoy, and receiving a rejection letter from my top choice for graduate school all contributed to an overwhelming feeling of emptiness.  Each morning, I dragged myself out of bed, bracing myself for the day when all I felt like doing was pulling the covers up over my head and going back to sleep.  I felt defeated and lost. I remember talking to my mom on the phone. "I feel empty inside.  I feel like a failure.  I just don't feel like I have anything to look forward to...I WANT A PUPPY!"  

Well, I got what I wanted, and my life has been forever changed.

  

In the past year since Ruby has joined our family, my depression lifted and hasn't come back.  It's hard to feel sorry for yourself when this face greets you each morning.

A Sleepy Pup

  As I tended and cared for this little red furball of love, I was able to put my own problems on the back burner.  I stopped ruminating on the past, quit worrying about the future, and challenged myself to live in the moment-with Ruby.  Each day, I wake up next to a creature that is truly excited about life, and the attitude has become contagious.  I started introducing her to my clients with developmental disabilities, and noticed that her ability to evoke happiness was infectious. 

Ruby and Hannah

Ruby's therapeutic effects on my mood began to intrigue me.  I started to do some research on Animal Assisted Therapy and discovered that I could turn my passion into a career.  So I enrolled in graduate school to become a therapist, and my long-term goal is to incorporate Animal Assisted Therapy into my practice, and hopefully, help share the light and hope that Ruby has brought into my life.

This blog will document my journey toward getting Ruby certified as a Pet Partner through the Delta Society, starting and completing my Master's Thesis (which will explore the psychological benefits of AAT) and eventually, practicing with Ruby as my "co-therapist."  I can't wait to share my story and would love for you to join me for the ride.  I have found my "Ruby in the Rough" and believe that my challenges have truly been a catalyst for finding some of life's greatest treasures.

Until Next Time...