Hi, my name is Danny, and I’ve been working with ROLDA since 2015. I was just starting as a copywriter, and I wanted to help an animal charity with my passion for writing. A year before I began with ROLDA, my German Shepherd, Zippo, was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord disease that causes hind limb weakness and paralysis. For nearly two years, I watched as each day Zippo lost more of his ability to walk, and it was heartbreaking. Thankfully, he was not in any pain, and he fought until his last day to stay strong and happy. Even in his final moments, Zippo showed me how grateful he was to be in my life, and I hope that I showed him the same. He was my best friend for nearly 15 years until his passing late in 2015. Our bond and Zippo’s courage inspired me to write for ROLDA, to help rescue animals find loving homes and friends, just as he had. I am so thankful to be a part of the ROLDA team and for the opportunity to help the animals they rescue, even if only remotely and through words. Zippo was not a rescue, but whenever I get writer’s block or feel low on inspiration, I reflect on our friendship and hope that my loving memories of him turn into inspirational words that give hope to animals in need. It’s been amazing to watch ROLDA grow and expand because it means they’ll be able to help many more animals for many, many years to come!