Today we’d like to introduce you to Janine Guido.
Hi Janine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I founded Speranza animal rescue April 2012 at the age of 27
. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and depression at the age of 18- animals became therapeutic for me. So I started a rescue to cope. In reality these animals saved my life. So I’m paying it forward by saving theirs.
I am a suicide survivor and a mental health advocate, as well as an animal rescuer.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I learned a lot of things the hard way.
Being in rescue is physically and emotionally exhausting. Compassion fatigue is so real- . There’s some days you doubt yourself if you can keep continuing on.
You see so much bad in people, but you also see so much good. Those are your donors, supporters, volunteers, your village,
And then the animals when you look into their eyes, they keep you in check, and you realize you can never stop doing this because it’s not a job or work, it’s a lifestyle. And giving up on them in turn would be giving up on myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of Speranza animal rescue . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Speranza animal rescue is a 501C3 nonprofit organization. We are a rescue rehabilitation center and sanctuary.
We focus on taking in the animals of extreme neglect and abuse. The ones with behavioral issues, the ones that others may not be willing or able to help.
Others look at an animal and may see a lost cause. We look at that animal and see an opportunity.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I actually published a book of my own last September. It’s called “rescued by hope” and it’s a book about me and my struggles with mental health and how Speranza became founded and helped me along the way
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.speranzarescue.org
