Author name: offleashd

Warmth. Gather. Family. Thankful. All of these and more have come to denote one of the most beloved holidays in the United States. However, Thanksgiving doesn’t leave everyone with warm and fuzzy feelings. Sometimes the holidays are just hard. They can be filled with loneliness and pain rather than the sugar-coated commercialism we see on TV. Whatever feelings you have towards the holidays, there is always a chance to turn it into a season of connection and love. Whether that means getting together with family or creating your own traditions with friends, Offleash’d knows that the strongest bonds are not always the ones you are born with. It is the relationships that we foster and nurture that are the most valuable. That is what makes Friendsgiving the perfect ingredient to a festive holiday season with your newfound pet buddies! For those of you unfamiliar with the term, Friendsgiving is a lovely mash-up of Friend and Thanksgiving, referring to “a large meal eaten with friends either on or near Thanksgiving.” Pretty self-explanatory, right? Friendsgiving has seen a rise in popularity over the last several years, especially among college students who might be unable to make it back home for the holidays. Millennials are usually credited with turning Friendsgiving into a recognizable holiday in its own right. This is due in large part to a cultural shift in our country; people are staying single longer and waiting to start families of their own. But there is also a psychological shift. Marriage is no longer seen as the ultimate goal, nor is it the only option available to young women once they leave the comfort of their family home as it has been in years past. The “traditional” family is on the decline, paving the way for Friendsgiving and other holidays that are more tailored to the lifestyles of the next generation. With this change in the family dynamic, creating community is now more important than ever. A safe and inclusive community starts with the sharing of ideas, stories, and traditions. While most friendships are formed on the basis of common interests, at Offleash’d, we know that some of the best dialogues are created when those with different opinions and backgrounds come together. With its laid-back vibes and emphasis on communal cooking, Friendsgiving is the cool cousin to the stuffy traditions that many equate with the official holiday of Thanksgiving. For starters, it doesn’t have a set date in the calendar, meaning that Friendsgiving can be celebrated at any time. This makes it easier to plan around multiple schedules, especially for those who still plan on observing Thanksgiving as well. Since most Friendsgiving get-togethers are potluck style, the burden of cooking doesn’t fall solely on the host. Friendsgiving is a great opportunity to share favorite holiday dishes and traditions with a new group of people. Offleash’d Lead Copywriter, Makena Schoene, is no stranger to creating new Friendsgiving traditions. “When I was living in Finland, I wasn’t able to make it home for Thanksgiving, so my friends and I decided to host a Friendsgiving with the local men’s volleyball team. Each person would bring one appetizer, side dish, dessert, or drink, and in the end, we had a delightful smorgasbord of food hailing from all over the world, from Finland and Russia to the United States and Canada. It was a true fusion of cultures, but most importantly, it was a time to gather with friends and share the traditions that reminded us all of home no matter how far away we were.” Friendship. Togetherness. Community. New traditions. This is what Friendsgiving is all about. An antidote for the holiday blues, a balm for the lonely soul. Friendsgiving has become an important fixture of the holiday season, carving a space where the next generation can create their own narrative with their own communities. Familial bonds are one of the most important things for human survival, but family is not only based on blood and ancestral ties. It is the people you feel drawn to, where you feel free to be totally and unapologetically yourself that truly matters. Friends are the family that you choose, and those bonds can carry you through all that life throws at you. From our Offleash’d family to yours, we wish you a happy Friendsgiving, a wonderful Thanksgiving, and a joyous holiday season!

Establishing strong social connections is essential to good mental and physical health. From BFFs to gym buddies or even ‘work besties’, friendships come in a variety of forms with each relationship tailored to suit individual lifestyles and needs. Female friendships, in particular, play a huge role in the lives of women everywhere. Whether it comes down to biological wiring or simple compatibility, the power of the girl squad cannot be underestimated. The ’tend and befriend’ hypothesis, for instance, is the biological response of many women to stressful situations, where the hormone oxytocin is released and, when it interacts with estrogen, produces a calming effect. According to psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada, this leads women “to nurture those around them and reach out to others, often other women.” It’s literally written in our DNA. More importantly, empathy can be a powerful bonding tool, and this could be the explanation for the evolution of the modern girl squad. Because who gets you better than your best girlfriend, right? Fostering friendships of any kind has a multitude of health benefits, from combating loneliness and depression to aiding in longer life expectancy. According to a study, “people with strong social relationships have a 50% greater chance of living longer than those with weaker ties.” With seemingly endless methods of communication, we are living in a hyperconnected society, and yet somehow, we have lost the sense of interconnectivity. Social media can be a powerful tool for connection, but even with the ability to check in on family and friends who live all over the world, there is a figurative drought when it comes to deeper relationships. Offleash’d aims to bridge this divide by creating a community where friendships are forged not just on shared interests but on complementary personality traits. “Complementary” is often misconstrued for “homogeneity”, or the state of sameness. In truth, it speaks more to a harmonious blending of qualities that enhance each other. Girl squads and friend groups are the best examples of complementary relationships, as they are not just built on the gathering of like-minded individuals, but on the beautiful blending of differences. By bringing together people from varied backgrounds with differing points of view, more well-rounded relationships can be formed. Respect for the thoughts, feelings, and rights of others even if they differ from our own is what drives our society and our relationships with each other forward. As December 1 is National Women Support Women Day, Offleash’d is committed to supporting the power of female friendship and the rights of women everywhere. The current humanitarian crisis of women in Iran has been a harsh reminder that not all women have the freedoms that many take for granted. While the Iranian Women’s Rights Movement has been active in the fight for women’s rights since its inception in 1910, the Iranian Revolution in 1979 further curtailed women’s freedom of speech and bodily autonomy, making it that much harder for the women of Iran to have a voice in their own country. With the tragic death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of morality police in September 2022, the world united in the plight of Iranian women and the need to support those who can’t speak for themselves. Iranian-American writer Negar Esfandiari urges people to use their platforms to help amplify Iranian voices – “We can’t just raise awareness when big news breaks; we have to keep consistently sharing information.” This can be as simple as following Iranian journalists and activists like Masih Alinejad or donating to organizations such as the Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran and the Iranian American Women Foundation. (Before making financial donations of any kind, be sure to do your research and verify the organization to avoid charity scams.) Every person deserves to be heard, and Offleash’d stands with those whose voices have been silenced.

The holidays are the perfect time to spread some extra cheer. At Offleash’d, we believe in the power of connection and the beauty of bringing people together. When the days are short and the air is cold, nothing beats gathering with loved ones to share the warmth and joy of the holiday season. However, there are those who may not be as lucky to have a strong support system or even the ability to provide simple necessities to those they love. Community is defined as the “feeling of fellowship, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.” Whether you find your community among coworkers or congregations, there is no denying the strength we derive from the support of others, and it’s important that we recognize all the ways that others help us every day so that we may pay it forward in our own way. “Volunteering moves people into the present and distracts the mind from the stresses and problems of the self. Many studies show that one of the best ways to deal with hardships in life is not just to center on yourself but to take the opportunity to engage in simple acts of kindness,” says Stephen G. Post, the founding director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care and Bioethics at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. When we do things for other people, a chemical reaction takes place, where dopamine, an endorphin that blocks pain signals, and oxytocin which is known as the tranquility hormone are released. Not only is giving back good for your health, but it can seriously impact someone’s day, perhaps even change their life. When we take the initiative to give back to our fellow humans, we are taking the first step in bettering the world, starting with our local community. This year, we want to help you find ways to give back to those who could use a little extra holiday cheer. There are plenty of organizations around the country that are always in need of some helping hands. Our amazing partner, PAWS, is always looking for new volunteers to help care for animals and join in community outreach programs. For our human neighbors, joy can be spread in a multitude of ways, from serving food at homeless shelters to helping facilitate toy drives for kids in need! Here are a few nationally recognized campaigns where you can give back no matter where you live! Barnes and Noble hosts an annual Holiday Book Drive at their locations across the United States, where shoppers can purchase books to be donated to several different charities, such as hospitals, schools, and literary programs. The Toys for Tots Foundation is a nonprofit charity that has been delivering toys for kids since 1947 with the help of the United States Marine Corps. Today, the foundation donates an average of 18 million toys to 7 million children annually. You can donate a toy for deserving children by finding a local donation box, or if there are none in your area, you can give virtually as well! Chewy.com is partnering with animal shelters by giving shoppers the chance to shop virtual wish lists for rescue organizations in their area. The Chewy Gives Back program helps supply shelters with food, toys, and other essentials. Looking for a more DIY approach? Nothing spreads holiday cheer like something homemade and given from the heart. This can be as simple as handing out Christmas cards to friends and family or baking yummy snacks for your neighbors. (Bonus points if you make your own pet treats!) So, this holiday season, gather with those you love and give back however you are able. After all, we are all one big community!

We are living in an era defined by technology and connectivity. The internet has broken down the barriers of time and space to bring people together across the world while providing immediate access to information with the touch of a button. Social networking apps have become the new normal when searching for friends, love, and even business opportunities, but with these amazing advancements come the potential risks of interacting with strangers online. A study conducted by the global research agency OpinionMatters stated that 53% of US participants lied on their online profiles. While this is often as trivial as adding a few more inches to their height or embellishing their occupation, it can also involve fake names and photos to ensnare unsuspecting people for nefarious purposes. Catfishing, the colloquial term for the “deceptive activity in which a person creates a fictional persona or fake identity on a social networking service, usually targeting a specific victim,” is a very common occurrence across apps where anonymity is virtually guaranteed. With the threat of catfishing always lurking in the background, it can make it even harder to tell if you are making real connections with authentic people. Unfortunately, there is an even darker side to the internet that we must be prepared for. In 2016, President Barack Obama proclaimed January to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month. He stated that “that millions of men, women, and children around the globe, including here at home, are subject to modern-day slavery: the cruel, inhumane practice of human trafficking. This month, we rededicate ourselves to assisting victims of human trafficking and to combating it in all its forms.” Modern-day slavery remains a prevalent issue, an ugly aspect of society that demands our attention as consumers and citizens. Between 2015 and 2018, almost 1,000 potential trafficking victims were recruited using online platforms, including dating apps. Traffickers often pose as ‘saviors’, offering jobs, financial aid, and wish fulfillment to lure their victims, though some may resort to force and coercion. It is important for everyone to practice safety when navigating the real-life metaverse, and we have compiled a few tips to keep in mind as you continue to explore the world and interact with new people. One of the most overlooked tools in your arsenal is your instincts. If something feels off, trust that gut instinct. Look out for profiles that look overly curated with professional photos, or profiles that don’t employ any photos at all. Both could be signs that the individual is not presenting their honest self by hiding behind non-existent or stolen images. The people we surround ourselves with are good indicators of our own values and personality, making recently created profiles with few friends, followers, or engagements another red flag to watch for. Now, let’s say you have matched with a potential romantic partner or a new friend and you are ready to meet them in person. The individual who shows up actually matches the pictures on their profile – hey, we’re off to a great start! Keep the good times rolling by keeping yourself safe and taking a few simple precautions. First Meet-Up Safety Checklist Creating a safe environment is always our top priority here at Offleash’d. We employ a multi-factor verification system and adhere to a strict harassment policy via user reports. With these measures in place, we aim to create a safe online community where people can make deeper connections with authentic individuals. Even with advanced safety protocols in place across social networking apps, it is not the end-all solution. Human trafficking remains a real problem, and it occurs more frequently than expected. If you or someone you know is at risk or potentially in danger of trafficking, we encourage you to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. For those looking to support the cause in any way they can, Bustle.com has curated a list of organizations that are working to fight against Human Trafficking and support survivors.

Updated: Nov 28, 2023 Offleash’d Names Terry James as CEO The Social App for Pet People Kicks Off the New Year with a Company Revamp SEATTLE, Washington, January 17, 2023 – Offleash’d, Inc., the Seattle-based social relationship app for pet lovers, is ready to accomplish big things in 2023. Ahead of their highly anticipated Los Angeles launch, Offleash’d has made internal changes that will set the stage for a successful year. Manish Methai, the co-Founder of Offleash’d, will be stepping into the roles of Chief Information Officer. With his extensive expertise in the tech space, Methai will be an invaluable asset in keeping Offleash’d at the forefront of technological development. “Change is a natural part of growth, and I am confident that these changes will help Offleash’d continue to grow and develop along the lines of our mission. I look forward to Terry moving into this role and taking us to the top!” – Manish Methai Transitioning from his role as COO to Chief Executive Officer, Terry James is ready for the job. Bringing over twenty years of experience as a business owner and CEO of several real estate companies, James is committed to creating a seamless bridge between the tech and pet industries by pushing boundaries and pursuing excellence. “As we embark on 2023, I’m honored to lead Offleash’d and our team as CEO, especially as we move forward with our launch in LA and across the country. Leaning on more than two decades of experience as a successful business owner, I will work to guide Offleash’d towards an even brighter future. We’ve got some big plans to make a positive impact in our communities, and we are looking forward to welcoming all the new pet people who will soon be part of our growing Offleash’d family!” – Terry James These small yet significant changes represent the continued commitment of the Offleash’d team to the company’s mission, channeling the strengths and varied skills of each individual in order to better serve the growing community of users.

Updated: Apr 10, 2023 For those who possess the entrepreneurial spirit, life is seen as a series of endless possibilities. They see a world ripe with potential, but to create something from the ground up calls for someone with a fire in their belly to surmount seemingly impossible odds. Those with the entrepreneurial spirit see those odds and do not shy away, because the only outcome they will accept is success. Entrepreneurs of color are no strangers to beating the odds. They face a world that for centuries has been designed to keep them from achieving their own success, and yet every day, we see them breaking down barriers in the pursuit of excellence. In honor of Black History Month, we want to highlight the significant contributions of black entrepreneurs and creators who are making huge impacts in the world. With two men of color at the helm and a senior leadership team comprised of amazing women, Offleash’d is uniquely positioned to champion individuals from historically marginalized communities as they lead their industries and communities forward. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are three major tenets of our mission, and we strive to create a safe and inclusive space for all people to form genuine connections no matter their race or gender, starting with the members of our team. We are so excited to kick off our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion series (also known as DEI) by introducing the new CEO of Offleash’d, Terry James! With over two decades of experience as a business owner, Terry has made a career operating successful enterprises in highly competitive fields. After kicking off his career as a licensed financial advisor with Morgan Stanley and UBS Financial Services, Terry transitioned into real estate by founding his own mortgage financing firm and later starting his eponymous business, the James Real Estate Group. Our company is on the precipice of achieving ambitious goals, and no one is better suited to lead us toward success like Terry James. O: When you first heard about the idea for Offleash’d, what made you want to get involved? TJ: I had been a pet lover and owner nearly my entire life. I was so intrigued by the idea of being able to blend my passion for pets with a business focused on helping people forge new relationships and build community. When my research into the pet industry unearthed all of the possibilities for a life-changing platform that could benefit potentially millions of pet people, I simply knew I had to be a part of this journey. O: You have spent the last twenty years as a business owner in the competitive real estate market. What important lessons have you learned from that field that you are implementing with Offleash’d? TJ: I think the most important thing I’ve learned in business is perseverance. I don’t allow myself to get too high with the success or too low with the challenges. I try to remain balanced and focused on the goals set out in front of us. I work every day to get a little closer to accomplishing those goals by breaking them down into smaller objectives that can be accomplished in a shorter amount of time. Each milestone accomplished moves us a little closer to accomplishing the larger goal set out in the beginning. That way huge goals seem obtainable and within reach. O: Now that you have officially stepped into the role of CEO, what are your biggest goals for this company in 2023? TJ: We have a number of goals that we want to accomplish in 2023, the largest of which is having a successful launch in California. There are so many pet lovers that live in this area and the weather makes it really conducive for people to connect in-person and outdoors. I am so excited to help bring Offleash’d to Southern California! Other upcoming projects include launching our own apparel line for pet lovers and engaging with our Offleash’d community via our own podcast, where we can encourage our users to share their stories. I really want people to feel like Offleash’d is a safe and inclusive community for everyone and sharing those stories is a way to help people feel more connected to one another. Finally, we will be rolling out many new features on our app including a Groups Feature and Events platform providing our community with even more ways to engage with each other, whether in person or socially through our app. Our future at Offleash’d is extremely bright and I am honored to be leading us as we continue to grow. O: As we celebrate Black History Month, we seek to amplify black voices, share black stores, and champion black innovators. How has your personal journey as a black man in business shaped your approach to stepping into this new leadership position with Offleash’d? TJ: I consider myself a student of history. I’m well aware of the sacrifices of those that came before me and the struggles they endured so that I could have the opportunities I have had to build businesses and lead others. There are countless instances where extreme courage was required as I may have been the first to break certain barriers in an industry or workplace. However, my success is built on the backs of those that come before me. This wealth of historical knowledge coupled with my own personal experience as a leader will be a critical asset in helping Offleash’d push the pet industry forward on issues of diversity and inclusivity in a rapidly changing demographic environment. O: What advice do you have for other BIPOC entrepreneurs? TJ: Persevere. Don’t ever let short-term challenges distract you from accomplishing the goals that you have set for yourself or your business. There will always be obstacles set before you. It’s how you respond in the face of adversity that will be the ultimate determinant of success. Be kind and show grace in the face of adversity, but never forget that

Updated: Aug 19, 2023 Black History Month offers us the chance not only to celebrate the triumphs of the black community but to reflect on the long journey it has taken for them to get to this point. Theirs is a history of pain and perseverance, of fear and the fight for equal rights. These factors have shaped the black community and left indelible scars on the human psyche, but if there is one thing to take away from this dark chapter of our society, it is the amazing ability to take that which was used to oppress and control citizens of their race and make it their own. Unfortunately, the history of interactions between animals and members of the black community has not always been one of companionship. For many years, man’s best friend was often used in brutal tactics to control and instill fear in people of color. Fear has been a powerful tool in mitigating the fraught relationship between black people and animals, particularly dogs. Long before their role as household pets, dogs have most often been utilized as hunting companions and for protection. The Civil War era offers one of the more poignant examples of when skills originally trained for survival were turned against our fellow men. Slaveowners in America would often use dogs to keep their slaves in line or hunt them down should they try to run away. Fast forward 100 years, to dogs being used to exert aggressive force on Civil Rights protestors. An innocent animal has been forged into an instrument of hate and violence, leading generations to become conditioned with fear. However, there are many in the black community who choose to nurture beautiful bonds with animals despite horrific incidents in the past. Since the early 20th century, more and more black households started claiming dogs and cats as their own. For some, owning a pet was a way to emulate a higher standard of living like what they saw occur in the white communities, a chance to be seen as equal. For others, these animals simply became part of the family. Social and economic inequity continues to affect how pets interact and thrive within the black community. While there has been a steady growth in pet ownership over the years in black households, they still have some of the lowest ownership rates of any racial demographic. This can be attributed to the fact that BIPOC people make up nearly 24% of the poverty population as of 2019, without proper access to pet healthcare services or the financial freedom to provide for both an animal and their family. Luckily, there are those who are fighting to make basic necessities and services for pet owners more accessible, so that every person has an equal opportunity to experience the joy and unconditional love that animals can offer. While veterinary medicine remains a predominantly white field, more and more black vets are discovering their future in this career and bringing their services to neighborhoods that need it most. This in turn helps expose younger generations to possible options for their future they may have never considered simply because they had never seen it in action. “I grew up thinking I was going to be one of the first Black veterinarians because I had never seen any,” says Dr. Tierra Price in an interview with TIME magazine in 2020. When those in marginalized communities are given the opportunity to see people who look like them thriving in interesting and different occupations, it can kickstart a cultural revolution with the power to change the course of so many lives. By celebrating the successes of those around us, we create an inclusive, collaborative environment where everyone can achieve greatness. Offleash’d aims to inspire our users to foster these safe spaces where each person has a seat at the table. Join us in honoring Black History Month as we continue to amplify black voices and stories in our local and online communities.

Updated: Aug 19, 2023 Everyone deserves to be the star of their own show. In the age of social media, when we are constantly inundated with curated images meant to inspire awe and envy, it is easy to feel like we are merely supporting characters in someone else’s movie. But the time has come to flip the script and claim your place at the center of your own narrative. It’s time to channel that Main Character Energy. Coined by Gen Z TikTokers, Main Character Energy is usually defined as “someone living their best life, exuding confidence and poise. They are choosing to put themselves first and solidify themselves as the main character of their story.” MCE is often misunderstood as a form of narcissism, simply because it encourages people to demand attention when generations of conditioning has taught us (especially women) to shy away from the spotlight in the name of humility. But recently there has been a cultural shift that reframes this phenomenon in a more positive light. Rather than looking at MCE as self-centered, a new wave of social media users are seeing it as a form of self-love. For many Gen Z and millennials, embracing MCE is about prioritizing their own happiness and making time for themselves. It is in fact proving to be an interesting study of the effects of mindfulness and manifestation, as well as the mental benefits that come from romanticizing your own life. By living intentionally and embracing the mundane things in life, people are taking an active role in crafting their own narratives, thereby creating the life they envision for themselves. “Putting yourself at the forefront of your life can be a really wonderful thing, especially when your life experiences have been marked by invalidation, dismissal, or feeling like you’re ‘not good enough’ or ‘unworthy,’” says psychotherapist Meghan Watson. Many of us are no strangers to these feelings of unworthiness as we scroll through seemingly perfect images posted by influencers and compare what they choose to present to the world with our own ‘mundane’ lives. Channeling our own Main Character Energy is a way to take back the control that has been eroded in the vacuum of social media. But it’s not going to happen on its own. We need to take an active role in the pursuit of our own happiness. Offleash’d is in the business of relationships, but the relationship that is most often overlooked is the one we have with ourselves. Building up our self-confidence and pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones are necessary steps in the journey toward truly loving ourselves. Whitney Goodman, a licensed psychotherapist and author, spoke with SELF magazine about the concept of self-love, reminding us all that “we often define love in this fairytale sense where everything needs to be perfect and then apply that same pressure to self-love, which isn’t realistic.” Just like with any kind of relationship, it takes work, and it takes acceptance. A survey conducted by YPulse found that more than half of respondents who think of themselves as the main character of their lives actually feel like it has helped them be their best selves. They feel more confident, more appreciative of what they have, and over a third of those surveyed stated that this mindset has helped them discover their passion. What if channeling our own MCE is a step towards creating a more fulfilling life? Maybe it’s the little nudge we need to finally pursue that dream career. Maybe it’s a mental shift in viewing ourselves with a little less judgment and little more self-love. Maybe it’s that moment when we give ourselves permission to post that photo, to take that trip, to send that text. Many of us have heard the saying, “Confidence is sexy” at one point or another. Though usually phrased in terms of appealing to the male gaze, the underlying message of this saying rings true. We as humans find ourselves drawn to people who seem to have it all together, an ingrained behavior hearkening back to humans seeking out the strongest warriors and following the most charismatic leaders all in a desperate bid for survival. Confidence is appealing and it’s hard not to be drawn to those who believe in themselves (as long as we don’t cross that very fine line into egotism and toxic narcissistic tendencies – it’s all about balance, after all). So, consider this post as a sign to start living out your own main character storyline. Give yourself permission to prioritize your needs so that you may better live your life, and in doing so, become the best version of yourself for those you care most for. Because only when we love and accept ourselves in all our beauty and for all our flaws can we truly create deep and lasting relationships with those around us.

Updated: Aug 19, 2023 Mother Theresa once said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” The nature of women’s history is summarized in these powerful words. For too many years, women have been relegated to the sidelines of life simply due to their gender, making ripples in the hopes to effect real change. Today, we see the results of their determination across so many fields of thought and industry, and this Women’s History Month, we want to honor the contributions women have made to push the pet industry and the world of animal welfare forward. Offleash’d is in the business of relationships- we understand the significant impact that pets can have on people, and vice versa, and who better understands the nature of these relationships than Dr. Erika Friedmann? A pioneer in her field, Dr. Friedmann has built her career on the study of anthrozoology, which focuses on the interaction between humans and animals. Her landmark study on the health effects of pet ownership changed the landscape of both the healthcare and pet industries, broadening the research in animal-assisted therapies so that more people can find help and healing through their beloved pets. More than 100 years before Dr. Friedmann published her findings in the 1980s, Caroline Earle White was breaking down barriers in a time when women had few rights and little influence. Mrs. White was determined to make her voice heard, especially for those who could not speak for themselves, and along with 30 other passionate women, Mrs. White formed the Women’s Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, later known as the Women’s Humane Society, to help change the way people viewed the animals that served them daily. While their initial goal was simply to hire people to “inspect horses for harness sores and to make sure they were not beaten, exhausted, or lame while working, the enterprise grew to include cases of abuse and cruelty to dogs and other animals”. Despite her significant contributions, these women were denied positions of leadership on the board of the SPCA simply because of their gender. It would take several decades for women to gain deserved recognition for their efforts, but the actions of Mrs. White and all who came before paved the way for the women of today to make a real difference in the pet industry. Enter Jamie Migdal, an entrepreneur with 25 years of experience building several different successful pet companies, including FetchFind, which was created to solve what Migdal identifies as the most important challenges facing the pet industry – “Onboarding and training pet care professionals affordable, quickly and effectively while providing access to affordable and trustworthy business resources from companies that understand the unique characteristics of the pet industry.” Access to resources and sufficient education can make all the difference when it comes to caring for ourselves and our pets, and thanks to Migdal’s innovation, pet owners and pet healthcare professionals are better connected to in turn better provide for our furry friends. Today, Migdal sits on the advisory boards of several women-owned businesses and is active in her support for fellow entrepreneurs. This is just a small sample of the women who are making moves every day, laying the groundwork for future generations to pursue bigger, more ambitious dreams. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before, the women who fought against oppression in all its forms in order to be heard. This Women’s History Month (and every month!), we honor those who came before, celebrate those around us, and recognize our own amazing achievements!

Updated: Aug 19, 2023 There are some who say there is no such thing as luck, but whether it be by coincidence or good karma, it is the nature of human beings to seek a reason for why things happen. Perhaps it has more to do with our mindset than some cosmic workings of the universe. In recent years, manifestation has gone from a vague term associated with the metaphysical to a near-verifiable method for changing one’s outlook and therefore circumstance. As with most things these days, we can thank social media for the wide reach of trends and their rapid growth. One such fad is known as the Lucky Girl Syndrome, a hashtag gone viral thanks to tik tok influencer, Laura Galebe. In her viral video, Galebe states that she is one of the luckiest people she knows and that she expects great things to happen to her, ergo they do. Of course, there has been backlash in response to Galebe’s video, stating that his way of thinking is delusional and an example of privilege, but the underlying premise of Galebe’s lucky girl syndrome comes down to shifting our mindset, a powerful tool used by psychologists every day. “When we tell ourselves that we’re lucky, the brain starts to look for examples to confirm that belief,” says psychologist Dr. Susan Albers. “And because our brain likes to be right, if we tell ourselves that we’re lucky, that part of the brain is going to start filtering in the information that backs that up.” However, unfounded or irrational optimism can do more harm than good. It’s like when your knee hurts but you run a race anyway, hoping against evidence that things will be ok. There is the chance that nothing bad will happen and you can run another day, but the pain is a signal from your body that something is not right, and no amount of hope and manifestation is going to change that. In this way, it is important to practice manifestation with a grain of salt, understanding that hoping something will happen will not necessarily make it so, but more importantly, changing your outlook is only half the work. In order to bring about real change, luck really doesn’t have much to do with it. It comes down to how willing you are to work and make that dream or goal a reality. There are simple things we can do in our everyday life that can help manifest that lucky feeling. 1. Be open to new things. It can be easy to get stuck in a rut as we go about our daily routines. The best way to bring luck into your life is to open yourself up to opportunities, even if it forces you out of your comfort zone. Be curious and willing to learn, and good things will happen for you. 2. Broaden your network. “One of the fastest and best ways to garner more luck is to put yourself out there and meet more people, because people bring connections, and connections bring opportunity.” From your social circle to professional connections, meeting new people is a great way to follow the advice in Step 1 above and enhance your perspective by hearing about other people’s experiences. 3. Accept the setbacks. It is the nature of humans to be fallible. Accept the fact that we all will fail at something at some point in life and develop an action plan. Those who are lucky are not ones who have never failed, they are the ones who get back up when they’ve fallen and found a new solution to pursuing their goal. Our mindset continues to be a very powerful tool in creating change. Those who go through life with the belief that the world is against them, that no matter how hard they work, they will not have success, tend to be “unlucky”. This fatalistic way of thinking can affect your actions, closing you off from the opportunity to pursue success and feel lucky. It is based on the law of assumption, which is the belief that should a person believe something is true, that concept becomes a reality. According to manifestation coach Juliette Kristine Connor, people can train their mind’s reticular activating system, “the system in your brain that filters out unnecessary information so the important things can get through and it decides what is necessary based on what you are focusing on and your beliefs. So, if you believe things are always working out for you, your RAS will keep finding ways to reaffirm this.” Through the marriage of positive thinking and intentional action, the lucky mindset can produce real results. The power of optimism has been studied and proven effective several times over, from improving our physical health to strengthening our relationships with others. Changing your mindset is not always easy; sometimes the world is a dark place. Sometimes the circumstances in one’s life make it hard to see past the negative. But so much stems from the way we look at the world, affecting how we interact with others and how we treat ourselves. Creating our own luck starts with creating space for positivity to flourish and for opportunities to grow.