In 2021, I announced that I was leaving Puppies. I thought it was time for renewal: for someone to take Puppies to the next level and for me to embrace new challenges. But as my departure loomed, I realized I was wrong. I was not ready to leave; Puppies was a greater part of my being than I realized; there is still much to be done and new ideas to implement.

I am incredibly lucky that both the board and Executive Vice President Eric Barsness, who had been asked to become interim president, agreed that my staying was a good idea. Eric is, and will remain, an invaluable part of Puppies’ leadership as we continue to evolve.

The support of Acting Commissioner Anthony Annucci of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and Acting Commissioner Victoria Kuhn of the New Jersey Department of Corrections has also been absolutely essential. Without them, Puppies could not have continued its work throughout the pandemic.

It’s rare that we get “do-overs” in life, especially on huge decisions, so I feel blessed and grateful.

Thank you for your interest in Puppies Behind Bars. I know that Puppies is important to you and hope that you will continue to engage with, and support us, in all the ways you have.

Our history tells me that Puppies will continue to change, but our history also tells me that we will continue to have an outsize impact on the individuals and communities we serve—in the world and in the correctional facilities where we operate. Our dogs, the individuals who raise them, and the veterans, first responders, EDC handlers, and police departments who work and live with our dogs will continue to do amazing work.

I could not be more excited about our next chapter.