I made this photo collage for an event at work where we shared one of our “Favorite Things.”

More than 3 years ago, I asked the Volunteer Coordinator at our shelter if they needed any help elsewhere in the shelter. She connected me with their Behavior Department that was looking for a few volunteers to work with dogs.

I had no idea how many things in my life would change with that one simple question.

When you’re younger, decisions where you look back and say “That changed things,” don’t seem that uncommon. When you get older, they seem to come by less often.

Looking back on that one choice, I can see so many things that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. It’s a little overwhelming to think about because I can’t imagine life without all those memories, people, and, of course, the dogs.