Supporter Letter

Title: Letter of Love

By: Sèna Pierre (Founder)

Dear Supporter,

At the top of the pandemic, I was in a deep depression. Many people who know me would never believe that I would allow myself to get into this state. Why? Because everyday, I teach students how to maintain positive mental health. But I was stuck. Not for hours or days, but months. Like most of the world, I was stuck in the house. I felt like a failure because everything shut down, and I wasn’t able to pay my employees who depended on me for their families’ survival. I didn’t have answers for my students who looked up to me for leadership, nor did I have a plan. I understood what to do to get myself out of my depressive state, but I just couldn’t motivate myself to do it.

After I stayed in bed under the covers crying for three days straight, I knew enough was enough. I was not going to let this horrible virus turn my life into a horrible situation. Coincidentally, my cousin D’Lisha was in the process of buying a dog. When she showed me a picture of the dog she planned to buy for her little girl, my heart immediately melted. I did the research, found a breeder, and on July 22, 2020, my baby girl Sage was born.

I was eager to see her, and I could tell she felt the same about me. Over the upcoming weeks, I did what any responsible pet parent would do and got everything ready for her adoption day. My best friend Chika and I painted and decorated her room - my old closet - and I bought her all the things she needed and didn’t need (which was a lot)!

My mom drove me to pick her up so I could sit in the back with her. I watched her sleep in her car seat the whole ride home. I couldn’t stop thinking, “Wow, I’m now responsible for a living thing.” That night, I looked forward to her snuggles in bed, but she was much more independent and chose to sleep in her own bed. My feelings were hurt, so I cuddled near her to temper my anxiety.

Soon after Sage’s arrival, my depression began to fade. I felt strong enough to speak with a therapist and got the actual help I needed to move forward in life. I put a plan in place for Society of Royals, causing it to thrive, and it’s all thanks to my fur baby. I’m not sure where I would be today without her. Sage’s love and attention, and even the responsibility of caring for her, lifted my spirits.

So, to all the pet parents, thank you for all that you do. I challenge you to celebrate your pet at least one day out of the year. Show them that they are appreciated for bringing so much joy and love to your life. I celebrate my baby girl year round. Her adoption day, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and of course, her birthday. As I planned Sage’s first birthday party, I couldn’t find any chic gift wrapping paper for pets or pet lovers. There were simple brown craft paper

options with black paw prints. But nothing with style and flair. Noted. That’s when I decided to do something about it. I mixed my passion for being a mental health advocate and the love I have for my dog and celebrating her to start the Purpose Pawty gift wrapping, gift, and party line.

I hope that you will help me spread the message about mental health awareness and how pets can be a positive addition of emotional support to those in need.