I have helped rescue over 15,000 dogs in the past 25 years. I'm also a long-time animal rights activist. There are things I have learned that made me effective.

1. The only way out is through. This is the biggie. You can't sit it out. You don't stop. You keep moving forward. Obstacles aren't problems, they are challenges. The only way out is through.

2. Squeaky wheels get the grease. When you are working for something bigger than yourself, make noise. It's not about you. Swallow pride and speak loudly when you know bones to brains that you are in the right. Echo chambers don't exist when you are working for the greater good. Your ideas/words might only need to reach one certain person who has the ability to make a big impact on your mission so be squeaky.

3. Own all mistakes. Learn from them. Grow. But don't dwell on them. This is part of moving forward. You will always be your own worst critic. Be honest and ethical in your work. Go to bed each day knowing you did something to make the world a better place.

4. You will have days when it feels like the weight of the world is on you. It's OK to take some time for yourself. For many years I have made it a habit to find one beautiful thing each day. It can be as simple as a leaf, a flower, my dog, a song I heard...just one beautiful thing.

5. Never underestimate the power of a dog to make everything better.

I am very thankful for The Meidas Touch and all the contributors who work to make this literal grassroots pro-democracy movement work. I'm excited to see what we can all do together.