A Journey to Save Lives

A trip to my local animal shelter several years ago changed my life forever. My Girl Scout troop donated blankets, toys, and food to animals occupying the shelter. As we delivered the items, I couldn’t help but notice the condition of the shelter. It was overcrowded, grimy, and rancid. Needless to say, it was absolutely inadequate for the animals to live in. This absolutely broke my heart. So I decided to do something about it.

In 2007 I founded Jurnee’s Journey: Helping All God’s Creations. My mission is to educate the importance of adopting from a shelter, spay/neutering to control overpopulation, and raising funds to support rescue groups.

My Dog and Jurnee's Journey mascot, Chi-Chi

My 3 lb. 11 oz. Chihuahua, Chi-Chi, serves as my inspiration to be a voice for the ones who only have a bark or meow. When Chi-Chi was adopted, we had no clue that we were rescuing her from a puppy mill. We took note of the dirty, crowded cages of countless animals, but had no knowledge of what that meant. After countless hours of research, I discovered that the facility where Chi-Chi came from was, in fact, a puppy mill. In that moment, I made it my mission to raise awareness of stopping puppy mills and informing the public of how to recognize one.

Selling jewelry and t-shirts at a local event.

Through online jewelry sales to local events, Jurnee’s Journey has raised over $15,000 for rescue groups across the country and internationally! It is a huge blessing to have the support of the community behind me so that I am able to give back to the animals. Check out www.jurneesjourney.org to view our Paws and Claws jewelry and check out the new 2011 t-shirts!

Being interviewed by Stephanie Itle-Clark-HSUS Student Outreach Director at the 2010 HSUS International Animal Care Expo.

At the 2010 International Animal Care Expo (held in Nashville, TN that year), sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States, I was asked to be on the HSUS Youth Advisory Board! It was always my dream to work with The Humane Society of the United States, so after I was interviewed for the job, I gladly accepted! The Board meets every month to brain storm new ideas for the HSUS and to discuss how we can help each other teens and young adults across the country.

Speaking at the 2011 TAFA Conference in Washington, DC

The week before nationals, I was asked to speak at the Taking Action For Animals (TAFA) Conference, sponsored by the HSUS, held in Washington, D.C. I spoke about how I started Jurnee’s Journey and informed/assisted other teens and young adults on how they can start their own organization. It was an incredible experience that I will never forget!

With State Representative Jason Mumpower.  He presented me with House Joint Resolution No. 1268.

I have been recognized by my state legislature with House Joint Resolution No. 1268 for my work with Jurnee’s Journey!

House Joint Resolution No. 1268 reads:  "A Resolution to honor Jurnee Carr for her meritorious service to the animal kingdom. Whereas Jurnee Carr has attained excellence in many diverse fields of human endeavor at a young age, from scholastic achievements and community outreach and she should be specially recognized; now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the One Hundred Sixth General Assembly, the Senate Concurring, that we honor Jurnee Carr for her meritorious service to the animal kingdom, salute her dedication to excellence and public service and extend to her our best wishes for a happy, successful future. " Adopted: May 13, 2010
Received: May 24, 2010

Across the nation, shelter workers are forced to kill one dog or cat every 6 SECONDS. Every DAY in America, 20,000 dogs and cats are euthanized. Every YEAR, over 6 million animals in the U.S. are euthanized simply because they are not adopted. Won’t you help them? Please visit www.jurneesjourney.org to learn how you can help save lives!

Jurnee Carr