This Is Actually Happening 385: What if you found healing through saving abandoned dogs?
Nov 25, 2025
Tamara Corbitt, a rescue advocate and founder of Travieso Dog Sanctuary, channels her profound grief from losing her daughter into a mission to save abandoned dogs. She shares her journey from personal tragedy to founding a sanctuary, discussing her shift from horticulture to animal rescue. Tamara reflects on the challenges she faced, like health issues in rescued puppies, and highlights emotional bonds with community dogs. Her inspiring story shows how her daughter’s spirit motivates her, turning sorrow into purpose and hope.
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Receiving The Devastating Death News
- On June 7, 2002, Tamara learned her daughter and another passenger died in a rollover crash.
- She describes the immediate numbness, screaming, and refusal to accept the reality of Mackenzie's death.
Grief Described As Physical Overwhelm
- Tamara compares grief to having a sock turned inside out over your head, leaving you disoriented and exhausted.
- She explains grief physically constricts you and makes normal functioning almost impossible.
Numbing, Moving, And Finding Distraction
- Tamara numbed herself with wine and marijuana after losing her daughter and eventually moved to Las Vegas for a fresh start.
- She found distraction in work and art, which gradually reduced the constant intensity of grief.
