The animal companions that we welcome into our lives are sources of invaluable comfort and joy. In the eyes of The Texas Law Dog’s Arlington personal injury lawyers, those animals deserve our protection.
That belief inspired the firm to debut its Animal Rescue Scholarship, which celebrates young people’s efforts to protect animals who can’t protect themselves.
This year, the scholarship selection committee with The Texas Law Dog is proud to award its Animal Rescue Scholarship to Rylee Anne Laman. Laman is a student at Southern Nazarene University pursuing a multidisciplinary major in Pre-Athletic Training and Sports Business.
Laman’s essay reveals her compassionate heart and a love for fostering that runs all the way back to her early childhood. Her dedication to improving the lives of pugs, in particular, inspired the team and asserted her commitment to improving the lives of the animals under her care.
Cultivating a Lifelong Love for Dogs
Laman’s essay goes into detail about a life filled with a love for dogs. “Since I was little, my family has continually fostered and/or adopted rescue dogs,” she says. “Some of my first memories are with dogs that my family fostered until they found a permanent home.”
It was that lifelong experience raising dogs, either to keep within the family or to send to other forever homes, that encouraged Laman to apply for the Animal Rescue Scholarship. She notes that her experience fostering and adopting dogs led her to lead a more compassionate life while teaching her lessons about the depths of a dog’s love.
“Each dog I’ve cared for has not only needed a home, but has also helped me grow in empathy and patience,” she says. “This journey has shaped me in so many meaningful ways.”
A Pug’s Life
While Laman’s family has supported dogs of all breeds, Laman reports that they found themselves increasingly drawn to pugs.
Laman’s essay describes three pugs who had a significant impact on her life. She fondly recalls Timex, one of the first dogs her family ever adopted, who was small with a charming, if crooked, smile. She also speaks fondly of Allie, a dog her family took from Laman’s aunt when it became clear Allie needed a more energetic home.
Laman also describes the unusual way the family came into possession of Scout, their most recent adoptee. Even though their family had no intention of getting another dog, Scout came to them through a work friend. Laman reports that the moment her mom saw a picture of Scout, “she knew that we needed to get him.”
Fostering, Adopting, and Making Better Lives
The contagious love that Laman describes when discussing the impact each of these dogs has had on her life is one that dog owners all around the world may share. “It has been such a privilege to love each of them,” she says. “They all came with their own stories, and that is what made them so special.”
It’s this mindset that the scholarship selection committee with The Texas Law Dog wants to reward. Our attorneys are firm believers that every animal deserves to live a life with a loving family. These animals can have such a concrete impact on a person’s well-being that it is only natural that we should do what we can to help them live well-loved lives.
“From the gentle companionship to the never-ending excitement to the mischievous charm, these dogs have impacted and helped shape me into the woman I am today,” Laman continues.
“They have taught me patience, responsibility, compassion, and how to show unconditional love.” Those lessons are something worth celebrating.
Getting to Know Rylee Anne Laman
Laman is currently pursuing a multidisciplinary degree in Pre-Athletics Training and Sports Business at Southern Nazarene University, where she’s also minoring in Pastoral Ministry. When she isn’t studying, she is a member of the university’s cheer and STUNT teams.
Laman also spends a considerable amount of time volunteering with her church and a local medical clinic, as well as Hope Rising, a program offered through South Nazarene University that gives back to the local community.
In the years to come, Laman plans to pursue a master’s degree in Athletic Training. She hopes that her education will give her the opportunities she needs to help aspiring athletes meet their goals.
About the Animal Rescue Scholarship
The Texas Law Dog began offering its Animal Rescue Scholarship in an effort to celebrate the effort today’s students put into ensuring that our four-legged friends can have peaceful, healthy, and safe lives.
We believe that animals deserve a permanent and caring home. Attorney Matthew Aulsbrook champions that conviction. As such, students who’ve dedicated themselves to fostering, adopting, and protecting the well-being of animals who cannot stand up for themselves have the opportunity to apply for $2,500 to dedicate toward their continuing education.
Students applying for the Animal Rescue Scholarship must draft an essay of approximately 750 words answering the following prompt: Discuss your relationship with a rescue animal or volunteer animal organization and how it has impacted your life. How do you dedicate your time to helping animals and animal rescue organizations?
The Texas Law Dog Applauds Rylee Anne Laman
Compassion for animals leads some of today’s brightest minds to dedicate themselves to the work of protecting and supporting furry friends in need. Laman exhibits a lifelong love of dogs that will undoubtedly serve her well as she continues to foster and adopt.
The scholarship selection committee with the Texas Law Dog celebrates her commitment to improving the lives of pugs and other dogs in need.
The team wishes her the best of luck as she continues with her Pre-Athletic Training and Sports Business major and hopes that its $2,500 can make a difference throughout the academic year to come.
Applicants interested in applying for the Animal Rescue Scholarship can visit its terms and conditions page for more information about upcoming submission deadlines and qualifying criteria.
