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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Violent Childhood And Hidden Injuries
- Tamara Corbitt grew up in a household with frequent physical abuse from her father.
- She describes being coached to lie about injuries and normalized the violence as a child.
Young Motherhood And Deep Bond
- Tamara gave birth to her daughter Mackenzie at 17 and immediately felt conflicted seeing the child's resemblance to her father.
- Despite initial shock, she bonded deeply and described motherhood as the best feeling she'd experienced.
Custody Fight Escalates To Assault
- Tamara's parents took her daughter Mackenzie during a custody conflict and her father physically assaulted Tamara.
- The incident led to her father briefly going to jail and Tamara leaving the family home.
