(Guest Interview) Given Two Weeks, She Lived a Year: The Woman Who Built a Rescue for the Dogs Everyone Overlooks | National Pet Day 2026

In honor of National Pet Day, Arielle sits down with Erica Psaltis, founder of senior dog rescue Silver Linings Rescue Ranch in Bend, Oregon. They talk about what actually goes into running a rescue like this: the intake process, the misconceptions people have about older dogs, the losses, and how Erica keeps showing up even when things get overwhelming. It's a story about dogs most people don't consider. About loving something with a short timeline and recognizing beauty and value in what's fleeting. This is the perfect episode to listen to while taking a hike or a stroll or snuggling up with your pets! Support Silver Linings Rescue Ranch: Website: silverliningsrescueranch.org Follow and share on Instagram and Facebook Transcript link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/?p=1422021 If you have questions, comments, feedback, suggestions, or just want to say hi, send a message to: [email protected]. Want to be part of the Optimism Movement? Become an Emissary. Subscribe to our FREE Daily Newsletter and follow us on Instagram, X, and Blue Sky. The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http:// Sound credits: Theme and all original music by Marvin Lanes "Stable Noises- Birds and Horses Neighing.wav" by GoodListener (freesound.org/s/322443) — License: Attribution 4.0 "angelic aaaahh two-part harmony.wav" by Wolfsinger (freesound.org/s/25759) — License: Attribution 4.0 "Likes, Thumbs Up" by LilMati (freesound.org/s/714569) — License: Creative Commons 0 "Pomeranian Small Dog Barking.mp3" by yunjish (freesound.org/s/608732) — License: Creative Commons 0