Nina Luczysyzn

My relationship with animals started as a young child. Growing up in an abusive home I quickly learned the animals on the streets and chained in yards were my family. I would leave my home to find the abandoned and abused. The lonely and the lost. We would sit together and that’s all we needed. I knew with them I was okay, and they knew that with me, so were they. These animals became my support system.

This turned into me never going to parties or gatherings without confirming there would be an animal to befriend me. It didn’t matter what kind of animal it was. All I knew was humans made me uncomfortable and I wasn’t ready to face or heal my trauma. I wasn’t good at being social. So, as long as there was an animal to hang out with, then I would go. These animals became my safety.

It’s no surprise that I grew up to become a Veterinary Nurse working in a shelter with Humane Law Enforcement. Working in this field means working with animals who are victims of animal cruelty. Animals who faced their trauma every day and did it with grace, love and a forgiving heart. While working to bring healing, safety and friendship to my patients I experienced even deeper true love and friendship. Through them I learned what this connection was capable of. What it could do for the animals to be seen and heard. What it could mean for the humans to be receptive. These animals became my teachers.