For most of my adult life, I lived and breathed airplanes. I worked in many facets of the aviation industry; it was in my blood. When I was hired as a flight attendant for an upstart airline in 1983, I believed I had hit pay dirt.

I loved the lifestyle... I loved the planes... I loved the travel. My airline career afforded me the opportunity to visit places I never could have otherwise.

But it all came to a screeching halt on a flight in October, 2001, when I suffered injuries that ended my inflight career. I sank into a deep depression. I didn't know who "Pam" was without a navy blue uniform and wings.

Because of my love for my first Golden Retriever, Maggie, I began volunteering with a local Golden Retriever rescue group. I was hooked. Maggie and I fostered some Golden Retrievers who went on to be adopted.

And then we met Chipper, the sweet little boy with the scarred face, my first special needs golden. Chipper opened a new world to me, and my love for him has led me to create "Chipper's Haven, A Safe Haven for Golden Retrievers." I want this to be a place where terminally ill or special needs or unadoptable Goldens can live out their days, knowing that they are safe, warm, and so loved.