Today we’d like to introduce you to Meaghan Thiede.
Hi Meaghan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Oh boy, where to start… I’ve always had a passion for animal advocacy (Free Willy was my first point of exposure) and over the years I continued to spend more of my time volunteering with my local animal shelters. This was no exception when I moved down to Tennessee in October of 2023, as I wasted no time in getting involved with Maury County Animal Services. After some time, I became curious (maybe even frustrated) with the notion that five dogs would be adopted one day, and the next day 6 would walk through the door. I’m a big picture kind of girl and used the opportunity to diver deeper into why this was happening, and uncovered a destructive amount of layers—all of which we believe make up our current animal crisis. While my intent was to redirect my volunteer efforts to an organization that was already confronting these issues in a constructive way, I failed to find—what I believed to be—was a good fit for me.
In September 2024, I created Laws Saving Paws, a Columbia-based 501(c)3 confronting the root of our animal crisis. It was very important for me that LSP be a true representation of who I am—and much of that consists of how we approach the problems at hand. I think it’s very easy to cast judgment on someone for a decision that they’ve made, particularly as it relates to animal welfare. For example, if someone adopts an animal and finds that they need to surrender it down the road, we choose to first act with compassion instead of judgment. We believe that “you don’t know what you don’t know” and more often than not, a person is making the best decision they can with the information they have at the time. Approaching these layers of Tennessee’s animal crisis in this manner allows us to expose the root of the issues—and we use these opportunities to educate and empower folks to be responsible pet parents. Our strategy consists of public education, behavior change initiatives, and policy advocacy, in anticipation that it will lead to a drastically reduced animal crisis, shifting attitudes/beliefs, and legislative action.
Not sexy, just sustainable.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The act of literally creating a nonprofit was confusing, at least for me. It’s a lot of paperwork and even more Googling. (Fortunately, I have some really helpful people in my life who helped walk me through the process.). Aside from physically getting the 501(c)3 certification, we’ve experienced some other struggles that we’re continuing to work through.
One of our biggest barriers is getting folks to invest in something that provides minimal instant gratification. Because our mission is based on establishing long-term, sustainable solutions to minimize our animal crisis, we won’t reap the rewards right away. We’re not finding one home for one animal. Instead, we’re making sure that there are less animals in need of good homes, creating pathways for responsible pet ownership, and pushing for more accountability. We’re very blessed to be surrounded by a community of influential people who have a passion for Tennessee’s animals. We’d like to encourage those same people (and anyone else) to consider investing their resources in the addressing the root of Tennessee’s animal issues (which we believe is animal overpopulation), instead of reacting to the symptoms of it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My professional journey has played a huge role in LSP and my volunteerism as a whole. I’ve been a Graphic Designer for almost twenty years and have worked within a variety of marketing departments—from a marketing team of two to a team of 150. This career path—especially my time in the nonprofit world—and my experience working alongside many talented individuals, has prepared me for everything I’m doing now.
I’ve been blessed (maybe even cursed at times) to be the type of person that If I can’t do something well, I won’t do it at all. (Literally – I don’t think I know how!) I believe that this quality often sets me apart from others and I’ve finally surrendered to it, for better or worse. I’m so happy to be able to lend my personality and skillset to opportunities that are dear to my heart.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
As a Christian, I read a lot of books (like, real books I can hold) about trusting in God and what His plan is for me. For many years I gave myself such anxiety worrying about things like, “What happens if I screw this up?” or “What if this isn’t what I’m supposed to do?” The pressure was REAL. As soon as I began to realize that ultimately these things were out of my control, I experienced a peace I had never felt. (Don’t get me wrong: I’m human and this anxiety tries to peek its ugly head the further I travel down this road.)
Aside from reading, I’m kind of a sports junkie and I listen to a lot of Boston sports radio if I find myself needing to rest my brain. The radio/podcast world has recently become more relevant to me because our organization will be launching a podcast in late June. Because of this, I find myself listening to a variety of shows not only to be entertained, but also inspired. The more authenticity I hear in the personalities and content, the more I’m driven to bring those same elements to our show.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lawssavingpaws.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawssavingpaws
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawssavingpaws
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBark-LSP
