Coffee Companions Coffee Co

05/29/2026

I’m feeling a lot right now.

I’m thankful. I’m angry. I’m heartbroken. And most of all, I’m relieved that Oliver is safe.

The first photos show Oliver before February, when he was in the care of the Animal Care Center and when I was advocating for him.

In February, his foster parent transferred him to Miranda’s Rescue.

He does not look like the same Oliver, but his spirit is not broken.

Yesterday, when he saw my car, he froze. He knew it was me. When he saw me, he was so happy. That moment was everything, and honestly, one of the most powerful moments I’ve ever had working with animals.

I truly believe if we had not gotten him out, Oliver may not have survived there.

But he’s safe now. Thanks to Dan from and , he’s in the right hands.

We’re going to get him back.

Oliver’s story is not over.

04/30/2026

This birthday weekend in the Pacific Northwest was more than just a getaway. It taught me about real connection.

Allison and Jake have been inviting me to visit for a while now. This time, when the invite came, I finally pulled the trigger and booked a flight.

They opened their home, their family, and their world to me.

For a few days, I got to step outside of my normal routine and be immersed in someone else’s life. Their home, their community, their love for animals, their connection to nature, and the way they move through the world.

Most of the time, it’s just me and a shelter dog. But this weekend reminded me that this work is about people too. It’s about showing up, sharing space, learning from each other, and allowing deeper friendships and community to grow while we’re still here.

I’m truly grateful to have friends like Allison and Jake on this journey of life, connected by a shared love for animals and a desire to make this world a little better.

Thank you both for hosting me, spending my birthday with me, and letting me be part of your world.

04/30/2026

04/26/2026

56 today!🎂
Still here. Still grateful.
Another year to explore more, give back more, connect deeper, and keep making a difference.

04/16/2026

Hey everyone… today’s a special day.
Coffee Companions turns 5!🎂

I just want to take a moment to say thank you to all of you for sharing, liking, and helping these dogs get seen. That truly matters more than you know.

And thank you for being there for me during one of the hardest times of my life. I will never forget that support.🫶🏽

These past five years… it’s been a journey.
A journey of growth, community, and purpose.
But through it all, it has always been about showing up for these animals.

Helping them find stability, hope, and to live the life they deserve.
And in the process… they helped me find mine.

To my volunteers, my colleagues who have shown up time and time again,
keeping the booth flowing with coffee and serving hundreds and hundreds of people at festivals and events across the Bay Area…

I am deeply grateful for you.
For your help, your heart, and your belief in this mission to help shelter animals.

So now… we celebrate.

Save the date, June 20th at the San Jose Animal Care Center.
Stay tuned for more information.

⸻

Grateful for all the businesses and organizations I’ve had the opportunity to work with and collaborate with over the years. Whether it was through events, collaborations, or simply supporting each other’s causes, this journey would not be possible without you.

🦋ألانا🦋 Leslie City of San José Animal Care and Services City Of San José Silicon Valley Pet Project Millennium Pastries & Pups Alison Bagby San Jose Dog Rescue & Outreach San Jose Animal Advocates Rocket Dog Rescue 🐾 Jiaren Cafe: Coffee, Boba & Events CA Pit bull Rescue DiamonCA Pit bull RescuePeDiamond Dogs Treatery & Pet BoutiqueaPets In Need Berkeley HumaneeBeer City FestivalEBay Area Foodie Events | Every Bite Counts Ent. LLCMZoom Room Santa ClararTEAM CAMPBELL🙌eMermaid Series Bark in the ParkLPeace Of Mind Dog RescueLove & Second Chances

01/19/2026

Today I’m pausing with real gratitude for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—a leader who gave his life not just for African Americans, but for all of us. His dream opened doors I get to walk through every day: the chance to work, to create a small business, and to have opportunities that generations before me were denied.

Because of his sacrifice, I’ve been able to build something meaningful with Coffee Companions—something that lets me give back, help shelter dogs, connect people, and bring a little more kindness and beauty into the world. That’s a blessing I never take for granted.

Sometimes it feels like parts of his legacy are being challenged or pulled in different directions. But I believe the best way to honor Dr. King is to keep living his values—by choosing compassion, respect, and understanding in how we treat one another.

No matter who you are or where you come from, you deserve peace, fairness, and the freedom to pursue your dreams. That’s the world he fought for. And that’s the world I’ll keep doing my part to build.

Thank you, Dr. King, for what you gave to this world—and for making it possible for people like me to dream, create, serve, and help others.