Meet Karen Thomas | Animal Communicator, Intuitive Healer, Registered Nurse, Best Selling Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had a dream since the age of 7 to have a sanctuary for dogs. As an adult my career path led me to working as a registered nurse with humans, but on my days off, I would be volunteering at our local animal shelter. As a natural caregiver I always gravitated toward the dogs who were senior, nearing the end of life, or had special needs. It was very sad to see these dogs die in the shelter without a family to call their own. So I started creating ‘the best last days’ for some of these dogs which looked like field trips, a party, or a simple relaxing massage. I told them how much they mattered, and that they are loved. I held their paw as they crossed the rainbow bridge surrounded by all the love and respect they deserved. This practice was so effective and beautiful that I decided that my sanctuary would be for these same type of dogs from shelters. They can live out their lives at Payton’s Promise Sanctuary, receiving all of the love, comfort, and healing they deserve.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Payton’s Promise is a nonprofit organization that provides sanctuary for homeless and underprivileged dogs who are nearing end of life, who have special needs, or otherwise difficult to adopt. We are a “soft place to land” and a voice for these dogs. Our hospice dogs can comfortably live out their lives with us while receiving deep love and respect. Our nonterminal dogs receive whatever care is necessary with the same love and respect. These dogs are often available for adoption to loving humans who resonate with our mission.

I think what sets me apart from other rescue organizations is that I gravitate toward the difficult medical cases/special needs dogs and end of life care. I can apply my 30 plus year nursing career skill set to take care of these dogs. Having a medical background is a plus when it comes to wound care, medication schedules, assessing quality of life, and making educated, yet difficult decisions.
In addition to proficiently caring for their physical needs, I utilize my animal communications skills to make sure everyone’s emotional and social needs are met as well.

I take pride in how peaceful the sanctuary is. We work hard to hold a loving, compassionate space where the dogs feel safe, loved, and can heal for their best and highest good. Even with the various health issues they have, everyone is genuinely happy here. I believe that the dogs that are now healthy enough for adoption, don’t really want to leave!

Starting the sanctuary and running it is definitely a labor of love. I’ve had my share of obstacles and delays during the construction phase. Once we were up and running, taking compassionate care of the dogs is the easy part for me; it’s my nature. The most difficult part for me is asking for donations! I am a ‘giver’ by nature; receiving has been a big lesson for me. I’m still working on that one.

I want the world to know that anything is possible if you follow your dreams. I am 53 years old and this is truly the first time in my life I’m living authentically. I’m fulfilling my passion which I knew by age 7. If you are doing your life’s mission, the universe will support you abundantly!

Giving these dogs their ‘best last days’ and feeling their love, trust, and gratitude in return is the greatest gift I could ever receive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Honestly, for me I would take them to animal related fund raisers! Key West is fun and there’s usually an event down there every weekend raising money for the FKSPCA. While in Key West, I would take them to eat at The Cafe on Southard St. They have amazing vegan and vegetarian options. Then we would go to the butterfly conservatory because it is so beautiful and so peaceful.

In Marathon we would take a couple of the sanctuary dogs to walk the trails at Crane Point Nature Center, then have lunch at Brutus Seafood which is very dog friendly.

I would also take them to Sombrero Beach to hang out and relax and then get delicious pizza from Coast to Coast pizza. For another beach day I would take them to Bahia Honda State Park

Since taking care of all the dogs is a full time job, I don’t go out much and I’m up at 5:30 am. If I had a visitor that was interested in the night life around here, they would definitely be on their own!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am so grateful to have a circle of friends who love me and support my mission on a daily basis. But, I truly have to thank my mother for where I am today. She had always supported my dreams and allowed me to bring random shelter dogs to her pool on any given Saturday so they could swim and run in her large fenced yard. She enjoyed watching them have a day of fun and freedom. I took care of my mom until she died in April of 2022. She left me her beautiful home in which I reside today.. I renovated her pool house which is now the sanctuary space. Even though she didn’t live to see the outcome, I know she is with us every day helping me help these dogs.

Website: https://www.paytonspromisesanctuary.org

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