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Devotion - On And Off The Mound

By Melanie Carden

When not on the pitcher’s mound for the Chicago White Sox’ Minor League team, Austin Conway can be found in Charleston, SC, baby-talkin’ to his good, good girl Stella the German Shepard. November 11th will be their five-year adopt-a-versary, and Conway uses his public-figure platform not just to celebrate Stella but also to advocate for devotion.

Earlier this year, Conway discovered he was trending on social media—like a 100-mile-an-hour fastball. He heard about someone who bought a dog and subsequently became fed up with the work and responsibility of their pup. Sadly, the dog owner brought the dog to a shelter. Conway—a lifelong dog owner—shared his outrage in a captivating post on February 11th. He grabbed readers’ attention with a list of challenges with his girl Stella—from finding an apartment with a big dog, to early morning wake-ups. The reader wonders if he is giving her up; is the life of a pro-ball player too hectic to be a good dog parent? Clever Conway builds the momentum of his “rant” and concludes with a bold and loving declaration of his unwavering dedication to his dog.

Earlier this year, Conway discovered he was trending on social media—like a 100-mile-an-hour fastball. He heard about someone who bought a dog and subsequently became fed up with the work and responsibility of their pup. Sadly, the dog owner brought the dog to a shelter. Conway—a lifelong dog owner—shared his outrage in a captivating post on February 11th. He grabbed readers’ attention with a list of challenges with his girl Stella—from finding an apartment with a big dog, to early morning wake-ups. The reader wonders if he is giving her up; is the life of a pro-ball player too hectic to be a good dog parent? Clever Conway builds the momentum of his “rant” and concludes with a bold and loving declaration of his unwavering dedication to his dog.

Mission Driven, however—a Kansas-based clothing company rooted in dog-rescue—has earned Ryan’s respect. He describes Mission Driven’s owner, Scott Poore, as humble and dedicated. Poore has been in the media spotlight for leaving his corporate career to devote his life—and business—to animal shelters. The profits from his clothing line help to support various fundraising campaigns as he volunteers over 50 hours a week in animal rescue work.

Conway reminds us that our furry companions represent more than pet ownership—it’s a relationship asserts Conway, “Stella is family. At the end of the day, I know I give her everything I can.” According to the ASPCA, there are 3.3 million shelter dogs in need of love. Conway is dedicated to his girl Stella—and all the dogs who need a forever home.