Laura Moll Photography
around and he doesn ’ t really play-attack her anymore . It ’ s really sweet — they ’ re big sis , little brother .”
Having your country star dad hold a private concert for you is Abby ’ s high point ; for Yukon , not so much . “ Yukon gets sketched out when I sing and spooked when I grab the guitar ,” says Rich , “ but it ’ s Abby ’ s favorite thing . She ’ s had many scares ; she ’ s been my cat , having more lives than one . I like to think she sees me and goes , OK no , we got this ! Over COVID , she was hospitalized for dehydration and came home stressed out wearing a cone . She couldn ’ t sleep , so I played guitar and sang ‘ Stand By Me ’ and she went straight to sleep right by my head . I was like , ‘ Awwwwwwwwww !’”
Rich loves all things dog , evident from his cherished pets to the respect he has for loyal police dogs and their partners . “ I cry watching every K-9 retirement video ,” says Rich , whose empathy extends to all creatures great and small . “ We highlight all sorts of animals at shelters we visit . It ’ s mostly dogs and cats but you find everything — guinea pigs , tons of rabbits at Easter .” In April , Rich led the sold-out Writers For Rhinos event in Nashville . “ There ’ s a great rhino exhibit at the Nashville Zoo ; I was asked to help raise money and be a part of the fight against the extinction of rhinos . I was like , ‘ Yeah , Rich Rescues doesn ’ t discriminate against rescuing any animal !’ I love rhinos !”
To support Rich Rescues ’ cause , Rich encourages fans to DM his or Rich Rescues ’ Instagram about shelters in their towns needing help . “ Proceeds from Rich Rescues dog bandanas on my website go towards all we do with the animals , but increasing volunteering at shelters is our mission ,” says Rich . “ Shelters literally operate on generous volunteers giving their time to walk and play with dogs and hang out with cats so it really starts locally with volunteers , fosters and adoptions . Adopting a pet adds a whole different level of connection , love and constant laughter to life . Pets are the truest form of family you weren ’ t born with . I couldn ’ t imagine life without pets . What do you do ? Who do you talk to ? I say the same things to my dogs at least 12 times a day !”
For more information please see tylerrich . com , @ tylerrich , @ richrescues , heanokill . org , bigmachinelabelgroup . com , @ saddlewoodsfarm and nashvillezoo . org
28 Life Unleashed