encing all that Parker County offers.
He considers his parents his greatest
role models.
“Growing up, you never realize
the sacrifices your parents make for
you. The most important values they
instilled in me are respect and hard
work. I find that if you work hard
and respect others, you will make a
positive contribution to society. The
world can be a little crazy at times
and my parents did (and continue to
do) an outstanding job of showing me
what it is to be a good example for
others,” he said.
Murillo gives back to the commu-
nity by supporting local businesses.
He believes that without our small
businesses and traditions we cannot
keep that small-town feel that so
many people love about Parker
County.
“My career choice has allowed
me to help in numerous ways as
well. I am blessed to have the oppor-
tunity to work with our community
every day, helping in every way
possible. From speaking with our kids
in school to assisting others in time of
need, I support Parker County in any
way that I can.”
Patsy Hooks Pet Rescue Award — Jenni Day
32
So many people in Parker County
have such big hearts, and in Jenni
Day’s case, it’s one of the larg-
est, with a particularly soft spot for
horses.
“My proudest achievement has
probably been the rehabilitation
of several severely emaciated and
neglected horses. Seeing them thriv-
ing and healthy makes me happy and
proud,” Day said.
Day and her husband have creat-
ed their home, Day Dreams Ranch, a
place where they rehab horses.
“I am always available to try and
help people place and/or rehab hors-
es in Parker County that need help,
whether it is networking them, taking
them in myself, or counseling people
on the ways to help them help their
horses,” Day said. “In addition,
when I see people posting puppies or
kittens ‘free’ or needing homes, I try
and message them and offer low-cost
solutions for them to spay and neuter
their pets as well as trying to educate
them about the dangers of giving
away animals on social media, etc.
It’s a fine line to walk between offer-
ing help and wanting what’s best for
the pet as well as trying not to offend
someone or get taken advantage of.
Mostly, though, people are grateful
and appreciative.”
Day moved to Parker County
in 2002. “My dream was to live
‘in the country,’ have horses, dogs,
flowers and become a better cook.
My husband made that happen by
moving us to the ranch. [Parker
County] has allowed me to open up
to a new community. I didn’t have
any friends when I moved here; now
I feel like I have so many supportive,
fabulous friends that will be in my
life forever. I had to show up when
I knew absolutely nobody, ask for
help and advice from strangers (that
became friends), and read and learn
the ropes of our new life outside of
the city,” Day said.
Day has had to overcome tragedy
to get where she is today, and has
had to work hard to turn sorrow into
light. The youngest of five children,
her mother died when Day was 15. “I
would say that my personal challenge
originated from my father’s negativ-
ity, especially after my mother died.
His saying was, ‘It’s always darkest
before it’s completely black,’ and I
adapted that to be, ‘Expect the worst
and you don’t get let down.’ I had to
consciously turn negative thoughts
into positive ones (even small ones)
so that didn’t resonate in my mind
when things got tough. I feel like I
won that battle, but it wasn’t easy,”
Day said.
Today, turning negative thoughts
into positive ones has no doubt
been a major drive in helping Day
continue striving to help the animals
of Parker County. She volunteers with
Parker County Pets Alive, a 501(c)
(3) rescue organization that helps
Weatherford and Parker County
Animal Shelter animals.
“We raise money to help the
animals (focusing mainly on treat-
ing heart worm-positive dogs so
that they are adoptable). I am also
on the Animal Advisory Board for
Weatherford as the rescue group
member. I try and give what I
can where it is needed. I also am
involved in the Giving S econd
Chances capital campaign for the
new and improved WPCAS. I am
a donor as well as a committee
member,” Day said.
A jeans, T-shirt, boots and base-
ball cap kind of woman, Day is
happiest at her home, Day Dreams
Ranch. “I hope that doesn’t sound
corny, but my husband Dan and I
have made it that way,” she said.
“It is a peaceful, happy, sometimes
serene yet comfortable home and
safe place for animals and a calm
place to host friends and family. We
never have a bad time here.”