Kelly Jackson's story is one of transformation, purpose, and a deep connection to both human and animal well-being. From her career as a news anchor to her inspiring weight loss journey and her dedication to senior dogs, Jackson's path is a testament to the power of personal reinvention and the importance of finding meaning in one's work.
From News Anchor to Entrepreneur
Kelly Jackson's career path took an unexpected turn when she decided to leave her position as an anchor at KSDK-TV in St. Louis. She initially moved to Sacramento, California, to anchor morning news, but a growing concern for her aging Shih Tzu, Meeko, led her to reconsider her priorities. Frustrated by the lack of resources available for senior dog care, Jackson, drawing on her investigative skills as a reporter, began researching the specific needs of older dogs.
This experience sparked a realization. As she put it, "I’m a woman in my forties, getting up at 2:30 every morning, barely staying awake throughout the day. Who am I doing this for?" This introspection prompted her return to St. Louis, where she took on a part-time role at KSDK while simultaneously building a business that resonated with her values: aarff.com.
Aarff.com became a platform for Jackson to share her knowledge and passion for senior dog care. She created informative interviews with experts, offering valuable advice and suggesting helpful products tailored to the needs of older dogs, such as softer chews, louder squeakers, and warmed beds.
Jackson's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there. Recognizing the need for comprehensive senior dog services, she expanded her offerings with My BFF Network (mybffnetwork.com). This network provides a range of services, including dog-walking, dog-sitting, and customized assistance such as transporting senior dogs to veterinary appointments or handling the heavy lifting of dog food.
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Championing Connection: Senior Dogs and Senior Humans
A central focus of My BFF Network is facilitating connections between senior dogs and senior humans. Jackson recognized that both groups often face similar challenges, such as fading vision and hearing loss, which can lead to social isolation. Her vision was to create opportunities for gentle, loving senior dogs to visit and interact with senior humans, providing much-needed companionship and support.
The St. Louis Senior Dog Project plays a crucial role in this initiative. Jackson partners with the organization to identify sweet, quiet, and adoptable senior dogs who can participate in visits. Sophie, a 10-year-old golden retriever in foster care, is one such example. Like the people she visits, Sophie relies on the kindness of strangers and doesn't have a permanent home.
Jackson emphasizes the profound impact of these interactions. "Even one hour a week makes such a difference," she says, highlighting the mutuality of the program's benefits. For some seniors, these visits may be the only personal connection they receive, offering a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of loneliness. As Jackson poignantly notes, "Maybe someone’s lost everyone she loved and now gets hugged only by strangers who are paid to care for her."
Kelly Jackson's Weight Loss Journey: A Testament to Determination
In addition to her work with senior dogs, Kelly Jackson has also inspired many with her personal weight loss journey. She successfully lost 62 pounds, demonstrating her commitment to living a long and healthy life.
When asked about what motivated her to persevere, even when she felt like giving up, Jackson reflected on her progress: "I think about the days when I literally couldn’t walk 5 minutes at a time." This acknowledgment of her past struggles underscores the significant strides she has made.
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Jackson also shared insights into her changed eating habits. She emphasized the importance of incorporating healthier options into her diet, specifically mentioning that she started eating more baked fish and chicken.
For women seeking to embark on their own weight loss journeys, Jackson offered straightforward advice: "You have to have a made-up mind." She stressed that external factors, such as buying healthy food or workout clothes, are insufficient without a firm internal commitment to change. "I don’t care how much healthy food you buy or cute workout clothes you purchase. If your mind isn’t made up to make a change, you won’t."