Today we’d like to introduce you to Meshach Ambrose.
Hi Meshach, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up immersed in the outdoors, finding joy in nature and forming a deep appreciation for animals. That was always my happy place. So it felt a bit unexpected when I chose a different path in college, earning an Associate’s Degree in Behavioral Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. At the time, I didn’t realize those steps were opening a door to the possibilities that would shape my future.
When I graduated in 2020—during a challenging time for us all, my fiancé and I made a life-changing decision to leave Texas and move to a small town in Colorado. There, we became dog sitters, hiking scenic trails like Mushroom Rock and spending time along Colorado’s roaring rivers. Those experiences not only deepened my connection with nature but also prompted me to reflect on my mental health. I found healing in those moments and grew closer to the dogs in our care.
Two of our regular clients left a lasting impression on me: Moca was a wise senior Lab with a beautiful, adventurous spirit known for diving into deep river waters, and Finn, a joyful and energetic Labrador puppy. Through them, I witnessed the full spectrum of vitality and gentleness that dogs bring into our lives. They helped me understand that healing and connection could come from the simplest, most natural relationships. Eventually, our time in Colorado came to a close. As society slowly returned to normal, we moved back to Texas to be near our families and settled in Austin. I took a 9-to-5 job at a community college, and during that time, I began to reflect deeply on my own well-being and life purpose. I felt like Joy from the film “Joy,” stuck in a routine that felt chaotic, and facing so many life challenges that stemmed from generational trauma across generations. It was in this period of introspection that a husky—thanks to my brother—came into my life. Through long walks, river swims, and shared adventures, I was reminded of what truly lit up my heart. Like Joy, I was looking for a change.
As I sat at my office desk, comically, that’s when it hit me: I belong outdoors, doing what I love every single day. What was I thinking, not realizing this sooner?
This realization led to the creation of two businesses rooted in nature: Amindfull Designs, an outdoor photography design company that promotes mindfulness in nature, and Adventure Time Animal Care sponsored by Rover, a business rooted in my lifelong love for animals. Our connection to animals is powerful and deeply healing. Adventure Time Animal Care is my way of honoring that bond—helping both humans and dogs thrive through shared exploration, joy, and healing in the great outdoors. Now, I’m pursuing my Master of Science in Recreational Therapy at Texas State University—a field that uses evidence-based therapeutic activities to support the social, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of people with disabling conditions. Two specific interventions that deeply resonate with me: adventure therapy and animal-assisted therapy. Discovering that I could blend these two passions was nothing short of exhilarating. Through this work, I now educate communities on how connecting to healing elements, such as nature, and showing how animals can inspire us to get outside, reduce stress, boost mood, and enhance social skills.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been an easy journey. As a second-generation Caribbean individual, I have always found it challenging to determine where to start in my career. There was never a clear roadmap for me, so I had to learn and figure things out on my own. Additionally, living with ADHD and being neurodivergent meant that my way of thinking often clashed with societal norms, making everyday life a challenge to navigate.
I have experienced many discouraging moments in various career roles, which have impacted my self-confidence. It took multiple failures for me to recognize my worth and realize I could make a living as an entrepreneur. This realization came through personal growth, honesty with myself about what truly makes me happy, and actively working towards that goal. Now, I know there is no other path for me than to pursue entrepreneurship and live through my purpose.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my current Master’s program is the powerful link between stress and illness, both directly and indirectly. Many of us sacrifice our well-being for the sake of our commitments, which makes it essential to reevaluate how we live. This understanding forms the foundation of our mission: to guide others toward a healthier mindset and lifestyle, with our beloved canine companions playing an essential role in that journey.
As I pursue my certification as a Recreational Therapist, I’m excited to expand our efforts in new and meaningful ways. We’re planning to launch a ranch retreat where people and their dogs can experience a therapeutic environment and heal together in adventure therapy. I’m proud to introduce this initiative to my community and to serve as a catalyst for positive change.
At Adventure Time Animal Care, we go beyond traditional dog walking and daycare—we offer “Therapy Care.” This means we carefully attend to each pup’s unique emotional and physical needs, ensuring they, too, live happy and healthy lives. This is where recreational therapy for dogs truly comes into play. We’re also passionate about educating others on the mutual benefits of working with dogs. Research shows that animal-assisted therapy can reduce stress and anxiety, lift mood, ease loneliness, enhance emotional regulation, improve cognitive function, boost motivation, lower blood pressure, support cardiovascular health, manage pain, and strengthen the immune system. That’s why we say Adventure Time Animal Care is recreation therapy for dogs and with dogs—because the health benefits go hand in paw.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
What has truly worked for me in this journey is learning about myself—uncovering my passions and values. This self-awareness has made it much easier to advocate for myself and speak confidently about the things I care about. That’s why I believe the first step is knowing who you are and what genuinely interests you. From there, you can begin exploring opportunities that align with your authentic self.
As part of this process, I created a Recreation Therapy journal tool called the ” Self Care Planner: Manifest the Better You,” which you can find on Amazon and is designed to support both your cognitive and emotional well-being. Over the years, journaling has been an invaluable mindfulness practice for me—a way to process emotional challenges, set meaningful goals, and design a life aligned with my deepest desires. It’s been a powerful first step toward intentional, purpose-driven living.
I also want to highlight a hard but important truth: not everyone will believe in your vision. And that’s okay. You can’t let others’ doubts deter you from pursuing what truly matters to you. This is your life, and it must be shaped by your values, not by the expectations or limitations others may impose. I learned this through experience, and it wasn’t until I embraced my true self that everything began to shift. I now proudly identify as an entrepreneur with a passion for nature, healing, and connection. And when you live authentically, you’ll naturally begin to attract a community that resonates with your vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://infoadventuretimea.wixsite.com/pet-care
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventuretimeac_/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5WM6JT9
Image Credits
Amindfull Designs
