Thoughts from a Rescuer, to Other RescuersSome folks ask why I do dog rescue with all there is going on in the world. Why spend my time doing this? Why dogs? Here is just one example.
Just the other day a dog was brought to our clinic because she followed a hiker and was getting into traffic. She is a small, female around 10 months old who is outwardly healthy and very well socialized with other dogs and people. She was wearing a collar but NO tags and no microchip. I called all the local animal shelters. I posted "Found Dog" signs that day and 4 days later still not one phone call. Someone cared enough to raise this dog, spend
time socializing her, feeding her and even bought her a collar but none has come looking for her. I know it is inconceivable to any of us to think we wouldn't be walking the roads and ditches and knocking on every door if our dog was missing, but it happens. It occurs all too often.
I view this as one symptom of a disease. This is a disease that doesn't have a name but CAN be treated. For these dogs, and even for the people, we (DREAM) are here providing some of the treatment.
We strive for Rescue so all dogs will have a loving home with a warm bed and a full tummy for their entire lives. We strive for Awareness and Education so all people will have the
experience that can only come with sharing one's life with an animal. We strive toward Mentoring so when similar situations arise, people will have the resources and skills to make educated decisions to help treat this disease. Sometimes this "sharing" experience leads to "walking a mile in their paws". I truly believe when people feel what others feel, even other species, something magical happens- tolerance, understanding, love and hope take the lead in the universe. Today I cry over one lost.
My job is to assist God's creatures.
I was born with the drive to fulfill their needs.
I take in helpless, unwanted, homeless creatures
without planning or selection.
I have bought dog food with my last dime.
I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand.
I have hugged someone vicious and afraid.
I have fallen in love a thousand times.
And I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body
too many times to count.
I have Animal Friends and friends who have animal friends.
I don't often use the word "pet".
I notice those lost at the road side
and my heart aches.
I will hand raise a field mouse
and make friends with a vulture.
I know of no creature unworthy of my time.
I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven,
but I believe there are.
Why would God make something so perfect
and leave it behind?
Some may think we are masters of the animals,
but the animals have mastered themselves...
something people still haven't learned.
War and abuse make me hurt for the world,
but a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for mankind.
We are a quiet but determined army
and we are making a difference every day.
There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan,
nothing more rewarding than saving a life,
no higher recognition than watching them thrive.
There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play
who, only days ago, was too weak to eat.
By the love of those who I've been privileged to rescue,
I have been rescued.
I know what true unconditional love really is,
for I've seen it shining in the eyes of so many,
grateful for so little.
I am an Animal Rescuer.
My work is never done.
My home is never quiet.
My wallet is always empty,
but my heart is always full. Author Unknown
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