∞ ∞ ∞

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO DO RESCUE?

[Author  Unknown]

    Your rescue "kit" should include:

•  A heart of gold to accept those creatures that don't measure up as "perfect" in the eyes of the rest of the world.

• The people skills of a salesperson. . . to convince those that are looking for perfection that they will find it in a rescue dog if they are willing to look a little deeper.

• A heart of steel to be able to say no when there just isn't any more room for just one more dog.

• The knowledge that you can't save them all.

• The ability to smile and speak rationally when the 10th person for the day says "I don't want this stupid dog anymore. . . take him or I am gonna shoot him."

• Some medical knowledge. . . or your rescue vet bill will be bigger than the national debt.

• The fine art of fund raising. . . so your vet bill can be reduced to just under the size of the national debt.

• Patience for: breeders who don't care, won't help, turn their backs and say it's not their problem.

• Patience for: dogs that were incorrectly placed and come to rescue with so much excess baggage that you think they will never be adoptable.

• Patience for: owners who want a quick fix.

• Patience for: a world that no longer looks at life as a gift and the lives that we create as breeders as nothing short of miracles.

• A sense of humor. . . because sometimes a smile on your face is the only way to hide the agony and turmoil in your heart.

• A husband with housekeeping skills that are so outstanding that they could be highlighted in Good Housekeeping Magazine. . . so you can devote your time to all the rescues and be secure in the knowledge that the local Board of Health will not condemn your house.

• Personal dogs that will tolerate the never ending stream of four legged orphans, waifs and street urchins that will start arriving the moment you say. . . "I have room."

• Children that like being the "token" child to socialize every dog that comes thru the door. . . being able to say "good with kids" is a real selling point.

• Magician skills so you can change anything that comes thru the door, from black tri male to long tail and brown eyes, into blue merle female, good with kids, housebroke, crate trained and obedience trained.

• The ability to face the paperwork head-on and deal with it. . . or someone you can send it to and say. . . "Here, do something with this mess!"

• Grooming skills for those ugly ducklings waiting for their chance to be a swan. . . with a little help from you.

I could go on but you probably get the picture. . . . None of us have all of these things but we all know that the business of rescue is a team effort. Each of us contribute what we can as a team member. Some of us cannot handle the dogs [or cats or birds or horses or rabbits or . . . ], but . . . there are other things that must be done.

Some only want to work with the dogs [themselves, or the cats or . . . ] . . .  so. . . leave the paperwork to those that like it. No matter what your situation is. . .  it is your willingness to help that is important.  ~  

∞ ∞ ∞

A RESCUER’S CREED

[Susan M. Pearson]

I shall be a believer of all that is good in man and of all that is deserving in animals. I shall plead for their lives, campaign for their safety and uphold their right to a natural death. I shall seek out the injured and the maimed, the unloved, and the abandoned and tend to them in their last days. I shall not forget their place in the hierarchy of life, nor that  we walk in each other's paths. I shall bear witness to the wonder they bring into our lives and to the beauty they bestow upon our souls.  I shall renew their spirits when they are waning, bind their wounds when they bleed, cradle them when they whimper, and comfort them when they mourn.  I shall be near them in their hour of greatest need - a companion and friend when the time has come. I shall watch over them and console them and ask that the angels gather them in their arms. From the creatures of the earth I shall learn the fruits of compassion and undying love, and I shall be called the beloved of God. In their company I shall indeed be blessed.   ~

TRIBUTE TO A DOG

When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the Heavens. ~

    BEFORE I WAS A DOG MOM

    [Author Unknown]

Before I was a Dog Mom: I made and ate hot meals unmolested; I had unstained, unfurred clothes; I had quiet conversations on the phone, even if the doorbell rang.

Before I was a Dog Mom:  I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got to bed . . . or if I could get into my bed.

Before I was a Dog Mom:  I cleaned my house everyday, I never tripped over toys, stuffies, chewies, or invited the neighbor's dog over to play.

Before I was a Dog Mom:  I didn't worry if my plants, cleansers, plastic bags, toilet paper, soap or deodorant were poisonous or dangerous.

Before I was a Dog Mom:  I had never been peed on, pooped on, drooled on, chewed on, or pinched by puppy teeth.

Before I was a Dog Mom:  I had complete control of my thoughts, my body and my mind. I slept all night without sharing the covers or pillow.

Before I was a Dog Mom:  I never looked into big, soulful eyes and cried. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop a hurt. I never knew something so furry and four-legged could affect my heart so deeply.

Before I was a Dog Mom:  I had never held a sleeping puppy just because I couldn't put it down. I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was well. I didn't know how warm it feels inside to feed a hungry puppy. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Dog Mom:  I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment, or the satisfaction of being

                                                                                 A Dog Mom ~

YOUR "FOREVER HOME"

[Gail Orth-Aikmus]

We knew that you were special

We knew it was no lark

That you would need a special home

We knew it from the start

We put you on the internet

And then the search began

To find for you that special place

Your "Forever Home" to land

Time has passed but we think of you

And how you are in your new home

We sleep much better every night

We know you're not alone

[Gail is the founder and President of Heartland Weimaraner Rescue and a member of the Weimaraner Club of Greater Kansas City.  She is proudly owned by Iceman, Bartles, Cody and Maximus.  Cody and Maximus were both rescues, each with a very sad story.  Maximus's story can be seen at http://www.heartlandweimrescue.org/maximus2.htm   At June 2003, he is doing fabulous! He is the Goodwill Ambassador at her home, and takes great pleasure and pride in showing each new foster "the ropes". For the first time ever, Gail incorporated holistic care into a rescue dog's care protocol, with fabulous results.  She is sold on holistic care as the way to go, whether alone or, in the case of Maximus, in conjunction with certain standard veterinary medicinations and care.

10 COMMANDMENTS OF OWNING A DOG

[From ASPCA/Dear Abby column]

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me - it is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I HAVE ONLY YOU!

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget.

7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting old and weak.

9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say "I can't bear to watch it" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for ME if you are there. Remember, I Love You.
 

THANK YOU

[Author Unknown]

Thank You for bringing this foster dog into my life.

Had I not made the decision to participate in rescue, I would never have had the chance to meet him. If I had sat here comfortably in my home and said "I already have four dogs and I know that I couldn't take in another - even on a temporary basis," I would never have met this dog.

Yes, it takes time to rescue and foster... but who gave me Time in the first place? And why or what was the reason I was given Time? To fill my own needs? Or was there another reason ever so small and seemingly insignificant, like rescuing this one dog, that could make a difference in another's life? Perhaps to add joy, hope, help and companionship to another who is in need?

With great sadness, I sat down on a footstool in my kitchen this morning and watched as this foster dog bounced back into the house and skidded across the floor to sit ever so perfectly in front of me. He was the picture of health, finally. He was all smiles for me.... and I smiled back at his happy face. Deep in his eyes, the storm clouds of illness and generalized poor health had blown away, and the clear light of his perfection radiated out from his beautiful soul. He holds no ill will toward man. He forgives us all.

I thought to myself as I impressed this one last long look of him into my heart, what a very fine creature you have created. Tears slowly pooled and spilled over my cheekbones as the deeper realization of how wonderful this dog is sank into my internal file cabinet of Needful Things to Remember. Lord, he's a dog - but he's a better human being than I am.

He forgives quickly. Would I do the same?
He passionately enjoys the simple things in life. And I have often overlooked them.
He accepts change and gets on with his life. I fuss and worry about change.
He lives today and loves today. And I often dwell in the past or worry about the future.
He loves no matter what. I am not that free.

This very lovely dog has gone to his new home today and already I miss him. Thank You for bringing this dog into my life. And thank You for the beautiful and tender lesson on how to be a better human.

Reunions at the Bridge

[Author Unknown]


 

The young pup and the older dog lay on shaded sweet grass watching the reunions. Sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes a whole family would approach the Rainbow Bridge, be greeted by their loving pets and cross the bridge together.

The young pup playfully nipped at the older one. "Look! Something wonderful is happening!" The older dog stood up and barked, "Quickly. Get over to the path." "But that's not my owner," whined the pup, but he did as he was told.

Thousands of pets surged forward as a figure in white walked on the path toward the bridge. As the glowing figure passed each animal, that animal bowed its head in love and respect. The figure finally approached the bridge, and was met by a menagerie of joyous animals. Together, they all walked over the bridge and disappeared.

The young pup was still in awe. "Was that an angel?" he whispered. "No, son." The older dog replied. "That was more than an angel. That was a person who worked rescue."

NOTE TO ADOPTERS

[by Diane Morgan]

Diane writes, "After a couple of bad experiences with adopters (NOT the dog) in rescue lately -- I wrote this.  Forgive the irritated tone.  (If anyone would like to place this on their own rescue page for any breed, you have my permission so long as the content is not altered." dcrocodile@aol.com

Note to adopters:  Lassie and Cleo and Rin Tin Tin and Toto don't show up in rescue. We don't get the elegantly coiffed, classically beautiful, completely trained, perfectly behaved dog.  We get the leftovers. Dogs that other people have incompetently bred, inadequately socialized, ineffectively "trained," and badly treated.  Most Rescue dogs have had it.  They've been pushed from one lousy situation to another. They've never had proper veterinary care, kind and consistent training, or sufficient company.  They've lived outside, in a crate, or in the basement.  They're scared, depressed and anxious. Some are angry. Some are sick.  Some have given up.  But we are Rescue and we don't give up.  We never give up on a dog.  We know that a dog is a living being, with a spirit and a heart and feelings.  Our dogs are not commodities, things, or garbage. They are part of sacred creation and they deserve as much love and care and respect as the next Westminster champion.  So please, please don't come to rescue in the hopes of getting a "bargain," or indeed of "getting" anything.  Come to Rescue to give, to love, to save a life -- and to mend your own spirit.  For Rescue will reward you in ways you never thought possible.  I can promise you this -- a rescue dog will make you a better person.

PIECES OF MY HEART (ON FOSTERING)

[by Jim Willis, Author]

Our paths will cross for only a short time, but while you are in my care I will be devoted to you.  If memories of your former life are painful, I will help erase them.  No longer will you hunger and I will help to heal your wounds. If your former life was good, I will promise you an even better future.

One day our time together will come to an end and you will go off to your new home, healthy, happy and healed. As a parting gift, I will give you a piece of my heart to remember me by.  I may shed a tear . . . not for my loss, but for your gain.

Perhaps our paths may cross again for a fleeting instant and I will be comforted by the aura of love that surrounds you.  There will always be a bond between us, though we walk separate paths through this life.

After we reach our heavenly reward our paths may cross again.  You may try to return the piece of my heart with thanks for all that I did for you.  I will tell you to keep it and thank you for showing me that I could be better than I thought I could be, and that I learned in giving came the greatest gifts.

The pieces of our hearts are like grains of sand. They are pulled along a current beyond our control until they come together and form a safe haven.

I, like you, came to understand what it meant to be saved. 

Copyright Jim Willis, All Rights Reserved (used with permission on this site). See Jim's site http://www.crean.com/jimwillis for more of his writings including "How Could You?", "The Animals' Savior," "The Basset Chronicles" and other favorites, and information about his book, Pieces of My Heart - Writings Inspired by Animals and Nature. "How Could You?" can be downloaded directly from there and everyone is encourage to distribute it, with the proper copyright, of course.
 

THE FOSTER DOG

[by Diane Morgan]

I know I don't look like much.
My ears aren't the longest --
But I can hear everything you say.
My coat isn't very shiny, either --
But I love to be brushed.

I am not a perfect dog, I guess.
Sometimes I make mistakes in the house,
Mostly when I get scared.
And I get really frightened when my foster mom

goes away.
I know what it's like to be abandoned forever.
What if she never, never comes back?

I get awfully possessive about my food sometimes.
I know what it's like not to have any.
And big people with loud hard voices scare me
When they try to clip my nails.
I've been hurt bad.
And sometimes kids run and scream,
One of them hit me once. And one kicked me.

I feel better than I used to,
But I still get kind of sick sometimes.
I don't know what's wrong,
But sometimes I just like to lie down in the sun

and sleep.

I like my foster mother very well.
She's a really nice person.
And I have been here a long time now.
She likes me too.
But I wish I had someone to really, really love me.

Some very nice people came to look at me one time.
They petted me and took me for a walk!
I was so sure.
But they went away.
They said I was too old.
I wonder what that means.

Does that mean I won't ever get my own home?
 

BAGGAGE

[by Evelyn Colbath, ©1995 Baggage, All Rights Reserved]

Now that I'm all home, bathed, settled and fed,

All nicely tucked in my warm new bed,

I'd like to open my baggage lest I forget,

There is so much to carry, so much to regret.

Hmmmmm, Yes, there it is right on the top,

Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss,

And there by my leash hides Fear and Shame,

As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave,

I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.

I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,

But I wasn't good enough; for they didn't want me.

Will you add to my baggage? Will you help me unpack?

Or will you just look at my things and take me right back?

Do you have the time to help me unpack?

To put away my baggage,

To never repack?

I pray that you do; I'm so tired, you see.

But I do come with baggage; will you still want me?