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. ~ 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 ward 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."
Rescuers 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. ~ DEDICATED TO PEOPLE IN RESCUE I wasn't a pup when I came to your home, I'd been dumped on the road, left to roam. Don't remember the people except the pain. They left me to die in the cold and the rain. You were driving down the hwy, it was late at night When you saw the faintest glimmer of light. You took a chance and turned around Got out of the van and knelt to the ground. My quivering body felt the gentlest of hands. I knew I need not make any demands. In your heart, and your home, there was always room For those who would face certain doom. You healed my body and you healed my heart. You gave me what I needed, a fresh start. When I cried at night, you were always there With soft words, a kiss, a hug to share. When I misbehaved and would cower with guilt You only showed love.....up to the hilt. You loved and cared for me in sickness and health Our love for each other was more precious than wealth. Even when you were tired and had a bad day You'd always come home to me and say, "I missed you my baby. I'm glad to be back." Then you'd give me kiss, a hug and a pat. We'd have a nice dinner then go out to play There was so much love I wanted to stay. But my eyes, they faded and my heart grew weak As my time grew closer you could not speak. You held me tight, tears flowed from your eyes We both had to say our sad good byes. The release from pain we knew must end No more time on this Earth would we spend Running in the fields, playing ball Sitting quietly together at the end of it all. But our time together is not through Because I'll be there waiting for you At the edge of the Rainbow Bridge I'll stand Until I once again see those gentle hands. I'll ran to you with tail held high We will never again have to say goodbye. My love at death, it does not end Because you are, indeed, doGs best friend. Jeane Illsche June 21, 1998 I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! I want to quit! There are Rescuers who see a failing transport and do everything they can to find folks to pull it together for you. Rescuers who'll overnight or foster your Dog while you seek transport. There are Rescuers not used to or comfortable with your breed, but who put aside their discomfort to help. There are Rescuers whose words play the music of our hearts. Foster homes that love your Rescue, and help to make them whole again---body and spirit. Foster homes that fit your baby in, though it may not be their breed. Rescuers whose talents and determination give us tools to help us. Rescuers we call on for help in a thousand ways, who answer us, who hear our pleas. Rescuers who are our family, our strength, our comrades in battle. I know I cannot save every Pyr in need. I know my efforts are a mere drop in a sea. I know that if I take on just one more---those I have will suffer. I want to quit! I want to quit! Jim Willis says, "The majority of animal rescuers are women and this is my tribute to those hardy souls. We men and the animals couldn't do without you."
What does it take to do rescue? Author Unknown
Your rescue "kit" should include:
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.
I Want To Quit!
Author: Joan C. Fremo
Published on: May 16, 2001
My health is bad. There are days I feel so terrible that I can barely move. My phone bills are outrageous, and I could have replaced my van with the funds I have spent these last 3 years---on animals that were not my own.
I spend hours and hours emailing about dogs. There may be 500 messages when I start---and at 4 AM, when I finally shut down the computer, there are still 500 emails to be read.
Gosh, I haven't the time left to email my friends. I can't remember the last book I read, and I gave up my subscription to my local newspaper---I used to enjoy reading it, cover to cover, but now it often ends up in the bottom of the squirrel's cage---unread.
I've spent days emailing what seems like everyone---trying to find a foster home, help for a dog languishing in a shelter---but his time has run out, and the shelter has had to euthanize to make room for the next sad soul.
I swear, I walk away from my computer to stretch my legs---let the dogs out---and come back to find another dog in desperate need. There are times I really dread checking my email. How will I find the funds, the help, to save yet another dog?
I save one dog, and two more take its place. Now an owner who doesn't want his dog---it won't stay in his unfenced yard. An intact male wanders... This bitch got pregnant by a stray... This 3-month-old pup killed baby chicks... The dog got too big... This person's moving and needs to give up his pet. I ask you, friends---what town, what city, what state doesn't allow you to own a pet?
I just received another picture, another sad soul with tormented eyes that peer out of a malnourished body. I hear whimpering in my sleep, have nightmares for days...
Many of the "Breed People" don't seem to want to hear about these dogs. Breeders either don't realize, or just don't care, how many dogs of their breed are dying in shelters.
I just got off the phone. "Are you Pyr Rescue? We want to adopt a male to breed to our female." How many times do I have to explain? I have tried to explain about genetics, about health and pedigrees. I explain that rescue NEUTERS! I usually end up sobbing, as I explain about the vast numbers of animals dying in shelters across the country, as I describe the condition many of these animals are found in. I wonder if they really heard me...
It is not like I don't have enough rescues of my own to worry about---but others have placed dogs improperly and aren't there to advise the new owners.
There ARE some unscrupulous rescues out there---hoarders, collectors, and folks who will short change the care of the animals to make a dollar. The save them all, regardless of temperament, putting fellow rescuer's and adopters at risk but not being truthful.
I have trusted the wrong people--- had faith and heart broken...
AND THEN... My dog, Magnus, lays his head in my lap, he comforts me with his gentle presence---and the thought of his cousins suffering stirs my heart.
AND THEN... One of those 500 emails is from an adopter. They are thanking me for the most wonderful dog on earth---they cannot imagine life with out their friend---their life is changed, and they are so grateful.
AND THEN... One of my adopted Rescues has visited a nursing home. A patient that has spent the last few years unable to communicate, not connecting---Lifts his hand to pat the huge head in his lap, softly speaks his first words in ages--- to this gentle furchild.
AND THEN... A Good Samaritan has found and vetted a lost baby, "I can't keep him, but I'll take care of him until you find his forever home."
AND THEN... "Jamie took his first steps holding on to our Pyr." "Joan, you should see this dog nursing this hurt kitten!" "I was so sick, Joan, and he never left my side..."
AND THEN... I get an email from a fellow rescuer, "Haven't heard from you in a while---you OK? You know I think of you..."
AND THEN... A dozen rescuers step up to help, to transport, to pull, and to offer encouragement. I have friends I have never seen, but we share tears, joys, and everything in between. I am not alone. I am blest with family of the heart, my fellow Rescuers. Just days ago it was a friend who shared her wit and wisdom, whose late night email lifted my heart. Sometimes it is friends who only have time to forward you a smile. Often, it is my friends who forward me the notices of dogs in need.
But I won't. When I feel overwhelmed, I'll stroke my Magnus's head while reading my fellow Rescuers emails. I'll cry with them, I'll laugh with them---and they will help me find the strength to go on.
But not today. There's another email, another dog needing Rescue.
RESCUER'S BLUES
by Jim Willis
Awoke to a hairball on my pillow,
I found kitty litter in my shoes.
Have to give the cat a pill -- OW !!
And I've got the Rescuer's Blues.
A dog ate the kids' lunches,
(and I think the remote control, too).
My hair is clumped in bunches,
and I have a vet appointment at two.
I tell people I lost my husband,
they give me sympathetic looks,
actually he ran off with his garage band
and took up with a woman who cooks.
The dishes need washing,
the laundry's stacked in piles.
A Chihuahua is alpha bossing
and has the Rottweiler riled.
Gotta call about a foster MinPin
and explained he'd need a neuter.
This idiot said he planned to breed him
Someone thinks testicles are cuter?
The electric could be shut off,
and I hope I don't sound crass,
but a bill collector just called me
and I told him to kiss my...
Parakeet!
Someone found a bird,
asked if I would take it
with the worst sob story I've yet heard.
I haven't seen a dentist
in so long, I don't know when,
but tomorrow the old Basset
is having a dental at 10.
My figure, I have lost it,
my sanity's not far behind.
My new shoes have been peed on
and are missing the ties that bind.
I'm supposed to relay a dog on Sunday,
but don't know if I can afford the gas.
I count the minutes 'till payday
and the President can kiss my...
Dingo!
Someone found one in a park -
called to see if I had room for him,
here at "Noah's Ark."
(Always wanted a dog who can't bark.)
People ask me why I do this
and I just shrug my shoulders and smile.
The unconditional love of a slobbery kiss?
It feels good going the extra mile.
For some critters I have saved the day,
despite these Rescuer's Blues.
But I'm still hoping someone will rescue me