THOUGHTS FROM a RESCUER

January 1st....So many thoughts of the things I want to do in 2015 and wondering how many I will have the time and/or money to follow through with.  


One of the things foremost in my mind with regards to rescue is to keep learning!  And one of the areas that most interests me is learning how to help fearful or shy dogs.  After working with these dogs day in and day out, I have a strong desire to learn more so I can help them more.  I want to learn all that is out there about these dogs but find there really isn't a lot as far as guidance.  But I will learn all I can.  I know there is nothing like that moment when a dogs empty eyes light up and you know that there is now more than hope for that dog.  You know that dog is going to make it.  And the first time the dog lets you touch or hold it....you will remember it always.  You will never be the same after experiencing that.  That was especially true in working with Olivia.  After 1 1/2 years, she let me pick her up and love her!  She looked right into my eyes.  I felt so loved and so trusted.  She shared herself with me in a way that I hoped for but was not sure would ever happen.


And of course, I think of the dogs we lost this past year.  They stay in my heart and I believe their lives were meaningful and their deaths as well.  Many times we can learn from the hardest things in life.  The death of a dog is never easy and if it is the result of a decision you are forced to make, it is incredibly difficult.  My eyes still fill with tears when I think of the dogs who didn't make it.


Of course, I'd love to solve all the "dog problems" in our world in the year 2015 but there is so much to do....


I really want to work on encouraging people to bring their dogs to rescues when they can no longer keep them.  It would reduce the number of abandoned dogs who are left on highway and country roads and that run the danger of being hit by car, shot, starving, illness, killed by another animal.  


I would also like to get more people to have compassion for the breeder released dogs and work toward helping these dogs with a new life rather than focusing on the people involved.  I believe these dogs have every right to life, a great life!


I would also like to put a strong focus on increasing our adoptions this year so we will get more dogs into their new homes AND so we are able to help more dogs who still need us.  We will be focusing on our training program and further grooming options.


Lots of thoughts, lots of "I would like to's"  but I can't do it alone.  Will you help?  Yes, I know you would and thank you so much!


                                                                                Denise