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What Does
it Take to Rescue?
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 not 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.
Strong arms and cases of tissues for holding those that must die because there
just isn't any other way.
The knowledge that you cannot save them all and that the choice to euthanize is
ending the suffering and not the end of the world.
The ability to smile and speak rationally when the 1oth person for the day says
"I don't want this stupid dog anymore...take him or I'm 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 that 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
through the door...being able to say "good with kids" is a real
selling point.
Magician skills so you can change anything that comes through 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...but...there are other things that must be done. Some only want
to work with the dogs...so leave the paperwork to those that like it. No
matter what your situation, it is your willingness to help that is important.
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
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