IF THEY COULD SAVE THEMSELVES, THEY WOULD
By Susan Catton
I’ve always liked animals. I’ve always cared about and have been kind to animals. It wasn’t until, as empty nesters and new dog parents, that I truly became an animal lover. Seven and a half years ago we brought “Lucy Loves Life” home on Christmas Eve. A beautiful, picture perfect, AKC registered Golden Retriever weighing in at 3.5 lbs. Oh my, our hearts were forever filled with furry love! Then 2 years later, “Maggie Café au lait”. Yes another, coffee with cream colored, Golden Retriever. Because of these two sisters, I began to think about dogs everyday. I began to notice other dogs everyday. I saw dogs roaming the streets and highways and dogs that looked like they needed to be loved too. Because of this love, I knew that I needed to do something to help these dogs. That’s when I decided to contact our local animal rescue group and offered to help.
My first Adoption Day was in December of 2006. I cried when I said good-bye to each dog that was adopted. I cried as we reloaded the dogs going back to our rescue kennel in hopes of another chance to be adopted. I was exhausted but I knew that I was helping these dogs and it was making a difference in the lives of many. I knew that I would continue to help because they cannot do this for themselves. It was in September of 2007, while helping with another Adoption Day, that I fell in love with a darling 6 month old rescued pup. She was the last of a litter of seven puppies still waiting for a new home. A mix of lab, retriever, border collie, this black, silky, sad eyed girl did not get back on the bus; she came home with me instead. “Nola”, is our first ever “rescue dog” and has been a welcomed addition to our canine family. I cannot promise that I won’t be falling in love with another.
It has been only 17 months since I have considered myself an active part of this amazing group. My level of participation varies according to family and work commitments. I have cleaned dog crates, worked adoption days in freezing cold and sweltering hot days, fostered dogs, answered and made calls, assisted with their yard sales, written newspaper articles, attended meetings, participated in public promotional events, organized a large fundraising event, donated money and I help other new volunteers get involved. On my car I have a DL (Dog Lover) sticker, a Spay/Neuter Georgia license plate and the website of my local animal rescue group. For Mother’s Day this year, my kids and grandkids gave me a t-shirt that says “Love A Dog” and a book about rescue stories entitled, “Second Chances” from Pet Finder.com. No doubt they know I am committed! I didn’t need any special training or previous experience to become a volunteer. All it takes is the desire and willingness to make a commitment. The animals don’t know who I am but the love (and kisses) that I receive in exchange for my willingness to help is an invaluable reward for my time and energy. All I can say to anyone else who has been thinking about doing volunteer work, just DEDCIDE, just do it.
SAVE A LIFE – ADOPT A PET AND OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP
No doubt you’ve heard or seen that slogan before. It’s literally true in many counties that we live in. Our animal shelters and humane societies are usually full to licensed capacity. These temporary homes for abandoned pets must operate according to the county laws or by-laws of their organization, which means they must euthanize pets in order to make room for more incoming pets. Animal Rescue organizations usually do not euthanize animals under their care; however, they cannot accept new arrivals until others have been adopted to make room for more. In any of these situations adopting a pet really does mean saving a life. Do you have room in your home for one more? If the answer is YES, why wait?
Support and promote Spay/Neuter as the most viable option for controlling pet over population. If you, a relative, friend or neighbor is tempted to allow your loved pet to “have just one litter” of puppies, DON’T DO IT. There are millions of dogs and cats already needing a loving home, pick one of these instead. Don’t add to the problem of too many pets and not enough good, loving homes.
Volunteer. Start by contacting your local pet saving organization.
Here are some websites that can help you locate shelters by county, state and zip code; www.petfinder.com, www.animalshelter.org, www.netpets.org, www.spotsociety.org.
Getting involved doesn’t mean you must commit a huge amount of time. Just a few hours a week can make a big difference. Make this a family affair, it will help you teach your children the importance of giving back to the community they live in. Get your other organizations (scout troops, church, school, professional organization) to conduct their own fundraiser or assist the shelter with one of their events.
Donate. If you can’t donate your time, budget to donate money. Become a regular financial supporter of your local shelter. Some counties and cities financially allocate tax dollars to support animal control and rescue, however, many still do not (and if they do, it is rarely enough to truly make a difference). Show your support and attend their fundraiser events. Donate items from their “wish list” such as; towels, blankets, toys, collars and leashes, gift cards, crates, gas cards, any of their preferred cleaning products. The list is usually endless. Change your corporate or client giving from “things” to financial giving in their name. Tell your relatives that you have enough “whatever” and prefer they donate in your family name. If you are an internet shopper, sign up with Igive.com. Remember, the majority of what you donate is usually tax deductible, so donate all you can!
Become an Educated Animal Advocate. There are hundreds of websites with excellent information regarding the need for humans to protect the lives of animals on our planet. Begin your search now. Start with www.americanhumane.org. Sign up for E-newsletters, get informed and stay informed about what is needed and happening in your part of the world. You can make a difference!
Susan Catton is a volunteer for Pickens Animal Rescue. If you would like to volunteer or donate for this organization you can email her at parvolunteer@yahoo.com or go to their website www.pickensanimalrescue.org
