Rescue Me ...

Back in February 2008 I had attended a conference in San Antonio, TX for work.  The conference ended early afternoon and I had plans to go shopping with my Sister-In-Law.  I had a few hours to kill so I decided to do a bit of exploring.  Who knew what an adventure it would turn out to be.

Most people have heard of the Alamo.  What many don't know is that there are four other Mission Churches in San Antonio.  I am a life-long Texan and had never been to the other 4, so I decided that it was a great day to explore some Texas history and hopefully capture some really cool pictures.  I first went to Mission San José and was on my way to Mission Espada when I took a detour.

As I was making my way down a winding back Texas road, something caught my eye.  In the middle of the road (it split off to the right) was a small puppy wearing an oversized collar.  Turning left in the direction of said puppy was a large truck.  Luckily the truck saw the dog and slowed down.  I slammed on my brakes and ran out to the puppy.  He ran from me (but luckily ran into the grass).  I stayed on the side of the road, squatted down and waited.  Slowly, hesitantly, this little guy approached from behind.  When he was close enough I quickly snagged him by that too-big collar.  Ever hear a dog hiss?  This one did.  I didn't hesitate, just cuddled him up close to my chest and talked softly to him.  He went still and I could feel him relax his weight against me.

And then his tail slowly started to wag.

That was it.  My very first "official" rescue.  After that I noticed he had oozing sores on his hind legs, his head was bald, and he wouldn't stop scratching.  Mange.  His tummy was way to distended for a dog who was on his own at that age.  Worms.  He wasn't the best looking, fluffy kind of puppy.  Didn't matter - he was mine.

 

As I read descriptions of dogs in shelters (now that I seem to be deeply involved in dog rescue) I realize that had my Otis ended up in a shelter, he most likely never would have made it out.  He had mange and bad case of worms so he wasn't "cute".  Had someone taken pity on him and saved him as a puppy, they most likely would have returned him to a shelter or simply abandoned him.  Otis has many socialization problems (with dogs and people).  As Butch Cappel says, Otis need re-wiring.  Otis never learned to process his feelings (fear, excitement, anxiety, happiness, etc).  All of it comes out as "worked up" or anxious.  He does show "happy" when he is around people he trusts, but he is easily riled up and anxiety kicks in.  He has a strong fear-aggression behavior that we are working on.  He can't be easily introduced to new people - it takes patience and time on their part (and long pants, and walking out of a room backward, and not making eye contact).  The ones who have taken the time are rewarded with Otis' undying loyalty and his silly waggy tail and grin.  He does make me laugh. :)

The thought that my sweet Otis might not have made it to see his 4th birthday (this November) is why I work so hard to save all the other Otises (Oti??) out there.  The ones that are overlooked because they are not the cute, fluffy puppy.  The ones who seem shy in their cages, but who would blossom if just given a chance.  The ones who embody the term "underdog".  I've always been a sucker for the underdog and root hardest for them to win/succeed.

I love you Otis!

Possible Stepping-On-Toes Ahead. Proceed With Caution.

I'm going to apologize now for any toes I may step on, any feelings I might bruise, or any offense that may be taken.  That being said - I need to get this off my chest and I can't do it in my normally diplomatic way.  Please know that I'm not passing judgment on anyone and I do respect your opinions and feelings, but right now I need to scream...

The dogs make me sad too!! 

It makes me sad that there is a sweet dog that just gave birth to 9 precious puppies that will most likely find homes long before she does.

It makes me sad that there is another mama dog in boarding who led an animal control officer to where her pups were located because she was malnourished and couldn't keep her pups safe.   Her babies have been adopted - she is still waiting.

It makes me sad that dogs all over this country are being put into shelters because their owners have  "lifestyle change" or it's "too much responsibility" ... or best one yet - "moving." 

It makes me sad that pure-bred litters are dumped at a rescue.

It makes me sad that a dog is listed as un-adoptable simply because of it's breed. 

It makes me sad that thousands of dogs are euthanized in shelters across this country because they are out of room.  And that cycle doesn't ever stop - make room, run out of space, make room ....

It makes me sad that this problem isn't going away anytime soon as long as there is no legislation to shut down puppy mills.

It makes me sad that we have to be careful when we do adopt dogs out because there are people out there looking for cheap bait dogs.

It makes me sad that because it's uncomfortable to look at people choose to look away.

It makes me sad that people keep buying that adorable little puppy - rather than adopting the sweet, loving and loyal 1-2 year old.

It makes me sad that there simply aren't enough homes and people willing to help to save them all.

It makes me sad - so I try to do something to help the dogs find happiness.

It makes me sad that I can't do more.

And then comes a message from someone who is so thankful for their newly adopted dog and how blessed they feel to have found them, or the friend who out of nowhere offers to help you pay for surgery for your rescued dog, or an anonymous donation of food and toys, or the pic of a small child placing a loving kiss on a pitbull's head, or the news that one more got adopted today - and the sadness goes away and is replaced with the motivation to continue on.

I don't judge.  I don't place blame.  I'm not trying to point fingers.  I don't think less of anyone.  I get it.  I change the channel when the ASPCA commercials come on too. 

All I ask is if you choose to not look at it, please don't ignore it.  If you have pets, please spay/neuter them.  If you are considering a new fur-friend for your family - please check PetFinder, your local shelter, rescue groups, etc rather than buying.  Consider a happy and healthy older dog instead of a puppy. 

And one day all the dog pics will be ones everyone wants to see because it makes them happy.