I can’t count how many times I’ve had the following or some version of it said to me – All of these statements were whispered in my ear by visitors yesterday.
I don’t know how you can stand doing what you do with the shelter dogs. I walk into those events and I see all the sad faces, all the rejected homeless dogs. I couldn’t do it, too sad.
Or…
Oh, these poor dogs, it’s crazy here, I don’t know how they can stand the atmosphere.
Or…
Why are there southern dogs here when we have dogs in shelters in Connecticut?
Here are my answers.
I can stand to do what I do because if we DIDN’T do it, these dogs would already be in a heap of dead carcases in a landfill or cinders in an incinerator. It’s that simple. Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone to help others in need. If no one ever had the courage to move beyond what they were comfortable with, to stand up and sometimes fight for what they believe in, it would be an uglier and lonelier world for sure. And please understand, I am no hero. I am just one small part of about 100 people who make this event come together, but how very gratifying it is to be a part of it..how very lucky I feel to have the opportunity.
When I walk into an adoption event, I do see the longing, scared faces… but I also see saved souls. (yes, dogs have souls… if you don’t believe that, you’ve never known the love of a dog)
Is the atmosphere chaotic? Absolutely. 100 or so barking nervous dogs all in one location is not an easy existence. However, the love that pours out over these dogs as the many volunteers prepare them to meet potential adopters is so clearly evident… and ultimately they find their forever homes, away from the cold hard reality of the kill shelters.
Why do we bring in southern dogs? What you are about to read in no way is meant to belittle my southern friends who are animal lovers and take great care of the animals in their charge. The reality is that down south the amount of abandoned dogs is outrageous. So many are gassed or killed with a heart stick on a daily basis, the numbers would horrify you. The spay and neuter rate is low and dogs breed prolifically, unchecked, because of it. Apparently there aren’t enough people in the southern states with the resources or the desire to make the effort needed to significantly reduce this problem. The rescues we’ve come to know don’t have a heck of a lot of support, and so we are helping them find homes for their rescued dogs. None of them are wealthy and most practically give the shirts off their backs to help these dogs. They are heros, every one of them. Our events are first open to Connecticut dogs, and once all Ct dog pounds that are interested have registered with us, we fill the remainder of the kennels with our southern rescue dogs. A life saved is a life saved, I don’t care where they hail from.
If you think there is nothing you can do, it’s just not true. Old blankets or towels you might otherwise throw out can be donated to your local shelter – just give them a good washing before turning them in. Food can be donated, even a five dollar gift certificate to a Petco or Petsmart or local feed store is a help. Volunteer to walk a dog or spend time with the cats at your local shelter. That costs nothing. If your economic situation allows, donate any amount to the known and reputable rescues or shelters. Whatever you do, don’t turn away just because it’s a sad reality. We can turn it around, we are already doing it one step at a time.
Monty, seen below, and 96 other dogs got a home this weekend.
NINETY SEVEN DOGS HOMED.
THAT, my friends.. is why we do what we do.
www.godogdays.org