WHEN WE RESCUE

When I first began rescue, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  

I just wanted to help Pekingese.  

That would be easy-- they would all be nice and trained.  

They would all be easy to take care of-- I didn't think of baths, and grooming and nail trims.  (I hate doing nail trims.)

I just thought, "I can help a Peke in need."   And 21 years ago, I fostered my first dog, a little one named Cosmo. (not this picture) 

I didn't know I’d fall in love w so many. 

It doesn’t matter what the weather is.  They need to go out.   And sometimes they need a bath or a haircut or meds.   We just do it.  (And there are great groomers out there.)

I promise them that as long as they were with me, I will take care of them.  I'll take care of them when they are sick, I will take them to the vet. I will do all I can to help them. 

I've washed carpets.   I've painted kitchen cabinets that are nicked by happy dogs and toys.  

I've taken in happy, sad, mad, sick, healthy, noisy, quiet... They all are different.  Yet, they are the same because they need help.  

I have "dog clothes"-- the ones you wear when you bathe, or throw on early so you can take them out.   I take care of them before I take care of me.  Well, I do get that first cup of coffee on the way outside in the morning.  😜

We've cheated some and taken in dogs who aren't Pekes-- because we had a "gap" where we could help.  

There are times when I am gone-- short or long-- and they are SO happy to see me when i come back. Each one wants to be loved on first.  So, I stoop down and just greet each one. Who could resist all that love. 

They have such constant and unconditional love for us.   They know we are helping.  

We schedule our errands around their needs and meds.   Sometimes, it's harder, and other times it's easy. 

Some come for a short time, and some for much longer.  Maybe forever.  

Some stay and become part of your family permanently.  

Rescue is easy and hard, happy and sad.  Some you help become healthy and then find them a new home.   Some you hold close when it's time to let go.   Sometimes, they are old, sometimes young.  It's always changing.   Rescue-- it's the easiest, hardest, most heart touching "job" I've ever done.  I look back at those who have been helped.   And it's worth it.  💜