Rescuing

A Tribute to Abandoned Dogs
I Found Your Dog Today. . . .by Bonnie L. Jennings

No, he has not been adopted by anyone. Most of us who live out here own as many dogs as we want, those who do not own dogs do so because they choose not to. I know you hoped he would find a good home when you left him out here, but he did not.
When I first saw him, he was miles from the nearest house and he was alone, thirsty, thin and limping from a burr in his paw. How I wish I could have been you as I stood before him. To see his tail wag and his eyes brighten as he bounded into your arms, knowing you would find him, knowing you had not forgotten him.
To see the forgiveness in his eyes for the suffering and pain he had known in his never-ending quest to find you… but I was not you. And despite all my persuasion, his eyes see a stranger. He did not trust. He would not come. He turned and continued his journey; one he was sure would bring him to you.
He does not understand you are not looking for him. He only knows you are not there, he only knows he must find you.
This is more important than food or water or the stranger who can give him these things.
Persuasion and pursuit seemed futile; I did not even know his name. I drove home, filled a bucket with water and a bowl with food and returned to where we had met. I could see no sign of him, but I left my offering under the tree where he had sought shelter from the sun and a chance to rest.
You see, he is not of the desert. When you domesticated him, you took away any instinct of survival out here. His purpose demands that he travel during the day. He doesn’t know that the sun and heat will claim his life. He only knows that he has to find you.
I waited, hoping he would return to the tree; hoping my gift would build an element of trust so I might bring him home, remove the burr from his paw, give him a cool place to lie and help him understand that the part of his life with you is now over.
He did not return that morning and at dusk the water and food were still there, untouched. And I worried.
You must understand that many people would not attempt to help your dog. Some would run him off, others would call the county and the fate you thought you saved him from would be pre-empted by his suffering for days without food or water. I returned again before dark. I did not see him. I went again early the next morning only to find the food and water still untouched. If only you were here to call his name. Your voice is so familiar to him.
I began pursuit in the direction he had taken yesterday, doubt overshadowing my hope of finding him. His search for you was desperate, it could take him many miles in 24 hours. It is hours later and a good distance from where we first met, but I have found your dog.
His thirst has stopped, it is no longer a torment to him. His hunger has disappeared, he no longer aches. The burrs in his paws bother him no more. Your dog has been set free from his burdens, you see, your dog has died.
I kneel next to him and I curse you for not being here yesterday so I could see the glow, if just for a moment, in those now vacant eyes. I pray that his journey has taken him to that place I think you hoped he would find.
If only you knew what he went through to reach it… and I agonize, for I know, that were he to awaken at this moment, and (if) I were to be you, his eyes would sparkle with recognition and his tail would wag with forgiveness.

I promise I will take unwanted animals.
I will heal their wounds, their diseases, their broken bones.
I will give them the medical attention they need and deserve.
I will nurture their starvation and give them a warm place to sleep.
I will spay and neuter them, vaccinate them against the diseases
      that can harm them.
I will treat them and honor them.
I will buy them toys, blankets, balls, and teach them to play.
I will speak softly to them.
I will try to teach them not to fear, not to cry, and not to hate.
I will whisper sweet, kind, gentle words into their ears, while gently
      trying to stroke their fear, their pain, and their scars away.
I will face their emotional scars and give them time to
      overcome them.
I will socialize them, potty train them, teach them to be obedient,
      show them dignity, and hold their paw and stroke their ears
      if they have endured too much and walk them over the
      Rainbow Bridge,
BUT most of all I will teach them LOVE.

I am an Animal Rescuer
Author Unknown

My job is to assist God's creatures.

I was born with the need to fulfill their needs.

I take in new family members without plan, thought or selection.

I havebought dog or cat food with my last dime.

I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand.

I have hugged someone vicious and afraid.

I have fallen in love a thousand times and

I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body.

I have Animal Friends and friends who have animal friends.
I don't often use the word "pet."
I notice those lost at the road side and my heart aches.
I will hand raise a field mouse and make friends with a vulture.
I know of no creature unworthy of my time.
I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven, but I believe there are.
Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind?

We may be master of the animals,

but the animals have mastered themselves...
Something people still haven't learned.
War and Abuse makes me hurt for the world,

but a rescue that makes the news...
That gives me hope for mankind.

We are a quiet but determined army,
and making a difference every day.
There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan,
nothing more rewarding than saving a life;
No higher recognition than watching them thrive.
There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play
who only days ago was too weak to eat.

I am an Animal Rescuer
My work is never done.
My home is never quiet.
My wallet is always empty.
But, my heart is always full.

In the game of life, I have already won.