by: Linda York
My husband will be delighted when he reads this; he had a plan for retirement then back to work he went to support Pet Pals. We have missed funerals, weddings and graduations galore. Pets don't feed, medicate and do their laundry! A dog peeing in a tool box does not make a happy man!
We're shutting down! We spend hours and hours figuring out computer programs to keep the IRS at bay, keep you informed and post pets on web sites so we may find them good homes. I spend hours and hours emailing about pets. Many times there are 900 messages when I start...and at 2 A.M., when I finally shut down the computer, there are still 900 emails to be answered. Oh my, I haven't the time left to email my friends. I used to enjoy sewing and stained glass, but now my enjoyment is tucked far away.
We're shutting down! Our bills are never ending. In the last ten years, we could have done so many things with the funds spent on animals that were not ours. We used to go camping, fishing and just enjoy life. Simply going out to dinner or a movie has been a thing of the past. Now our money goes to the pets. Can't remember the last time I watched a TV show without an interruption. My head hurts, I feel another cold coming on, no doubt running dogs outside to pee in the rain or cold has taken its toll. My back hurts, lifting tons of food, supplies and carrying water buckets has left me feeling old.
We're shutting down! Our phone rings nonstop from sun up till long after sundown -- can you take another pet? I save one dog, and two or three more take its place.... This one's a stray and going to be shot...This one was chasing sheep. It's a herding breed for crying out loud. Ever hear of a fence? .... This one killed chickens. Again, ever hear of a fence? ... This kitty is in a kill facility and will most likely die, can you help? ...This person is moving. I ask you, fellow pet pals-What town, What city, What state doesn't allow you to own a pet?
We're shutting down! Our homeowners insurance was canceled for no rhyme or reason which wasn't our fault. We now have great insurance, but pay the price we must. Another washer went belly up. Sand, no doubt, from all the bedding made its gears grind to a halt. Our carpet is long gone and even the tiles have been scrubbed nearly bare and it looks like a poorly mixed malt!
We're shutting down! Someone is at our door, this time it's dark and Thanksgiving eve. "You have to take this dog." The owner then later runs for public office. My vote for her will be a nay! ... Someone is at our gate. I'm busy medicating dogs that had surgeries the day before. Can people not read, "By Appointment Only"? People can be SO rude! ... Someone is at our gate, this time with another poor little soul with sad scared eyes. "You're the only one that can save him. You have a reputation for taking in the aggressive ones. A pound will surely kill him." Obviously abused on a chain, the boy is in a bad mood and just wants left alone. People can be SO crude. If I don't say he can stay, I'll have nightmares for days...
We're shutting down! I just got off the phone. "Can I adopt your Mastiff? We want to adopt a male to breed to our female." I explain that rescues NEUTER! I usually end up sobbing, as I explain about the numbers of animals dying in shelters with over 8,000 in just our area, and I describe the condition many of these animals are found in. I doubt if they really heard me. A mouse, a cat, some people shouldn't even own a rat!
We're shutting down! The rumors are laughable. With well over a thousand pets through our doors, do you really think I need to steal yours? And when would I have time? ... When we spay kittens, do you really think their uterus grows back when they're adults like the vet told you? I'm sure he's laughing his head off at you .... Some false rumors state our dogs are kept in crates 24/7. What do you see playing in our yards and in our home and why are they happily wagging their tails? ... Yes, we have declined many people from adopting. Still no fence and five of their pets already run over. Pets not spayed or neutered while others were just given away... Our pets deserve GREAT homes. Rumors laughable and scary, the ones bad mouthing us have been animal abusers, child molesters and felons, oh my! ... My only fault, I have trusted the wrong people--- had faith in people and had my heart broken while trying to help...
We're shutting down! BUT THEN... Toast, a little dog who was almost toast, scratches to lay on my lap, he comforts me with gentle kisses so relaxed sometimes he farts! ... The thought of those like him being killed breaks my heart.
We're shutting down! BUT THEN... One of those 900 emails is from a supporter and adopter. They are thanking me for saving lives. They include a picture of their furry family member saying how grateful they are for me saving her life.
We're shutting down! BUT THEN... One of my adopted dogs has come back for a visit. It warms my heart to see him so happy. He was one that almost died and nights were spent nursing him back to health. Yes, it was worth it to see him so happy. I cannot change the world but for those I do save, I have indeed changed their world.
We're shutting down! BUT THEN... In the mail is a check to help save lives. A box arrives from a supporter full of lots of toys, a box arrives from a supporter who is bedridden with disease, yet she sends a special gift just for ME! Another supporter sends me a house plant. The UPS truck pulls up again, this time with soap and plastic bags donated from more awesome supporters...
We're shutting down! BUT THEN... The phone rings and it's from a gal in Texas just wanting to know how I'm doing. "Haven't heard from you in a while---you OK? You know I think of you often..." I have friends I have never seen, but we share tears, joys and everything in-between. I am so blessed with friends I call My Family. My family forwards me an e-mail just to make me smile. My Family goes above and beyond to help me save a life. My Family gives me strength to continue saving lives. I've been frowned upon and told bullets are cheaper. My jeans and shoes often have holes. My Friends understand.
We're shutting down! BUT I won't. When I feel overwhelmed, I'll say a prayer and stroke a fur kid's head. I'll read an e-mail from My Family. I'll cry with them, I'll laugh with them---and they will help me find the strength to go on.
We're shutting down! But not today. There's another email, another phone call... A pet needing saved and I have the strength from My Family, THANK YOU!
