The impact of local rescue groups on the homeless animal population is enormous! Whether a group concentrates on a certain breed or any breed needing help, these grass root organizations somehow manage to save an incredible number of dogs. From fostering in their own homes, to attending adoption fairs and fund raisers, these selfless  rescue volunteers work with homeless dogs to reverse the harm caused by abuse, neglect, and human ignorance. It is often a thankless job, wrought with frustration directed at one's own species. As someone who's been there I have seen first hand the sacrifice and rewards of the rescue business.

 

It happens all too frequently, a rescue dog is adopted, the family certain that he is the dog for them.  They sign an agreement to care for him for the rest of his life, and take him home. Three days later they don't want him anymore. These occurrences are some of the most heart wrenching in rescue work. The volunteers realize all too well that every home a dog enters, just to be rejected yet again, adds to the dog's insecurity and anxiety. Still, finding a suitable home for every dog in need is the goal, and a certain amount of trust in people is the only way to accomplish that goal.

The Heart of Rescue

All volunteers have those few foster dogs that they will never forget. I have two that fall into this category.

Shae Lynn, was a very sweet collie shepherd mix that left my foster and adopted into what seemed, a great family. We later found out that Shae was tied in a backyard that we had promised would be fenced, and  she was not exercised nearly enough. I worried about her day and night and was ready to confront the family, when she was suddenly given up because they were moving. She was subsequently placed in a loving home in Green Mountain Falls. When the previous family came back and told us their moving plans had changed and they wanted the dog back, we had the pleasure of telling them she had been already placed with a loving family elsewhere. A high-five moment!

Then there was Keno, a beautiful Norwegian Elkhound that was found as a stray. I fostered him for about 2 days before I realized he was ill.  Keno was diagnosed with a  canine virus that was never identified with any certainty. He was medicated, and I administered subcutaneous fluids for weeks, but he kept getting worse. The day I knew I would lose him was one of the saddest in my life. My vet gave him an injection to allow him a peaceful death, took off his collar and placed it in my hands. The collar remains with me to this day, in a special place in my home, a final reminder of Keno and the care and safety every dog deserves, but some never receive.

As a continuance of my love of canine rescue,

Lucky Dog works with several local groups, fostering homeless dogs free of charge, until loving homes can be found. Our trainer Angie Neal and her apprentice group, train and exercise the dogs in her classes. A trained dog is more likely to find and good home and to stay there. Every single act of kindness can begin to counteract years of abuse and neglect.