Animal rescue is my vocation. It can be frustrating, painful, depressing, and exhausting, but it's also incredibly rewarding. It's even addictive. I thought long and hard about why I spend so much time and energy on something that so often leaves me feeling wrung out and beaten down, and I realized that just as often, it makes me high. When you save an animal whose life was in danger, an innocent animal that would have died without your help, you get an amazing rush. It's also a pleasure to nurture these frightened, sick, abandoned creatures; the energy I put into them is returned with love and gratitude. And if I look even deeper, I realize that I find satisfaction in being of service in the world. It wasn't enough for me to just work, make money, buy things, pursue personal happiness. I wanted to make a difference in the world, make it a better place. Animal rescue satisfies my soul.
I'm writing this blog because I want more people to know about the world of animal rescue, and why it's so desperately needed. Just a few years ago, I knew there was a pet overpopulation problem, but I didn't want to know the details; it was too depressing. I refused to go into the local Humane Society or the county pound. I didn't want to think about the tens of thousands of cats and dogs that are euthanized in my county every year, the millions euthanized nationwide. I didn't want to hear about the neglect and abuse that so many of these animals suffer before their untimely deaths. But that's because I felt helpless. I didn't know how I could help, and frankly, I didn't want to spend the time and energy it took to find out how to help.
Be courageous. Be responsible. Face the truth. Make the time. Make a difference. Love is a verb: if you love animals, do something about it. Be an animal advocate!
