Be Their Voice!

Hi Everyone!

I've bounced around to a lot of different career ideas but this remains to continuously be apart of my life. This year I have joined a wonderful rescue group. I found myself fitting in right away with their beliefs and motives. In the picture is a dog that touched my heart in a way I never felt before. Her name is Rachel ( on the right). On the left is her brother Ross. Before she came to us, she lived as a stray with her brother. She fiercely protected him as he was very sick. 

A lot of time, pairs are split up. In this case Ross was adopted before she was, and it really turned her world upside down. I watched her struggle with living this new life, alone without her brother. Seeing her struggle, I tried hard to help her find some comfort in our facility. We gave her the most comfy blankets, food with warm turkey and rice, walks outside. As manager, I find myself spending almost everyday of the week at the hut ( what we call our shelter). I started to grow very fond of her. In the beginning she didn't trust anyone, never let anyone get too close. She acted tough, even though I knew she was scared inside. We formed a bond quickly as she soon realized I was the ' food person'.  Eventually she was constantly at my side. She struggled going on walks with unfamiliar people, but with me, I could tell I gave her confidence. We walked all over the neighborhood. When she started to get nervous, I would calmly talk to her about whatever was on my mind. It seemed to bring her back from her anxiety. I loved seeing her wiggly tush every time I entered kennel area. She was my girl. She was incredibly smart and we had great communication. She did not trust men in particular. Whenever she would bark and act like a tough guy, I would tell her No Rachel, he is a friend. She would quit barking but I could tell by her face she was almost saying " Okay fine...but I got my eye on him!".

Even though I loved having her with me at the hut, I knew in my heart, she needed to be in a home. Someone was out there waiting for her.

 I got notified she had a meet and greet with a young lady living alone looking for a companion. With all the work we did together, meeting new people, learning to trust humans, I knew this was her chance. Of course, the woman fell in love right away. The next day she was on her way to foster to adopt. I knew that meant we had to separate ways. I actually did cry on the car ride home, because I was going to miss her so much. I had joked before with family and friends that I was not going to get attached... Obviously that failed. 

As I talked with family about how I was feeling, I realized, that this is what this line of work is all about. She needed that love that I, and all the other people from FTF gave her to get to where she is. Without it, she might have not done well at the meet and greet. So you see, this is why I will continue to love every dog that comes into my care, as well as connect to them on a deeper level. Even if it means I will be sad when we part, but its a happy sad, and this is how it should be! 

 In the end, if you love someone, or something, you must set them free. So I did. I set Rachel free.

I wanted to share this personal story to tell you why I love working for fetching tails. Without them and the donations we receive from the community, we  would not have been able to take in as many dogs as we do! Rachel's brother has heart-worm, and the medical bills our very costly. We get calls everyday asking us if we can take just one more dog. Hundreds, thousands of dogs are homeless, neglected, abused every year. The dogs we rescue are the ones that nobody wants. Except for us, we want them! We will give them a warm meal and love they have never experienced before. Help us continue to do that. I know this is a difficult time to be asking for donations so I ask for the maximum of a $10.00 donation. The job of rescuing dogs will never end, and we will never stop trying. 

P.S Rachel is doing wonderful in her new home. I am so proud of how far she has come!

Sincerely,

Ali