I recently watched the most amazing animal rescue story play out on Facebook and wanted to make sure it got told.
We often find ourselves on Facebook – just getting angrier and angrier.
There are the stupid things people fight over.
The families arguing because of politics.
Friends unfriending friends because of mismatched beliefs.
But the worst offender for me is people and animals.
The animal abuse, torture, dumping – it all gets to be too much and can understandably make anyone angry.
Then there are the “so-called” animal advocates who jump to conclusions and instead of helping pet owners will often bash those who need to re-home their pets without even knowing the reasons.
Some pet owners have to make this heart wrenching decision to do it for financial reasons, health reasons or even domestic abuse reasons. But most people these days seem to judge before knowing the whole story.
As a community of animal lovers, we need to change this pattern!
We need to change the dynamic of how we address rehoming requests so that we understand the pet owners needs.
That is exactly what happened with this story.
One simple question to the pet owner changed the outcome for 2 dogs – and you can do this too!
This story was such a great reminder that there is still so much good left in the world. That people inherently care – not only about each other, but animals.
I wanted to share this story, so you can get the same positive feels I did and maybe, just maybe if you share it – one person may change how they react to the next rehoming post they see.
Let’s finally be a community of “changemakers” for animals and make a difference – all without judgement.
The Animal Rescue Story
Earlier in April of 2021 there was an urgent SOS and plea to rehome 2 pittie mixes.
One was 4 years old, the other just 9 months. Neither dog was neutered, but were said to be good with kids, strangers and other dogs. The reason they needed a new home was because they were left home for 10+ hours a day and the owner said she could no longer provide for them.
I am sure among the rescue community there was a collective sigh of frustration about 2 more dogs needing a home.
And I get it because it seems like a never ending battle for rescues and shelters to keep those cages empty.
But something magical happened on this day.
The animal rescue community – after putting those sighs aside, came together to do something amazing. They worked together to keep these babies with the mom who really loved them.
She was afraid and was not aware there was help out there and felt this was her only choice. But she learned differently, very quickly.
Comments started coming in with various tags to different rescues, people noted about pet food pantries and other opportunities to help the owner.
Then Donna Rasulo, the President of Rescue Haven Foundation left this comment – and everything changed.
UPDATE! OWNER RECEPTIVE TO HELP! CAN WE HELP HER KEEP HER DOGS?
CURRENT NEEDS
DOG FOOD
PLEASE MESSAGE ME IF ANYONE CAN HELP LOCATED IN GARFIELD
Once that comment was made it set off a roller coaster of beautiful emotions and offers. Below are some of the many things offered to help these kids stay in their home.
- The neuter and vaccinations were covered through the Pit Stop Program by RBARI
- A wishlist was started on Amazon and many people supported this wishlist to send goodies for the babies
- Several people offered to donate good locally
- Theresa S. offered discounted daily walks ($15 a day) to get them outside during those long days and to help them learn to walk on a leash. Venmo payments were being accepted to help pay her for her time.
This is what the animal community SHOULD BE – ALL THE TIME. Us, working together to help people. Not judge, not assume – but to understand and help.
I know this post is useless without pictures – so here you go! Meet the gorgeous Tay and Lil Sugg!
Beautiful right?
These 2 babies are safe and loved and have a home because of everyday people doing extraordinary things.
We can do this every day.
People do not know there are options. They do not know they can get help. They are stressed, anxious and feel hopeless.
It is our job as animal advocates to HELP them understand and find the resources they need to keep the pets they love.
This is a perfect example of what the animal community should be. Whether we like each other – or not. Whether we agree – or disagree.
Keeping pets in their homes should be one of our top priorities. So let’s all commit to making that happen!
A special shout out to Donna – and all the supporters for helping Tay, Lil Sugg and their mom stay together and be happy and healthy.
Below is the original Facebook post if you want to take a deeper look!
Have Another Example Of Some Facebook Goodness?
If you know a story that transpired on Facebook that resulted in an amazing outcome for some pets, please let me know! I would love to share more of these types of community coming together stories to inspire more positive outcomes!
