The Border Collie Chronicles Observations from (arguably) the World's Smartest Dogs; (but, without question, the bestest friends!) or, Life As We Understand It, as told from dad's shop. |
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Posted April 26, 2018 |
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Better Than A Shelter … By Merritt
Overstaters … yeah, we all know a few. Typically we don’t
like them, or at a minimum, find them annoying or pompous … they’re
usually just braggadocios! Yeah … they’re typically the
drama queens around the place - just screaming for attention (generally
directed toward them!)
Well, here’s my tale …
Animal Shelters versus Animal Rescues … Are you
wanting to find a new furry family member but are on the fence about
whether to adopt from an animal shelter or an animal rescue? Just read
on below to find out the difference and similarities, of animal rescues
and animal shelters.
Shelters generally take in all sorts of animals and are almost
always full. Because a big number of animal shelters take in all sorts
of animals, they can have a problem keeping all of them and this often
ends with the shelter having to euthanize animals rather than set them
loose to fend on their own. Of course people who run or work in
shelters do not want this to happen and some have no-kill policies in
place but sometimes, letting the animal be put to sleep may be the best
option for the homeless animal. This is the reason why shelter animals
are typically seen as having their days numbered because in many
instances, that can really be true.
An animal rescue is usually a private
organization or a private endeavor which takes in certain animals
(mostly pet animals or companion animal only) from abusive homes or
homeless situations. What an animal rescue does is to provide the
animal a temporary home through a network of animal foster parents who
agree to host the animal until it is adopted. This is can be for the
duration of rehabilitation if the animal has health or behavior
problems, or for the duration of treatment if the animal is ill or in
need of veterinary help.
An animal rescue can also be focused on only one or two types of
animals. Some are breed and age specific which is a good thing because
this means that the people who are fostering the animals really have a
passion for the specific breed or age of animal the rescue is focused
on. Generally speaking, animal rescues run on pure donation and
goodwill of animal lovers. It is very rare for an animal rescue to
receive any help or funding from the government.
Oftentimes people tend to choose a rescue or shelter out of simply
liking one over the other or because one’s process is easier. What
pet parents have to know is while it is important to do a bit of
background checking on the animal shelter or animal rescue that they
have in mind, what is more important is to get to know the process of
adoption each facility or organization follows. There is
no real answer regarding which is better to adopt from. It
all boils down to who are the people running the shelter or rescue and
how much they care for the animals. Some animal shelters
have partnerships with local rescue groups to ensure that animals who
may not have a chance of surviving in the shelter or have special needs
will still have a chance to be adopted[i]. Now,
I’m not judging or slamming here, but I expect that a main difference
between shelters and rescues is probably like the difference between the
Motel 6 and Ritz Carlton … both do serve an important purpose though
(but, ol’ Tom Bodett says that he will even leave the light on for
you!).
In any event … as you know, I was in pretty bad shape when I was taken
from a shelter by a rescue group (that’s be good ol’ GiGi and the good
ol’ ABCR)
and then dad saw me on the www and talked mom-D into adopting me. Yeah,
they decided to take a chance on little ol’ three legged me! I
will always keep in mind that I could have stayed in a shelter, a rescue
… or way worse!!!
A shelter (and even a long term rescue) wasn’t my fate though! You
see, it was only a short while after my “leg work” when I was adopted
(just like dad and my two younger sisters were!!!)!!! Me
and my new people hit it off real swell right from the start and I have
a wonderful place where I can just be me! I have three
FABULOUS sisters and one brother (who is a complete angel … well, bless
ol’ Bubba’s heart). Dad says that he really enjoys seeing
me run (and swim) all over the place and working my way up to that
coveted Matriarch position around this place.
The idea for this article came about a few months ago, we were all
hanging out in the shop with some Waylon playing on the stereo and the
heater on, with some food in our bellies and dad had a refreshing adult
beverage with him when he looked at me, winked, and said, “Better than a
shelter, ain’t it!” (I coulda sworn that I saw a crooked
smile, kinda like ol’ Waylon would’ve had, when he said it!).
Shelter or Rescue … it don’t really matter folks – just do something to
save your newest bestest friend!
Well, an overstater I ain’t … I’m a “try to ‘splain it the way it is”
kinda girl! In fact, I have even been criticized of
understating things in an attempt not to overstate them!
Love and Joy to ALL!
Merritt
PS – If you’re not in the “market” for a newest bestest friend – maybe
you can volunteer at a shelter, or rescue! Too busy, you
can always support a shelter or rescue with some dinero! The
All Border Collie Rescue website lists several ways that you can support
them (mom and dad do … even dad’s work does!) |
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Some "stuff" to think on ... |
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Silent gratitude isn’t
very much to anyone.
Gertrude Stein
Act as if what you do
makes a difference. It does.
William James
All animals except man know that the ultimate of life is to enjoy it.
Samuel Butler
The true meaning of life
is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.
Nelson Henderson
Happiness? I've
tried the two-legged ones, and the four-legged ones win.
Lauren Bacall
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