What's Behind Rescuers That People Don't See

Just because we rescue animals doesn't mean we sit by the phone waiting for it to ring so that we can jump up and save the next dog or cat in need.

Just because we rescue animals doesn't mean that we have more time and money than the next person.

Just because we rescue animals doesn't mean that we can perform miracles and turn that horribly aggressive or horribly abused dog around into beautiful family dogs like they were born to be.
Sometimes we can't save the dog and the outcome isn't the outcome we all dream about.
What people don't see about animal rescuers is:
A house that needs cleaned
Laundry that needs done
Bills that need to be paid
A full time job that is extremely demanding
Errands that have to be run
Our own animals that take the back seat to all the animals in need
Our family who takes a back seat to all the animals in need
Health issues, either ours or a member of our family
Financial struggles
Cars that need oil changes, new tires, etc.
Dentist appointments
Doctor appointments
The lawn that needs mowed
The friend's wedding we are in
The baby shower we're planning
The close family member or friend who has passed away

We are JUST LIKE YOU!!! The only difference is we have an overwhelming calling that we can't ignore to help those who can't help themselves. So when someone calls and says "COME AND GET THIS DOG NOW," that means we are leaving our significant other sitting alone in a restaurant with a 1/2 eaten meal in the empty seat next to them while we rush to help whatever animal needs us next.

That means we have to NOT piss off our paying job by finding someone to help while we are at work and then RUSH out of work right at 5pm to step in. It means that we don't get our laundry done, we don't get our house as clean as we want it, we don't eat dinner until 10pm at night and we go to work tired the next day. All because we have to COME RIGHT NOW!

And to top it all off WE ARE NOT PAID ONE DIME! NOT ONE CENT! And, in the long run we usually lose more money than some people make in a year!

So the next time you are angry because a rescue person can't help, or needs help, or the outcome of an animal that you donated money to doesn't come out with a fairytale ending that you hoped for stop and think COULD YOU DO WHAT WE DO?

COULD YOU SACRIFICE EVERYTHING WE SACRIFICE?
I've heard people complain, "Oh, that poor dog shouldn't be in a kennel for 8 hours a day while the foster is at work or that dog shouldn't be in a foster home for so long; it should already be in a forever home". Think of it this way. Someone sacrificed A LOT so that "poor" animal could be there, alive! And NO it isn't perfect, but it is temporary and necessary.
The alternative is certain death....Which do you think the dog would prefer?

(Adapted from an Animal Anarchy Rescue's FB post)

Why Crate Training is NOT Cruel

Crate training is in our opinion one of the best things you can do for your dog and your peace of mind. It gives them and you a safe option if there is stress or too much activity in your household. Start early and at bedtime every night. They will thank you for it and so will your bed partner!

"For thousands of years dogs have sought out small, enclosed spaces for shelter and security. These dens have functioned as dog safehouses for the newborn and ailing, as well as resting places for the weary.

With the den boasting so many advantages, why do we humans debate the idea of putting a dog in one? Whatever the reasons, our dogs—if they could—would surely beg for a crate of their own. If you’re one of those people who are still on the fence about whether or not to crate your dog, here’s what you should know.

For the young dog
For puppies, the crate functions as a sort of babysitter when you can’t be there to monitor unsafe or undesirable behavior.

For the traveling dog
For the dog who travels often with his family, the crate can be a constant and familiar haven, from car to weekend retreat—a place to feel secure when the world around him changes.

For the insecure dog
Because dogs feel responsible for their own territory, the insecure dog should have less space to protect, not more. A crate (rather than the whole house) means less territory to patrol, making it easier for the insecure dog to settle down and relax.

For the rescued dog
To the rehomed dog, a crate is sometimes the only consistent environment he has ever had. A crate gives this dog time to safely adjust to new surroundings, as well as the luxury of not having to fight for his own space in new territory. It can ease the transition from one family to another."

From: http://www.woofipedia.com/articles/why-crating-not-cruel

HOWEVER, a crate will NOT teach a puppy to "hold it." Puppies' bladders aren't fully developed until they are 4 to 6 months old, so trying to force them to learn something that they are incapable of learning can backfire. Crate training for long periods of time can cause separation anxiety, depression, and/or hyperactivity.

So, we recommend using a crate or kennel with a new dog for at least the first few weeks until they get comfortable with their new home and slowly allowing them to be out of the crate for longer periods of time. Some dogs will prefer the crate to being left out and some will prefer to be left out in the house. If you have a new puppy, we recommend a puppy play pen or gating off a puppy in a room with easy to clean floors, since puppies are incapable of holding their bladders for too long.