Saturday, April 2, 2011

transports....

I got to thinking about this while I was driving this morning. I had dinner with my Dad last night (we go out for Greek when Mom is out of town). He asked what I was up to this weekend and I said a transport this morning (just got back) and then laundry and basketball. He asked if I got gas money for doing the transports - no, but my mileage is tax deductable.

Now, let me say this...my Dad was reluctant when I said over 8 years ado that I was going to volunteer at the local humane society. But, he has since seen that I enjoy this (despite the frustrations sometimes) and supports me. We actually got talking when we were in Disney in February about how people spend their money (I think there was a motorcycle show we passed). I said it was really no different than his buying wood working tools or me spending my money on rescue. Though I did say that I see people spending tens of thousands on luxury stuff and all I can think about if how many lives I could save with that money. However, he had to agree - do what you love.

Which also got me thinking about an ad I saw a couple of weeks ago for the season finale of Pit Boss on Animal Planet. Now, I don't watch, but the ad was interesting as it showed Shorty Rossi experiencing a serious case of burn out. I didn't see the results, but haven't we all been there???

Which brings me back to my conversation with my father and his question about why I do the transports.

And really, it is kind of simple. I know I can't save every animal. As much as I try not to dwell on it, it does bother me sometimes - and I am very lucky in that I have a group of friends and we support each other as we all experience the same feelings. As my friend Kelly said, we are all just lucky we don't breakdown all at the same time. :) However, I have developed a theory. While I may not be able to save EVERY animal, I can do my part. So, like this morning....I could help THAT animal in THAT moment to move toward a new life. And sometimes that should be the point.

And when I get overwhelmed, I think about those animals I did help to save in THAT moment when they needed it...Stanley, Aida and her kittens, Bug, Douglas, Junior and many more..... And those dogs that I transport as well....
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I posted this and then went out to read some other blogs I follow. I discovered that Shell has passed away. Which made the post all the more potent for me. Mary Anne took in this little cat with so many medical issues - and those on the CB followed along and loved Shell and tried to help with her bills. And now she is gone. But, she is one of those stories....we know we can't save them all, but for THAT one cat in THAT one moment, she was safe and loved and protected....which is more than she had before she was rescued.

And then visit Sam, Andy and Shelly for your positive thought of the day.

And then I read this post on House of Carnivores and got all choked up again.  :)

6 comments:

  1. Mommy went outside and spoke to the weather. We'll see if you get those 15 degrees!

    It is important to do what you love. Every moment of kindness is the reason for being.

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  2. I live in Brazil. Here society is far behind the developed countries and, when it comes to animal welfare is worse. I redeem cats, take care of them and donate to special homes where they will have chance to have a decent life and love.
    And it's hard to accept that the people who we love could not understand what we do. And what most people spend on frivolous things instead of helping the poor abandoned animals.
    Anyway, it's like that anywhere. I sympathize with you.
    ...
    I was saddened by the departure of Shell. But I know he had a chance to know love. And that is what it is!
    Hugs.
    Marilia

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  3. You are truly amazing!! You are doing what you love and are helping so many animals too. I read about Shelly this morning and am so so so sad but glad that her last days were at least lived surrounded by love. Take care
    x

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  4. Shelly is gone? Poor blessed sweet baby girl. Oh that hurts but as one of the commenters said, she was surrounded by love.

    My eyes are leaking rally bad.

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  5. We are impressed that you do what you do to save the animals. Our mom wishes she could do more stuff like that.

    And we are so sad about Shell. Her story touch so many of us. At least she knew what love was before she left us.

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  6. What you do is so important.
    THANK YOU for being there for those who are defenseless and need a voice.
    We work one day a week adopting out cats with a rescue group -- it's a small sacrifice -- but anything is worth helping connect new families.

    >^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^<
    Abby Ping Jinx Boo Gracie
    purrin
    xoxox
    ~ManxMnews

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