Thursday, November 4, 2010

Things are not always as they seem

I am going to try to stay positive, although I've had a few disappointments lately in the rescue world.  My Pollyanna view has been somewhat dimmed by some nasty quibbling that resulted after some of the rescues (not present) questioned the motives, tactics and results of the auction/rescue.  Accusations and back seat quarterbacking comments flew on my auction rescue group and it became very upsetting, unfair and mean-spirited.  I'm told the rescue world, which is made up of mostly women (no surprise), is also full of "alpha bitches" who are not afraid to give an opinion, even when not asked.

Yesterday, I found a post from someone who claimed to have 2 shiba inu's, 6 puppies, a shih tzu and 3 poodle mixes that were surrendered by an Amish farmer in SW Wisconsin.  I cross-posted and quickly heard from a few people who were interested in helping.  One person in the Milwaukee area even went so far as to find a foster home for the momma and pups.  We found out the dogs were still available but the person who originally made the post suddenly stopped answering our emails.  Now we are left wondering "What the hell just happened?"
I heard from the poster of the original message.  The dogs are still with the Amish farmer who is surrendering them and several potential fosters have come forward for the momma and pups.  The other dogs are still available for foster or rehoming.  See my page Wisconsin Dogs Need Help

Yesterday, after the passage of Prop B in MO, the breeder release group posted a number of voluntary releases available to rescues.  They seem to be responding to the call.  However, at the same time, an independent rescue in Nebraska had all her dogs confiscated by the area Humane Society after a report she was running a substandard facility that was covered in urine and feces.  They took somewhere between 50-100 dogs from her (depending on whose story you believe).  The rescues who know this woman claim she is a saint and she says she has been set up.  I'll continue to monitor that situation too.

One thing I am quickly learning...The rescue world, just like any organized effort, is filled with animosity and acrimony.  Everyone thinks they do it best.  Independent rescues do not believe in the tactics of the Humane Society, PETA or the ASPCA, for varying reasons, some I have yet to understand.  Everyone wants a favorable outcome for the dogs, but hardly anyone agrees about how that should be achieved.  It's a wonder these poor creatures survive in man's world at all.

I am bewildered and disappointed, but this appears to be the reality of the rescue world.  Still, I choose to keep my eye on the stories that inspire and amaze.  I refuse to let my respect and admiration be tempered by a vocal few and will continue to report the stories that uplift from the heroes I discover.

Please forgive me for my negative post today, but it's my blog, and I gotta "calls it as I sees it."

4 comments:

  1. Very well said Sara and don't you dare let the negative "ninnies" run you off. It is very unfortunate the 1 negative comment makes a far greater noise and is repeated far more then all of the positive ones. What do they say about squeaky wheels???? All you can do is focus on the souls that need us so badly and do everything you can for the ones that God plants in your lap. That is what I have tried to do for many years and I will NOT let the "alpha bitches" stop the destiny that He had in store for me.

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  2. Again, well said. Unfortunately working together for the same ultimate goal isn't everyone's thought process, so the rest of us pull together and do what we can. Thank you for sharing the auction story. I've met Carolyn on occasion and bless her heart, she's a strong woman. Keep up the great work, everyone!

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  3. Very nicely put Sara... you need to share the bad with the good. In my personal opinion, for the most part the rescues all work well together. There are only a handful out there... so of which we "ran into" at the auction that feel THEY are the only ones doing things right. Reality is, we all make mistakes, we all live and learn and we all take cues from those we hold in this circle in great respect. Those of us who truely want to do the best we can for any animal who crosses our doorstep find ways to bend and improve while there are others who just want the notariaty and the acknowlegements. I would rather remain unnoticed and know that I did something wonderful for a dog then to stand out in front seeking my praise and know that I have stood by and done very little. I find that most of my true rescue friends are the unsung hero's... I love you guys... Cheri, Joyce, Christine, Melissa, Susan, Sara... the list goes on and on... all of the people who quietly step up to accept a damaged lil one in their rescue and all of our wonderful drivers who get in their cars and offer their time, their gas, end up covered in poo or vomit, seats chewed up etc all to help one of these babies get an hour or so closer to a wonderful life... those are the true heroes in my book and I love you all.

    Please don't let a few bad apples, taint your views Sara... but please continue to write all you see and hear, maybe it will educate some who need a little eye opener..

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  4. We had the same struggle here in Iowa. I wrote a passionate blog about our need to work together in animal rescue despite our differences... http://vetrescue.blogspot.com/2010/01/put-down-your-guns-and-lets-come-out.html

    Congrats on the new bill. Don't focus on the reason people didn't vote for it. Just thank goodness it passed, and it WILL make a difference.

    www.vetrescue.blogspot.com

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