It's a good thing that I don't try to make my living by blogging! Clearly, I'd be broke. I can offer a long list of excuses as to why I haven't written in well over a month. I'm an excuse master... just ask any of my old teachers. Here goes. I'm too tired, It's been our busiest season yet at work (yay!), our laptop died preventing me from writing at home, I'v been sick a lot (all true, by the way). I'm back now with a new computer and planning to be more consistant again.
Although we had a couple of quick visitors since Xavier left, we haven't officially taken in another dog. All of those reasons for not blogging...ditto for not taking a dog. If a dog comes in to our home, I need to be able to give him the time and energy he needs to ready him for his future. I know that I couldn't have done that this past month. Had an emergency come up, I'm sure I'd have figured something out, but learning when to say "no" is an important part of staying sane in the rescue world.
But, we haven't been completely without doggy action. Here are five things that have happened since my last post that I probably would have blogged about if I weren't a neglectful writer:
1) Jonathon found two dogs along side a rural road while out working. We exercised every resource in finding their homes, but with no success. No surprise, given the area. They were a Toy Poodle and a Pomeranian of all things! Not exactly what we were used to. They stayed with us for a while and we were able to find them both great new homes. I was reminded of two things by these pups. First, tiny little lap dogs are much easier to re home than the big dogs and second, I am still a big dog girl. Oh, my god that yapping!
2) Dixie's foot was impaled by something. She had a hole clear through. It was pretty gross. We think she may have been after a squirrel and tried to clear the fence like she did when she was young and agile, only to find that age has caught up with her. Luckily, my vet is awesome and it healed without surgery.
3) Xavier's adoption didn't go as smoothly as I'd hoped. He took the transport alright, but I think he was more attached to us and dependent on our dogs than we knew. He didn't adjust very well and everyone was feeling pretty overwhelmed. I felt helpless being across the country. I talked frequently with them and tried to provide as much advice and encouragement as I could, but he was exhibiting behaviors that I had never experienced with him. I know to act out, X must have been very stressed out, so my heart was hurting for him. I also felt awful for the family. They were so worried about him They were very willing to listen and take any advice that myself and another member of our adoption team had to give. They were not going to give up on him. Over time, he settled in and is doing much better. Sigh of relief.
4) I finally managed to find a home for my neighbor's dog which is something I had been working on for a very long time. The poor dog was in a bad situation and needed a way out. A rescue friend of mine fostered her for six weeks (I couldn't do it. Given the circumstances, it would have been too hard for everyone involved). She just got to her forever home in VA a couple of nights ago. They love her dearly and my neighbor's life has gotten easier too.
5) Most recently, I have decided to part ways with the rescue that I have been working with for the past two years. Much thought went into this decision and it wasn't an easy one to make. I am eternally grateful for the dogs that have come into my life by way of them. I will still support them and attend events, as there is no bad blood between us.
In the time I have been with them, the board member turnover has been high. Most of the people I was close with have moved on. I don't agree with some of the changes that have been made, but even worse, it seems that some people are losing sight of the big picture...the dogs. Politics and petty personal differences have weaseled in and created more drama than I care to deal with. Sadly, this is all too common in the rescue world. A few people have even split with feelings hurt, relationships shattered, and reputations tainted. All so unnecessary, as we all do this for the love of the dogs.
I really hope that the new members can turn things back around, but I am stepping away from direct involvement, at least for now. I figure that distancing myself before I get dragged into any of it is the smart way to go. I certainly don't want to make any enemies in the animal rescue network. The more connections you have, the more successful you are for your dogs.
I have kept in touch with some of the board members that have left. One of them has started her own rescue and we will begin fostering for them now. (She was the person who brought us Lincoln and Derby) She is beyond delighted to have us. She is in Texarkana, so it's a bit of a drive and vetting arrangements will be harder. I guess that means we won't get the sick guys anymore! We are expecting a new arrival any time now.
To any adopters of my foster dogs- Please still feel free to call or email me anytime you want or need anything! You and your dogs are super important to me and I'm always here for you! Again, terms are still good between the rescue and myself. I just need something new.
Well, there you have it. My life, in a nutshell.
