25 June 2012
Some days, animal rescue gets to us more than others. So many urgent pets in need. So little time and resources. We know some will be saved and many will not. It breaks our heart, fills us with discouragement, and if we’re not careful, it can break us. Friday was one of those days that really got to me. It began with an email conversation with a volunteer, who along with a small group, are passionately trying to implement basic, no-additional-cost, life-saving procedures at their local shelter. They are facing so many obstacles and some political corruption. Not long after that, I saw and posted a shelter’s announcement that all animals in the album link would be killed that afternoon if not adopted or rescued. Less than 8 hours to try and help them. People sometimes express their frustration that we do not have long to help the urgent shelter pets on a kill list; we don’t. Time is never on the side of animal rescue. And it is extremely frustrating! However, while a shelter pet is still alive, I believe we must do everything we can to save them. It’s not easy; it’s actually very hard. But it’s worth it when one or more are saved because we gave them a voice by creating awareness of their need through networking.
Sometimes, we need a reminder to stay strong. So I made the image below for all of us that are feeling weary – a good visual to remind us to never, ever give up. This popular quote is often attributed to Sir Winston Churchill, but I found that it’s actually a misquote of what he said in his infamous 1941 speech. According to this website, he actually said “Never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” A great reminder that passion fueled by unyielding tenacity is key. Churchill’s full speech is contained in “The Unrelenting Struggle.” You can also hear an audio recording of Churchill’s speech excerpt if you scroll down below the “Never, ever give up” image.
I believe in staying strong and staying in the fight, but I also believe that sometimes, we need to take a pause and refuel so that we remain effective and strong. Last Friday, I posted on the Pawsitively Texas Facebook page, “Tell Me Something Good” and asked you to share your rescue or adoption stories. Several of you did and I will be sharing those in upcoming blog posts. They are fantastic! And I so appreciate everyone sharing their stories! If you’d like to submit a story, please use this formto send me an email.
Please share this blog post with any rescue friends who may also need to be refueled. You may download and use the graphic also if you like.
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