Lisa asked what we were going to write about for our blog this week. It was hard to think of one topic because there are so many things I want to write about. Today though, was easy. The day is bitterly cold, misty and I was supposed to go help at an adoption event in Killeen. I was driving to Pearl’s Place and slid a little because of the ice and it scared the heck out of me! I lived in CO for 12 years and when we moved, it had to be in a state that didn’t get weather like this, but here we are, a week of below freezing temperatures, icy roads, and people panic buying like it’s the end of the world! It’s going to be ok everyone, next week will be back in the high 60’s low 70’s then before you know it, it will be summer and we will be complaining of the heat!
Way off topic, so let’s get back on track. What does rescue mean to me; a person that’s never known about a true rescue until I started coming to Pearl’s Place? To me it meant, and I say meant because it means something totally different to me now, cuddling on dogs, rescuing them from the streets or shelter and finding them a forever home within a few days of coming to me for “rescue”. I would love on them, protect them and make them happy. Does this sound like what a child would say when they want a puppy? It kinda does and I guess that is the way I looked at it, until Pearl’s Place and the amazing guidance and leadership of Lisa. She is Pearl’s Place and has the knowledge and her head firmly where it needs to be, not in the land of unicorns, kittens and puppies, but in the land of reality; abuse, neglect, hardship and suffering of the dogs that truly need her.
Lisa has taught me so much about rescue. From the long sleepless nights laying with an animal that is terrified and needed comforting, to the bitter cold reality of knowing when you have to say it’s time to let a dog go and end their suffering, no matter how bad you want to help them. “Lisa” is what rescue means to me, the tears of happiness when your favorite dog gets adopted, the tears of sadness when you can’t help the one you want. Long nights of worry about where the money is going to come from to feed the dogs, medicine to treat the dogs or even to make sure the kennels are warm or cool enough so the dogs are comfortable and knowing that you have done the absolute best you can.
Thank you, Lisa from the bottom of my heart, and I know many dogs’ hearts, for being the rescue that you are and the caring compassionate person that you are. We are all better because you touched our lives.