In war, there are times when a soldier has to endure, witness and experience horrific moments. Watch as mankind inflicts terrible acts on itself. When that soldier comes back, there is often a look in their eyes of loss, emptiness, longing for explanations for what they have seen and/or had to endure. It is something that the average citizen can’t understand but with a keen eye, can see tucked away far behind a protected layer screaming from afar. These men and women are courageous, amazing people that do a job that many of us can’t imagine. We love and honor those that do this job.
At the risk of upsetting many by comparing rescuers to these amazing men and women, I want to be clear, it is different, it is not the same thing, it is night and day. But my thoughts can’t help but draw a comparison as I have seen this same look behind many rescuers’ eyes. The horrific things you see on a daily basis breaks you down. Mankind inflicts destruction on itself for many reasons – land, resources, religious differences, political beliefs etc. But when it comes to pets/animals, these things do not exist. Yet there are countless destructive and incredibly cruel acts inflicted on these animals everyday. On a dog that just wants love, a cat that just wants to rub against you, on a mother and her pups that just want to be in a good home. We find it seems to be endless and without reason that we can comprehend. This part alone, will wear down even the strongest heart. Now get on your hands and knees and clean out that crate where they soiled their bedding. Wash the bedding, walk all the other dogs, launder the bedding, don’t forget to go out and buy more food, pick a collar to replace the one that has started to come apart, a few treats, oh and Scruffy destroyed that last ball that kept all of them busy while you were filling up water bowls. This pet needs their shots next week, those two need their preventatives, a phone call to return an adopted pet comes in and you know you have to start over, again. Two volunteers are a no show at today’s event and you have to load and unload everything. Remember to smile.
I applaud you and I think each and every one of you deserve so much more. You are the representatives for the forgotten, the abused, the neglected, the unloved and you did not sit by and watch it happen. You stood up and said this has to change! Even in the face of an endless supply of stupidity and cruelty and neglect, you charge full speed ahead and you meet that challenge and you stay up countless hours doing what ever needs to be done just to get these poor animals to the point where adoption visitors see them. So many hours, so many tasks behind the scenes that they do not know exist. So many tears, struggles and silent victories and you get up, and do it day after day. SO yeah, I call you heroes, warriors and if we can help you in any small way to make even the briefest moment a moment of relief, then we have done our job. Consider us your support troops and as we grow, we hope to help carry some of this burden with you and continue to fight this battle together.
Thank you for what you do, thank you for the countless hours and sacrifices but most importantly, thank you for caring enough to do something. This letter is for all you rescuers and fosters that help to make a difference.
Sincerely,
Tim Kelley – Founder of HUHA – Help Us Help Animals.
