I'm filled with mixed emotions right now. I am still mourning the loss of Frankie, that sweet, big head of a dog who melted into my hand when I scratched his ear, gave kisses freely, and said more with his soulful eyes than most people can with an entire arsenal of words. What he had to say was powerful, not filled with the empty promises we so often offer to one another. He offered the very real promise of unconditional and lasting love to whoever might save his life. His eyes also said he knew that person would not find him in time...and that he forgave us for our inability to save him.
Frankie is one of the precious lives that we couldn't save. We are still a small organization and it took the loss of his life for me to realize how small. Some may recall the recent post about the ones we can't save. The ones we have no place for, no resources for, no hope of adoption. I put out a plea then, hoping someone might be willing to help us increase our adoptions and networking so we CAN save their lives, the unfortunate ones. The ones labeled Pit Bull or Hound by Animal Control so that they languish in the pound until their time runs out, no hope of the same rescue that Chihuahuas or Puggles are nearly guaranteed simply because of their breed.
The response to that plea was overwhelming. Within hours I was on the phone with one of the most passionate and dedicated animal rescuers I have known. Chaz Bousman eagerly offered to take on the role of Adoption Coordinator and began laying out a very clear, very exciting, very impressive plan to increase adoptions and ensure that we can begin saving the unfortunate ones. Shortly after that heartening conversation, Dani Tyree offered to be our Network Coordinator, reaching out to other rescues and expanding our network of breed-specific contacts so we can save even more. This team will be a force and I cannot wait to watch take hold.
You can see, then, why I am filled with a mix of regret and hope. Regret for not having asked sooner, soon enough to save Frankie. Hope that someday soon we can save them all, because there will be so many more.
So I am dedicating this next phase in the life of BHS to Frankie, that his life will not be forgotten. THANK YOU, Chaz and Dani. You make me smile through my tears.
What a powerful group of volunteers. Go Team BHS!
ReplyDeleteI think Pit Bulls and other so-called "bully breeds" only have the reputation they do because so many people use them for illegal dog fighting, and train them to be aggressive. However, Pit Bulls, if raised with love, are just as loving and friendly as other breeds, and are very protective of their people. They do not hesitate to put themselves in harm's way to protect the people they love, and who love them. I commend you, and those who have agreed to work with you to help save these loving animals who have gotten such a bad name because of bad people.
ReplyDelete