We have been asked many times how we are affected by the loss of a rescue animal. Every case affects us differently; Most times we do not have time to feel emotion. Emotion get’s pushed aside by objectivity. We have learned that emotion can be detrimental to rescue when implemented in the wrong place at the wrong time.... How do you accurately equate the loss of something that you invest every ounce of resource, personal time & life to? How do you keep rescuing on a daily basis when you are exposed to so much atrocity & carnage? You just do… Does it take a toll? You bet it does, it takes a piece of you every time you take a case. Even the survivors, even the animals you are able to rehabilitate prey on your being. Because your rational mind ponders why a living human could do this? Why? Then there are the canines that cannot be rehabilitated due to their DNA, or the horror they have endured, or for medical reasons. So a decision is made. The decision we all dread… euthanasia. This is an area where you have to remove emotion, because you serve Animal, human & community as a rescuer, or humane worker. Sometimes theology comes into play… are we in fact doing god’s work?
I as a rescuer have assumed the role of holding every canine that is sent to rest… While I gently whisper, you are finally free. I like to think there is a better place for their souls. A better place than our society has provided. The equation is complex, the amount of resource needed for each animal. The overall cost, the time needed to effectively rehab each animal to ensure success. The amount of money & resource needed to carry out each rescue to adoption. Every dog is a roll of the dice, every decision is crucial. A part of the equation is also up to the animal; does the animal want to be rescued? Just as if we endure trauma, part of us has to want to heal. To heal mentally, spiritually & physically… As a rescuer & rehabilitator, we have to learn to be animals, to respect their needs. We must teach them to exist in our world, but in their language. We must learn their language & respect their customs; we are after all in a position of service.
Sincerely,
W J Bellottie
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