A Salute to All Animal Rescuers!

[Triffid]

It may not be relevant to this Section of the Forums but I had to write this.

I have been looking through some of these threads with interest and joyous heart. It shows that so many folks do have big hearts and truly care!

Animals have always played a big part in my life and that of my family's. As such I want to Salute all those who decide to take on the responsibility of Animal Rescue Cases. Whether it be one or many!

It is a shame that animals of all shapes and sizes suffer due to the Ignorance of so few. So I wish to Celebrate those that care. As such I wish to share the stories of such people and Animals.

My mother retired just over 8 years ago retired and since then she has dedicated most of her spare time to Fostering and helping animals recover to find good new homes. Every time I speak to her it seems she has a new animal in to take care of. From Degus to Cats, from Rats to Dogs she has seen it all. If she had the space I'm sure she take on larger animals too.

She is supported by the RSPCA for the care of the animals, but she is not paid for her time and does this purely out of the goodness of her own heart. All the support she receives goes directly to the animals. Many of he Inspectors she deals with will also take under their wing the extreme cases that need permanent medical care.

Some of the rescue stories she has come across are not only heartbreaking but also in some cases beg belief. In one year alone she fostered, helped and re-homed over 200 cats and kittens. My old bedroom turned into the special care room with quarantine cages supplied by the local vets and RSPCA. It will warm her heart to see so many animal lovers in one place and to "All of You" that care for your animals and have even taken on a rescue case or more, Thank-you!

When the Credit Crunch it, animal charities here in the UK (and more abroad too I guess) saw an extreme increase in abandoned animals. This is sad as I know for a fact most animal charities are willing to support people in keeping their pets when times are hard.

Recently there was an extremely heartbreaking case of a cat that had been put into a paper shredder. Yes, you did just read that right! The cat survived, barely, and the inspector involved is now having nightmares about the case saying it was the worst she had ever seen and that's saying something. The person who did this is now in custody, a teenager who's parents could not believe they had done this! This is an extremely sad case that has not only left a cat mutilated but a family broken. My heart not only goes out to the Cat and the Inspectors involved but also the Parents who's lives have been turned upside down.

Praise those that Care! Don't turn a blind eye! Records have shown that there is a strong connection between those who start by being cruel to animals eventually translating this cruelty to other humans.

I do not wish to depress people with this post, but rather encourage those with the capability to help to do so (Every little helps) and to those who spend so much of their time helping "Thank you for caring!"

[Gin]

Your words are appreciated Gin

[cb977]

[libby]

An issue that is near and dear to my heart also. I might add - Please spay and neuter your pets!

[Triffid]

Thank you again

Libby, spot on! I might add on that subject that a fair number of (if not all) Pet Rescue centres will spay/neuter the pets before release, and or (In the case of younger animals) offer that service at a reduced price or even free when the time comes.

With regards smaller pets such as Rodents, the anaesthetics has improved over the years to allow this to be done reasonably safely. But it is important you discover the Pets sex (especially if you have more than one) before they come of age or you house them as a group.

I could go on to list many reasons why this should be done. But I would feel like I'm teaching you to suck eggs

If any one else has a tale of a special person or persons that devote their time and effort to animal rescue I would love to hear some stories!

Spread the Knowledge and Reduce Ignorance

[Izzie]

Kudos for all your family's hard work. It can be a thankless job sometimes.
I myself am a big supporter of rescue/adopt and an avid volunteer.

[Triffid]

Cheers again.
Always nice to know there are others out there.
My mum gets most of her thanks from all the update letters and Christmas cards from the people who have taken the animals of her hands, which is nice.

Recent Update: Mum has taken on a mongrel dog which looks like a black fox, medium size and lovely personality. I believe this one was tied up and left by the side of a road.
However, a few weeks down the line, it is doing fine a getting ready for adoption. The Funny thing is that apparently this dog is so soft that all the cats pick on it to a greater or lesser extent. The dog? It just sits there and takes it! And apparently will even lick the offending moggy in that loving manner... Makes you wonder why anyone would abandon such a softy. On the bright side, mum says she believes finding a home for this one will be easy.

[Izzie]

Good luck to the softy then!
I (and others) have actually had some luck with older cats teaching rescue dogs good manners while in foster care. And vice versa, though rarer.

[Triffid]

I can well believe that.... Actually I do believe it!