Rescue Tails / REFLECTIONS AT YEAR’S END

By Cathy Baier

Year’s end can prompt reflection on what came before and what lies ahead in the new year.  This got us thinking about the work we do at the FKSPCA. Shelter work can be emotional, exhausting, frustrating, painful, and never-ending.  It’s also engaging, inspiring, fulfilling, and life-affirming; work that becomes for many a passion and a mission for one’s life.

So what’s the hook? Obviously, it’s the animals that first draws people to shelter work.  Because we are an open-admission shelter, we meet all kinds of animals, not just cats and dogs. Through the years, we’ve seen giant snakes, 100 lb. tortoises, and weird reptiles we had to research to know what they were.  Monkeys, prairie dogs, ferrets,  parrots and parakeets, pigs, goats, a mini-horse, and too many to count rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other tiny rodents. Every animal comes with their own story; some are funny, some are frustrating, and some heartbreakingly sad. But it’s what follows that keeps us coming to work every day; all the happy endings that help renew our faith and keep us strong enough to keep going.

Looking back over the years, many stories remain in our memories, far too many to tell. But we want to share a few about special animals and special people who we have had the privilege of meeting and who remind us that the world is full of good people!

Bubba was a 38 yr. old Macaw surrendered when his owner could not keep him. He lived with us for over a year until he met his match in Rock. It was perfect chemistry from the start between Bubba and this kind man. The only problem was Rock lived in Colorado! Heads were put together and plans were put in place. Bubba flew (in a plane!) across the country and for the past 4.5 years, has had his own seat at the dining room table and enjoys eating  well-balanced parrot dinners with the whole family!  Rock is an inspiration and a one-in-million bird adopter!

Mango and Flip Flop, two big white sister bunnies were part of a cruelty/neglect case. We had them as babies and they grew up with us. No one had shown any interest in them until Ruby and her family met them. They had never had a rabbit before but were open to the idea,  took the “bunny plunge” and adopted both of them. That was almost three years ago. Since then they have adopted a third rabbit, a guinea pig, a hamster and have become some of our very best community advocates for rabbits and small animals!

Pot-bellied pigs are popular when babies, not so much when they mature! Most pig rescues are full beyond capacity and finding homes for unwanted pigs is never easy. Our pigs have been the lucky ones, with the help of some stretched-to-capacity rescues like Rooterville and local porcine advocates. Rebecca just has a soft spot in her heart for pigs. She adopted Mac from us in 2013 and Albert two years later.  After losing her home in Irma, she relocated north with both her beloved pigs and has been the consummate  guardian and advocate. Dr. Mike Dunn and his wife Katherine adopted Harriett after she was brought to us when she didn’t work out as an emotional support pig.  The Dunns already had one house pig named Tink and thought they could make room for another. Harriett and Tink are now ambassador pigs, helping people learn how smart and affectionate they can be when they live with people who understand and love them.

Animals other than cats and dogs have allowed us to meet amazing people who have special places in their hearts for these more unique animals. They have helped us build a network of caring individuals and organizations, expanding our shelter’s ability to help these special animals who come through our doors. But cats and dogs still make up the biggest percentage of our shelter population but sharing the stories of all the wonderful people we meet every day through our rescue and adoption work is beyond the scope here. But when we think of them, we remember the words they share when telling us about the animals they adopted:

“We are so happy we were able to adopt her and add her to our family, she fits in perfect.”

“I didn’t know she was a snuggler but I love it. She has found her forever home and we love her. She completes our family.”

“Didn’t think that would be so easy. But he’s right at home. We are all in love with him.I’m not sure how I went this long without him in my life… I love this little man.”

“She has changed our lives for the better. We are in love with her. She is the baby of the house and we live to make her happy. We love her so much!”

“I think we hit the jackpot!”

“I can’t imagine my life without him. This was definitely a perfect match! Anyone on the fence about adopting a senior dog, go for it! They are the best!”

“I am so grateful. I was never going to get another dog, and suddenly I fell in love with this beautiful boy. Thank you all for keeping his beautiful spirit intact; I am one very lucky man.”

We remain grateful to  our adopters and also to all the caring people who have helped animals along their paths to safety and  into loving homes. As we look forward to the New Year, we are renewed in our commitment to keep doing the work that brings good people and good animals together for a lifetime of love and connection. Happy New Year to all!

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