uphill all the way

My friend and I are really finding out how hard Rescue can be. We are trying to make a difference in the lives of animals and families in our Oxford County. We understand that money is tight for many people . We know that vet fees are out of reach for some families. What we don`t understand is why would anyone allow their pets to reproduce if they can`t afford to get that pet they have, looked after. They could keep their pets indoors, in yards and on leash during those certain times that dogs/cats really want to get together. And those pets should be kept indoors, in yards and on leash anyway.
And my friend and I respect ways of life and religions other than our own. But, if dogs are livestock , and cows, horses and pigs are seen by a vet, why wouldn`t these same people allow their dogs to be vetted and kept healthy. Sure would prevent alot of parvo, lepto,rabies and so on.
When a family finds out that their pet is ill, why don`t they follow through . If they don`t have money to pay for medications and hospital stays, they could make arrangements with their vet and pay a bit at a time. Or if they are coldhearted, they could have the animal killed right then if they want to pay for it. BUT NOOOOOOOOOOO
They`d rather throw the sick animal out and let someone else take on their responsibility.
Right now, I am ready to scream.
We took in a handsome boy a while back and waited to see if his family would come for him. Nope.
So, we had him vetted. And Heartworm tested. Guess What? The test was positive.
I am thankful that vet medicine has come so far that we can find things like this out and cure the animals. Hopefully. It depends how badly infected the dog is.
Murphy is a love and I sure hope he pulls through. He starts his treatment this Wednesday. I have let the prospective family know and gave them an out . Their response was that they weren`t going to abandon Murphy the way his first family did and are in it for the long haul. These are the kind of people that all rescues are looking for. Compassion, understanding and dedication are values that are rare these days.
But back to my bitch. I bet you dimes to donuts , that Murphy was thrown away because he had Heartworm. And I know the old owners won`t be reading this blog. They would be too busy with their new un-vetted puppy.
Last week we picked up some pups from Trails End. They had their shots on Friday. Today , two of them are dead. Why? No idea. Of course it was blamed on Parvo. I don`t think so. I think that too many vets look at rescue dogs and suggest killing them instead of saving them. One of those pups new family has decided to do the adoption thing all over again with another one of our dogs. They feel that the vet was wrong too. But ,even when it is parvo in pups, that can be prevented . Shots for Mom is all it takes. A few dollars to save Mom and her pups . But people who would take their dogs to an auction to be classed as livestock aren`t too concerned about shots . Money is their motive. Dogs are a means to get that money. The dogs suffer. And die.
Yes, its all uphill . But, damn it, some of us honestly think that dogs and cats deserve better with a chance to be healthy and happy.
My friend and I are going to be very busy looking after the animals in Oxford . We will struggle until there are no more to fix. We will work until we have a shelter and clinic that everyone can afford. We will try to educate the ignorant and soften the stubborn .

We have to do something. It takes work and determination. My friend and I aren`t afraid of work and we are about as determined as it gets. Why not join us? Sure makes the time go by fast and you get to hug animals whenever you want to.
later