To The Discouraged Rescue People

I finally convinced one of my coworkers to neuter her dog rather than breed it. However, I think the fact that it just wouldn't stop peeing in the house had more to do with her decision than my constant discussions on the values of s/n.

I'm working on another co-worker to get her male dog neutered, especially after she told me she got an invisible fence. I pointed out nothing was going to stop the female dogs from stopping by.

I bring up the subject of the pitfalls of breed restrictive legislation at lunch with co-workers at every chance I get, especially as two of my co-workers are convniced that pit bulls and dobermans are inherently mean.

My success rate isn't nearly as good as yours! I get really frustrated as everyone in our company knows I rescue animals and do a lot with both dogs and cats. So, 1. They come to me with all their pet related problems, but then never take my advice about the benefits of crating or s/n. 2. Insted, they just tell me about whatever poor abandoned animal they've seen and ask me to do something about it.

I actually have kitty litter and cat food in my office because it seems someone is always bringing a cat in off the streets and then bringing it to my office.

I think I just seem to surround myself with dog lovers so you can reason with them better, I think. But I know there are a lot of people that think I'm crazy, including most of my friends! But they say it adds to my charm. Ha ha.

We directed a friend to check out IP -- she saw an ad for Petfinder -- went and looked and located a bunny in Bloomington needing a home. She's picking up Oreo this weekend! Hopefully she'll be adding Oreo, Daisy, Butter and all the other furry friends at her house soon.

I've been a little weepy lately because I was on the HSI and Hamilton County HS websites and I want SO badly to bring them all home. I mean all of them. I look at those sweet eyes and dissolve into tears. Thanks for posting the positives. I needed that.

You should feel very good! You are making a difference. You are saving pets and you are also bringing so much joy into people's lives. My family will be forever grateful to Rock Rescue for taking care of me and for allowing them to adopt me, and I know there are many others who feel the same way about rescues all over the country.

There is a lot to be grateful for, and the times, they are a changin'. It often doesn't feel like it, as there are so many areas that need improving, but baby steps are the only way to get there. Look at how any major change has occurred, and you will see that it always starts with a few committed individuals that others might view as crazy or misguided or whatever. If not for that, women would not be able to vote, minorities would not have the rights they have today, and married women would not be allowed to be teachers. We might belong to England. You get the drift. I was amazed that there were actual convictions with teeth in the Michael Vick case. The general public IS beginning to wake up. We just have to keep reminding ourselves that we ARE the voice for animals, and that, unless we keeping speaking, they will remain misunderstood, abused, chained, overbred, etc. How can we not keep doing what we are doing?

This is a great post. It is frustrating trying to get through to some people! I get down all the time about the treatment of animals in our society. It is hard sometimes to continue to try to help and educate. I really wish people were more compassionate.

I have a lot of people come up to me and ask dog questions and I give them my advice. Most of my boyfriend's friends and family call me as well. BELIEVE IT OR NOT, SOMETIMES I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT DOGS! LOL! I think people forget that I have other interests and sometimes I feel like that's all I talk about and that's all they think of me for. But, I always offer my advice if asked (and sometimes if not asked)

A 7yo cat was adopted from HSI last Friday. His name was Buddy, he gave out hugs'n'kisses to anyone who'd open his cage. I'm betting that's why he was picked -- it's usually hard to adopt out the older cats (over 4yrs) since most folks want kittens. So there's my happy news... Now just to get a few more of those older or long-timers out the door and into a furever home!

While we're posting our "grateful journals"...I'm happy that IP has become such a wonderful community of pet lovers. We understand each other! The site has done good things for many area shelters by drawing attention to certain pets, donating goods, advertising events, etc. The site has spurred people to volunteer and even to adopt MORE pets! The site has helped place Rushville pets and rehome other animals that people had "issues" with. We've worked to educate people about s/n but also about responsible pet ownership, and even arranged protests! What a great thing! I'm so happy to be part of it all and see these good things happening. Now, I'm wishing the big companies would see the value and start supporting the site more, so we can continue to thrive and grow. We all have this passion and I know that it includes a certain loyalty to IP sponsors...please continue to support them, because it all comes around!

Yeah...and don't forget that we've acquired TWO new pets just since this IP thing started in May! Puma the ocicat from CatsHaven and Daisy, from Great Pyrenees Rescue. *sigh* I'm losing control of my empire.