As you know I'm heavily involved in military support but another organization I believe in very strongly is the rescue of dogs that are in need of a new home.
It seems that our society has deemed dogs a disposable commodity and I couldn't disagree more. My dogs are my kids...fed food that a human could consume. Not the commercial feed that's comprised of the 'Four D' meats. Dead, disabled, dying, diseased. That's what goes into most commercial dog food like Science Diet (including the prescription diet line), Iams, Purina (both Purina One and Pro-Plan and Eukanuba. But, I digress.
The point behind this blog is to make you aware of a fantastic rescue organization called '4 Paws'. They are a local, non-profit organization that relys 100% on donations and volunteers. And their service, unfortunately, is so needed in this area it's incredible. After hearing stories of the condition of most of the dogs brought to 4 Paws, it's amazing to me how I have any respect for humans but even more amazing are the ladies that face these people that think it's ok to just tie a dog up in the backyard and hope it lives. They see not only the result of abuse and neglect, they have to deal with the a**holes that bring the puppies and dogs in thinking they're actually doing something good. They are. The best thing they could do is give the animal to 4 Paws. At least the dog is guaranteed food, water, a warm bed and most of all true love. 4 Paws doesn't consider a dog a 'pet'. 4 Paws considers them a companion. A friend for life that deserves respect.
When looking for a dog please, don't go to the mall and pick out a puppy mill dog. Don't go to a breeder that has no regard for the already over populated animal society. Take a minute and do some research. The dog you want as your companion could easily be found at a rescue.
And, could be the breed or temperament you're looking for.
I love 4 Paws because of the professional and caring people that volunteer their time and effort to ensure that the dogs they take in are brought back to health if needed and are given the attention they require to be placed into a loving, permanent home.
Every other Saturday at the PetsMart on Southgate or the Petco on Cheyenne Mountain, you can find the volunteers working and the dogs from 4 Paws up for adoption hoping for a chance at a new start (click here for the schedule of events). All the dogs brought in are evaluated while being fostered at a volunteers home. They look for agression issues, non-social issues as well as bringing them back to health from an almost near death state. Which unfortunately happens all too often.
They are strictly run on donations. Not one penny goes into the pockets of the four board members or any of their volunteers. The money goes to food and vet visits as most of the dogs brought in aren't spayed or neutered. Most of the money goes to getting the dogs their shots and medications and in the summertime that can be a lot to handle as puppies are the biggest challenge 4 Paws faces. Puppies require a series of three shots, not to mention they all get spayed or neutered before going into a foster home or being put up for adoption. And 4 Paws usually gets the whole litter.
I highly encourage you, as a moral and responsible human being to please, take a moment and go to their website. You'll be able to see the dogs currently in need of permanent placement. There will be information on the organization itself as well as ways you can make a monetary donation or even volunteer your precious time for these precious friends. The ones that suffer the most have no voice to speak out to tell you of their lot in life so be their voice. Reach out and help this fantastic organization so they can keep helping the only creature in this world that will always love you unconditionally...the dog.
Click here to be directed to 4 Paws and should you find the dog of your dreams...I want to hear all about it.
Thanks for reading.
'"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." - Unknown
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