While BlogPaws was fortunate enough to donate funds to three shelters this year (Animal Friends is pictured here) , and we will continue to support shelters and rescues always, the shelter/rescue world is so big we could never cover them all - not in one conference, or a hundred blog posts.
That doesn't stop us, or you, from supporting shelters in various ways. In speaking with our rescue recipients, I learned that dollars are a major need, today. I'm sure funding of whatever sort has always been a prime need of shelters and rescues. The operating costs are enormous (I say that from observation, not experience), and the need for quality food, shelter, and assistance doesn't come cheap. So, the ability to manage a successful shelter/rescue still relies on dollars and cents. Please give what you can!
Beyond the dollars and cents, shelters need volunteers. I am in awe of the men, women and children who work with shelters to give love and attention to our dear pets. At the moment, I am not able to carve out the time needed to be a true, committed volunteer - which makes me ever more supportive of those who do find the time and energy. Our dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs...ferrets, chickens, whathaveyou, all need that human touch because we, as a society, have created a world where their food and shelter and emotional well-being comes from us.
We saw a lot of that at BlogPaws. We met many, many pets that were obviously lovingly cared for by their pet parents. Everyone who has talked about BlogPaws is mentioning Andrea Arden and her wonderful stories, and the Be the Change panel that created the Be the Change Challenge discussed in an earlier blog post. Why is this?
Is it because the need is so great? Yes, I think that's part of it. Is it because we, as humans, have an ever-present desire to help the underserved (especially pets and creatures and anipals)? Absolutely!
But, I also think it's because those of us who participated in BlogPaws, those who drove or flew or found a way to be with their friends at this first ever conference, and to meet new friends there, have an abiding desire to be connected to other pet people. That people connection is so huge it's like a gigantic ray of warm sunshine inviting all of us to bask in its warmth, and then to share that warmth with others.
Shelters and rescues will always be a part of the equation. Unfortunately, some people are not pet focused, and some people can't help it that life has dealt them a tough hand, which forces them to give up their beloved pets. Without shelters and rescues, so many of our dear pets would suffer tragic ends - and even at some shelters the end is near for many pets (a daily visit to Twitter reveals dozens of "please adopt this puppy or kitty - the end is near" notes).
That's why I'm writing this note. The BlogPaws video, compliments of our Be the Change panel, says "Never doubt that a small group of committed souls can change the world -- in fact, it's the only thing that ever has." A mantra for all pet people to wear, I think.
I would wear it proudly on a T-shirt! *hint hint!*
Posted by: Dorian @ Your Daily Cute | 04/15/2010 at 05:36 PM