Pet rescue is a true passion of mine. I have adopted a total of three dogs and two cats in my adult life, and fostered 97 pets so far. I have probably done at least 700 adoptions for PAWS Chicago. I donate as much money as I can and fund-raise for events, such as walks.
Visiting Chicago Animal Care and Control is very difficult for me. Every time I visit I see at least one person in the lobby relinquishing an animal, who looks scared and confused. The pavilions are loud with incessant barking. Despite frequent cleaning, there are feces, and thus dirty animals. There is little peace for the dogs here.
The groups I volunteer for - PAWS Chicago, SCCR and Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue - visit here often, as do many other groups, to remove animals from the shelter and bring them into more calming environments including foster homes. Animals who have been abandoned and depressed now experience peace and love. They show their gratitude in many ways, especially once adopted in their forever homes. Anyone who thinks dogs cannot smile needs to take a look at some of my rescued dog photos. Peace Love Rescue is a beautiful message about saving homeless animals.
But the more I thought about it, Peace Love Rescue is a concept that can be applied to humans as well. By taking a kind approach to life, we can all make a difference in little ways.
One of my favorite activities is to send cards to children as well as to people who may be lonely or struggling. This year I decided to send Valentine's Day cards to two widows (one young and distraught over her husband's Jan. 1 suicide) and to a divorced friend who has yet to recover from the experience. I found a wonderful greeting card organizer that lets me store cards inside a pocket representing the dates for each month. It is rare to receive birthday cards as an adult, but I received three today and was just thrilled. I have made notes of the dates when dear friends lost a close family member, such as a parent, and send them a card or message on that anniversary or other important dates like anniversaries or birthdays.
I think there are so many ways we can each help make the world a happier place and bring joy to others by doing little things. I will talk more about my volunteer efforts and other ideas as I write this blog. I would love to hear other ideas as well.
The message of Peace Love Rescue gives me comfort as I struggle to accept the sudden loss of my beloved Charli dog at the tender age of four on March 24. The necropsy revealed that she only had one kidney, which had become infected. She was an amazing ambassador for shelter dogs, and we truly loved each other. I think of her fondly when I gaze at the stars or bright blue sky.
Peace
Love
Rescue
Chris
