perseus
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Posts: 470
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Post by perseus on Jul 10, 2012 10:26:17 GMT -5
I have the feeling this might be a touchy topic, but it's one that has really been on my mind and i would like some insight from those of you that have been in the trenches for awhile. I get so many postings every day by various groups all over the country, about dogs in need, about to be put down, etc. I know it is just fraction of what is really out there and most of the ones i get are concerning pits. I don't share every single one and to be honest it gets to be too much to look at at times but there are always certain ones that really get to me. As of late I seem to be taking more of a cynical, fatalistic stance - not that I care less now, in fact the opposite is true. I just wish our dogs would stop being so popular and stupid people would quit wanting them. I know that's idealistic, it's just when I see the sheer numbers it becomes overwhelming. While I do advocate for no kill shelters I have to admit there are times when I think that in the long run it is the lesser of two evils for these dogs that I love to get put down humanely than to suffer in a shelter or live in an abusive situation. There is one group in particular I like and share a lot of their dogs even though I am in a different part of the country; it is Urgent Part 2, I am sure a lot of you are familiar with them since they are out of NYC area and notice quite a few of the regular posters here are from the area as well. It seems like they are trying to do a good thing and they work tirelessly on a seemingly, endless problem. Yeah I get the fact that a lot of the people that respond to these posts get all emotional over the fact that a dog is going to be put down and they just want to move heaven and earth to make sure that doesn't happen, but when it comes down to it, is it best for the dog to go to somebody who has no idea of the level of commitment it takes with pit bull ownership and the dog gets given up again or abandoned. I am not saying I have any right to make that call; to be honest I don't know what to think anymore.
Anyway... insights, commiseration, your 2 cents, etc are welcome.
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Post by suziriot on Jul 10, 2012 10:52:24 GMT -5
Yep, it is overwhelming to see post after post after post.
Rescue and shelter work is not for the faint of heart. It's frustrating and heartbreaking, no matter what breed you're working with. And the stupid politics of the rescue world just add to the stress. But the awesome feeling of finding even one dog a happy home makes all the BS worth it. You do have to "harden" yourself somewhat... you can't save every dog and trying will just make things worse. You have to set boundaries and recognize your limitations. You do the best you can and that's all you can do.
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Post by melonie on Jul 10, 2012 16:48:03 GMT -5
Yep, it is overwhelming to see post after post after post. Rescue and shelter work is not for the faint of heart. It's frustrating and heartbreaking, no matter what breed you're working with. And the stupid politics of the rescue world just add to the stress. But the awesome feeling of finding even one dog a happy home makes all the BS worth it. You do have to "harden" yourself somewhat... you can't save every dog and trying will just make things worse. You have to set boundaries and recognize your limitations. You do the best you can and that's all you can do. Very Well Said. |
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daves
Full Fledged Poster
Posts: 188
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Post by daves on Jul 10, 2012 17:01:55 GMT -5
Yes - the listings on Urgent Part 2 are tough to handle and a lot of the comments are irrational.
The New Hope rescues of which I have first hand knowledge all want to save as many as they can without placing dogs in unsuitable homes. They follow the same protocols of vet checks, home visits, dog to dog intros, and adopter interviews as most other rescues and shelters do in our area. They celebrate the 'wins' and mourn the 'loses' and soldier on. The only thing that keeps us going is knowing we are doing the best we can with the number of dogs that are surrendered or abandoned each day. Almost always, we don't have to make the call on who lives and who doesn't - those decisions are made by the people who are willing to adopt or foster.
My heart goes out to the volunteers at the NYACC and I don't know how they can do what they do. They get to know the dogs, take their pictures, and write their bios knowing that any of those dogs could be on the next nightly 'To be Destroyed' list.
We all want to do more and Suziriot said it very well "You do the best you can and that's all you can do".
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I look forward to learning much here