Dogs with their innate power can make a sad face smile again.
They are loyal and their love for their owner cannot be contended with. But still, we see the pictures and hear the horror stories of dogs and their ill treatment from humans on a daily basis. How can people do these things to defenseless beings that carry a love so strong within them? We may never know the answer… We may never know why dogs are dumped on the street, mistreated, malnourished, and kept in inhumane living conditions. What we do need to realize is that we can do something about it and not let this treatment be tolerated.
Dog rescues and no-kill animal shelters do their part by removing these dogs from their horrible situations. I have had the pleasure at my workplace to meet different animal rescues and see what they are doing to make a difference in the lives of the animals they take in and foster until they can place them in their forever homes that they deserve. In all honesty, I can say that it has changed my life.
One rescue that frequents my workplace is ROAR Rescue. ROAR is a no-kill rescue out of Beaverton, MI. This rescue makes it their mission to make a huge difference in the lives of the animals they take in. The facilitators at ROAR value and want to change the lives of these animals and find them the love and the care that they deserve through adoptions.
I had the honor to interview ROAR rescue and see how it all began. I asked the young lady who started the rescue what made her decide to begin and I was overwhelmed by the answer: “I knew I couldn't change the world but I knew if I could just help even one animal in need, it would change the world forever for that individual dog.”
The dogs that are available for adoption come from a variety of backgrounds. They could have been subjected to abuse and neglect, or simply surrendered to the rescue for various reasons that are out of the control of the animal.
ROAR rescue has often witnessed these cruel conditions humans subject dogs too, and her words are powerful when she speaks of the first dog she rescued “His ears were covered in dried blood from being bitten by flies and he had no personality…As time passed we learned all about him and he became a dog. He learned how to play and enjoy life.”
Operating a rescue may seem like fun, but it’s a struggle.
Operating a rescue is not without struggle. One of the main struggles rescuers face is having to see the dogs they have put so much love and work into going with their new families, but deep down they know it’s the right thing to do, it’s what they do.
“That's definitely a bitter sweet moment because even though it hurts so much to let go (and I have cried many of times), the very best moment is seeing the happiness and positive change it brings to people and the dog's lives once they're adopted.”
These rescues have the heart and courage to step in and turn around the life of an animal. And to me, these acts are extremely selfless and admirable. As a dog owner myself, I see the driving force behind their work. I see why they do what they do, and I see the importance of adopting from shelters and donating to shelters if the means to support an animal isn't there.
ROAR offers some very honest and great words of advice:
“Dogs are a huge commitment (10+) but they also have so much to offer and have so much love to give. You may potentially find your new best friend. If you're open to adopting and ready to give 100% then go for it!”
Help these extremely deserving dogs find the loving homes they deserve. Just witnessing adoptions and knowing how it feels to have the companionship of a dog, I say that when adopting you won’t just be changing the dog’s life for the better, but your life will be changed as well. The love and loyalty a dog gives to its master or human is something we are all incapable of.
Adopt a dog.
Donate to no kill shelters.
Make a difference!
At this moment these wonderful dogs are available for adoption:
Scout: Scout is a six-year-old Pitbull that loves meeting and being around people. His ideal environment would be the only dog in the house because he loves to soak up all of the attention and often gets jealous of other dogs. If you are on the market for a dog, don’t overlook this guy because of his breed. Each dog has it’s own temperament and personality. Don’t feed into the stigma! Help Scout find his forever home.
Cody: Cody is an older dog about eleven and a half years old. He is Cocker Spaniel, and Poodle mix. Despite his blindness, Cody gets around well and is in great health. I met Cody at an adoption event and he truly is a wonderful dog. Throughout the day as I watched people interact with Cody, I was surprised by his ability to trust despite his blindness. And it can most definitely be said that he could go for a good belly rub at any time and he seems to be content just lounging around. He laid in a cart with a bed in it for hours without making a peep. He truly is a sweetheart! Help give this little man a great life.
