Raven's Diary

to the rescue! I should really design a shirt or something coz I’m so all over the place rescuing doggies that it’s about time I at least look identifiable while doing it, seeing as I look like I’ve lost my mind while doing it.

There have been so many that I have actually lost count. The saddest case, was a very small maltese female that was in such bad condition with broken bones and septic bite wounds. Euthanising was the only option to put end to her misery. I am so shaken up about this one. She collapsed basically on our doorstep and if it wasn’t for all the dogs and ours barking I would not have known she was there. Still breaks my heart.

At least a few days later after returning from an exhausting day trip we picked up a Labrador that in the end had a happy ending being reunited with her mommy.

Those that we land up having to take to the shelter who do not seem to have hope in being reunited is just as tough. I hate knowing that they are caged up like a prisoner on death row. Only ONE of those that I’ve taken in this year has found a happy home. The latest pick up, a male husky, spent a whole day with us. He was an absolute treasure and my pack welcomed him into their yard without hesitation. He spent the entire day by my side while I worked on diy and garden stuff.

There’s forever that inclination to want to keep this one and then the next one gets picked up and then you want to keep that one. They are all really special in their own unique way. All having one thing in common – their life path decided that an unkind uncaring irresponsible human was their master at one point. Sometimes I wish bad people really did get whats coming to them, abusers do not deserve to live. I get so incredibly angry that I feel sick to my stomach.

But it’s another day in the life of ME. It wouldn’t be my life if I didn’t have challenges on a daily basis. I will make a difference and one day it will matter enough to change thinking.

…that I’ve happened to fall head first into is getting the better of me.

I know I was strong at some point…the middle probably. Now feels like the end…I seem to say “I can’t anymore” alot these days.

I thought once Bentley had been happily settled into his new home that I would get a break, but it wasn’t even 2 weeks when number 5 waltzed happily into our home…another unwanted soul. For a while it was a blessing, he was the perfect babysitter for #4 the uncontrollable husky. Then 1st FEB I get a call to help a policewoman who had picked up an injured abandoned pup on the Addo road. When I got to her home she had already picked up another pup when she collected her son from her mothers. So #6 and 7 happened in a flash. I was suppose to just keep them overnight but hubby couldn’t bare the thought of them been shoved into a cage. So I became instant mother to two 2month olds.

Friday morning was spent at Animal Welfare getting the pups sorted with medications and walking some dogs. It was a hard day. This day, with the combination of tiredness, stress and tender emotions, was not a good day. There were just too many sad cases, in particular a heart wrenching obesely overweight daschund female with serious mange abandonment case. Even though she must be in so much pain, can barely walk let alone relieve herself properly, she still attempted to smile and wag her tail. Her owners don’t love anything.

Half asleep that same afternoon I make my way wearily to the shop to get supplies for the evening…only to spot a beautiful daschund running around the busy main road of our suburb. I stop immediately, cursing. How on earth? Why on earth? After a small challenge I get her, she holds onto me for dear life; like a child who was lost in a crowd and finally spots a familiar face. She’s lovely but I cry because I can’t anymore.

The next day by some miracle or strange coincidence, a client I tell of the story recognises her and where she may live and upon enquiry she does. I’m devastated actually. Scared doesn’t quite describe it, as these people know nothing. I have to do the “right” thing though and take her back. She recognises them. Her name is Lady. I have to educate them on basic animal care and hope for the best. But I can’t get her out of my mind. I want her back with me, only I can give her the love she deserves. She’s too sweet to be living with ignorance. I have prayed every second since stopping at their door.

I look out the window this morning actually hoping that she’s found me again. Tears are literally streaming down my face as I write this. I can’t anymore. It hurts too much. I want to lock myself away. There’s too many idiots and too little time to change the world and my heart can’t take it…

…have been coming in this past week. With picture messages showing how comfortable Mr Bentley is at his new home.

It’s been a week already and I cannot believe it. It feels like so long.

Since the minute we said goodbye Bentley has apparently just been loved and enjoying being loved. The car trip for them home was difficult especially in a small car, so I’m sure it was challenging. But he is loving his two poodle sisters. Has bonded wonderfully with his new furdaddy, which I was worried about as they didn’t spend much time together. Another stray was picked up over the weekend and all are apparently loving each other.

It is heartwarming to think he is finally getting all the love and attention he deserves in massive doses.

I’m so very happy that he is happy. He deserves nothing less. I’m so grateful to be getting regular updates on him, thanks to his new wonderful furmom.

Pictures attached are mms’s sent by her.

…with me!

4pm Thursday 13 January 2011 he took his best walk ever with me around the block. He usually walks like a dream but pulls now and then when he spots a pee tree. But this walk was gracious, different, I spoke to him heart to heart and thanked him for recovering so well and being such a good dog. Asked him to please behave at his new home and not to miss me too much as his new mommy has even more love to give.

Even when chased by 3 dogs he just gave them a look, turned back in our walking direction and carried on.

He said his goodbyes to his pack and off we went. Car trips aren’t his thing so he whined and later we discovered pee’s everywhere. We were early so we stopped at a park and walked him again. This time Chris took him on his farewell walk and walked then to the new house. We were taken through the whole new house and were showed all the exciting new renovation plans. And what was Bentley doing?…just frollicking around the house as if he’s always lived there. Not even barking or sniffing at the builder guy, nothing. He looked so pleased with himself.

I must say I felt, still feel, a little unemotional…like it hasn’t hit me yet. Like he’s just gone there on holiday I’ll see him again soon. Later I got an sms from Belinda showing a pic of him lying on his new bed quite happy with his chew toy. He is a blessed little big man.  I know he’s going to be endlessly happy.

This morning I keep having to tell myself I don’t have to feed him, as that was my job. So there is an emptyness. Another soul doesn’t need me anymore. I’ve served my purpose….and now I need a holiday!

…was the phrase of today…

From 1oam til 2pm I walked dogs….oh and washed a tiny kitten

It made me forget about everything…including hunger or thirst! How amazing and theraputic it is to walk a dog and see the elation of it feeling grass or taking a long pee in a natural environment. I started with the hospital bound doggies which don’t get to see grass or outside world for days maybe even weeks. Most of them keep in their pee and pooh for days as they don’t want to mess indoors, it’s so sad to see them relieve themselves more than once and you can just tell they’ve been holding it in for so long.

The first little missy was a jack russel female who is recovering from a car hit and run and my instructions were not to let her run…but boy oh boy all this bundle of energy wanted to do was run and jump and twirl. It took alot for me to try calm her down otherwise she could hurt herself. The others were so cute and loving and so grateful for the walk. I’m saddest about the township dog that was bitten by a snake and will return after recovery. Also another bad looking guy with a leg cast which just lay in the corner shivering and growling. I couldn’t take him out.

Then I bathed a tiny kitten covered in fleas and flea poop. Poor little thing was trying desperately to claw it’s way out of the sink but I think I saw relief when I finally finished and wrapped in towel…to be clean that is

Once the hospital wards were done I took on another run with dogs which don’t often get visitors because of their location. I was told about the bull terrier and loving the breed I was excited to see her but careful also. But what a darling. Scared out of her mind as dog fights were involved in her past but she’s so trusting we had an awesome walk. I didn’t want to put her back. She got triple the rounds around the offices.

Then I saw a largish pit bull cross female next and was a bit worried but hand introductions saw she’s so gentle and so excited to see a leash. Once in hand though I could feel oh boy she’s extremely strong. I’ve never felt such strength before. So I took it slow in the safety of the cage until I knew I had her and then ventured out. Took a few commands and tugs and then what a pleasure and such a sweet girl. I know nothing about dog pregnancy but something told me her tummy shouldn’t look like that and my suspicions were proven right. And the way she was acting when I called the home manager she said she was about to deliver…poor girl!

What an adventurous day! Animal welfare has so much need. But immediately they need puppy, kitten and cat food. Loads of blankets need to be washed. Walkers for hospital bound animals. Someone who can commit to regular website updates. and of course across the board walkers…

There’s a dog waiting for you to walk, no matter how old or young or strength level….there’s one you can handle!