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DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO RESCUE?
Often I hear, “Oh I couldn't do that!” “How are you able to give them up?” “My heart would break.”
If these thoughts are some of our own, I understand. In 1997 I said those words. I eased into rescue by doing shelter walks, transport, and volunteering at events.
Back in those days we had to sneak cameras into the shelters. Photos were not allowed and we risked confiscation of our equipment if caught. Today it is so much better. The shelters have learned that a good photo can make the difference between a dog getting out the front door and the back - “good” being the operative term. So many of the photos available are poor. We need volunteers to take head & side view body shots of potential incoming dogs. Do you have a digital camera? Is this something you are willing to do to help the Border Collies in need?
Once we have good photos to make an evaluation of breed, transporters are in short supply. I can be traveling on a shelter sweep for seven or more hours, with the average being around 2-3 hours. This is precious time for our foster care homes that could be spent rehabilitating/training foster dogs in preparation for their forever homes. Are you able to help in transporting, either the full distance or a leg of the journey for a Border Collie in need? Remember that this mileage is tax deductible as a volunteer.
Events are one of our best resources for education as well as potential adoptions. Each foster home handles their adoptions. It can get pretty hectic and we have the need for worker bees that can walk the dogs for potty breaks, make sure they have plenty of fresh water, make sure the dogs stay cool when it is hot, and can give breaks to the humans. We can also use extra hands to set up and tear down. Can you volunteer one or two days a month to help at events?
Once you have volunteered in one or all of the above capacities, you might consider being a foster care home. Is it hard at first? Yes! The first foster you adopt can break your heart. I still remember my first foster “Bronco Billy”. This breed bonds well yet is highly adaptable.. You will have a harder time than the dog, trust me.. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the dog interact with its new family and receiving the updates.. It's a win-win, giving a dog a second chance at life and hearing how happy the people are with their new canine companion.. This “paycheck” is priceless!. Then you have an open spot to help save another.. It is a beautiful cycle helping these dogs.. Now, I'm not going to fool you and say each does not take a piece of your heart.. Even after all these years, some take a bigger chunk than others. I think you will find that you have been blessed with a much larger heart than you realized.. I know I have.
So, do you have what it takes?. It's really not hard to open your heart and your home to a Border Collie in need.
Debi Allen
President
Border Collies In Need, Inc. |
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If you feel you have what it takes to help rescue, please fill out our Volunteer Application form. If you would like to foster a border collie, you must fill out the Volunteer Form, as well as our Foster Application forms.
Thank you for considering rescue first! | |
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