I've long not been a fan of doctors, but in recent years, I've become even less and less enchanted with them. I'm not uninsured. I have insurance, I just can't ever use it. Why? Because no doctors are ever available.
For two years now I have been unable to get an appointment with the woman who is supposed to be my GP. If I'm sick and call, I have to wait two weeks for them to work me in, and that's only if I get the right key combination through their automated answering service. Earlier this year, they changed phone numbers and moved. Did I get a notice? Nope. I had to do a Google search, and finally on page 7 of the search results came up with the right number. I decided to try this morning one last time to get in to see this woman. So I called the number and entered what would be the magic combination to get a human to answer. I waited and waited and waited some more before being addressed very curtly by the "operator." I told her I was a current patient, which would have been true if they would have granted any of my appointments in the last two years, but that I needed to be seen this week. I told her what for and that I needed to get shots (a couple of things you should have when working with animals as much as I do) only to be told that they don't do immunizations in their office. Then she hung up on me. Back to the drawing board.
I finally found my insurance card and decided to check online for approved providers. I pulled out three names and called. One doctor said they were accepting new patients but didn't have appointments available for them until January. Two others I got lost in their automated menus and gave up.
I guess I could go to the immediate med place, except that once I'm there, I have to pay a much higher co-pay which leaves me nothing to get whatever meds I might need after the visit and then have to pay another bill a month later when I discover my insurance didn't cover everything. But I will say that on my various trips to them, I've always had exceptional customer service with the nurses and doctors in attendance. So kudos to them.
So it seems to me I have a different health care crisis to deal with. I have insurance, but can't use it because no doctors are available. So why do I even have it? It's taking a huge chunk of my paycheck every month for absolutely nothing. I would be better served putting that money towards my student loans or house payment.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
The State of Our Education System
Let me preface this by saying this has nothing (well, very little) to do with animal rescue, but something that has been on my mind quite a bit in recent months.
I've been reading message boards lately. It seems discipline is a huge issue in our schools. I would agree. I grew up deathly afraid of my parents, grandparents, nuns at my schools, and of course, God. Growing up on Tybee was even worse. If I did anything outside the home, there was no hesitation to tell my parents. I remember running a yellow light on my way home from soccer practice and being scolded later that evening because someone told my mom.
Each year, I conduct humane education programs at various elementary and middle schools in our area. Having spent 12 years in Catholic schools throughout childhood, I am still surprised at the major differences I see when I enter a classroom.
There is a great debate on a message board about paddling in schools. I'm of the mindset that the schools do not exist to discipline, that is a parent's job. However, from what I've seen firsthand in some of the classrooms I've visited, quite a few parents are failing at their job. It's no wonder there is a high turnover rate for teaching positions. I know there is no way I could ever be at most of these schools every day. It's hard enough to tolerate for an hour at a time sometimes.
Two years ago, I attended career day at Largo Tibet Elementary. The first class I spoke with was exceptional, but it went down from there. By the fourth class, students were telling me stories about how their dads or older brothers beat their dogs to train them or how they have puppies for sale regularly. I was so shell-shocked when I left the classroom, especially since the teacher just sat in the back grading papers, apparently thankful to have a babysitter. One of our adoption coordinators was a guidance counselor there at the time and I had to just sit in her office a few minutes to recover.
But then there are other schools that I visit that are on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. I remember the first time I visited with Jacob G. Smith Elementary School nearly four years ago. I walked in with a dog and rather than screams and kids clambering about while a teacher shouted for control, every child remained in their desk and waited politely for their turn to meet my companion. I visit at this school at least once a year and with various grades. It's one of my favorites places to teach each year.
So why are there such differences between these schools if they are run by the same system and have the same hiring practices for educators and staff? I maintain that the problem starts at home. We can't expect teachers to be educators and parents. Yes, I had several teachers growing up that helped shape me into the young woman I am today. They challenged me, or gave encouraging thoughts, or did something to help push me forward and make something of myself. But it was never their job to be my disciplinarian or psychologist.
I honestly don't know the solution to the problem. We argued it a good long while at our Leadership Savannah retreat a few weeks ago. Everyone seems to have their own ideas. I guess we just sit back and hope one day that someone figures out something.
I've been reading message boards lately. It seems discipline is a huge issue in our schools. I would agree. I grew up deathly afraid of my parents, grandparents, nuns at my schools, and of course, God. Growing up on Tybee was even worse. If I did anything outside the home, there was no hesitation to tell my parents. I remember running a yellow light on my way home from soccer practice and being scolded later that evening because someone told my mom.
Each year, I conduct humane education programs at various elementary and middle schools in our area. Having spent 12 years in Catholic schools throughout childhood, I am still surprised at the major differences I see when I enter a classroom.
There is a great debate on a message board about paddling in schools. I'm of the mindset that the schools do not exist to discipline, that is a parent's job. However, from what I've seen firsthand in some of the classrooms I've visited, quite a few parents are failing at their job. It's no wonder there is a high turnover rate for teaching positions. I know there is no way I could ever be at most of these schools every day. It's hard enough to tolerate for an hour at a time sometimes.
Two years ago, I attended career day at Largo Tibet Elementary. The first class I spoke with was exceptional, but it went down from there. By the fourth class, students were telling me stories about how their dads or older brothers beat their dogs to train them or how they have puppies for sale regularly. I was so shell-shocked when I left the classroom, especially since the teacher just sat in the back grading papers, apparently thankful to have a babysitter. One of our adoption coordinators was a guidance counselor there at the time and I had to just sit in her office a few minutes to recover.
But then there are other schools that I visit that are on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. I remember the first time I visited with Jacob G. Smith Elementary School nearly four years ago. I walked in with a dog and rather than screams and kids clambering about while a teacher shouted for control, every child remained in their desk and waited politely for their turn to meet my companion. I visit at this school at least once a year and with various grades. It's one of my favorites places to teach each year.
So why are there such differences between these schools if they are run by the same system and have the same hiring practices for educators and staff? I maintain that the problem starts at home. We can't expect teachers to be educators and parents. Yes, I had several teachers growing up that helped shape me into the young woman I am today. They challenged me, or gave encouraging thoughts, or did something to help push me forward and make something of myself. But it was never their job to be my disciplinarian or psychologist.
I honestly don't know the solution to the problem. We argued it a good long while at our Leadership Savannah retreat a few weeks ago. Everyone seems to have their own ideas. I guess we just sit back and hope one day that someone figures out something.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Furminator to the Rescue
So earlier this week, we got an early Christmas gift: a donated Furminator. For those of you not familiar with the tool, it's to help get out loose hair from your pets to reduce the shedding around your home. We applied to the company to get one after the arrival of Teddy the Malamute who was just covered in mats. So here's how the test went tonight:
Teddy: hates it. It could be that just his personality does not permit him to sit still longer than two seconds, but definitely not worth the hassle with him. We'll be calling on Hoof and Woof next week to take care of that bad boy.
Vienna, 8-year-old 38-pound pug/black lab mix: mixed reviews. She liked it for a little while, but then got tired of the brushing. I was astounded at how much fur came off this girl. She's got such incredibly short hair, you would never think so much is just sitting on her. But we both really liked how much shinier her coat now appears. Since she's going to be on TV tomorrow morning (very early), I feel better about how she will look. Perhaps her new shine will get her a new home.
DaVinci, 3-year-old Rottweiler/Malamute mix: Loved it, or maybe it's just the attention he loves. He hasn't been to the groomer in two months, and it showed. We filled an entire grocery bag and then some with his sheddings.
Hannah, 1.5-year-old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: Liked it just fine. Of all the dogs, she tolerated the brushing the best, but that's probably her nature. Hannah remained perfectly still and never balked once at the brushing. We filled a small trash can in my office with her sheddings.
Hemingway, 10-month-old Malamute mix: Hated it, but really, it's probably his puppy ADD that is the problem. I gave up after about 10 minutes of trying. I'll have to get him his own appointment for grooming soon.
So, that's how the dogs fared. Here are my thoughts:
1. The handle needs to be longer. Granted, most people won't be brushing for two hours or longer like I have to do for multiple pets, but my hands still hurt right now. The constant motion I have to use to get the fur real well hurt my wrist a bit.
2. I did not anticipate how much of the fur would stick to myself. I got up off the floor and my red scrubs were covered in black and white fur. The static from the fur also was sticking to the dogs, so I was having to run my hands over them to grab the loose stuff. Given the amount of fur left on my floor and the amount which I inhaled, I almost wonder if this might be a chore better suited for the outdoors.
While the dogs' coats (those that allowed the full grooming) do look better, I really have no way to tell if it helps with the shedding around the house. If there were ever a fur donation program for hairless pets, we could outfit an army of them from what I sweep up every day.
Teddy: hates it. It could be that just his personality does not permit him to sit still longer than two seconds, but definitely not worth the hassle with him. We'll be calling on Hoof and Woof next week to take care of that bad boy.
Vienna, 8-year-old 38-pound pug/black lab mix: mixed reviews. She liked it for a little while, but then got tired of the brushing. I was astounded at how much fur came off this girl. She's got such incredibly short hair, you would never think so much is just sitting on her. But we both really liked how much shinier her coat now appears. Since she's going to be on TV tomorrow morning (very early), I feel better about how she will look. Perhaps her new shine will get her a new home.
DaVinci, 3-year-old Rottweiler/Malamute mix: Loved it, or maybe it's just the attention he loves. He hasn't been to the groomer in two months, and it showed. We filled an entire grocery bag and then some with his sheddings.
Hannah, 1.5-year-old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: Liked it just fine. Of all the dogs, she tolerated the brushing the best, but that's probably her nature. Hannah remained perfectly still and never balked once at the brushing. We filled a small trash can in my office with her sheddings.
Hemingway, 10-month-old Malamute mix: Hated it, but really, it's probably his puppy ADD that is the problem. I gave up after about 10 minutes of trying. I'll have to get him his own appointment for grooming soon.
So, that's how the dogs fared. Here are my thoughts:
1. The handle needs to be longer. Granted, most people won't be brushing for two hours or longer like I have to do for multiple pets, but my hands still hurt right now. The constant motion I have to use to get the fur real well hurt my wrist a bit.
2. I did not anticipate how much of the fur would stick to myself. I got up off the floor and my red scrubs were covered in black and white fur. The static from the fur also was sticking to the dogs, so I was having to run my hands over them to grab the loose stuff. Given the amount of fur left on my floor and the amount which I inhaled, I almost wonder if this might be a chore better suited for the outdoors.
While the dogs' coats (those that allowed the full grooming) do look better, I really have no way to tell if it helps with the shedding around the house. If there were ever a fur donation program for hairless pets, we could outfit an army of them from what I sweep up every day.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Internet Pet Adoptions: Love at First Sight
One of the questions I'm always asked is how to you get your pets adopted? Since we are an all-volunteer organization without a physical shelter, we rely on our website to promote our pets. We also list them on other pet websites such as Petfinder.com and similar sites. A good 90% of our adoptions come from these websites.
Can someone really just see a picture and have to have that pet? Yes they can. We've had adopters fly from Maine, Boston and Kentucky to get our pets and many drive up from Florida, down from North Georgia or over from South Carolina. We do not ship them, so adopters are told up front that they must come meet with us and the pet in person to complete the adoption. It's hard to believe that someone would go through all that for a simple picture they saw online, but it's what we count on. I had a reminder of that today.
Last week, we sent out our monthly newsletter in which we always feature a pet. We've decided to feature special needs pets and call it "Help Me Heal," where we provide the photo and information about the pet's special needs and a call for donations. Today, I received the following email from Cathi Denham, owner of At Home Pet Sitters and a yearly sponsor for Coastal Pet Rescue:
"I never really got how someone could look at a dogs picture and fall in
love enough to adopt him or her. Then I saw Herbie's picture and since I can't
adopt him, I can help him to become healthy. Hopefully the bio and link in
my newsletter will get enough donations to cover all of his treatment."
Help from people like Cathi is what we need the most. In Herbie's case, his medical care, when it is all said and done, should be about $800. So while he waits for an adopter to pick him, it's people like Cathi that will ensure he gets the medical care he needs to be around for a lifetime of love.
So take a minute to browse our adoptable pets. You may just find yourself falling in love at first sight.
Can someone really just see a picture and have to have that pet? Yes they can. We've had adopters fly from Maine, Boston and Kentucky to get our pets and many drive up from Florida, down from North Georgia or over from South Carolina. We do not ship them, so adopters are told up front that they must come meet with us and the pet in person to complete the adoption. It's hard to believe that someone would go through all that for a simple picture they saw online, but it's what we count on. I had a reminder of that today.
Last week, we sent out our monthly newsletter in which we always feature a pet. We've decided to feature special needs pets and call it "Help Me Heal," where we provide the photo and information about the pet's special needs and a call for donations. Today, I received the following email from Cathi Denham, owner of At Home Pet Sitters and a yearly sponsor for Coastal Pet Rescue:
"I never really got how someone could look at a dogs picture and fall in
love enough to adopt him or her. Then I saw Herbie's picture and since I can't
adopt him, I can help him to become healthy. Hopefully the bio and link in
my newsletter will get enough donations to cover all of his treatment."
Help from people like Cathi is what we need the most. In Herbie's case, his medical care, when it is all said and done, should be about $800. So while he waits for an adopter to pick him, it's people like Cathi that will ensure he gets the medical care he needs to be around for a lifetime of love.
So take a minute to browse our adoptable pets. You may just find yourself falling in love at first sight.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Dangers of Cutting Corners for Your Pets
It's no secret the economy has us all making sacrifices. For most families, having a pet is a luxury that can become costly overtime. When it's time to tighten the wallet, we might decide to change our pet's food to a slightly lower brand and even make cuts for routine veterinary care and flea or heartworm preventative. The bad news is that doing so may cost you more in the long run.
Pet's digestive systems are really very sensitive. Changing their food can cause loose or runny stool or maybe worse. Some pets have allergies to ingredients or food dyes in certain foods. If you are looking to reduce your costs, having to make emergency runs to your vet due to a reaction to food will not help.
The same goes for flea treatments. I can't stress enough how important it is to follow your vet's recommendations. There are reasons these products can only be bought at your vet's office. Some pets have bad reactions to certain products. If you think purchasing a cheaper product at Wal-Mart is going to make a difference, guess again. Thousands of pet parents have posted their horror stories at HartzVictims.org. There have been multiple lawsuits against the company over the years, and EPA even forced them to remove one of their products for cats.
I can't stress enough the importance of monthly heartworm preventative. This year already we have treated 12 dogs for heartworms and three more are waiting for us to get the funds so they may be treated. This is the most easily preventable parasite. A six month supply will cost around $60 depending on the size of your dog. One treatment to kill the heartworm infection may cost you $600. Just last month, we took a dog from a couple who admitted they hadn't given a heartworm pill to in a few months. We had to immediately have her tested. We were lucky she was negative, but it was probably due to the fact that her coat was rather matted so the mosquitos couldn't get through. Again, this is something you can get only from your vet, and that's a good thing. Certain breeds actually carry a high sensitivity to the ingredients in certain heartworm medications. Collies in particular should not be given anything that is ivermectin-based as it could actually be fatal to the dog.
So where can you cut corners with your pets? Well, obviously my answer is that you shouldn't. Instead, curb your Starbucks or fast food habits and put that money away for your pet's care. I know it hasn't been easy for me to give up my daily ice cream habit, but sometimes, you have to give up the instant gratification for long-term happiness. Your pets give so much to you unconditionally, is it really so much for you to give a little to them?
Pet's digestive systems are really very sensitive. Changing their food can cause loose or runny stool or maybe worse. Some pets have allergies to ingredients or food dyes in certain foods. If you are looking to reduce your costs, having to make emergency runs to your vet due to a reaction to food will not help.
The same goes for flea treatments. I can't stress enough how important it is to follow your vet's recommendations. There are reasons these products can only be bought at your vet's office. Some pets have bad reactions to certain products. If you think purchasing a cheaper product at Wal-Mart is going to make a difference, guess again. Thousands of pet parents have posted their horror stories at HartzVictims.org. There have been multiple lawsuits against the company over the years, and EPA even forced them to remove one of their products for cats.
I can't stress enough the importance of monthly heartworm preventative. This year already we have treated 12 dogs for heartworms and three more are waiting for us to get the funds so they may be treated. This is the most easily preventable parasite. A six month supply will cost around $60 depending on the size of your dog. One treatment to kill the heartworm infection may cost you $600. Just last month, we took a dog from a couple who admitted they hadn't given a heartworm pill to in a few months. We had to immediately have her tested. We were lucky she was negative, but it was probably due to the fact that her coat was rather matted so the mosquitos couldn't get through. Again, this is something you can get only from your vet, and that's a good thing. Certain breeds actually carry a high sensitivity to the ingredients in certain heartworm medications. Collies in particular should not be given anything that is ivermectin-based as it could actually be fatal to the dog.
So where can you cut corners with your pets? Well, obviously my answer is that you shouldn't. Instead, curb your Starbucks or fast food habits and put that money away for your pet's care. I know it hasn't been easy for me to give up my daily ice cream habit, but sometimes, you have to give up the instant gratification for long-term happiness. Your pets give so much to you unconditionally, is it really so much for you to give a little to them?
Monday, October 6, 2008
Don't Make Me Adopt You to Jesus
I remember growing up hearing the phrase "I gave you life, I can take it away" from TV parents. Although my parents never said those exact words to me, I'm sure there were thoughts similar to those that entered their minds from time to time.
Over the last few months, I have found myself uttering a similar phrase for a couple of my extra special furballs of joy. For the most part, I love what I do. I love the dogs being here, watching them heal and evolve. But there are just a few that love to push boundaries and try my patience as much as possible.
This morning, I had to get up at 4 am to appear on the WJCL and FOX 28 morning shows. This requires me getting up extra early to take all the dogs out, give them a small snack to appease them until I return at breakfast time, as well as actually do some makeup and something with my hair. Today, I donned my pirate costume to promote our event with the Tybee Island Pirate Fest this weekend. So I went through the process, got everyone ready, or so I thought. I did the headcount in the house and found that someone was missing. I went back out, and there was Hope in the yard, tossing a toy she had found up in the air and catching it then tossing it again. I was so proud watching her finally play. But here it was, just after 5 am and time for me to load up Junior and head to the TV studio. But at that same moment in time, Hope developed amnesia to her name and proceeded to play her new game all around the full half acre of our fenced in yard. I conceded and closed her in the big play yard and proceeded back to the house to leave.
After our show, I had to pick up a dog that was being returned. Returns are never easy, but it's even harder when the dog you are picking up was adopted out as a cute, bouncy puppy. Everyone wants cute puppies, very few want larger, grown dogs. And as it turns out, this one has never heard of the word discipline. Within a couple of hours of being here, she tore apart some chainlink, dug a nearly three-foot wide hole, and refused to obey any commands. She is all puppy all the time, and I am seriously going to have my work cut out for me if I'm ever going to find her another home.
So every day, I wear my St. Francis of Assisi medallion around my neck and hold it tight, finding the strength I need to bring out the best in these pets.
Over the last few months, I have found myself uttering a similar phrase for a couple of my extra special furballs of joy. For the most part, I love what I do. I love the dogs being here, watching them heal and evolve. But there are just a few that love to push boundaries and try my patience as much as possible.
This morning, I had to get up at 4 am to appear on the WJCL and FOX 28 morning shows. This requires me getting up extra early to take all the dogs out, give them a small snack to appease them until I return at breakfast time, as well as actually do some makeup and something with my hair. Today, I donned my pirate costume to promote our event with the Tybee Island Pirate Fest this weekend. So I went through the process, got everyone ready, or so I thought. I did the headcount in the house and found that someone was missing. I went back out, and there was Hope in the yard, tossing a toy she had found up in the air and catching it then tossing it again. I was so proud watching her finally play. But here it was, just after 5 am and time for me to load up Junior and head to the TV studio. But at that same moment in time, Hope developed amnesia to her name and proceeded to play her new game all around the full half acre of our fenced in yard. I conceded and closed her in the big play yard and proceeded back to the house to leave.
After our show, I had to pick up a dog that was being returned. Returns are never easy, but it's even harder when the dog you are picking up was adopted out as a cute, bouncy puppy. Everyone wants cute puppies, very few want larger, grown dogs. And as it turns out, this one has never heard of the word discipline. Within a couple of hours of being here, she tore apart some chainlink, dug a nearly three-foot wide hole, and refused to obey any commands. She is all puppy all the time, and I am seriously going to have my work cut out for me if I'm ever going to find her another home.
So every day, I wear my St. Francis of Assisi medallion around my neck and hold it tight, finding the strength I need to bring out the best in these pets.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The Angels Among Us
Years back, Alabama came out with a beautiful song titled "Angels Among Us." Having lost all my grandparents in my teen years, I often clung to that song and the belief that my grandparents were still with me, helping guide me through some of the rough times.
More recently, that song has come back to mind as I've discovered helping hands around me. I realized it mostly tonight after a long conversation with my mom. She finally admitted that she has been worried about me, primarily that I don't take enough time for myself. I admitted to her that it hasn't been easy, but that I've never been happier. Yes, cleaning up kennels and poop, feeding and medicating muliple dogs everyday is a lot of work, and I don't always like the 5 am wake up calls (4 am on media days), but it is the life I have chosen for myself and not one I'm looking to give up.
So during our conversation, I reassured her that it was ok, things were starting to look better. Last week, a Sarah Wright of Right Touch Cleaning donated her cleaning services. What a treat it was to walk in from work (yes, I work a real job) and smell a clean house and be able to see the counters. I was actually able to walk from the front door to the dog area without tripping over food boxes, leashes or whatever event materials I was too tired to put away. I've never had a cleaning service before, but I tell you, when I win the lottery, I will definitely have Sarah back!
Yesterday, my surrogate big sister and I attended a workshop in Charleston. We are now certified disaster response volunteers for United Animal Nation. But since our instructor was so amazing and got us out of the workshop two hours early, big sis suggested we hang out and enjoy the town a little bit. We had sitters for the pups, and we never get to just hang out together anymore because of so many commitments. So we took to the marketplace, browsing here and there. Big Sis indulged my Parrothead pilgrimage through Margaritaville, and I kept my hands to myself as we went into all the finer places she loves to shop. We attempted to have dinner at a 4th generation family-owned seafood place, but after not getting any service, we headed down to Bubba Gumps and had fabulous service. But the best part of the whole trip was the ride up and back, reconnecting as "sisters," talking about our thoughts and frustrations and just getting close again. She's been my cheerleader for the last year and a half, seeing me through challenges and lifting me up when I needed the boost. It felt great to be able to spend time with her again.
But today, I welcomed 21 angels to the ranch. A local Junior Girl Scout troop came out to volunteer their time towards the earning of their Bronze Award. A former Girl Scout myself (and Silver Award holder), I was more than happy to have them visit with us. The girls were not afraid of anything; they got down and dirty, taking on a job that I normally have to do on my own. But what astounded me was as they finished, they kept coming to ask me what more they could do. The ended up bathing all the dogs, which I always see as such a chore but they found incredibly delightful, actually fussing to get time with the suds and water. I watched these 9 and 10-year-olds show such pride in their work and find such joy in helping animals. It really gives me hope that the future will be much better for animal welfare.
I had one more angel join me today. My buddy Gary from Daniel Lumber came back out to help repair the chainlink a few dogs had torn apart. Gary has been an angel to me since January when we met at the Home and Garden Expo. He came out and realized what was going on out here and how little space I had for myself. He gave up two vacation days of his own to put in a divinging fence and give me a little outdoor space to relax. I honestly was taken aback by his selflessness as it is not something I've seen much of in this work.
I don't think it takes an extraordinary act to make someone an angel. Often times, it's the little things someone gives of themselves that make the biggest difference.
More recently, that song has come back to mind as I've discovered helping hands around me. I realized it mostly tonight after a long conversation with my mom. She finally admitted that she has been worried about me, primarily that I don't take enough time for myself. I admitted to her that it hasn't been easy, but that I've never been happier. Yes, cleaning up kennels and poop, feeding and medicating muliple dogs everyday is a lot of work, and I don't always like the 5 am wake up calls (4 am on media days), but it is the life I have chosen for myself and not one I'm looking to give up.
So during our conversation, I reassured her that it was ok, things were starting to look better. Last week, a Sarah Wright of Right Touch Cleaning donated her cleaning services. What a treat it was to walk in from work (yes, I work a real job) and smell a clean house and be able to see the counters. I was actually able to walk from the front door to the dog area without tripping over food boxes, leashes or whatever event materials I was too tired to put away. I've never had a cleaning service before, but I tell you, when I win the lottery, I will definitely have Sarah back!
Yesterday, my surrogate big sister and I attended a workshop in Charleston. We are now certified disaster response volunteers for United Animal Nation. But since our instructor was so amazing and got us out of the workshop two hours early, big sis suggested we hang out and enjoy the town a little bit. We had sitters for the pups, and we never get to just hang out together anymore because of so many commitments. So we took to the marketplace, browsing here and there. Big Sis indulged my Parrothead pilgrimage through Margaritaville, and I kept my hands to myself as we went into all the finer places she loves to shop. We attempted to have dinner at a 4th generation family-owned seafood place, but after not getting any service, we headed down to Bubba Gumps and had fabulous service. But the best part of the whole trip was the ride up and back, reconnecting as "sisters," talking about our thoughts and frustrations and just getting close again. She's been my cheerleader for the last year and a half, seeing me through challenges and lifting me up when I needed the boost. It felt great to be able to spend time with her again.
But today, I welcomed 21 angels to the ranch. A local Junior Girl Scout troop came out to volunteer their time towards the earning of their Bronze Award. A former Girl Scout myself (and Silver Award holder), I was more than happy to have them visit with us. The girls were not afraid of anything; they got down and dirty, taking on a job that I normally have to do on my own. But what astounded me was as they finished, they kept coming to ask me what more they could do. The ended up bathing all the dogs, which I always see as such a chore but they found incredibly delightful, actually fussing to get time with the suds and water. I watched these 9 and 10-year-olds show such pride in their work and find such joy in helping animals. It really gives me hope that the future will be much better for animal welfare.
I had one more angel join me today. My buddy Gary from Daniel Lumber came back out to help repair the chainlink a few dogs had torn apart. Gary has been an angel to me since January when we met at the Home and Garden Expo. He came out and realized what was going on out here and how little space I had for myself. He gave up two vacation days of his own to put in a divinging fence and give me a little outdoor space to relax. I honestly was taken aback by his selflessness as it is not something I've seen much of in this work.
I don't think it takes an extraordinary act to make someone an angel. Often times, it's the little things someone gives of themselves that make the biggest difference.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Where's My Bailout Plan?
I'd really like a bailout plan to finance all the pets that keep getting dumped at my house. But I'm sure I'm not alone. Most non-profits are feeling a big pinch in donations this year. For me personally, I've given up my Starbucks habit and curbed my trips to Tybee to conserve gas. I've been very good all along of making sure not to leave lights on when they aren't needed, but that doesn't seem to have made a difference on my electric bill. I still haven't replaced a lot of things on my truck either, such as the antenna that broke off during a puppy transport or the wheel caps that were stolen one night while I was at a performance downtown.
But I guess we all learn what we can and cannot be without. When I was younger, we lived on our boat since we didn't have a house. To most people, that would be awesome. But my bedroom was one side of a V-birth. There was no heat, no a/c, and no hot water and most of all, no doors except to the bathroom. But my fondest memories are of sitting on top of the boat late at night, watching the stars and listening to the creek rush by. I often slept outside because it was more soothing. I would get up in the mornings and eat my pop tarts on the dock while watching the dolphins play before going to school. My dad had a 1972 Volkswagon Thing. We'd load up our two dogs and head down to St. Michael's, never going more than 25 MPH. I can remember clearly the smell of the salt air and how big I would smile with the wind wrapping my hair around me. We didn't have much back then, but my dad made the best of it for us all.
Looking around me now, it seems I'm doing just fine. I just have to keep reminding myself that once upon a time, things seemed incredibly tough and comfort hard to find. But it really wasn't that bad after all. One day, I hope to look back on my life now and say the same thing.
But I guess we all learn what we can and cannot be without. When I was younger, we lived on our boat since we didn't have a house. To most people, that would be awesome. But my bedroom was one side of a V-birth. There was no heat, no a/c, and no hot water and most of all, no doors except to the bathroom. But my fondest memories are of sitting on top of the boat late at night, watching the stars and listening to the creek rush by. I often slept outside because it was more soothing. I would get up in the mornings and eat my pop tarts on the dock while watching the dolphins play before going to school. My dad had a 1972 Volkswagon Thing. We'd load up our two dogs and head down to St. Michael's, never going more than 25 MPH. I can remember clearly the smell of the salt air and how big I would smile with the wind wrapping my hair around me. We didn't have much back then, but my dad made the best of it for us all.
Looking around me now, it seems I'm doing just fine. I just have to keep reminding myself that once upon a time, things seemed incredibly tough and comfort hard to find. But it really wasn't that bad after all. One day, I hope to look back on my life now and say the same thing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
