Posts
**Warning: This video contains images that may be disturbing to some viewers.**
We should have another one coming soon. As long as life doesn't get in the way :)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
"Rescuers Need Rescue Too"
By Chandra Moira Beal
Animal rescue is deeply rewarding yet extremely difficult work. To survive in this realm, one must find healthy ways to cope with the emotional challenges. Here are 10 points to ponder.
You can't save them all. Even if you spent every hour of every day working to save animals, you still wouldn't be able to save them all. Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone in your efforts.
Work smarter, not harder. Manage your rescue efforts like a business. Organize tasks to make the best use of time. For example, time spent recruiting more volunteers may make more sense in the long run than trying to do more yourself. If you find yourself pulled in many directions, you might be more effective if you focus on one rescue facility, one geographic locale, or one species or breed.
Just say no. Many people feel guilty when they can't take care of everything that comes up. Be realistic about how much you can handle! If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to say, "I can't right now." Delegate to others when possible, and ask for help when you need it.
You are making a difference. Whenever you question whether you're helping very much, remember the old parable about the man walking on the beach, picking up starfish who have washed ashore and tossing them gently, one by one, back into the ocean. Another man approaches, notices that there are starfish on the beach for as far as the eye can see, and asks, "What difference can you possibly make when there are so many?" Looking at the creature in his hand, the first man replies, "I can make all the difference in the world to THIS starfish."
Celebrate victories. There are happy endings to many rescue stories. Rejoice in what is working. Of course, seeing an animal go home with a loving family is the greatest reward of all.
Small kindnesses do count. It's common to think that small efforts don't mean as much as large victories, but stopping to pet an animal, even for just one minute is worth doing. Your touch may be the only friendly attention he or she receives that day. Grooming, holding and comforting, or intoning softly that you care, are activities that many shelters don't have time for.
Find outlets for emotional release. Rescue work can be physically exhausting, emotionally draining and spiritually challenging. Don't dismiss your feelings or think you're a wimp for being affected by it all. Talk to someone you trust about what you're experiencing. Cry when you need to. Write your feelings in a journal.
Channel your emotions into action by writing to the editor of your newspaper or your local representatives about the need for animal protection legislation.
Take care of yourself. Make time to do whatever makes you feel good. Take a relaxing bath, or go out to dinner and let someone else do the cooking. You need to recharge your batteries in order to maintain mental and physical health.
Don't downplay your compassion. When people ask me why I rescue animals, often I'm tempted to say, "Oh, it's not big deal" or "Somebody's got to do it," when in reality I rescue animals because I care so deeply about them. Compassion is healthy, normal and necessary for this work. Let people know how important this cause is to you. You just might inspire others to become involved.
Never give up. When you get discouraged, it is tempting to throw in the towel. Take a break, and come back fighting. And remember the man and the starfish.
Animal rescue is deeply rewarding yet extremely difficult work. To survive in this realm, one must find healthy ways to cope with the emotional challenges. Here are 10 points to ponder.
You can't save them all. Even if you spent every hour of every day working to save animals, you still wouldn't be able to save them all. Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone in your efforts.
Work smarter, not harder. Manage your rescue efforts like a business. Organize tasks to make the best use of time. For example, time spent recruiting more volunteers may make more sense in the long run than trying to do more yourself. If you find yourself pulled in many directions, you might be more effective if you focus on one rescue facility, one geographic locale, or one species or breed.
Just say no. Many people feel guilty when they can't take care of everything that comes up. Be realistic about how much you can handle! If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to say, "I can't right now." Delegate to others when possible, and ask for help when you need it.
You are making a difference. Whenever you question whether you're helping very much, remember the old parable about the man walking on the beach, picking up starfish who have washed ashore and tossing them gently, one by one, back into the ocean. Another man approaches, notices that there are starfish on the beach for as far as the eye can see, and asks, "What difference can you possibly make when there are so many?" Looking at the creature in his hand, the first man replies, "I can make all the difference in the world to THIS starfish."
Celebrate victories. There are happy endings to many rescue stories. Rejoice in what is working. Of course, seeing an animal go home with a loving family is the greatest reward of all.
Small kindnesses do count. It's common to think that small efforts don't mean as much as large victories, but stopping to pet an animal, even for just one minute is worth doing. Your touch may be the only friendly attention he or she receives that day. Grooming, holding and comforting, or intoning softly that you care, are activities that many shelters don't have time for.
Find outlets for emotional release. Rescue work can be physically exhausting, emotionally draining and spiritually challenging. Don't dismiss your feelings or think you're a wimp for being affected by it all. Talk to someone you trust about what you're experiencing. Cry when you need to. Write your feelings in a journal.
Channel your emotions into action by writing to the editor of your newspaper or your local representatives about the need for animal protection legislation.
Take care of yourself. Make time to do whatever makes you feel good. Take a relaxing bath, or go out to dinner and let someone else do the cooking. You need to recharge your batteries in order to maintain mental and physical health.
Don't downplay your compassion. When people ask me why I rescue animals, often I'm tempted to say, "Oh, it's not big deal" or "Somebody's got to do it," when in reality I rescue animals because I care so deeply about them. Compassion is healthy, normal and necessary for this work. Let people know how important this cause is to you. You just might inspire others to become involved.
Never give up. When you get discouraged, it is tempting to throw in the towel. Take a break, and come back fighting. And remember the man and the starfish.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Friendly Advice About Checking Rescue References
This info actually came from a yahoo group (Pit-Bull-Crusaders) that we are a member of, but we thought it was great info to share with with anyone looking to place a dog with a rescue, looking to adopt from a rescue or even those people interested in volunteering a the rescue.
If the rescue hesitates to provide references, ask yourself, "Why?"
What to Ask For?:
1) Vet Reference(s)-----> Is this a new vet for them? If so, ask for the name of the one they used before. Some people move because of bad rescue practices which could indicate substandard veterinarian care for their animals.
2) Have they filed paperwork with their local government to be recognized as a non-profit organization? Verify it.
3) Local Shelter reference and number
4) Local Animal Control and number
5) At least (2) adoptive homes that the rescue has adopted to
6) Local rescue group(s) that they have worked with on any level
There are many more things you can ask about beyond this list. What is important to you? Who might have that answer? How well does the rescue know their chosen breed? Are the animals handled and placed appropriately? We've heard some pretty disheartening stories regarding the outcome of animals who were not managed appropriately and were set up to fail.
Keep in mind too that sometimes a rescue's references may not tell the whole story about who they are as a group. We've heard stories about people who are engaging in unethical treatment of their animals, but they are good friends with Animal Control who overlooks it. We've also heard of another rescue that is notorious for abandoning animals in their foster home. I don't know WHY any rescue would want to treat a foster home that way, but it happens!
You can call a vet to see if they see their animals, but do you have proof that ALL of their animals are being seen there? (I'm of the personal opinion that a dog should at least be seen by the primary vet for a health checkup, even if all the procedures were done at a separate location). I've heard stories from people about adopting a dog only to realize it had NEVER seen a vet while in the rescue's care. That's absolutely frightening! Get those vet records BEFORE you adopt!
The point to all of this is to not settle for one good answer. Get as many answers and opinions as possible!
And yes, we are inviting any of you to check us out :) You can email us at info@nhpbr.org. If you have thing else you think is pertinent to this blog post, let us know that too!
Thank you everyone!
If the rescue hesitates to provide references, ask yourself, "Why?"
What to Ask For?:
1) Vet Reference(s)-----> Is this a new vet for them? If so, ask for the name of the one they used before. Some people move because of bad rescue practices which could indicate substandard veterinarian care for their animals.
2) Have they filed paperwork with their local government to be recognized as a non-profit organization? Verify it.
3) Local Shelter reference and number
4) Local Animal Control and number
5) At least (2) adoptive homes that the rescue has adopted to
6) Local rescue group(s) that they have worked with on any level
There are many more things you can ask about beyond this list. What is important to you? Who might have that answer? How well does the rescue know their chosen breed? Are the animals handled and placed appropriately? We've heard some pretty disheartening stories regarding the outcome of animals who were not managed appropriately and were set up to fail.
Keep in mind too that sometimes a rescue's references may not tell the whole story about who they are as a group. We've heard stories about people who are engaging in unethical treatment of their animals, but they are good friends with Animal Control who overlooks it. We've also heard of another rescue that is notorious for abandoning animals in their foster home. I don't know WHY any rescue would want to treat a foster home that way, but it happens!
You can call a vet to see if they see their animals, but do you have proof that ALL of their animals are being seen there? (I'm of the personal opinion that a dog should at least be seen by the primary vet for a health checkup, even if all the procedures were done at a separate location). I've heard stories from people about adopting a dog only to realize it had NEVER seen a vet while in the rescue's care. That's absolutely frightening! Get those vet records BEFORE you adopt!
The point to all of this is to not settle for one good answer. Get as many answers and opinions as possible!
And yes, we are inviting any of you to check us out :) You can email us at info@nhpbr.org. If you have thing else you think is pertinent to this blog post, let us know that too!
Thank you everyone!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Just Wanted to Update :)
Looks like Beacon may be going to his new home next Friday! Katie and Luke have been patiently waiting for Beacon to get in a little better health and now that he's ready to go, they are getting ready for him. :) We're very excited for everyone!
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Be looking for some educational stuff coming your way via our blog here too. We're still steadily working on our demonstrations that we'll be having at our event for National Pit Bull Awareness Day this year. Actually, we're hoping to have quite a bit to share with you all, not just what our demonstrations will consist of.
Keep your eyes peeled!
If you would like to be added to our automatic update list when we update the blog, please send an email over to info@nhpbr.org. I'll make sure to get you put on the list.
Thank you everyone for your support! More good things are on the way!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Be looking for some educational stuff coming your way via our blog here too. We're still steadily working on our demonstrations that we'll be having at our event for National Pit Bull Awareness Day this year. Actually, we're hoping to have quite a bit to share with you all, not just what our demonstrations will consist of.
Keep your eyes peeled!
If you would like to be added to our automatic update list when we update the blog, please send an email over to info@nhpbr.org. I'll make sure to get you put on the list.
Thank you everyone for your support! More good things are on the way!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Are You Graphically Inclined?
New Hope has a HUGE event coming up in October (which we need TONS of volunteers for by the way!!!) and we need some help with a shirt design.
Pit Bull Awareness Day is on October 25th this year and New Hope Pit Bull Rescue will be hosting an event for the Charleston area. Stay tuned to find out more details as we are still in the planning stages :)
Anywho, on to the shirt design. We're having a design contest to help get the public involved more and to help raise some funds for the rescue :)
Graphic Requirements:
- Vector Files are preferred although .png is acceptable. Please email us if you have questions about specific file types.
- Please limit graphic to no more than three colors.
- The graphic should depict pit bulls in a positive light. Please no snarling/aggressive images or dogs with cropped ears.
- Ideally, the graphic will include at least one happy, smiling pit bull. We have LOTS of examples if you need them.
- The graphic will be used on a white shirt so please keep this in mind while designing.
Rules:
- Entrant must be age 18 or older.
- Contest is open to all US residents.
- Upon submission, all graphics become property of New Hope Pit Bull Rescue and may be used in other media. However, owners of designs will retain rights to use their design.
- All submissions MUST be emailed.
- Please title your email “Design Contest Submission – (Last Name Here)
- Your entry(entries)must have been designed by you.
- Multiple entries are accepted.
- The entry fee is $10 per submission and can be made through PayPal. Our PayPal email address is donations@nhpbr.org or to make things easier, use the chipin widget at the bottom of this page.
- A minimum of 10 entries must be received. If we do not receive the 10 entry minimum, all entry fees will be returned. Submissions will still remain property of New Hope Pit Bull Rescue.
- All submissions must be received no later than Midnight, August 15, 2008
- Winner will be notified no later than August 22, 2008.
Incentives:
Why should you enter?
- You have the opportunity to win money for your design! 50% of the entry fees go to the owner of the winning submission. Your design could win at least $50!
- The graphic is needed for t-shirts that we will be making available to the public at this event for purchases and for prizes. Local businesses will be purchasing “ad-space” on the back of these shirts. The winning designer will receive their name/business included in this line up. If you are part of a business looking to gain more exposure, this is an opportunity for you!
- Winner will receive one free t-shirt with his or her design that was chosen to represent our Pit Bull Awareness & Education Celebration.
- Add to your portfolio!
Remember, HAVE FUN!
Pit Bull Awareness Day is on October 25th this year and New Hope Pit Bull Rescue will be hosting an event for the Charleston area. Stay tuned to find out more details as we are still in the planning stages :)
Anywho, on to the shirt design. We're having a design contest to help get the public involved more and to help raise some funds for the rescue :)
Graphic Requirements:
- Vector Files are preferred although .png is acceptable. Please email us if you have questions about specific file types.
- Please limit graphic to no more than three colors.
- The graphic should depict pit bulls in a positive light. Please no snarling/aggressive images or dogs with cropped ears.
- Ideally, the graphic will include at least one happy, smiling pit bull. We have LOTS of examples if you need them.
- The graphic will be used on a white shirt so please keep this in mind while designing.
Rules:
- Entrant must be age 18 or older.
- Contest is open to all US residents.
- Upon submission, all graphics become property of New Hope Pit Bull Rescue and may be used in other media. However, owners of designs will retain rights to use their design.
- All submissions MUST be emailed.
- Please title your email “Design Contest Submission – (Last Name Here)
- Your entry(entries)must have been designed by you.
- Multiple entries are accepted.
- The entry fee is $10 per submission and can be made through PayPal. Our PayPal email address is donations@nhpbr.org or to make things easier, use the chipin widget at the bottom of this page.
- A minimum of 10 entries must be received. If we do not receive the 10 entry minimum, all entry fees will be returned. Submissions will still remain property of New Hope Pit Bull Rescue.
- All submissions must be received no later than Midnight, August 15, 2008
- Winner will be notified no later than August 22, 2008.
Incentives:
Why should you enter?
- You have the opportunity to win money for your design! 50% of the entry fees go to the owner of the winning submission. Your design could win at least $50!
- The graphic is needed for t-shirts that we will be making available to the public at this event for purchases and for prizes. Local businesses will be purchasing “ad-space” on the back of these shirts. The winning designer will receive their name/business included in this line up. If you are part of a business looking to gain more exposure, this is an opportunity for you!
- Winner will receive one free t-shirt with his or her design that was chosen to represent our Pit Bull Awareness & Education Celebration.
- Add to your portfolio!
Remember, HAVE FUN!