Don’t assume a rescued animal is going to a good place. Over the 25-plus years I’ve been doing rescue, I’ve met others who “do rescue” as well. Most are well-intentioned people, who have the means to care for the animals in their charge. Other times it is not so.
As you would with anything important, check the “rescues” out before turning an animal over to them. They should not be offended. They certainly would check you out if you wanted to adopt from them. Ask what veterinarian they use for their rescue animals, and call that veterinarian for a reference. One simple phone call could save your animal from falling into the wrong hands.
The hard truth is that there are far too many people and organizations that call themselves rescues. Some have good intentions but become “hoarders” who cannot provide even the minimum of care. Animals die in their care. Animals do not get medical attention and live in filth. Good intentions end up in disaster.
Others are downright dishonest and will claim to be a rescue to get your animals to sell as “bait animals.” There are others who use animals for ritualistic offerings – killing them in the process. There is documented story after story in the news.
I’m currently involved in a situation where animals are being routinely dumped. The residents simply cannot handle the number of animals that are dumped, but with good intentions put them in a pen where they fight and reproduce. This results in unhealthy conditions, injured animals and babies born – the majority of which have died off. I’m working on getting the animals out of there to a place where they will get medical attention and will find proper, loving homes. Contributions for this effort will be gratefully accepted. You can reach us at www.kindheartrescue.com.
Jody Couse Caizza
Kind Heart Rescue
Cream Ridge