“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Gandhi

In every community, there are heroes whose work often goes unnoticed, whose impact is immeasurable, and whose dedication knows no bounds. Among these are the compassionate souls who run and support animal rescue organizations. These organizations not only provide a lifeline for animals in need but also offer profound benefits to society and our collective humanity.

The Heartbeat of Compassion

Animal rescue organizations operate on the principle that every creature deserves love, care, and a chance at a better life. They rescue animals from dire situations—abuse, neglect and abandonment, for instance. Sometimes the situation isn’t anyone’s fault, such as a natural disaster, the death of an owner or the animal simply getting lost.

In doing so, they offer these animals a second chance, a new beginning. The animals, in turn, bring immeasurable joy and companionship to the humans who adopt them, creating a cycle of compassion and kindness.

The Human-Animal Bond

Our Cat, Saddie: When I was a newlywed, we got our first pet as a married couple. The kitten literally fell into our laps! She had been chased up a tree by a large dog. The poor thing looked down at us with eyes the size of saucers, pleading to be rescued. It took us only a spit second to pull the dog away from the tree and grab the kitten. Two minutes later we were heading to the vet with this bundle of fur, soaking wet from dog saliva and blood from puncture wounds in her side.

She turned out to be a perfect companion for me. She loved riding in the car and she would catch peoples attention as she stood looking out the car window like a dog. I took her everywhere with me, including the barn. While I was either riding or giving riding lessons Saddie would explore the fields and every nook and cranny of the barn. But, when it was time to go, she would appear out of nowhere as soon as she heard the car door open! She was such a wonderful companion for many years for myself, my husband and our growing family.

Our Dog, Poppy: My husband and I were pregnant with our first child when a darling Shetland Sheepdog wandered up to my In-Laws front porch. She was dirty and thin. Her feet were sore from walking too long and she looked so sad. From her reaction to us I believe she had tried to find any kind soul to give her a tidbit, shelter or a kind word, but met with devastating results.

She appeared about two weeks after the 4^th of July, so I think she got scared and unintentionally ran away from her original owners. We called every shelter and vet we knew and even had her announced on the local radio station, but her owners couldn’t be located. Maybe they were not from this area when they lost her.

Instead of taking her to a rescue, I decided we needed another pet. So our family continued to grow.

She and our cat, Saddie, got along famously. They would play with each other and take naps together. Both were wonderful around our two small boys.

Shelties are herding dogs and one day Poppy showed her inherited skill. My boys, one an infant just starting to craw and the other a toddler, were playing in the backyard. The mailman spotted us in the back and instead of dropping the mail at the door decided to come back and hand me the mail personally. Poppy spotted him coming up toward the boys and got between the mailman and the boys.

At first, he didn’t realize what was happening and tried to walk around her, but she continued to herd him away from the boys and me. It was amazing to watch her prowess at manipulating where the mailman could go. The show ended when I got up and approached him, reaching for the mail and thanking him. Poppy was never aggressive, but she was attentive!

A Better Society Through Animal Rescues

The relationship between humans and animals is ancient and profound. Pets provide companionship, reduce stress, and enhance emotional well-being. Animal rescue organizations facilitate these connections, ensuring that animals find loving homes and humans find faithful companions. The simple act of adopting a rescue animal can transform lives, providing both the animal and the adopter with a renewed sense of purpose and joy.

Animal rescues contribute significantly to the fabric of society. They address overpopulation issues by spaying and neutering animals, preventing countless unwanted litters. This helps reduce the number of stray animals on the streets, thereby decreasing the spread of diseases and reducing the risk of animal-related accidents.

Moreover, these organizations often engage in community education, teaching the importance of responsible pet ownership, humane treatment of animals, and the benefits of adopting rather than purchasing pets. By fostering a culture of empathy and responsibility, animal rescues help create more compassionate communities.

Support a Rescue

There are animal rescues for specific types of animals and those who take in every type of animal. You can find them in your own neck of the woods and online on social media. You may even find your own animal that needs rescuing by just being at the right place at the right time… like my cat Saddie and my dog Poppy.

Here are two rescues I wholeheartedly recommend, if you are looking to support neglected, unwanted animals…

One of my favorite rescues is for horses. It is called Colby’s Crew Rescue, and you can find them on Facebook. Be aware though, their photos can be quite disturbing! It is an incredible rescue who has a team of vets and volunteers and perform absolute miracles with the horses they rescue. They are not afraid to take part in the worst cases and will spend the money others won’t to bring them back to health. This rescue would be worth your while to support. They are in Charlottesville, Virginia and an approved 501 C 3 nonprofit organization.

Another wonderful rescue I recommend is the Herps Alive Foundation in South Euclid, Ohio. You can find them at www.herpsalive.org. they are a 501 C 3 public charity dedicated to saving, rehabilitating and caring for unwanted, neglected and abused reptiles and amphibians, and to finding new homes for them when possible, with an emphasis on educating the public about these remarkable animals. If you are local, go visit them! It’s like visiting a zoo for critters.

A World Without Animal Rescues: A Heartbreaking Vision

Imagine a world without animal rescue organizations. Streets would be overrun with stray animals, many suffering from hunger, disease, and injury. The sight of abandoned pets would become commonplace, and shelters would be overwhelmed, unable to cope with the sheer number of animals in need.

But more than that, the bond between humans and animals would weaken, with fewer opportunities for people to experience the unconditional love that pets provide. The absence of these organizations would strip our society of a vital source of compassion and empathy, leading to a colder, more disconnected world.

The Adopters: Heroes in Their Own Right

Those who choose to adopt from shelters and rescues are heroes in their own right. Their decision to adopt is often driven by a profound sense of compassion and a desire to make a difference. Here are a few reasons why people choose to adopt and the benefits they reap:

1. Saving Lives: Adopting from a shelter or rescue means giving a homeless animal a second chance. Adopters know they are saving a life and making space for another animal in need.

2. Gratitude and Loyalty: Rescue animals often display an extraordinary level of gratitude and loyalty. They seem to understand they’ve been given a second chance and often form incredibly strong bonds with their new families.

3. Emotional Fulfillment: Adopting a rescue animal can be an immensely rewarding experience. Knowing you’ve provided a loving home to an animal in need brings a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

4. Financial Benefits: Many rescue organizations cover initial medical expenses, such as vaccinations and spaying/neutering, making adoption a cost-effective choice compared to buying from breeders or pet stores.

5. Unique Companions: Shelters are filled with animals of all shapes, sizes, and breeds, each with their own unique personality. Adopters often find the perfect pet that matches their lifestyle and preferences.

My Animal Art

My art reveals my deep connection with animals. Most of my compositions contain some sort of animal and/or nature, whether it is mystery, fantasy or in the natural environment. I feel deeply for our natural world and the lives in it and started painting animals at a very young age, never outgrowing that love.

The Call to Action

Animal rescue organizations are pillars of hope and compassion in our communities. They work tirelessly to save lives, mend broken spirits, and foster connections that enrich both human and animal lives.

Supporting these organizations—through donations, volunteering, or adopting a rescue animal—is not just an act of kindness; it is an investment in a more compassionate and humane society.

Do you have a favorite animal rescue? Let’s add to the list I started by naming your favorite rescue and their contact information in the comments.