Kindling Hope: Chickadee and Chuey's Rescue Stories
July, a month filled with explosive celebrations and vibrant fireworks, also carries a hidden peril for our four-legged friends. As communities across the nation eagerly embrace the summer festivities, igniting the night sky with dazzling fireworks displays, animal shelters will fill their kennels as countless dogs escape their homes and yards, desperately seeking refuge from the bursts of lights and the loud symphony of thunderous sounds. The dogs at the shelter face an alarming risk, and the ones who have occupied the kennels the longest are the most vulnerable.
Meet Chickadee, a German Shorthaired Pointer, sitting in a kennel at a local animal shelter caught in the crossfire of this heart-wrenching reality. Unlike other dogs that animal control officers picked up as strays, Chickadee's story took a different turn. Chickadee wasn't picked up as a stray. Her owner surrendered her when she would be at the highest risk for euthanasia.
Ironically, Chickadee was guilty of the same 'crime' that the last dog California GSP Rescue pulled from a shelter. Like Cluck, Chickadee was branded with the label of a chicken predator, a seemingly unforgivable 'crime' in the eyes of some who might not understand "bird dog." However, unlike Cluck, whose salvation came through the shelter's intervention, Chickadee's sentence was handed down by her owner. Perhaps, her owner held a misguided belief that she would find a new home swiftly. She did not.
When the path seemed destined for Chickadee's Rescue, fate intertwined the threads of another dog needing Rescue. The day prior, California GSP Rescue prepared to embark on their mission to save Chickadee, a heartfelt plea from Ericka at One Dane At A Time was received. A Great Dane puppy, vulnerable and in need, awaited a rescue's helping hand at a local shelter. In a serendipitous twist of timing, volunteer Greg received the message while standing amidst dog food aisles, mere minutes away from the very shelter where the Great Dane puppy waited. With a profound sense of gratitude towards Ericka for her unwavering support in countless previous rescues, Greg readily embraced the opportunity to assist, bridging two rescue missions.
Logistics and transport can be a challenge. Volunteer Greg had arranged his plans to arrive at the animal shelter early the following day, preempting the chaotic holiday Southern California traffic that loomed. The initial plan was to rendezvous with Ericka in the morning to deliver Chuey, the newly named rescued Great Dane Puppy. However, fate challenged the plan as Ericka had a necessary appointment with a Veterinarian. She was available only in the bustling afternoon hours when the roads teemed with traffic to and from the animal shelter. Just when the circumstances seemed to impede the plans, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of Chris, another dedicated volunteer who selflessly stepped forward, offering assistance to bridge the gap and ensure a safe passage for each dog to its final destination. United by a shared commitment to these innocent souls, Ericka, Greg, and now Chris embarked on their mission. Chickadee and Chuey were safe!
As we consider the meaning and mission of Rescue, it becomes evident that expectations vary from person to person. Many individuals believe that Rescues are government-funded and possess infinite resources, capable of saving every unwanted soul within shelter walls. However, the reality paints a different picture. The real challenges lie in the attitudes and behaviors of pet owners, which are often ingrained and archaic. California GSP Rescue, like so many other dedicated Rescues, operates as a non-profit organization fueled by the tireless dedication of volunteers. By saving one dog at a time and freeing up a kennel to make space for another dog, we ignite a spark that ripples through the hearts of individuals, encouraging them to be more mindful when considering relinquishing their beloved pets to an animal shelter.
Our efforts extend beyond rescuing just one dog; they penetrate the collective consciousness, fostering awareness and understanding about the profound impact of each decision made. By sharing this post, you become an advocate, a vital pillar of support in the ongoing efforts of all Rescues. If your passion compels you to do more, consider becoming a Rescue Hero. Together, we can create a world where every deserving animal finds love, compassion, and a forever home.
