by Lorraine Monfils
Over the years we have been very fortunate to be a part of so many rescues. There have been so many happy, wonderful stories and there have been just as many sad and heartbreaking stories. While we know we cannot save every animal we always do our best to make a difference in their life even if it is for just a few moments, hours or days. We learn something from every experience and every experience makes us more knowledgeable and stronger individuals. We take pride in our work because we know how important it is.
Many times I get asked after caring for a sick or injured animal that does not survive. How do you do it? My reply is simple, we have to do it because if we didn’t it would be like saying their life wasn’t worth trying to save. We believe that every animal’s life is meaningful and we will always try. Though the outcome is not always what we want, we accept it and move on to help another animal in need.
While we know how important our work is, we also know how important it is to have your support. Every time we have an animal in need and we put their story out there, you the public have stepped forward in every case to help this animal financially get the care that it so desperately needs. You have helped make so many success stories and have given so many animals a second chance at life. There have been so many children that have walked through my front door with a dollar or all of their change to help an animal in need and it brings tears to my eyes to know that there are so many good people in the world.
As you all know, we are an all volunteer organization. At the end of the day our paycheck is not the monetary kind, but it is the best kind. It is made up of wagging tails and kisses, head bumps and purrs and just knowing we are making a difference.
I am fortunate enough to be the foster mom of two feral cats named Porsche and Sturgeon, both very untrusting of humans and it has been that way for almost three years. This morning as I cleaned their room they came over to me and much to my surprise as I sat on the floor they let me pat them, not for long but it was a milestone and I am so glad I got to be a part of that. Was it worth waiting three years for a simple and quick pat on the head? Absolutely. It was quite a feeling to know that I had finally gained their trust. Time and patience is all it takes and that is something we have plenty of.
I am speaking on behalf of the entire Ark family when I say your support and generosity has not gone un-noticed and never will. You make our work possible and we sincerely thank you for that. Thank you for helping animals like Black Beauty, Shakira, Keith, Moose, Amazing Grace, Jack, Aileen, Missy and so many more
The beauty of the Ark is that it does not belong to any one person. It belongs to everyone who wants to open their hearts and minds to being a part of it. It is an organization that is built on the hopes and dreams of so many people. It is built with love, hard work and compassion. It is amazing and we are so proud to have you has a partner. Together we are unstoppable. Together “We Are Rescue.”
Please join us on July 3 for Midnight Madness. We will be serving food outside the Hollywood Pet Salon for the duration. There will be a bake sale on Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside Hollywood Pet Salon as well. We have an online fundraiser going on for Avon and The Origami Owl custom jewelry. For more details check us out on Facebook or contact Lorraine at The Hollywood pet salon. Thank you for your continued support and as always thank you for reading our column.
