Making a difference for each and every animal we come in contact with is what The Ark is all about. Sometimes the work we do puts a smile on our face and other times it brings us to tears. We have learned that there isn’t always a happy ending but we take the good with the bad., the happy with the sad. Each and every experience teaches us how to be a better person and just how important our work really is.
In the world of a true rescuer there is no room or time for egos, or “he said, she said.” There is no room for negativity or rivalry. All of that is left at the door and our main focus is to help each and every animal that crosses our path.
We have been a part of some of the most amazing rescues and we have had the pleasure of meeting some of the most amazing animals. They all hold a special place in our hearts and they have all made us better and stronger and they have given us the wisdom and the knowledge to continue our work.
Just about a year ago I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful woman looking for advice and help with her son’s dog. Her son lived in North Carolina and his dog Shorty had recently lost the use of her back legs. He had given Shorty every chance, including having a surgery with no guarantees. This is how much he loves his dog. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful and Shorty was still unable to use her back legs.
Shorty’s grandma knew how much her son loved Shorty and set out on a mission to help get Shorty mobile. The day she walked through my front door and told me Shorty’s story I knew we had to help. It just so happened that we had had two wheelchairs donated a couple of years ago from a young lady in Arizona. When Shorty’s grandma pled her case we quickly offered a wheelchair for Shorty in hopes it would make a difference in Shorty’s life. Shorty’s grandma packed up the wheelchair and sent it to Shorty.
A few weeks later pictures of Shorty sporting her new wheels were delivered to the salon by Shorty’s grandma. What a beautiful sight. Shorty was mobile and loving every minute of it! Life just doesn’t get any better than that.
Those pictures made me laugh and made me cry. We had made a difference with just one simple gesture; we had helped get Shorty mobile and had given her back her freedom to be a dog! The days went by and the image of Shorty sporting her new wheels was tucked away in the back of my mind, and just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it does.
This week Shorty’s grandma came to visit me and brought her son from North Carolina in to meet me. He had come home for a visit and wanted to come in and thank me for helping Shorty. And then the most amazing thing: he asked if I would like to meet Shorty. I was shocked and said yes, of course. A few minutes later, in through my front door comes Shorty sporting her wheels! She was amazing — so happy and full of life.
Those wheels were her ticket to the freedom of being a dog. She moved so easily and without hesitation she ran around smelling things and exploring and she ran up to me and greeted me as if to say, “Thank you,” and she made my heart melt.
It is funny how in an instant your life can change. A very sweet dog named Shorty brought together three people. Though we had never met before we shared a common bond, the love of animals and a need to help them. That afternoon there were no TV cameras or media, just three people standing in the salon laughing like old friends, marveling over a sweet little dog named Shorty who didn’t have a care in the world.
I have learned so much from Shorty and her family. They are an inspiration to us all. Their determination and love for Shorty is truly amazing and sets an example for all of us. Dogs with disabilities can lead normal lives with the help and love of their owners. Shorty does not know or care that she doesn’t have the use of her back legs; she is just a happy-go-lucky dog who has a set of wheels that takes her where she wants to go. Shorty’s owner does not look at Shorty and feel sorry for her, he does not look at her and see a disabled dog. He looks at her and sees his dog, a dog he chose to adopt years ago, a dog that he loves. He remembers that night so many years ago when Shorty climbed up on his bed and laid her head on his shoulder and snuggled in and sighed. That was the night Shorty knew that she was finally home.
Construction has begun on the inside of the building. The sheetrock and insulation have been ordered. We are moving full steam ahead and will continue as long as the finances hold out. We have $30,000 to complete the inside and are optimistic that we will be able to complete the sanctuary with that amount.
Our fundraising efforts will continue full force as well. We will need to put oil in the tank and continue our rescue efforts. We currently have 21 kittens to feed and care for. All of this costs money, and so far we have not touched the building fund for any of this. Our fundraising money has covered the care of the animals and our monthly and weekly bills such as vet bills, food, litter etc.
Thank you for your continued support, and as always, thank you for reading our column.
