Happy 3rd birthday to AAI!

Happy 3rd Birthday to Animal Aid International!!!

This year was a bit of a challenge. As many of you know, AAI relies almost exclusively on the amazing power of social media to reach caring people who want to help animals in need. And during our first 2 years we were incredibly successful in doing so. The world changes, of course, and with that so the opportunities for a small, volunteer-run nonprofit with no marketing budget. As Facebook shifted its algorithms, the reach of our posts plummeted. So we starting adding more social media outlets and trying extra hard to increase interaction with our page.

But the going was slow and we raised funds at a significantly slower rate than during our 2nd year. I must admit there were times when behind the scenes we were so frustrated, we almost felt like giving up. But we kept seeing the faces of need and hope. We kept receiving the happy updates of pups and kitties we had helped in the past. And even if it were down to 1 animal per month, we knew we would without a doubt keep going. One day at a time. One furry soul at a time. Because every single life is worth saving. 

Today we are thrilled to share that since AAI started operations, we have raised the funds for 2,060 animals in need! This number is amazing. Humbling. Inspiring. And it is all made possible by you, our unbelievable supporters. Every donation, every share, every "like" has made this number a reality. So today, join us in our celebration. For it is our collective labor of love that has touched so many lives and created such a solid legacy of hope!

Happy Thanksgiving!

After a long, busy (and, honestly, overwhelming) stretch, today feels like the right day to come back to our blog. There are plenty of things to share, and more importantly, so much to be thankful for. 

During this past year I was blessed with the opportunity to buy my first house. Yes, my commute is longer and my bills are higher. But the new home has meant so much to me. I've always loved animals and having adopted 2 dogs, I felt I was lending a hand. But I was under strict landlord limitations. Since moving to my house, I have been able to start fostering! I now have an adorable senior Jack Russel Terrier through Old Dog Haven. Bobby is around 12 years old, mostly blind, partially deaf, arthritic, and has 3 teeth. So he is not considered adoptable. I am honored to be able to give him a final refuge home and love him for the rest of his life. 

I have also started fostering through a no-kill cat shelter, Purrfect Pals. Right now I have a super sweet 1 year old kitty under my care, little Anju. He was surrendered by his family and the stress of this transition caused him to contract an upper respiratory infection. By inviting him into my home for just 2 weeks, I give Anju a break from that environment, and a peaceful, quiet place to play, take medication, and recover so he can find his forever home. 

Very soon after moving to the new location, I also had the privilege of meeting some amazing people who help with lost and found animals. As a pet parent, I can only imagine the horror of losing your baby and am thrilled that I can play a small role in the recovery efforts. The community I have come to be a part of is so unbelievably caring, responsive, and always willing to put their own convenience aside for the benefit of those in need. 

And, of course, I have Animal Aid International. My baby, my love, a constant source of angst and joy. Your support has continued to allow us to save kitties and pups in some of the saddest parts of the world, where animals are considered even less than disposable. The impact our donors and supporters are making is indescribable. I am thankful for you every single day. 

So, yes, I firmly believe that animal lovers are among the best people you could meet. Surround yourself with as many of them as you can. You will be in the presence of true friendship, selflessness, and hearts almost as pure as those of the animals we help. THANK YOU for caring and making a difference. Here's to saving many more lives during this holiday season!

Supporting the vision of rescue

Today I was (re)reading a favorite business book - The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge. In a section focusing on vision I came across something that brought rescue work to mind in a very strong way. According to Senge, there are 3 levels of commitment to a vision: 

1. Compliance - the person sees the benefit of the vision but only does as much as is expected of them in pursuing the vision
2. Enrollment - they want to see the vision come true and are willing to do whatever is possible within the existing structure
3. Commitment - the person wants to see the vision happen and will make it happen. Along the way he/ she will create whatever new structures and systems are needed to make the vision possible

The rescue world sees all 3 types of commitment as well. In fact, it is completely natural for any one person to go through all 3 levels as their knowledge and passion grow. Some people are compliant with the rescue vision. They don't abandon the pets they have; they support the general existence of shelters and rescue groups; and, if approached directly by someone they know, they likely will make a one-time donation to a specific animal or cause. 

Others have truly enrolled in the rescue movement. They speak up about rescue efforts, share rescue cases, are a regular donor to rescue groups. Such people will only adopt from a shelter and likely volunteer their time with a local group. 

And then there are the super passionate rescuers who think outside the box to make it possible to save lives in ways that didn't previously exist. They create organizations, change legislation, go without so an animal can be fed, spend months rehabilitating a horribly abused soul until he or she can trust again. 

To me, rescue work takes people at all levels of commitment. It is the epitome of a group effort where every single hand makes the collective burden lighter. If you are not ready to donate or volunteer, that is perfectly fine. Just speak positively of rescue work whenever the topic comes up. If you already volunteer and donate but don't have the time, skill, or patience to do rehab work for months, that's not a problem. In reality, most of don't have the time and skill it takes. What you are doing is already saving lives, just keep at it! And if you are among the amazing group that takes rescue to a whole new level, we LOVE you! Don't burn yourself out, speak up and let us know how we can help! 

Oh, so you are one of those rescuers

On Sunday I took my doggies to a local park. It's a lovely but fairly busy place - near a main street with lots of traffic, has multiple sports fields, always lots of people with young children, in a lively residential area. And, of course, a place where a lot of dogs get walked (hopefully all on leash since there is no off-leash, secure area in the park). We were there early in the morning, before all this activity had really picked up.

And all of a sudden I see a sweet Golden Retriever strolling through. No leash, no human. And then a second one. The dogs are clearly buddies and they are just roaming through a field. Obviously, this caught my attention and I went on alert. What's going through my mind? Well, obviously these dogs are not simply homeless - they are clean, well fed, and appear calm from a distance. But given the area, it would be so, so easy for the pups to have managed to sneak out through the door of a house or a car and wandered into the park without their owner's knowledge. And all it would take is one strong smell that takes them toward the main street and they could be hit by a car!

Alright, action time! I'm right next to the solid chain link fence of a ball field so I tie the leashes of my two dogs securely through the fence. Yes, I am thankful I have them on plain leads instead of retractable leashes because this would be impossible to do with retractables. I ask them to stay (ok, they only kind of listen) and I start strolling toward the two Goldens, slow enough that I don't scare them in case they are shy.

I was within a few feet of the animals when a man approached us. I asked if those were his dogs and it turned out he was the owner indeed. I expressed relief that they were not lost and explained that I had been heading their way to make sure all was ok. He looked a bit perplexed at first (obviously not grasping that he was not being responsible in this case). Then he looked at the AAI cap I was wearing and said: "Oh, you are one of those rescuers, huh?". I proudly replied "Yes, I am!", wished him a good day, and went back to my pups.

You may say it to me with a dismissive attitude. You may ridicule me for it. You may consider me too emotional or think I am wasting my time. But I will ALWAYS be proud to be called a rescuer and will ALWAYS do what I can for those whose life and safety may depend on me speaking up.

The call I hate getting

This morning started like any other. An extra cup of coffee, since I went to bed late last night. Walking and playing with the puppies, play and purring time with the kitties. And, of course, getting to work on time. Because I have bills to pay and my work with Animal Aid International is non-paid.

Ten minutes ago, my grandma (who lives in Bulgaria) called me. Usually this means she is just saying hi and doesn't want to wait until the next Skype 'date' we have to hear from me. But today the call was about animals in need. (As you may have guessed, my grandma is the grass-roots rescuers from whom I inherited my love for animals and rescue work. So we are of the same mind when it comes to helping those in need).

Next to the building where she lives (and where I grew up), there are about 20 homeless cats. Some of them are female. Some of the females are impossible to catch and therefore are unspayed. And they continue having homeless babies. Yesterday, something horrible happened to a litter of those babies. A crew had come through mowing the grass between the buildings. In the midst of all the noise and commotion during mowing, the person didn't realize he had run the mower partially over the hiding spot where a mama cat had nestled away her 4 babies!...

Later that day, my grandma happened to notice the mama cat trying to protect something from a couple of crows - the birds were swooping down trying to feed on something and the mama cat was attempting to fight them off. What turned out is that the crows were pecking at the open wounds covering the bodies of kittens mangled by a mower. 2 babies had significant open wounds, 2 kitties were in better shape. And they are only 1.5 months old!

My grandma scooped up the babies, rushed to the vet, and (thanks to knowing about their existence) contacted the rescuers. AAI will be raising the funds for these poor souls once we get photos and treatment details. In the meantime, this serves to yet again underscore the importance of preventing litters of kittens from being born homeless. No soul deserves to be mowed to death!

As if

Guest written by the awesome Abby, we couldn't agree more with this post! 

AS IF.....

AS IF it’s not hard enough being an animal rescue advocate, now Facebook is hiding our posts.  We have worked so hard and tirelessly to attract, tempt and befriend our over 10,280 followers over the last 2+ years, and now we have to fight just to be seen.  We have posted a lot.  We have posted a little.  We have posted funny photos.  We have posted heart wrenching stories.  We have posted videos.  We have posted contests.  We have posted questions.  We have posted links.  We have posted our blog.  We have posted our cases of animals in need.  We have posted happy updates from animals saved.  Lately, all we hear are crickets and the voice in our heads screaming, “WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND HERE? WHERE IS EVERYONE?  WHAT HAPPENED?  MY GOD, WHAT CAN WE DO?  WE CAN’T GO ON LIKE THIS!  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE LET THIS POST HAVE A GOOD REACH……..”

AS IF we, as volunteers, don’t have a million other things that need to be done during our very short days.  We have spent countless hours brainstorming ways to get noticed and to have people remember and see us, to stand out from the non-profit crowd and beg for donations for our little souls that need a chance at life.  We have researched, talked, cried, screamed, begged, pleaded, researched some more, had tantrums, pulled our hair out, gotten angry, cheered back up, gotten frustrated, came back around.  And for what?  To just wake up tomorrow and start all over again.

AS IF this will stop us.  We will not be broken by the unfair algorithm that is Facebook.  We won’t ever give up.  We will keep our eye on the prize.  We will always remember each and every precious life that we have saved.  We will wipe away our tears, brush ourselves off, and hold our heads up high.  And tomorrow, come sunrise, we will wake up and do it all over again.

AS IF we would have it any other way.

I rescued a human today

The author of this piece is unknown but the sentiment is beautiful and worth sharing. 

 

I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY!

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she
wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them. As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today. XOXOXO

Distemper and 5 babies fighting for their lives

These two babies are part of a litter of 5 little souls rescued from the streets of Bulgaria. Like many thousands of other pups, they were born amidst cold, scarce food, no reliable shelter, speeding cars, and cruel humans. As if this were not enough, the babies also contracted one of the most commonly deadly diseases in dogs - distemper.

Distemper is a virus which affects the respiratory, gastro-intestinal, and nervous system of dogs - practically all major systems needed for survival! Treatment is long, expensive, and not always successful. The ASPCA offers a thorough overview of the distemper diagnosis here.

Animal Aid International believes in giving all little souls a chance at survival and hope for a healthy life of no suffering. The 5 distemper siblings are fighting for their lives with all the might in their tiny bodies. We need your help in funding the extensive veterinary treatment that makes this fight possible. Please consider making a donation of any size today. Each pup needs $299 more for treatment as of the time of writing of this entry. All donations are tax-deductible and will help us save these innocent lives! Click here to contribute to their fund. Thank you so much in advance!

Of those to whom much is given...

One of my favorite quotes is President Kennedy's statement that "Of those to whom much is given, much is expected". I consider myself one of those to whom much is given. If you look at me through a Western consumerist lens, you will likely disagree. I'm an immigrant and have gone through numerous challenges associated with this experience. I am bi-cultural which means I will never quite fully fit in to one culture or another. I rent an apartment which is so small that I can literally vacuum all carpeted areas without unplugging the vacuum cleaner from the original outlet. I am educated but by choosing to work in the nonprofit world, I basically cap the income I can have. And don't even get me started on the personal and relationship stuff I have faced.

But I am healthy, safe, and loved. My home is warm, there is always food on my table, and I don't have to worry about clean water, clothes to wear to work, or transportation. And this itself is much, much more than what the vast majority of people in this world have. I have seen poverty and chosen not to look away. The parent who literally counts pennies to make sure there is money for rice - the most filling of meals that he can provide his children. The elderly woman rummaging through a dumpster for something that she may be able to sell at a recycling station. The countless people and animals who die of hunger every single minute of every single day.

It is through the roll of the dice that I happened to be born as one of the people to whom much is given (ok, there were effort and choices along the way that shaped my life as well). And I consider it my duty toward the universe as a whole to try and alleviate the suffering of others. I know I will not single-handedly change the world. But I will surely make a dent in the despair and transform some of the pain into hope and love.

If you are reading this blog post, you have electricity, access to a computer and the Internet, and are literate. You ARE one of the ones to whom much is given. Please consider giving back: donate, volunteer, advocate. WE are the ones who can and will make the world a better place!

Social media, here we come!

It's been a rough few weeks for Animal Aid International. Donations have been very slow, while in the meantime the stream of animals in need of support hasn't slowed down at all. Facebook, our primary source of donations, has been making changes to its algorithms which are causing posts by organizations like AAI to show up in the newsfeeds of fewer people. And exposure is so, so important.

So our small but dedicated team of volunteer supporters got together and brainstormed solutions! We decided to expand our presence to additional social media sites! AAI is now on:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AnimalAidIntl
• Google+ - https://plus.google.com/u/1/114975860033182001869/posts
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/AnimalAidIntl
• LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Animal-Aid-International-6654597
• Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/animalaidintl/
• This lovely blog - http://aaifounder.blogspot.com/
• And of course our website - http://animalaidinternational.org/

We would love, love, love your help in spreading the word about our organization! Every person whom we reach is a potential animal rescue advocate and donor. Each heart we touch and every dollar we raise will result in lives saved.

Silver the Beautiful

 

Kitty Silver was one of many hundreds of thousands: homeless and scared on the streets of Eastern Europe. Only Silver knows the horrors he faced during the 5 short months he had been on this earth - hunger, cold, cruel people, large starving dogs, and countless diseases. While Silver managed to survive them all, his luck ran out one day when he was likely hit by a car and ended up with a badly broken leg. The rescuers took the sweet boy to the vet and X-rays showed the terrible damage clearly.

 

It was time to activate the network of supporters! Animal Aid International came to the rescue and we raised funds for sweet Silver's treatment. Our organization is so blessed to have donors from around the world who know the amazing difference which the $10 or $20 one person donates can make. Little Silver received proper treatment and healed fully!

 

Today, Silver is grown, happy, and very loved in a forever home. And we are once again inspired to help more innocent souls like this little boy!

 

If you would like to help animals like Silver, please head on over to our website and make a donation of any size today: http://animalaidinternational.org/ 

Charlie, the survivor

This is the story of a very special doggie rescued from the streets of Bulgaria and helped by Animal Aid International.

 

Charlie is no more than 2 years old and was somehow surviving on the streets of Bulgaria. Unfortunately, like so many other poor souls, he became victim of a cruel individual: Charlie was shot in the back! While the pallet didn't manage to kill Charlie, it lodged itself in his spine and caused  him to be unable to use the back half of his body. Which is how he was found - helpless and hopeless, scared and hungry. 

 

Charlie was taken to the best orthopedic specialists in town and, thanks to funds raised by Animal Aid International, he had surgery and rehabilitation. The road to recovery was very long and for quite some time we were not sure if he will be able to walk again. Charlie's first steps were weak and tentative. And yet in the midst of it all he kept trying and kept trusting the humans who surrounded him with love. That love was probably the first non-violent experience he had had with humans all his life. 

 

Today Charlie is able to walk again and has been adopted in a loving home! He has toys, and food, and safety, and all the love every single critter deserves!

 

Thanks to the loving support of people from around the world, Charlie has a new lease on life. And thanks to resilient, amazing beings like Charlie we are continually inspired to do the work that we do! 

The best demonstration of love

Tomorrow is my birthday and on Friday it is Valentine's Day. This time of year is typically filled with heartfelt wishes, cards, and sweet gifts. I am very thankful for all the people in my life who love me and who all year long find ways to show me how much I mean to them.

Since becoming involved in rescue and running my own organization, I have dramatically shifted my perspective of what constitutes a celebration and the kinds of gifts I would appreciate. So here are some tips on ways to make me and other rescuers very, very happy:

• Don't buy me gifts. I already have more stuff than I know what to do with (or want to clean or pack when I move). Instead, make a donation to a rescue cause in my honor. It doesn't matter if you were planning to spend $10 or $1,000 (wow!). Any amount will be helpful in saving a life. I would be proud and deeply touched to be celebrate a special occasion through charity rather than through consumerism. Conveniently so, AAI is currently raising funds for the spay of 100 homeless cats (hint, hint) and the fund link is here
• You really can't do Valentine's without some chocolates? By all means, feel free to get me some Rescue Chocolate
• Looking for a venue for a special night out? That's easy enough as well! Find a local no-kill rescue group and look up their fundraising gala/ dinner/ wine tasting or similar event. I'll get to dress up, we'll enjoy a fun event, and the entire time my heart will be happy knowing that the proceeds go to an important cause
• And in the end if it doesn't feel like a holiday without an actual gift being given, pick a vendor that promotes rescue. Places like The Animal Rescue Site have tons of items that both promote rescue and directly contribute to animals in need

What is an even more amazing Valentine's gesture (but should certainly be taken seriously and with a complete awareness of the responsibility and commitment it entails), is opening up your home to an animal in need. There is no better way to celebrate love than by giving love to a cat or dog who needs a home. Adopt or foster! You will be saving a life. You will be earning love more pure and enduring than you can imagine.

A shelter worse than homelessness

My post today is about the county shelter in Varna, Bulgaria. I don't know the full regulations and details behind the way this institution is being run. But I do know enough to be outraged and heartbroken. And today I feel compelled to shine a light on the reality that pains me so. In the hope that awareness will help lead to change.

There are many thousands of homeless dogs in Varna and many, many more homeless cats. There is one county-run shelter. The shelter only takes in dogs. The animals are transported in this vehicle (or were when I last visited and took this photo).

 

There are two areas of the shelter. One is where the sick animals are housed (who are supposedly undergoing treatment) and where those animals that are post-sterilization spend a bit of time. This area is cold, wet, with horrible cement floors. But at least there are actual walls. 

 

Dogs are taken in for spay/ neuter and then returned to the streets where they were found. The less fortunate few are kept at the shelter in the non-medical section. That section of the shelter has no actual walls. The shelter is located on a hill outside the city and bitter winds and snow are a regular occurrence. Below is what the shelter looks like today.

 

Yes, there are dog houses which dogs of all sizes, personalities, and needs are expected to share. Needless to say, none of them are heated and you can only imagine how big the emphasis on hygiene would be in these conditions. 

 

There is nothing I can do for these poor souls and this knowledge makes me angry and sad. THIS is the reason why Animal Aid International collaborates only with non-governmental, volunteer run rescue groups in Bulgaria. THIS is why we advocate for spay and neuter. THIS is why every day we raise our voices for those who have nobody but us to speak on their behalf.

Black Ace D, Baby, and Boozer

Guest-written by Michelle, here are the stories of 3 special pets

Black Ace D.......

I met Ace @ the age of 13..... He was a Rescued SUPPOSED TO BE Champion Show Tennessee Walker.....

But.. He was stung by a bee in his right eye... And became Blind in that eye..... So... Of Course... The Owner wanted him DESTROYED..... ( Ya know.... He can't WASTE his $ taking care of a USELESS BLIND horse)

(BEING Sarcastic) A family friend Rescued him!!!!

When I met Ace... I was a TOTALLY SCREWED UP 13 year old!!!!!! TOTALLY!!!!!!!

Anyways.....

When I Met Ace.... Mr. Valentine told me..... You can walk him. You can Trot him... You CAN NOT RUN him. And, you can NOT turn him to the right.

Me being me...... Said yes ok....... (Thinking WHATEVER)......

But!!!!!

When I sat on this KING..... I felt AWE!!!! I felt SMALL !!!!!!!!!! ( I've been around horses since I was 3).... Ace put off a....... Sense of POWER!!!!!! COMMAND OF RESPECT!!!! 

Anyway.... We started off on our ride.....

As we're going along... I SWEAR... this horse and I are CONNECTING!!!!!

Well.... He keeps trying to turn RIGHT!!!! ??????  

Finally.... I think... OK.... AND LET HIM.

He turns Right...... And....... TAKES OFF LIKE THE WIND!

SWEAR!!!!! ( I was in HEAVEN & SCARED to death of Mr. V's reaction of me letting him run)..... Well..... WE ran all the way back to the house/ barn........

When we arrived.... Mr. V is WAITING..........My heart SINKS!!!!!

I KNOW I'm in trouble!!!!!

To my surprise...... Mr. V is GRINNING from ear to ear!!!! He told me he saw a CONNECTION between Ace & me immediately .. And he KNEW...... If it was MEANT..... IT WOULD BE!!!!!

I will NEVER Forget that day.....that was my Summer Vacation of 82!!!!

Well.... About 9 months later... ( April 14, 1982) My dad was Murdered @ his Store.....

I became an UNCONTROLLABLE teenager....... Uncontrollable!!!!!!!!!

My mom & step dad were @ there Wits End!!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess they expressed their GRIEF/ FRUSTRATION to Mr. V..... And he had the PERFECT SOLUTION!!!!!!

Ace!!!!!!!!!!!

So..... October 20th...... 1983......... ( my 15th B Day) 

Here pulls up this HUGE 8 horse Trailor.     ( we lived in a city/ Residential.... neighborhood)......

And who backs out?????? Black Ace himself!!!!!!

This horse was my SAVING GRACE!!!!!!!!!

He TRUSTED ME!!!!! I LEARNED to TRUST him!!!

He CHANGED me!!!!!! He HELPED me!!!!!!

By 1984......

Ace was the Barrel Racer( Barrel Racing has RIGHT turns)/ Swimming/ English show Jumping STUD of the Barn!!!!!! And...... I was CHANGED!!!!!

:-)

Baby
I LOVE all "animals"!!!

They AMAZE me some times!!!!!

My Oldest "Child" Baby, is completely Blind... Thanks to Diabetes....

Yet.... EVERYDAY....she .. AMAZES  ME @ her ADAPTABILITY !!!!!!!! She KNOWS when to Zig and NOT Zag!!!!!!

She's LEARNED..... when she feels certain things....... I have to DO THIS......move left/right....... 

She might TRIP ME!!!!!!!! BUT...... She's Never once "Missed" the Doggy Door!

Yet..... Some people call Animals STUPID!!!!!??????

I BEG TO DIFFER!!!!!!!

 

Boozer

The AWESOME STRAY!!!!!!!!

I was  9 ears old....... I come out of our door and see this dog.    Standing in our DriveWay..... He was SKINNY!!!!!! Scared!!!!!! But FRIENDLY!!!!!!

I kept feeding him bits & pieces .... To get him closer to me!!!! I Coaxed him into the Car Port...... Then... Into the house!!!!! ( Mom  & Dad were at work) Tee Hee!!!!!! )

When my parents came home....... They were like........ UH! UMMMMMMM! NO!

I kept BEGGING!!!!!! SHOWING !!!!!!!! How SWEET he was!!!!

The 1st night.... Parents were.... OK! But he sleeps outside!!!!!!

Me: OK!!!!!! ( SURE)

Make a LONG STORY short.......

He slept IN MY BED!!!!!! That very night!!!!!

:-)

He was named Boozer.....

Because .... He didn't Lay Down.... He CRASHED down!!!!! Like he was DRUNK!!!!!!

LOL

 

How do I convey this truth?!

I am continually perplexed at how hard it is to convey the importance of the spay and neuter concept. I post a case of a mangled, broken, abused animal, with skin torn and bones protruding from its body and BAM! Donations and support  pour in. It's uncomfortable, nobody wants the poor soul to suffer. I really appreciate this response, don't get me wrong. And I am very grateful that we can heal a number of those animals and find them forever homes. But by doing this, we are only addressing a symptom of the problem rather than its actual root.

And then there are the the spay and neuter funds. (Animal Aid International runs primarily funds for the spay of homeless cats in Eastern Europe where the street cat population is out of control and the government doesn't help in any way. The initiatives are run as TNR - trap-neuter/spay-release). Spay funds always go very, very slowly, counting on a few key supporters to inch them along and getting very few shares, resulting in minimal exposure.

I really wish more people stopped and did the math. A homeless cat can have 10 kittens per year, starting at the age of 4 months old! Then each of those kittens starts having babies of his/ her own! The count grows so much and so fast that it is mind boggling. Every kitten born homeless faces a horrific life: horrible winters, starvation, countless diseases, human cruelty, hungry dogs desperate enough to eat kittens, speeding cars. The list is as long as you care to let your imagination go down this disturbing path. Most of the animals that AAI takes in all broken and mangled, are that way because of lack of spay and neuter! (Some of them were deliberately dumped by former owners). And just think about this: yes, AAI helps injured homeless animals. But do you know there are hundreds of thousands that never come our way because they are not yet injured... or haven't been found and quietly died from their injuries in a bush... or were hit by a car and died right on the spot? Or are simply, quietly, going to freeze to death or die of hunger tonight?

Spay and neuter is amazingly important. It is our only hope of having large-scale, long-term impact. So I urge you to keep this in mind when deciding on an initiative to support. And if you have a few dollars to spare today, please donate to our current 100-cat spay fund. Thank you!

A simple and meaningful life

Guest written by the wonderful Alejandra, this is today's personal story of a journey to rescue. 
 
My name is Alejandra. I’m from Guatemala, currently living in Redmond, WA. I support my husband with his non-profit (People Saving Animals) and by doing so, I’ve learned and grown as a person.

I recently learned about Oscar’s story and he made me reevaluate my life. Now that we are enjoying the holidays and getting ready for a new year, I wanted to share this with you.

“People Saving Animals” (Walter’s non-profit) in partnership with a rescue group, funded a spay/neuter event a couple of weeks ago in a very poor and dangerous community in Guatemala.

This is how I heard about Oscar. He brought his dog and three neighbors’ cats to this event. Oscar is a young boy who takes care of his sister, while their mom works as a security guard making minimum wage.  Only Oscar knows what he has been through, what his young eyes have seen, and what he has lived.

Knowing my country and the area where Oscar lives, I’m sure his house doesn’t have running water or electricity and instead of nice flooring or a carpet, they have dirt. I bet that all of the family sleeps in one same bedroom and even in the same bed (and it’s not by choice).

Sadly, I am not exaggerating. This is a sad reality in many areas in Guatemala.

But what got to me, was seeing Oscar’s picture. You can see innocence in his eyes, you can see that he is happy and you can see that he is proud of taking his dog to this event and getting him neutered.

I am sure Oscar lacks many things in his life, things most of us take for granted; water, food, warmth, safety, education, maybe even love and attention. But his eyes tell a different story.

This is what I learned from the three minutes that I spent getting to know more about Oscar’s story and what I plan on doing with my life:

1.       Have a simple life. Many times we spend so much time and money acquiring things and we never feel satisfied. Today, take a look at your life and your stuff, and make it simpler, make your life “lighter”.

2.       Be thankful for what you have. Sometimes we feel like we need more; more time, more money, more friends. Today, be thankful of the present, you already have more than most people. You already have enough…

3.       Do something good for another person or animal in need. It can be a friend, a homeless person, a stray animal. He/she might need food, warmth, love. Today, don’t be afraid to reach out, don’t look the other way, just do something (even what may seem little to you, might be the world for someone else).

Thank you Oscar for that simile, for making a difference in these animals’ lives and for having a positive impact in my life. The world needs more people like you.