Animal rescue is stressful. It's full of long days, with joy sprinkled in among the heartbreak. Sometimes, no matter what you do, you can't save that precious life. Sometimes you can, but your Facebook feed is full of comments about how everyone else would do it differently. Or with judgment on the humans that caused the misery to begin with.
Yesterday, a family surrendered a 5 year old dog because he was "sick". They downplayed the illness, so the shelter thought that it was something simple, like worms perhaps. The family couldn't afford medical care for Sheba, so they brought her to The Marshmallow Foundation in Detroit Lakes.
It was soon apparent that Sheba was much more seriously ill. Large blood clots were coming out of her rear, and she was vomiting. And the smell was horrendous.
The Marshmallow Foundation is in a rural area, where the closest after hours emergency hospital is in Fargo. But emergency services are very expensive, and the shelter is barely hanging on with donations as it is. Luckily, a group of dedicated folks got a local Vet to see Sheba after hours, and she's being treated for rat poison and heartworm.
When the shelter manager asked the rescue community for help and advice, some responses were helpful. Some were not. All sorts of judgement creeped into the comments; everything from what Vet she should be taken to, to "you know she's dying, right?".
And of course, it's hard not to judge the family that surrendered her. It's very hard. But in the moment, Sheba needed immediate care, so my hero, the shelter manager, gently reminded someone on Facebook that we needed to focus on what we could do rather than judging the humans.
This morning I read a post about dogs and puppies frozen to the ground in the Turtle Mountain reservation; the rescue folks there, instead of getting badly needed help, got all sorts of judgement. I thought it worthwhile to quote some passages here.
"This is not a reservation problem. This is not a native problem. This is a geographical economic problem. We are the second poorest county in the state and have the highest jobless rate. It's hard for people to find work when there are not enough jobs. Our nearest big city is 2 hours away. When affordable vet care isn't available, how do people get their dogs spayed or neutered? When they don't get spayed or neutered, they breed, and continue to do so."
"For those that choose to criticize or complain, that is your right. All I ask is that before you do, please look in the mirror and ask what you have done to help the problem."
So our constant plea for donations and volunteers is because we don't have the same resources as larger communities. Please withhold your judgement. The job is hard enough. "There but for the grace of God" is a phrase I repeat to myself often.
And despite the lack of resources, Sheba was not left to die. Sheba was not euthanized because the shelter couldn't afford to treat her. The shelter manager didn't go home after 8 hours and assume someone else was taking care of it. That is the beauty of a small rural community. People band together to help.
For updates on Sheba and more ways you can help, like and follow us on Facebook or go to the website to donate or see the adorable dogs and cats ready for adoption. Our next fundraiser, Hairball, is at Zorbaz in DL on April 2nd 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm if you want to have some fun while donating to a good cause. If you can't make Hairball, dress up in your best Bonnets and Bowties and come watch the Kentucky Derby at The Speak Easy in DL.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Woof You Be Mine?: Local Animal Shelter Residents Have Lots of Love to Give | Detroit Lakes Online
Source: Woof you be mine?: Local animal shelter residents have lots of love to give | Detroit Lakes OnlineI was interviewed by the Detroit Lakes Forum last weekend about volunteering and animal adoption. Meagan did a great job on the article, which highlights the need for volunteers as well as potential adopters.
The kitten in the photo is Luther, and he will likely come live with me if he's not claimed by his owner soon!
Here's a link to the article.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Dear New Employee Trump
Dear new employee,
Your 322,762,018 bosses welcome you and wish you well on your challenging new job. Let me introduce you to those who you work for.
Half of us are women. Please remember that more than 3 times the number of people that showed up to celebrate your first day came out to tell you that women matter. Those same people told you that people with disabilities matter. LGBTQ people. People of color. People that belong to the same church as you and people that don't. People that believe in a higher power, and people that don't.
And you also work for people that didn't show up to march in the streets. The people who just want a job. The people that want unborn lives to be protected. Some people that want to get richer, even if it means destroying the earth for their grandchildren. You work for them too.
Please make wise decisions that will help all of people you work for, not just some that think like you, look like you, or are as rich as you. Please remember that your words matter. Evil dictators are listening and just might pick a fight with all of us because of what you say.
And more than anything, please remember the rules. You have the freedom to speak your mind, but remember, we do too, and you work for us. The press will be watching you - they have the right to report on what you say and do, honestly and fairly. ALL the press - not just the media outlets that agree with you. We, your bosses, have the right to performance reviews, and if some of us don't like what you're doing, we have the right to tell you. That might take the form of removing some of your buddies and replacing them with new employees. We also have the right to take to the streets if we disagree with you.
This is a temporary position, and we will be watching.
Your 322,762,018 bosses welcome you and wish you well on your challenging new job. Let me introduce you to those who you work for.
Half of us are women. Please remember that more than 3 times the number of people that showed up to celebrate your first day came out to tell you that women matter. Those same people told you that people with disabilities matter. LGBTQ people. People of color. People that belong to the same church as you and people that don't. People that believe in a higher power, and people that don't.
And you also work for people that didn't show up to march in the streets. The people who just want a job. The people that want unborn lives to be protected. Some people that want to get richer, even if it means destroying the earth for their grandchildren. You work for them too.
Please make wise decisions that will help all of people you work for, not just some that think like you, look like you, or are as rich as you. Please remember that your words matter. Evil dictators are listening and just might pick a fight with all of us because of what you say.
And more than anything, please remember the rules. You have the freedom to speak your mind, but remember, we do too, and you work for us. The press will be watching you - they have the right to report on what you say and do, honestly and fairly. ALL the press - not just the media outlets that agree with you. We, your bosses, have the right to performance reviews, and if some of us don't like what you're doing, we have the right to tell you. That might take the form of removing some of your buddies and replacing them with new employees. We also have the right to take to the streets if we disagree with you.
This is a temporary position, and we will be watching.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Trump – Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us?
It's no secret I'm not a Trump supporter. Even if I was a conservative (I'm not), I would abhor his character. As a frequent world traveler for work, I hear what other countries say about us; how we've become a laughing stock at best, and isolationists on the brink of nuclear war at worst.
But today, as I watched the hundreds upon thousands of people worldwide march in solidarity, peacefully, with love and grace, I felt hope. Not because they were marching, but because they were awake and paying attention. If this movement continues, perhaps people will start to believe that they too can make a difference.
This change isn't easy. It isn't comfortable. Friends you've known for years unfriend you because of your views. Things get heated; fake news is treated as gospel if it fits your idea of how things are.
Today, while millions marched, Trump visited the CIA. In front of a wall with stars signifying men and women who died in service of our country, Trump first praised Fox News. Then he said how much he liked the Intelligence community, claiming that he was never against them, and nobody loved them more than Donald J. Trump. The rest of his speech he spent talking about the dishonest media, and how reports of the low attendance at his inauguration were untrue. And how many times he's been on the cover of Time.
This was day one. Meanwhile, North Korea is planning to test us. Meanwhile, ISIS is watching. But let's focus instead on the HUGE crowds The Donald saw - had to have been 1.5 million cheering him on.
And Trump tweeted while Washington burned.
But today, as I watched the hundreds upon thousands of people worldwide march in solidarity, peacefully, with love and grace, I felt hope. Not because they were marching, but because they were awake and paying attention. If this movement continues, perhaps people will start to believe that they too can make a difference.
This change isn't easy. It isn't comfortable. Friends you've known for years unfriend you because of your views. Things get heated; fake news is treated as gospel if it fits your idea of how things are.
Today, while millions marched, Trump visited the CIA. In front of a wall with stars signifying men and women who died in service of our country, Trump first praised Fox News. Then he said how much he liked the Intelligence community, claiming that he was never against them, and nobody loved them more than Donald J. Trump. The rest of his speech he spent talking about the dishonest media, and how reports of the low attendance at his inauguration were untrue. And how many times he's been on the cover of Time.
This was day one. Meanwhile, North Korea is planning to test us. Meanwhile, ISIS is watching. But let's focus instead on the HUGE crowds The Donald saw - had to have been 1.5 million cheering him on.
And Trump tweeted while Washington burned.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
New Year, New Goals, Give Back
It's a new year, and many of you might have written resolutions for 2017, like lose weight, pay off bills, or get in shape. Here's a thought for you. How about adding some volunteering to that list? The only thing it costs you is your time, and what it gives back is absolutely priceless.
If you're parents, what a great gift to give your kids. If they're old enough, they can volunteer too, and learn a lifetime of lessons. Just an hour a week playing with the cats (we call it socializing), means that we have information to give a prospective adopter, like does it get along with other cats? Is it a lap cat? Playful, or a 'sit in the sun' kind of cat?
At The Marshmallow Foundation in Detroit Lakes, our volunteer needs are many. There always seem to be folks that want to work with the dogs, but the cats struggle, as they do in shelters all over the country. There's the manual labor of cleaning the kennels of course, but there is so much more needed. For example, we need a list of foster parents, who are willing to take a kitty home with them that otherwise won't survive in a shelter environment. Someone that we can teach to administer fluids if necessary, syringe feed, or just give love and warmth. When we get a cat that has been injured or is obviously sick, we seek out a rescue to take them, and have transported as far as Wisconsin to get them the necessary care. But this time of year, the rescues are as full as we are, and sometimes have to say no.
Maybe you want to help, but are afraid of getting attached, or have an allergy. Another volunteer opportunity that we struggle with is grant writing. We miss out on thousands of dollars simply because we don't have the time to research the available grants and apply for them.
Maybe you're a sales person - how about helping us fund raise? We are ALWAYS raising funds. It might be as simple as selling raffle tickets or calendars, or more involved like organizing one of our fundraisers or putting together our annual calendar for 2018.
Are you creative? We'd love to sell t-shirts, but again, who has the time? I took a stab at designing one, using the Bonfire.com service. I KNOW you can do better than I can!
Now see, I just gave you a bunch of great New Year's resolutions, and none of them cost a cent. If you're in the Detroit Lakes area, please check out the website for The Marshmallow Foundation, and fill out a volunteer application. Call or Facebook us to set up a time to have a tour of the facility, or talk about volunteer opportunities. We'd love to have you on the team!
If you're parents, what a great gift to give your kids. If they're old enough, they can volunteer too, and learn a lifetime of lessons. Just an hour a week playing with the cats (we call it socializing), means that we have information to give a prospective adopter, like does it get along with other cats? Is it a lap cat? Playful, or a 'sit in the sun' kind of cat?
At The Marshmallow Foundation in Detroit Lakes, our volunteer needs are many. There always seem to be folks that want to work with the dogs, but the cats struggle, as they do in shelters all over the country. There's the manual labor of cleaning the kennels of course, but there is so much more needed. For example, we need a list of foster parents, who are willing to take a kitty home with them that otherwise won't survive in a shelter environment. Someone that we can teach to administer fluids if necessary, syringe feed, or just give love and warmth. When we get a cat that has been injured or is obviously sick, we seek out a rescue to take them, and have transported as far as Wisconsin to get them the necessary care. But this time of year, the rescues are as full as we are, and sometimes have to say no.
Maybe you want to help, but are afraid of getting attached, or have an allergy. Another volunteer opportunity that we struggle with is grant writing. We miss out on thousands of dollars simply because we don't have the time to research the available grants and apply for them.
Maybe you're a sales person - how about helping us fund raise? We are ALWAYS raising funds. It might be as simple as selling raffle tickets or calendars, or more involved like organizing one of our fundraisers or putting together our annual calendar for 2018.
Are you creative? We'd love to sell t-shirts, but again, who has the time? I took a stab at designing one, using the Bonfire.com service. I KNOW you can do better than I can!
Now see, I just gave you a bunch of great New Year's resolutions, and none of them cost a cent. If you're in the Detroit Lakes area, please check out the website for The Marshmallow Foundation, and fill out a volunteer application. Call or Facebook us to set up a time to have a tour of the facility, or talk about volunteer opportunities. We'd love to have you on the team!
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
The Christmas Controversy
You've all seen them - the posts on Facebook that proclaim the right to say Merry Christmas. The same posts that say that we're not allowed to say Merry Christmas anymore, but have to instead say Happy Holidays. The outrage!
Oh please. There is no one stopping you from saying Merry Christmas if you want, and no one that will judge you for doing so. Get over yourself!
If you want to put Christ back in Christmas, great! Do it! Instead of celebrating what began as a pagan holiday anyway to celebrate the winter solstice, give to your church. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on gifts for your kids, buy blankets and coats and distribute them to the homeless living on the streets. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen cooking that turkey, spend the day volunteering at a woman's crisis shelter.
THAT's what Christ would do, not proclaim in angry memes that he's not allowed to say Merry Christmas in this politically correct world. And by the way, Christ was Jewish. So Happy Hannukah.
Oh please. There is no one stopping you from saying Merry Christmas if you want, and no one that will judge you for doing so. Get over yourself!
If you want to put Christ back in Christmas, great! Do it! Instead of celebrating what began as a pagan holiday anyway to celebrate the winter solstice, give to your church. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on gifts for your kids, buy blankets and coats and distribute them to the homeless living on the streets. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen cooking that turkey, spend the day volunteering at a woman's crisis shelter.
THAT's what Christ would do, not proclaim in angry memes that he's not allowed to say Merry Christmas in this politically correct world. And by the way, Christ was Jewish. So Happy Hannukah.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Cats and Kids Don’t Always Mix
You see that cute little kitten at the shelter and can't resist. Visions of Kitty growing up with your kids dance in your head, and look forward to years and years of playtime and cuddles.
And then reality hits. Your two year old can't resist grabbing the kitten by the tail. Your four year old gets scratched or even bit because they just wanted to pet Kitty's tummy. Your ten year old that promised to take care of Kitty every day leaves the litterbox until it's overflowing, and you end up feeding the cat instead.
Kitty isn't so cute and playful anymore. Kitty has started destroying the furniture and peeing in the bed. So you return the cat to the shelter thinking that you got a bad deal.
That's the nightmare scenario, and unfortunately, it happens all too often at The Marshmallow Foundation. You can't say we didn't warn you, and try to teach you how to introduce Kitty to your kiddo and to the other pets successfully. We told you to put Kitty in a small room by herself for a few days to let her decompress, and to slowly introduce her to the family over a two week period. We told you how to work with your child to respect Kitty and how to recognize when she's had enough.
The problem isn't Kitty. It's you. Yes, look in the mirror and see who is responsible for this mess. Having a pet is a great teaching moment for your kids. You can teach them respect for all living creatures, and teach them responsibility. But it doesn't happen just by plopping Kitty in the living room and walking away. You need to invest some intense time with Kitty and your kiddo to be successful. You need to teach that two year old that pulling an animal's tail is not alright. If you do it right, you will achieve your vision of a lifetime of cuddles and unconditional love. If you do it wrong, we have to try once again to find a home for Kitty, and this time it's a lot harder because Kitty has "behavioral issues".
So please don't adopt an animal unless you're willing to be a parent first. Your kids learn the important stuff at home, like how to be kind. How to show compassion. Respect. Be the parent you're meant to be.
And then reality hits. Your two year old can't resist grabbing the kitten by the tail. Your four year old gets scratched or even bit because they just wanted to pet Kitty's tummy. Your ten year old that promised to take care of Kitty every day leaves the litterbox until it's overflowing, and you end up feeding the cat instead.
Kitty isn't so cute and playful anymore. Kitty has started destroying the furniture and peeing in the bed. So you return the cat to the shelter thinking that you got a bad deal.
That's the nightmare scenario, and unfortunately, it happens all too often at The Marshmallow Foundation. You can't say we didn't warn you, and try to teach you how to introduce Kitty to your kiddo and to the other pets successfully. We told you to put Kitty in a small room by herself for a few days to let her decompress, and to slowly introduce her to the family over a two week period. We told you how to work with your child to respect Kitty and how to recognize when she's had enough.
The problem isn't Kitty. It's you. Yes, look in the mirror and see who is responsible for this mess. Having a pet is a great teaching moment for your kids. You can teach them respect for all living creatures, and teach them responsibility. But it doesn't happen just by plopping Kitty in the living room and walking away. You need to invest some intense time with Kitty and your kiddo to be successful. You need to teach that two year old that pulling an animal's tail is not alright. If you do it right, you will achieve your vision of a lifetime of cuddles and unconditional love. If you do it wrong, we have to try once again to find a home for Kitty, and this time it's a lot harder because Kitty has "behavioral issues".
So please don't adopt an animal unless you're willing to be a parent first. Your kids learn the important stuff at home, like how to be kind. How to show compassion. Respect. Be the parent you're meant to be.
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