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This is the time of year that we give thanks for all the blessings we have received.
I have spent over fifteen years in animal welfare. I have come across some very bad people over the years, but for every bad person whose path has crossed mine, I have had the privilege of meeting some of the most amazing, generous and heroic people. These people are why I continue to fight and rescue animals. Without good people, we would have no volunteers or staff to provide the love and care our animals need. I would have no donations to ensure that our animals receive food, water, litter or emergency medical treatment. I would not be able to rescue a tenth of what I have rescued over that time.
Each and every day, my staff and volunteers come to the shelter and take care of these animals. They rescue them from the streets and overcrowded shelters. They feed them and give them medicine. They take pictures of them and with them to help us find forever homes. But most of all, they comfort and love them.
Our foster families open up their hearts and their homes to some of our hardest cases. Mary Cordray bottle fed nine one week-old puppies for weeks. She would get up every few hours to nurse them back to health. These incredible people sacrifice so much of their time getting them ready for adoption.
Our adopters choose to bring our dogs and cats home with them. They take a chance knowing that some of these animals have come from abusive situations and require patience. They know that some are sick and require additional care. They take them because they know that the love they receive from these homeless pets is priceless.
Some people just do amazing individual acts. Although the entire Oberlin Fire Department all deserve credit for helping rescue the kittens from the drain pipe. It was OJ Tingler that patiently led the kitten to safety that day. His work that day has led the others at the fire house to call him the “Cat Whisperer.” Young Brynn Berkowitz put together a small event with her friends and family and raised over $1,300 to help orphaned animals.
If you take the time to reflect, and this is the perfect time of year to do just that, you will be astounded at just how many good and caring people surround us each and every day. It is the people for which I am thankful each and every day.
Happy Thanksgiving!
