A few weeks back I wrote “There are many reasons” and it was as this title states, a tribute to fellow rescuers.  I was grateful for the applause I received at my Gala when I read it aloud but it was for all of them, fold I am proud to work with.
Paisley is a 2 to 3 year old female whose breed is undetermined.  Five or six variations have been mentioned.  “I think she’s a lab, collie, setter, St. Bernard mix, oh forget it, she’s just adorable.”  Paisley was struck by a vehicle and had severe road scrapings along her belly with a broken left rear leg and the right hip knocked out of its ball joint.  She was found lying in a ditch in pain and shock, loaded with fleas and ticks.  I can tell you right now, in the area she was found in; her chances at life of any sort were slim to none.
On Monday morning, a day after my Gala, I received a call from Patti Peake, a rescuer I’ve worked with before.  (Please pray for her rescue partner, Chris Hume, who is having a tough battle with cancer.)  “Lennie,” Patti asked, “I’ve rescued a dog named Paisley and I’m taking her to your friends at Upstate Veterinary clinic tomorrow morning.  Can you help in any way?”  ‘Absolutely, Patti, we’ll go down together and I’ll tell them Paisley is one of Lennie’s kids and I’ll use my fund to pay for her.”  “Thanks Lennie, I’m pretty sure we have the money to pay for her but any help will be welcome.”  “We’ll worry about that later Patti, for now let’s get this girl the best help possible and once again ask the good doctors at Upstate to keep the fee as low as possible so we can help others.”
I met Paisley for the first time as Patti and I sat on the tailgate of her hatchback and discussed our plans for her.  As we spoke I was absent mindedly stroking Paisley in someway trying to reassure her.  I moved my hand for a moment and her front paw rose up and gently poked me as if to say, “Please don’t stop.”  I turned toward her and two large teardrops I didn’t expect to come landed in my lap.  It dawned on me that this may be the first time in her life that she was in the hands of people who offered her unconditional love.
Paisley was operated on that day and we received word in the evening that all went well.  I met a new doctor, Sean Morrison, who assured me that any animal I bring in will be handled at the lowest price possible.  Besides staying two extra days to keep an eye on her hip, the fee was around $2,500, those folks are my heroes.
On the way back from Upstate, Patti let me speak to the lady in Minnesota who will be adopting Paisley once she’s mended.  I cannot begin to express the joy I was feeling in my heart at that very moment, sitting next to Patti and speaking with a kindred spirit from far away.  It was probably one of the best days I’ve had in a very long time just knowing that this beautiful soul of many breeds will be loved and cared for the rest of her life.
I will conclude with the very end of “There are many reasons.”  Rescue is pain.  Rescue is joy.  Rescue is worth it…because they are worth it.  And that’s the honest truth.
Thanks for listening.