Last Tuesday I found myself immersed in meetings that revolved around the world of dogs; a lunch gathering with the owner of the local animal rescue (I serve on their board) and her colleagues and later, a Zoom meeting with the board of the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA). Two distinct worlds, both united by the love for all-things canines.
This is truly a “Tail of Two Dog Worlds”.
Here in rural Putnam County, resources are limited; dogs wander freely and many are neglected. The feral cat population also introduces a challenging aspect. There are a number of laws and initiatives that having just passed will hopefully make a real difference soon, holding pet owners more responsible and accountable for the care of their animals, helping those struggling to be able to afford proper care for their pets, and improving public safety.
One major development here is a Spay and Neuter Mobile Unit that is set to launch soon. My colleagues and I are working on ways to build a donor network to help cover operating costs for this worthy endeavor that is so needed here in rural Northeast Florida. All paws on deck!
My own dog, Jackson, was adopted from this shelter. Jackson was one of nine sickly pups brought to the staff and nursed back to health. He is now a very large and still growing gorgeous, athlectic and sweet companion.
Subsequently, in my role as board member for the DWAA, I’m helping to plan our awards banquet in New York City next February that takes place annual at the start of the Westminster Dog Show celebrating its 150th anniversary . Our event honors those who write and produce media extensively on the topic of ALL things canine. I’m glad to note that although a lot of the writing is traditionally about purebred dogs and related topics, many of my colleagues also write about the dog-human bond and dog rescue.
During the course of one day, I was immersed in two very distinct “dog worlds”. Make no mistake, there are many people in this region that love and care for their pets, but there are also many who either don’t have the resources, or the inclination, to provide for them and it is difficult to bring about change. The only solutions are to offer low-cost spay and neuter procedures to stem the tide and educate a new generation of pet guardians, but that’s a long term proposition and the need is immediate.
In the wake of losing my dog-loving husband, Rich, I find myself in this very unlikely place. It is hard for me to believe that in September, I will have been here for two years already. So much has happened since and now, we are a four-dog household! They have been a lifeline back to the world of the living.
When I lost Rich nearly four years ago, I had no plans for life without my husband. No one makes plans for a future they can’t, or don’t want to imagine. For a time immediately following, my enegries were wrapped up in caring for a visually-impaired pup named Quint, acquired just 7 weeks after Rich’s passing, and the care of my elderly parents who are no longer with us. In the wake of so much change, some thought I’d eventually move back to my native New Jersey, and many thought I’d continue to resided in my gated community in Georgia. But the universe seems to have the Master Plans for us and I find myself now here in the rural wilds of Old Florida.
I enjoy my peaceful world here. I know that life goes in cycles, and that we really don’t know what the universe has in store for us. That is the only “certainty” there is. I wake up having faith in the day and do what I feel called to do.
If you can, please help your local animal shelter and rescue organizations and volunteers. In doing so, you are helping humans, too. If you’d like to help us down here in this rural region of Florida, please reach out to [email protected] to learn more about the work being done here.
Have a reflective and fun weekend.
