Helpless

I think the worst part of animal rescue is the feeling of utter and complete helplessness. 

There is so much bad in this world and we do what we can to fight it.  But, it feels so hopeless when someone like Michael Vick can torture, maime and kill dogs and go on to be held in hero status.  The money that he makes in one game could fund AARF’s annual operating budget many times over.  We could save hundreds of lives with what he makes in one commercial.  Yet, instead of having the funds needed to save problems that people like Vick create, we have to let dogs go because they are too “damaged” to fix.  Our hearts break over the ones that we cannot save, while he goes on to fame and fortune.

I know people find comfort believing that he will get what is coming in the next life.  But, how does that help me understand it in this life? 

When did someone’s talent on the football field become so much more important that someone’s talent in life?  I don’t just find it frustrating that he is not in prison.  I find it vomit-inducing that people can enjoy watching him play ball… cheering his name.  Where are the cheers for the rescue-workers that are still trying to correct things that can never be fixed?  When does someone get rich for doing the right thing? 

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I used to think Animal Control was a horrible concept.  Even after years of volunteering in animal rescue, I thought “there must be a better way”.  Then I worked at the Humane Society and fielded 90% of the requests for help.  There reality set in.  Now, I see animal control as a necessary evil.  Something that with the right regulations, people and decisions is the best option we have… cause there is never enough…

Never enough homes, never enough time, never enough money, never enough trainers, never enough fosters, never enough food, never enough papertowels… there just isn’t enough in this world.  The only thing we don’t run out of in the rescue world is love… but it just isn’t enough either. 

I constantly remind myself that while I cannot help THAT one or THAT one or THAT one, I am helping THIS one.  What I am doing matters to THIS one… but that doesn’t mean that my heart doesn’t focus on what I am not doing for all the rest.

Since leaving the Humane Society, I have been able to go back to my old role in animal rescue.  One where I only hear about the overwhelming demand from time to time.  I am no longer inundated with pleas for help that I cannot answer.  But, I still know they are there… I still know I am not helping THAT one. 

That makes me feel helpless.