RESCUED WITH LOVE INC.

We had a case recently where an adopter wanted one of our bubs who has a serious heart murmur and after speaking to him at great length about the needs and expectations, a time was made to do a housecheck and meet and greet.

This was suddenly cancelled by the adopter on the day, on advice from his vet.  The dog, he was advised, would be dead in a month or two, would possibly need up to half a dozen different types of meds, and wasn't, according to the vet, worth the money, or the effort.

After digesting this info it occured to me a number of factors were all moving in different directions which stopped us from rehoming our lovely boy.  Here was a person, who after speaking to the foster carer, was prepared to look at adopting a special needs dog.  The type of person who is compassionate, and understanding, that while Charlie our cavvie might be in the twilight time of his life, he was prepared to give him the very best time to be had.

The vet on the other hand saw the situation differently, seeing his client as saddling himself with a dog that was going to cost a fortune, and would probably kark it in a few weeks.  Despite the fact that Charlie has lived with his heart murmur for his 8 years, and will probably live a few more hopefully, and under veterinary advice with ALL of our vets, and constantly monitored by his foster carer, this vet thought the idea of giving a dog like Charlie a loving home as unworthy.

I grind my teeth in anger, at the stupidity, and lack of thought at this position.

Having done rescue for a number of years, it is apparent that many vets are not on board with the idea of rescue.  Of treating animals, to allow them to get homes.  Of medicating them if they have a treatable condition, and finding a full informed and experienced family to welcome them into their home.  How on earth are we meant to move forward as a society, or human race, when there is such a basic discrimination taking place in a sector that needs a wider view?

The struggle as we prove over and over treatable pets who come into care can get great homes and lead fantastic lives is one we face with the large orgs killing for anything from timidity to a mild heart murmur.  Despite being the most beautiful, kind and wonderfully natured dog, irrespective of age, these dogs have lives stolen in a room, and discarded like they have no right, no needs, or no just cause to be on this earth.  It's insulting to those who know better.

But for a vet, who makes his living in the animal sector, builds a rapport with clients and treats their pets into old age, recommends an animal is unworthy is one of the lowest acts I have heard of for a while.

It takes no intelligence to understand we do not just leave terminally ill people in hospitals to die.  They are allowed to 'live' while battling a disease, whether it be terminal or not. 

To the vet who thought they were being so clever, every animal that comes through Rescued With Love 'lives' until it dies.  Managed, treated, medicated and loved with a quality of life present.  For those who wish to adopt dogs like Charlie, Matilda, Abbie, or Uly - standby what you believe.  Care for a soul that spoke to you, that made you want to give.  That gives you pleasure and love in immeasurable amounts.  You are worth 100 times more than so many others on this earth.

Please note, all dogs with medical issues are under the care of our vets.  Full disclosure is always made to every adopter regarding their issues and treatment.  We offer the adopter's vet full access to all treatment information and the ability to liase with our vets on the care they have been given while with RWL.

Charlie, still looking for his forever home.

ADOPTED: Abbie, corneal ulcers and scarring on both eyes.  Grade 5 heart murmur.  Broken leg healed untreated. Skin allergies.  Ear infections.  Broken/rotten teeth.

ADOPTED: Ripley.  Untreated dry eye causing severe low vision, treatment with expensive compound eye ointment.  Older aged.

ADOPTED: Bambi: older age, dry eye, ears infected.  Dental.  Shocking skin allergies.  Severe heart murmur with medication needed.