There’s a term we use far too often in animal rescue, one that signifies heartbreak and misunderstanding- owner surrender.
When we hear about a family pet surrendered to a rescue, so many people see a villain in the story. What goes unseen is the distress and insurmountable obstacles that forces a family’s hand.
The year 2020 was difficult for so many people; socially, financially, and emotionally. This was true for furry little Debo’s family too.
In September, they were devastated when they needed to give up their two dogs. They took the time to find a wonderful rescue, Loved Again Pets, who would give them the best care and find them new homes.
Families were found for the dogs and they flew up to Oregon to start new lives thanks to the team at Pet Rescue Pilots. All the while, their first family stayed in touch with the rescue to make sure the dogs they loved so much were happy.
Loved Again Pets sent photos and updates as the dogs began to adapt. While one of the dogs had decompressed and settled into their new home, Debo was struggling.
Weeks passed and Debo wasn’t fitting into his new life, but all the while, his first family has been regaining their footing. So, after a few months apart, Debo was stepping aboard the same Pet Rescue Pilots plane to return to his family- the one that never stopped loving him.
There’s something that so many seem to forget- rescues don’t want to be full of animals. Animals belong with loving families, not at shelter facilities.
So many rescues have started new initiatives in the past year to keep the human animal bond intact, whether it be through pet food pantry programs like Hearts Alive Village or sweeping new reforms like those at Pasco Animal Care Services. It’s all in an effort to give families support and tools so owner surrender is the last option.
“One of the positives coming out of this pandemic is increased support for pet guardians” said Julian Javor, Founder and Chief Rescue Pilot for Pet Rescue Pilots.
“The pandemic shed light on the need to incorporate programs that lend assistance to pet guardians as a key component to overall animal welfare efforts. We support all initiatives that help keep pets at home with their families where they belong, and out of shelters.”
Programs like HASS are springing up around the country to support families, and subsequently rescues. However, the most accessible tool we all have is empathy and understanding.
Debo was able to make his way home thanks to support from the CUDDLY Club. A monthly subscription that supports the care of hundreds of rescue animals each month.
Join the CUDDLY Club and support dogs just like Debo. Learn More
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The CUDDLY Club: April 2021 Recap
