SELF PORTRAIT TUESDAY

When I began volunteering, I didn't know how long I would last. I love animals and to see them homeless, living in shelters, abused, trying to find a home.... I knew my heart might not make it. So I just started walking them in my free time. Little by little I started doing more. I really surprised myself.... my heart didn't shatter into a million pieces and I am able to handle all the heartbreak. Why? I think it's because of the joy the dogs bring me. That’s really what makes it worth it. I can't tell you what an amazing feeling it is to see an abused dog come out of his shell. To see him taste his first delicious bone, or run around the yard. The best feeling is when you find a forever home for them. That is just.... amazing. To know that they will never have to be scared and lonely again. That they have someone to love and spoil them. They can put the bad memories of shelters and cages behind them and start living their lives filled with a soft bed, a full tummy and lots of love. I really can't describe the way it makes me feel.

Karma Rescue has about 50 dogs for adoption right now. Some of the stories are so sad it will break your heart. Some dogs were living their last day when one of the Karma volunteers spotted them and scooped them up. I have been through it all....My very first shelter rescue was Georgie. Read about Georgie here. I only knew him for about a month, but he changed my life. He made me realize how strong I was.

And then there is Jazz. Some of you may have read his story. He is a hurricane Katrina survivor and just about the best dog around. I'm in the process of raising money for him, so he can go through his final training and on to his forever home. My last post shows his before and after photos.

We have so many different kinds of dogs. There’s Troy, a sweet chubby Shepard mix that was left homeless when a major apartment fire destroyed his home and family. He is mellow, housebroken, crate-trained, and very well socialized with other dogs. Troy loves to go hiking and to the dog park. He is great in a house, even an apartment too!

Poncho, breaks my heart. He is a big furry guy. Part Akita and part Lab. He was put in the shelter after his daddy passed away and there was no one to take care of him anymore. He loves riding in the car and has excellent manners. I really want him to find a home. He is just such a good boy.

Captain, This poor boy was dumped at the shelter just because he was getting older. NOT old, older! He is a great dog. Walks well on a leash, smiles pretty, and loves to show off his obedience talents. How sad that someone could do this to such a sweet tub of pure love.

And then there’s Chauncey. What can I say about this dog? If I ever found out who his previous owners were…. well, let’s just say I’d show them what it feels like to have cigarettes put out on their skin. I’d lock them in a cage too small for them and leave them there to rot in their own feces and urine…. then they’d know what it felt like to Chauncey. Yes, all this was done to this poor dog…and who knows what else. Thank God we rescued him. And he is doing great now! But he is still boarded in a kennel and needs a home…foster or forever.

And there’s Turtle, the deaf pit bull, who will sleep through everything, Katy and Ellie (mom and daughter) rescued from a drug dealer who was breeding her non-stop. They are wonderful. And our other Hurricane Katrina dogs, Wileen and Edward…who knows what trauma and fear they have gone through? But now, they are healthy and ready for the next step of their journey.

I could go on and on about the wonderful dogs we have. If you live in the LA area and want to see our dogs, visit the Karma website Maybe you’ll fall in love and adopt. Maybe you’ll want to make a difference in a dog’s life and foster. Maybe you’ll become a dog walker or a permanent fixture at the adoptions. Or make a donation to Jazz so he can finally go HOME! :)

And if you don't live in LA...find a rescue organization near you and volunteer. Donate old towels or blankets to a shelter near you. There are so many dogs out there that need homes or a little love.

It really and truly is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. Oh, and the photo above is of me with Gabby. She was one of my foster dogs that I ended up adopting. She hates the flash and refuses to look at the camera. This was the best shot I could get of her today. I woke her up and she wanted none of it! :)


LORI

www.KarmaRescue.org

Wednesday, May 31st, 2006 - 08:17AM
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