To the Rescue

I am applying to adopt a rescued dog.

All of my pets have been rescues. In past years, I have adopted dogs from organizations that foster pets until an adoptive family comes along. One came from the pound, and one precious puppy came from the side of the road. My cat came up to the door of our house and announced his intention to stay, first with loud, bawling meows and later with pieces of prey. When I decided to add another furry member to the family, I knew I would check out the rescues. I started my journey online.

There are all sorts of agencies that help place animals into their “furever” homes. People can search animals by breed, age, sex, color, location, personality, and more. So, that is what I did. I have been a doxie mom (a woman possibly obsessed with her dachshunds) for around 30 years, having adopted two. I love the spunkiness of the breed, their loyalty, and their cute little legs. When I searched for the fur friend I have now, I prayed for a lapdog who wanted snuggles, and that is exactly what I got. He has been part of the family for nearly 12 years, and he is a great companion. He is good company. He keeps me active-ish. He listens to me complain. He eats what I give him. He doesn’t talk back.

When I recently started making inquiries about dachshunds who needed a home, I had no idea it would be so in-depth! When I adopted my first dog from a shelter in the last millennium, I paid the fee and took her home. In applying to adopt this time, I have filled out application after application. I have given details on my yard, the medical care I provide, and my philosophy regarding training. I have supplied references of people not related to me, and I have promised to call if something life-threatening happens to the dog. I have listed the animals I have owned as an adult and given details on what happened to them. I also had to tell them who would take the dog if something happened to me. This process has not been quick or easy, but I understand that the organizations are gathering all the details they can in order to make suitable people-pet matches.

There are two dogs I am favoring, and I am praying for God to send the right one to me again. Both of these dogs were given up because their owners died, and the families didn’t take the dogs for whatever reason. Animals have often lost their owners, and rehoming pets has always been an issue. But it is unquestionably a problem now with so many people being sick and even passing at the same time. Many animals are being left to the mercies of the world.

Yes, I am writing this blog partially to encourage you to rescue an animal if you can. Unfortunately, not everyone has the room or the time or the finances or the health to rescue; I understand that completely. I have been in the same situations before. But, if you think you might be able to help a stray or abandoned animal, please pray about it. You can start with your local shelters and rescues.

I have been at the mercy of the world before, and God rescued me! I am so thankful that He did! Now, I will admit that sometimes I am not good company for Him. I don’t always listen, and I often talk back. But God loves me anyway. He has never abandoned me, and even when I have strayed, He has been waiting for me with open arms. And, there were no applications involved! Just love, because God is love.

If it has been a while since you’ve talked sincerely with Him, take a minute to do that. Thank Him for rescuing you from whatever you’ve faced, whatever you’ve walked through. And remember that God will always have time for you. Let Him be your hope!

Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,

from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.

For you, O Lord, are my hope,

my trust, O Lord, from my youth.

Upon you I have leaned from before my birth;

you are he who took me from my mother's womb.

My praise is continually of you.

Psalm 71:4-6