Rescue at 41

There is not a day in which goes by that someone is not critical of my work when it comes to rescue. I hear many things like "It takes alot out of you, Karen", "Why dont you dedicate time to something worthy", "You must be crazy to do this on top of working and going to school". Those phrases are those i have become most familiar with.

It is a hard thing to explain to those who do not share your passion. It becomes harder when i say i could not live without waking up with dog hair on my face. To say i love this creature beyond measure is something many people just do not understand. However i can say beyond a shadow of a doubt i have met people who i love who share my passion and without them i could not get through my days.

Great Dane Rescue. Could i have picked a larger breed to fall in love with? One with less slobber and less health issues.....sure. However when i learned exactly how gentle, kind, and giving these gentle giants are i was forever hooked. There is nothing like being squashed between three Great Danes. Forever can you look into their souls and watching how forgiving they are of human beings is a lesson in which every one of us could learn.

Let none of you mistake the fact that i have other types of dogs too. In fact i have six dogs. Each one of them a rescue.

Ginger-My Rat Terrier who is 11-12 years of age. She was a breeder dog who turned circles for hours on end due to the fact the cage she lived her life in was the only room she had ever known. It took a couple of years before the circles stopped. She sleeps under the covers at my feet during the night. She has been loved, is loved, and she no longer shies away from humans.

Teddy-My Pit Bull/Chihuahua Mix-7.5 yrs old......o yes....this is his breed. 22lbs of chihuahua voice with a stocky build of a Pit's body. When i got Teddy he was covered in cigarette burns, a few broken bones, and no respect for Human Beings. It would be six months he lived under my bed before he became the leader of my pack. There is no doubt that Teddy is the Boss of the House.

Ruthie-My Peke-5-6 yrs old......whatever could i say about Ruthie? A call came in to the Dane Rescue one late night. The next morning i sent my Sweet Sean to pick her up. We won't bother to say it was a pretty site as he tried to place her into the crate. There was blood, some cussing, and a promise that he would never let that dog out of the crate until i got home. Somehow though she won her way into our hearts and she came here to say. The most demanding of every dog within the house.

Jake- My Dane/Deerhound Mix. 3yrs old I do not tell the others but by far this boy is the light for me. Jake and i have developed that special bond that leaves me in tears at the thought of one day losing him. He is 175lbs and the most gentle being i have ever known. He is protective of his Mom and lets me know at every step he is there for me. His playful jumps when i come home bring a smile to my face even though it usually involves a scratch or two. Thank God i went to see that sick litter of puppies that night against the wishes of all in my home. I wanted him from moment one.

Sophie- Mantle Female Dane 13 months old-O Sophie.....you are the most difficult Girl i have ever known. It is possible some mild retardation is present but her face is incredibly sweet. Sophie minds very well but still must be crated at night as she has quite expensive tastes which include leather love seats and rooms full of Berber Carpet. She never ceases to amaze me in situations where there are many other dogs. Sophie is kind to every human and dog she comes into contact with.

The newest addition is here.....

Emma-Brindle Female Dane 3 yrs old. A Rescue who came through Dames for Danes in which i have fallen head over heels for. Through all of her different homes, being chained, and not properly cared for she is the reason i rescue. I watch as she has been transferred into several homes now adjust and continue to be filled with joy. She has loved so many and lost. Yet she happily goes to the next place and finds a great joy in the people. Emma forgives......truly a quality we lack as human beings. She reminds me daily that there is joy in every situation and with the bad there is so much good. Watching her learn to lay on our bed and realize she is getting food every day is melting my heart. My darkest secret here is that she reminds me of my Jessie Girl who i lost some time ago. The personality is similar except that Emma does not bite men. The bouncing happily ever after attitude is like my Jessie is in the home once more. Although i know there is a difference i have somehow found comfort in this girl. The adopter coming forward would have to be way better than my own home. Way better. I dont think you could shake this girl off me with a stick.

Rescue is new every day. There is always some type of crisis, dog in need, ear to bend...Rescue never sleeps nor do the people who live by this code.