Finding a Place in Pet Rescue

Her name was Maggie, and she needed a ride home. I offered to take her part-way, so on Friday, November 8, we hit the interstate. I volunteered to drive her 180 miles south, getting her closer to home, and another driver graciously took the remainder
of the route. Maggie, a senior Boston terrier mix, arrived safely into the arms of her adoptive person.

Each of us found a place in rescue
that day: two of us as volunteer transporters; Maggie, of course,
being rescued; and her adopter. That’s the case with all animal rescue; people and the pets each have a role, a place, in the process
.

I’ve transported for rescue organizations for more than a decade. In Wyoming, where I live, distance between towns can be extensive, sometimes as much as 50 miles or more from community to community. There’s a gap to be filled
in getting many dogs and cats into rescue and into the homes of new families. I fill that void whenever possible 
for whatever rescue organization needs a driver.

Theo, another Boston terrier I transported several years ago, seemed in-tune to what was transpiring the day I took him 150 miles from my community north to another Wyoming town. He stretched his small body from the passenger seat toward the window. His round, black eyes surveyed the landscape as my car zipped along the interstate. Curiosity kept him attentive to the passing grass, trees, and spring wildflowers. Yet, something else seemed to stir within the dog. As I slowed the car to the posted town speed limit and approached the second exit that would take us to a rest stop, Theo leaned closer to the dashboard. His front paws balanced there before I could place a protective arm across his chest. He watched intently, and I drove slowly. As we rounded the corner into the parking area, his ears peaked and his eyes stared. Waiting for us at the end of that drive were his adoptive pet-parents. He just seemed to know.

Volunteering as a transporter is a critical piece of the rescue puzzle, and I derive great joy from fulfilling this position. Knowing a companion animal is getting another chance to be loved
and doted upon just as I care for and spoil my own adopted pets makes those treks worthwhile. I’ve taken many breeds of dogs on journeys home, and I love doing so!

There is a place for many in pet rescue. Whether you set up an organization, as my friend Britney did with Black Dog Animal Rescue in Cheyenne, Wyoming, volunteer as a foster parent as Joel and his wife Karen in Denver do (they fostered our latest adopted dog, Sadie), serve as a transporter like me, or adopt a pet as many of us have, each place in the system is necessary. What about you? What role can you play to help animals in need? Perhaps help at fundraising events. Donate supplies or
money. Volunteer to walk and play with dogs or brush and play with cats. Serve as a foster
. Transport. Adopt. Help educate and spread the word.

I aim to educate and inspire through my writing. Whether that’s blog posts like this one, a children’s book such as Jeremiah Finds a Home , or my new novel, my writing also has a role in rescue.

Rescue Road, my contemporary romance novel released last week, incorporates the concept of rescue, including setting up a facility and transporting dogs. The story weaves the idea of 
second chances, not only for the animals in need of new homes but second chances for the primary characters who fall in love. Life is all about second chances, and we all need that now and then, just like rescued pets.

Animal rescue takes a village. No matter where we live, we can help animals in need. Will you join in this special cause and find your place in pet rescue?

My clean, contemporary romance novel is now available in e
-book or print format. Learn more, including viewing a book trailer and downloading the first chapter for FREE on my website: http://www.gaylemirwin.com/novels.html.