A Vacation by any other name.... is DOG RESCUE!

Daphne

Just yesterday we received a heartwarming email - the letter which is copied below along with two short video clips.  It was written by Theresa Strader, the founder and executive director of National Mill Dog Rescue. Saving dogs is 'what she does' and a little vacation doesn't change a thing!  Theresa inspires all the volunteers at NMDR as well as the general public with her tireless efforts to rescue dogs, nobody is more dedicated and passionate.


Hello,

This past week I took a short vacation with my daughter and a friend and her three kids. Naturally, on our last day we went to visit the local shelter and socialize with the animals. While there, I came upon an old, sad girl laying in her kennel run, looking totally disconnected from the world. She literally ripped my heart out. Right away, I told Alison if this old girl is available, she's coming home with me. When I asked the shelter staff if I could take her home, they were literally in tears. On our way out of town the next morning, we picked her up and she rode home like a perfect angel. Because we gave her a big, cushy bed in the back of the Suburban, our kids were squished in like sardines with all the luggage and junk that seems to grow while you're away. Besides, it's good for their souls to give up a little comfort for an old dog!

No one really knows her story as she was picked up as a stray but she has definitely had a pretty tough life. She's a senior – at least 12 years. Her hind end is very crippled, she has a permanent head tilt and severe ear infections. We have to carry her out and carry her back in as she is too weak to make it up and down two steps. Regardless, she is the sweetest girl ever. She will see Dr. Tuthill on Wednesday and we'll see what we can do to make her more comfortable. Presently, she is on Rimadyl for pain and medication for her ear infections. My only hope for her is that she is happy and comfortable for whatever time she has. She will stay at our home with all of our old mill dogs where she seems to be quite content. We have scattered throw rugs literally all over so she can get around as laminate flooring is not at all friendly to a weak-in-the-rear dog. The house looks like a cheesy casino – kinda funny! She is worth every iota of inconvenience and we will shower her with love for whatever time she may have and we will do it with pleasure.

I'm sure all of you have people in your lives who think you're absolutely nuts for all that you do for animals. Well, I'm sure some people I know would say what on earth were you doing going to an animal shelter when you were finally on vacation. Well, this old girl, Daphne, is my answer. And for anyone who doesn't understand that, I am truly sorry for them. I wish each one of them could experience the true joy of being looked in the eye by a poor, old dog who is so very grateful.

Much love to all of you,

Theresa