I saw myself - very much a cat person, but have had my Scooter and Byron. Always think about volunteering at the local shelter, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I’d want to bring them all home dog or cat. I enjoyed reading your article and had to share with all my cat friends. thank you so much.
Laura, your writing is just incredibly beautiful. I loved this so, so much. You capture so perfectly that gnawing sense of inadequacy in the face of - well, everything - that paralyses and prevents us from doing what we can (thank you for the reminder: as someone who is frequently overwhelmed, I needed it).
I'm so glad Izzy found a home! My mum is currently volunteering at a dog shelter and there are a couple of lurcher/greyhound adjacent chaps very similar to Izzy she's besotted with and, like you, she bids them farewell each week with the hope they'll have found a home by the time she returns for her next shift. I'll be sharing this gorgeous piece with her. Thank you.
The chance to get to know dogs is an essential and deeply meaningful human experience. What a treat for me to read such heartfelt and beautifully written account of another adult's discovery of the canine personality.
(As for the bus ride home, can you a volunteer tag, a branded cap, or a tote to provide a context for the stink?)
Thank you so much for this post and for the work you are doing in the shelter. After we adopted our dog from the rescue a year and a half ago, I caught the "rescue bug" in a major way. Now most of my social media are rescue-related accounts, and it often feels like a never-ending hopeless battle to get these unwanted animals adopted into good homes (is there enough homes for all of them, I wonder?).
Our dog spent a year in the shelter, because he was one of those cases who do not tolerate kennel environment well - going stir crazy from under-exercise and anxiety there. He turned out to be the sweetest, smart, snuggly, and well-behaved guy, beloved by vets and groomers for his stoic attitude towards all unpleasant procedures. All our family is completely and utterly in love with him, including my partner who did not want a dog:)
When you see such transformation from miserable to happy, it makes you feel that you have done something good and valuable in the world that feels increasingly out of control. It is an addictive feeling. I guess this is what keeps rescue people going despite all the hopelessness.
The update made me so happy I welled up standing in a queue on the tarmac of Dublin airport. I love lurchers, they are such gentle and graceful creatures. Hope from now on there is always a human for Izzy to lean on!
I am aware of a reflexive response in myself to animal charities, born of some personal history and a dislike of overbearing sentimentality.
This post made me set that aside and think about the process of volunteering: committing your own precious time to do something which isn't what you are brilliant at to help some other people achieve something. This isn't about how to allocate a $100m charity legacy to make a difference in the world or calibrating precisely how your talents can contribute to the elimination of world poverty. Reading your post made me think about volunteering as a means of (or route to?) personal development: a response to an awareness that other aspects of one's life, however successful, are not wholly fulfilling.
Professionally at times I find myself recommending people to take up volunteering positions to broaden their experience and skills, usually in the hope that this improves their own professional competence and hence their careers.
In future I shall try and modify that advice with some broader points about how volunteering can just make one's own life better. I may also look for some different ways of volunteering myself!
(I don't think this will extend to any dog's homes or even other animal charities - some lines don't get crossed!)
I read this while walking my own two rescues today and I will tell you that your work gives back and manifests multitudes because it’s not only healing to the dogs but to the people the dogs end up with. You helped Izzie build up trust and love and that made her be a better companion for her new family. And that brings them even more joy. It’s incredibly hard rescuing a dog and not knowing where they’ve been and what trauma they’ve experienced. But every act of kindness that have experienced makes it all the better. And then they bring just a lifetime of joy - often life-saving joy to the people they live with. And you contributed that. So maybe you’re not directly feeding children dying of famine. But you are doing something that is crucial even if it doesn’t feel like it. At least that is how my dogs have been for me. So thank you, truly. You are a compassionate and feeling and good person. You may have felt like you were taking an “easy” route at first even though it ended up being hard and stinky (and you’re human so that’s fine whatever!) but you’re still doing something incredibly important.
My dog Sophie was born in a shelter; her mother was rescue. Sophie's meant so much to me these past seven years so I place incredible value on what you're doing.
What a life trajectory for Sophie! Imagine starting life at the shelter and then having a guy (you’re the guy) to drive you around New York City in a Mini Cooper. Did I imagine the Mini Cooper or did you tell me about it? I might just be storyboarding a cartoon about Sophie in my head without realising (or experiencing some sort of neurological glitch 😂).
it’s worse or better. Sophie gets driven to the beach in East Hampton in the Mini Cooper. In NYC, in the morning, she’s carried by me to Central Park where she can be unleashed before 9 am. She is possibly the most spoiled creature in the world and deserves it!
This is wonderful on many levels, especially the ending.
I just want to say thank you for taking care of dogs. You know how I feel about dogs and, frankly, I don't believe many humans deserve them in their lives. Both Izzie and I know that you are one that does, even if they do have a tendency to leave you a lot of shit to pick up. We also know you prefer cats, and we're cool with it.
As a side note, in an attempt to stand with you in solidarity, my eldest dog once rolled in human shit which became embedded in her collar and coat to spectacular effect. As bad as dog poo is(or fox and badger, which she also used to roll in), nothing quite beats having to clean human waste off your best furry friend.
She also nearly drowned me one day, but that's another story..
Oh yeah, rolling in dead animals is bad, you’re so right. Mine has rolled in dead fish (truly terrible), rats and other birds but never, as far as I can recall, a duck.
I saw myself - very much a cat person, but have had my Scooter and Byron. Always think about volunteering at the local shelter, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I’d want to bring them all home dog or cat. I enjoyed reading your article and had to share with all my cat friends. thank you so much.
Laura, your writing is just incredibly beautiful. I loved this so, so much. You capture so perfectly that gnawing sense of inadequacy in the face of - well, everything - that paralyses and prevents us from doing what we can (thank you for the reminder: as someone who is frequently overwhelmed, I needed it).
I'm so glad Izzy found a home! My mum is currently volunteering at a dog shelter and there are a couple of lurcher/greyhound adjacent chaps very similar to Izzy she's besotted with and, like you, she bids them farewell each week with the hope they'll have found a home by the time she returns for her next shift. I'll be sharing this gorgeous piece with her. Thank you.
Thanks Rebecca!
The chance to get to know dogs is an essential and deeply meaningful human experience. What a treat for me to read such heartfelt and beautifully written account of another adult's discovery of the canine personality.
(As for the bus ride home, can you a volunteer tag, a branded cap, or a tote to provide a context for the stink?)
Thank you so much for this post and for the work you are doing in the shelter. After we adopted our dog from the rescue a year and a half ago, I caught the "rescue bug" in a major way. Now most of my social media are rescue-related accounts, and it often feels like a never-ending hopeless battle to get these unwanted animals adopted into good homes (is there enough homes for all of them, I wonder?).
Our dog spent a year in the shelter, because he was one of those cases who do not tolerate kennel environment well - going stir crazy from under-exercise and anxiety there. He turned out to be the sweetest, smart, snuggly, and well-behaved guy, beloved by vets and groomers for his stoic attitude towards all unpleasant procedures. All our family is completely and utterly in love with him, including my partner who did not want a dog:)
When you see such transformation from miserable to happy, it makes you feel that you have done something good and valuable in the world that feels increasingly out of control. It is an addictive feeling. I guess this is what keeps rescue people going despite all the hopelessness.
The update made me so happy I welled up standing in a queue on the tarmac of Dublin airport. I love lurchers, they are such gentle and graceful creatures. Hope from now on there is always a human for Izzy to lean on!
OMG, I’m so happy for you! And for Izzy!
Meanwhile, the vision of you swallowing the bit of hope will stay with me forever
Great piece Laura. I just subscribed. I like the play on words of your title as well, very clever.
Thanks Daniel! I appreciate it.
I am aware of a reflexive response in myself to animal charities, born of some personal history and a dislike of overbearing sentimentality.
This post made me set that aside and think about the process of volunteering: committing your own precious time to do something which isn't what you are brilliant at to help some other people achieve something. This isn't about how to allocate a $100m charity legacy to make a difference in the world or calibrating precisely how your talents can contribute to the elimination of world poverty. Reading your post made me think about volunteering as a means of (or route to?) personal development: a response to an awareness that other aspects of one's life, however successful, are not wholly fulfilling.
Professionally at times I find myself recommending people to take up volunteering positions to broaden their experience and skills, usually in the hope that this improves their own professional competence and hence their careers.
In future I shall try and modify that advice with some broader points about how volunteering can just make one's own life better. I may also look for some different ways of volunteering myself!
(I don't think this will extend to any dog's homes or even other animal charities - some lines don't get crossed!)
I read this while walking my own two rescues today and I will tell you that your work gives back and manifests multitudes because it’s not only healing to the dogs but to the people the dogs end up with. You helped Izzie build up trust and love and that made her be a better companion for her new family. And that brings them even more joy. It’s incredibly hard rescuing a dog and not knowing where they’ve been and what trauma they’ve experienced. But every act of kindness that have experienced makes it all the better. And then they bring just a lifetime of joy - often life-saving joy to the people they live with. And you contributed that. So maybe you’re not directly feeding children dying of famine. But you are doing something that is crucial even if it doesn’t feel like it. At least that is how my dogs have been for me. So thank you, truly. You are a compassionate and feeling and good person. You may have felt like you were taking an “easy” route at first even though it ended up being hard and stinky (and you’re human so that’s fine whatever!) but you’re still doing something incredibly important.
😇🐶
My dog Sophie was born in a shelter; her mother was rescue. Sophie's meant so much to me these past seven years so I place incredible value on what you're doing.
What a life trajectory for Sophie! Imagine starting life at the shelter and then having a guy (you’re the guy) to drive you around New York City in a Mini Cooper. Did I imagine the Mini Cooper or did you tell me about it? I might just be storyboarding a cartoon about Sophie in my head without realising (or experiencing some sort of neurological glitch 😂).
it’s worse or better. Sophie gets driven to the beach in East Hampton in the Mini Cooper. In NYC, in the morning, she’s carried by me to Central Park where she can be unleashed before 9 am. She is possibly the most spoiled creature in the world and deserves it!
A very good life indeed. A driver AND a person to carry her about! Congratulations to Sophie on all her success. 😄
Thank you Laura, for just doing what you do at the shelter. I hope Izzy is happy in her new place.
You can't beat a lurcher. They understand your moods, and make life worth living
This is wonderful on many levels, especially the ending.
I just want to say thank you for taking care of dogs. You know how I feel about dogs and, frankly, I don't believe many humans deserve them in their lives. Both Izzie and I know that you are one that does, even if they do have a tendency to leave you a lot of shit to pick up. We also know you prefer cats, and we're cool with it.
As a side note, in an attempt to stand with you in solidarity, my eldest dog once rolled in human shit which became embedded in her collar and coat to spectacular effect. As bad as dog poo is(or fox and badger, which she also used to roll in), nothing quite beats having to clean human waste off your best furry friend.
She also nearly drowned me one day, but that's another story..
my childhood dog rolled in all kinds of shit, but nothing was as traumatic (for me) as her rolling in a half-decomposed duck!
Oh yeah, rolling in dead animals is bad, you’re so right. Mine has rolled in dead fish (truly terrible), rats and other birds but never, as far as I can recall, a duck.
This reply was a rollercoaster. I have questions, but for my own sanity, I choose not to ask them.
Honestly just beautiful writing - as an emotional animal lover, thank you.
Not even an animal person but I feel like crying
I’m so glad Lizzie found a home. What a beautiful piece. It made me cry