by Randy Schaffer

Most animal lovers know about organizations that rescue stray dogs and cats or animals from breeders who abandon or euthanize unsold newborn and adult animals that can no longer be used for breeding. There are lists of “puppy mills” available that provide the names of breeders with this reputation. The good news is that the number of puppies and kittens that are rescued, cared for, adopted, and placed in loving households increases each year. Delaware, New Hampshire, and Vermont are no-kill states, meaning that all shelters in these states qualify as such. 

Some of the organizations in the U.S. reach beyond our borders to rescue abandoned strays. Recently, a friend shared a story about one of these rescue efforts. She breeds and shows golden retrievers and is involved with GRRI Inc. of New Jersey (Golen Retrievers Rescue Inc. of New Jersey). GRRI was contacted by shelters in Turkey, which had become overcrowded with many goldens. The reason is that owning a golden has become a status symbol in Turkey, so this breed is often given as a gift. As the dogs grow beyond the puppy stage, people realize how much care is necessary, and they often discard the dogs to fend for themselves. These overcrowded shelters in Turkey, along with GRRI, created a plan to round up the dogs and provide the care that they need.

The issue of rescue and adoption not only exists with small animals. Our family has been introduced to the rescue of horses by our daughter, Lisa. She and her husband have opened their hearts and their farm to many retired thoroughbred racehorses. Both of them grew up riding horses for pleasure as well as competition. When they acquired their farm and several horses,  Lisa became interested in rescue through a group “Run for the Rescue”. The volunteers would visit nearby ‘KILLER PEN’ auctions of retired race and workhorses. Usually, a vet would accompany them to look for horses that showed promise to be rehabbed and used for pleasure riding, fox hunting, eventing, or dressage. The horses were affordable, and the new owners knew a lot of time, hard work, and many hours of therapy would be necessary to heal these overworked and discarded animals. After some time, most of these horses would find new careers that were less demanding. Lisa was interested in thoroughbred racehorses that might be used for cross country, dressage, and stadium jumping. She was fortunate to find a few who became excellent eventing horses. Other horses that she brought to their farm were in need of extensive therapy to be used as pleasure horses. Today, several stables focus on providing a sanctuary for retired racers. If possible, they are rehabbed to become fit for new careers because healthy thoroughbreds love to work and run. 

Thanks to small and large shelters and organizations worldwide, rescued and adopted animals of all sizes have brought joy and comfort to many families.