Do people REALLY know the work of the rescuer unless they, themselves, rescue? Can they truly envision the systems that are in place for the dog rescuer? Do they really understand the effort involved and the level of honesty by which the rescuer has to  operate? 
For me, personally, the way I rescue is like an extreme sport. I will do what it takes and go all out for my "sport." It's intense mental engagement, finding meaning in the behavior of dogs, management of their well-being, and understanding how to respond when the dog is giving you feedback about your actions.
There is  no dishonesty in this business. You need to be honest. You need to know yourself well. You need to understand the raw power of the beast before you, yet be the one who becomes their guide through their challenges, feelings, abilities - their life. It's their life and they have put it in your hands.
I like to develop their lives as much as I possibly can. I could do more for them with: more time and more money. Of course. But I don't have: more time and more money. So I make what I do count. Every move counts and is valuable in their lives. It's a devotion. To them. It's simply what I do and it's what I know well and do well.
I like doing this. I am thoughtful about how to keep propelling myself through this. I think about how I must keep working and reflecting. Rescuing dogs has become embedded into my being now. 

People who stand outside my world of rescue and get a glimpse in - I don't think they truly understand the intuition and skills I have acquired as a result of the near 20 years I have engaged in rescuing dogs. I take what I have learned very seriously, yet treasure it as something that only I can truly comprehend.
 
 
Is there really anything more to say than the title? The demands of ordinary life in order to keep things going are never-ending. You just keep going, right? Yep.
But it sure is nice when I can give my time to the dogs in their time of need - during the little moments when just a frisbee toss or two, a brief hug and "I love you", or a meal preparation will do - or during a long relaxing afternoon when some major chill-time can be had.
The dogs are wonderful about understanding the routines, and seemingly perceptive that their human caretakers must go out and work - to earn a living - and, in turn, to create an enjoyable life that includes them in a cherished capacity.
Or in my case, a half dozen or so needy dogs who have found their way into the safety of the Canisolida System.
I shall carry on willingly.
 
 
I cooked lamb, potatoes, carrots, yams, butternut squash, and apples for my babies and added it to their meals. It will last a few days. They love it and are definitely fans of mom's cooking! It is great to have time off to enjoy spending lots of grooming and playing time with all the babies. Lovin' it!
 
 
I am reflecting on all of the activity that I engage in as a rescuer, as well as my the hard work done by my rescue friends. It is a lot of work, takes a lot of time, takes a constant and strong work ethic, requires focus and fortitude. YET, it is the dedication to the goals that makes it seem like a breeze. You can drive places all weekend, train and groom, do laundry load after load, raise funds for vet care, establish relationships with shelter staff, other rescue groups, and pet supply stores. But it is not a work to begrudge or not enjoy. The end goal is kept in the back of the mind, knowing that it is right to save lives like this. So - we shall carry on with our mission!
 
 
Do something to celebrate or symbolize Daylight Saving Time by participating in "Dog Saving Time."  It's time, if you can, to change the life of a pet dog and function as their temporary care-provider and find them a home. Join CMFRH, Inc. in your endeavor - we have been "saving dogs" for more than 15 years and we can help you with this experience.
Okay, so I know the above paragraph was goofy....but I am for real when I suggest that people try harder to help out our homeless pet animals. Times right now are hard and many dogs are suffering the effects of their family encountering job-loss, home-loss, financial-loss. If you are in a more fortunate position and are able to care for a pet dog temporarily, take the plunge and give it a try.
Want to adopt? That is wonderful news. Let us know and we can keep you informed of the dogs we have available.
Take care and hug your pets!
Cindy
 
 
With technology comes technology breakdowns. I upgraded to a new system and am not able to utilize my old webpage program anymore. I use Weebly at work and love it, so jumped at the chance to launch a new CMFRH website utilizing it. It is easy and fun. I hope you like the site. Of course, I will add more to it as the months and years go by. I plan soon to restore the "gone but not forgotten page" but when you work full time and also care for animals, there is little time for sitting at a computer.
Can't believe we've now been a nonprofit for 5 years. We work so hard at keeping it going, both the fundraising part and caring for dogs. In addition, we attend events as often as we can.
The main ingredient we are missing is you, dog lover! Take a moment to think about caring for just one dog in need while you live your life here on earth. Help just one. Offer to volunteer with us as a foster home. And if not as a foster home, then volunteer in other ways. 
 
 
Hi, just started a new blog. I hope to use this blogging experience to relate many of the experiences I have had as a dog rescuer over the past 18 years and to express the need for continued progress in reducing the pet overpopulation problem.