Big Paws & Little Claws

Re-homing an animal in need was the best thing I have ever done. 

I've been searching for animal shelters I can volunteer in, because I need to do something, anything I can, to help. Just been on http://www.rspca-northeast.org/ and within minutes I find myself sobbing at a picture of a German Shepherd who has been axed in the head. I just really can't understand how people can do this? I can barely take my dogs to the vets for their injections because I feel cruel! 

I don't want to sound self-righteous but I would do anything to help these animals, which is why I am applying to be a volunteer, I already donate monthly and I plan this week to ask everyone I know to collect old towels, blankets and even buy the odd tin of dog/cat food at the supermarket and I will personally drive up and donate it to the local shelters. 

While Ollie didn't come from an abused home, he was unwanted and left alone for a large proportion of the day, I look at him everyday now and feel so happy because I know his life is 100x better with us. He is adored, taken on walks every day, fed well, and has little Miffy as a companion. 

The same goes for Miffy. She was in a horrible state when we went to buy her. Her lovely curls looked more like dreadlocks, all knotted and dirty. She did not know how to climb the stairs, was absolutely terrified of going for a walk and was not even remotely house trained, despite living with her old owner for almost a year. I can let that anger go now because I know that Miffy has found the perfect life with us. She is adored by us, groomed, well fed, exercised and trained properly. She is happy and feels safe and I could not have had a more wonderful time than I have spent with her these past five years. 

I understand people have fears about bringing a 'damaged' animal into their home, about the costs of having a dog/cat - the vets fees, their food, bedding. I won't lie and say that it is easy. It requires unlimited love and patience while the animal slowly starts to relax in their new surroundings, while some, like my little guinea pigs for example, never will. Two years on they are both still timid and won't come out of their little house unless you leave a present of cucumber or lettuce for them! BUT when they make even the slightest improvement - whether Rocky decides to stay outside of his little igloo house to eat, or Scrappy walks over to you when he's playing out, you know that they're beginning to feel more comfortable and are slowly forgetting the past.