Blog Post written by Julie G for NoToDogMeat Charity who are active daily on the ground rescuing. www.notodogmeat.com PLEASE READ AND SHARE
The common denominator in our compassion and desire for change is the dogs and cats.
We talk about their suffering, their recovery and the happily ever afters. But what about the people who stood there when they were terrified?
The people bearing witness first-hand to the cruelty unfolding in front of them. The person who answers the message about the dog who is about to be tortured. The person who first sees the photographs and video footage. The person who has to make impossible decisions about who to save, has to raise money, find homes, say goodbye and know not every animal will make it.
Then there are the sleepless nights and all the moments no one sees. Then photographs you can’t forget, the dog you promised you would save but the odds were against you. The ones who didn’t make it. The smells, the screams, the silence the blood stained floor and the guilt.
We spend so much time making sure the dogs and cats are ok that sometimes we forget to ask the rescuer how they are.
Unless you are on the frontline, it’s easy to distance yourself from the person who is. You see a glimpse of the horror, you see the rescue and then you see the transformation and happily ever after.
Witnessing the cruelty of Yulin and the dog meat trade year in year out takes a big toll physically, mentally and spiritually. That’s why sometimes we should stop and ask the rescuer if they are ok. Not because they are asking for sympathy, not because they matter more than the dogs and cats but because they carry such a heavy weight and it’s exhausting.
Rescuers are not super-humans even though they often carry out super human feats. And the rare times you glimpse them shed a tear or be snappy or worn out is not weakness it’s strength because they get right back up and carry on. They keep showing up. Just like each and every one of you who signs and shares petitions and campaigns for change shows up.
So this post is about appreciation for the silent warriors who won’t give up until the cruelty ends.
And, ( charity speaking now) to ask you if you can spare some funds to PLEASE HELP US. We are desperately trying to pay the ever mounting veterinary bills for the souls we have rescued and to feed the 700+ dogs and cats in our shelter until they too can find loving homes.
Every donation helps ( however small) and so does every purchase from our online shop.
Thank you everyone for your compassion. Please share our posts