If there are angels here on earth, they are those who go to great lengths to reach out to neglected stray or mistreated animals. These people are remarkably kind, as this is no ordinary feat. Opening your hearts and hands to these poor animals is a noble act only a few can accomplish. If you share the same passion with these individuals, learn how you can begin caring for the lowly animals.
Where the Animals Come From
There are a couple of places where you might encounter these pitiful animals waiting to be helped.
From the Streets
Rescuers find some hungry, neglected, and almost wild on the streets. These animals might be challenging to approach as they might be defensive, especially since they live most of their lives in survival mode. Many street rescues have health concerns, and some may even suffer badly infected injuries.
Puppy Mills
It is surprisingly common and very brutal that some human beings still run inhumane commercial breeding facilities. The rescues from these horrible places have experienced trauma, not only physically but also mentally. Some have never seen the outside of a cage and exist just to breed for man’s greed.
Dog Fight Rings
Shameless humans nowadays still find dog fighting entertaining. This inhumane and heinous form of animal cruelty is prohibited. Dogs found here have been trained to fight and sometimes even to the death. Smaller-sized animals have likewise been saved from locations such as this, like puppies and cats, severely hurt and mutilated. These little animals have been used as “bait” to train the fighting dogs.
Where Rescuers Bring Them
After the rescue, these animals are fed and sent to the vet.
Medical Examination
An emergency vet will perform an extensive medical examination on these animals to see if they require any medical procedures. Wounds are treated, deworming/antiparasitic medications and vaccines are given, and emergency surgeries might also be performed.
Grooming
Professionals are given the privilege to perform grooming services for these animals. Some rescues have extremely matted hair, harboring foreign objects and parasites, and some may be aggressive. Nevertheless, all are treated with utmost care to ensure the animals are relaxed and feel comfortable and loved. Bathing and grooming are basic necessities, and these are granted them. For some of these animals, this may be the first time they have experienced this.
Rehab
As soon as vet care and grooming are done, these animals are given a brand-new lease on life. Rehabilitation will then reintroduce them to the outside world, to socialize with other animals and human beings.
Pet Shelters
These dogs and cats might sometimes be taken to shelters with modest-sized kennels. However, recently, a growing number of private citizens welcome these animals into their properties, such as farms, to be taken care of in “group homes.” They are enabled to interact with other animals in these spaces to enable them to mentally and physically heal from past traumas.
Foster Homes
There are volunteer fur parents that take in animals needing extra care. These people may have the experience of raising other animals, even some with special needs. These selfless people nurse these animals back to health, showering them with love up until these animals find their willingness to live and trust again.
Forever Homes
From shelters and foster homes, the rescues may find their forever families. Rescue animal advocates are assertively finding new homes for these animals. These people have to be capable of providing a nurturing environment and their basic needs, such as regular pet wellness exams. They actively screen and filter possible adoptive fur parents to ensure that these special cats and dogs will receive the love and care they need and are worthy of.