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Namaste Dog Rescue
By Kristy Schroeder, Founder of Namaste Dog Rescue
Namaste, a Buddhist greeting, loosely translates, "The spirit in me honors the spirit in you." This concept is the basis in which Namaste Dog Rescue was founded. The simple belief that humans and canines best relate when honoring and respecting our differences and unique spirits that reside within each. Namaste Dog Rescue is a network of volunteers and foster homes saving dogs from kill-shelters, accepting troubled or aggressive cases, and owner surrenders. We specialize in evaluating, rehabbing and re-training these dogs and making sure they are placed in a home that is best suited for the dog. The dog's best interest - is our best interest. I would like to share with you a story of a particular dog that grabbed my heart. Known only as D176169, a small, young, malnourished little terrier was found wandering the streets. He was taken in by ACO, where he snapped at several of the workers, causing him to be labeled "AGGRESSIVE." Due to this determination of his character, he was deemed non-adoptable and could be killed at any time for lack of space. The shelter was over-capacity which meant they had just signed his death warrant. A concerned shelter volunteer called me and I dropped my agenda for the day and immediately hopped in my car for the 3+ hour trip to meet this "Dead Dog Walking." When I arrived, a shelter worker walked me to his kennel and I asked if I could go inside to meet D176169. The worker began to open the door, as the small scroungy dog slid into the corner of his cell, cowering in fear. I quietly stepped inside and sat down on the cold damp floor, my heart bleeding for this scared little dog. The worker was saying something to me as I felt a cold wet nose touch my arm. I look down to see a pair of small scared eyes looking into mine. And his tail began to wag. I scooped this dirty dog up into my arms, whispered in his ear that all would be okay, informed the worker that "Roscoe" was perfect for my rescue and out the door we went. The next several weeks were spent with grooming appointments, vet visits, and behavior evaluating in many environments. Roscoe passed all his challenges with flying colors! He was a perfect little gentleman. Soon I received an application from a family wanting to meet Roscoe. After a Saturday afternoon meeting, we arranged an "overnight" visit for Roscoe so we could all see how he would blend into the family's lifestyle. They phoned the next morning to give me an update. Roscoe was a perfect fit. I cried as I hung up the phone. This is of course, our goal. I was crying both tears of joy and tears of sorrow. But my job was not yet done. The final chapter is saying good-bye to the special dogs we save and take in as our own. And the time had come to say good-bye to a special little dog I had called Roscoe. The dog formerly known as D176169 was now living out his second life. The life he was meant to have, full of love, toys, and being a part of a family. But for every happy ending, there are thousands of tragic endings of death and disposal of homeless dogs. That is why I do what I do. That is why Namaste and it's network of volunteers and supporters will never stop saving dogs. To make sure every one of those tragic stories of a homeless or abused dog will have a happy ending. If you would like to join our cause, by volunteering, fostering a dog, or even making a monetary donation, you may contact us at: |
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