In animal rescue, we hear every “reason” of why people cannot keep their commitment to their animal companion. Yes, things do happen in life. In extenuating circumstances, people who take responsibility to find their animal companion a new home more suited for its needs are to be commended.  However, to those with the “reasons” of “don’t have time”, “are moving”, “having a baby”, etc. ; to those who rationalize their actions because “it’s just a dog”; to those who resolve the “problem” by putting their dog on a chain outside,  abandoning it on doorstep of a rescue organization, or leave it to die in a county shelter, I challenge you to find a way to keep your animal companion in your home. There are too many Winston’s in the county shelters who want nothing more than to be part of a family, yet die at the hands of a stranger because their people “didn’t have time”. Many nights, I didn’t “have time” to walk Winston, but at midnight you could find us walking together and enjoying the moment we did have together that day. When there is a will, there is always a way.

I can hear the “but you don’t understand my situation”. But, I do. We are all faced with extremely busy schedules and facing hard times. Yet, these are not excuses that make it ok to break our commitments and live without integrity. If you are willing to find a way to keep your animal companion in your home during these hard times, Our Pal’s Place is willing to help. Winnie’s Wish is a new program designed to help those who are willing to help themselves and keep their commitment to their animals companions.