USA Shar-pei Rescue Network Mission: hope and acceptance
working together to ensure no adoptable dogs are left behind.
Most people know what a “rescue” group does for any dog, cat, or other animal, but if not, in a nutshell, it saves lives! In some fantasy world, all owners would be responsible in keeping their own pets their entire life and there would be no need for any rescue services, but it's time for a reality check -- this is real life!! Sadly, the pet overpopulation problems are out of control. Owners don’t know or learn enough to train, care for, or even groom their pets to a satisfactory level. Families get divorced, move away, or just don’t understand their dog's needs. When things aren’t working out, they usually look for answers, but most times, they can't find enough of the support they need, so they often turn to animal shelters to find a new home. Nobody wants to be the “bad” guy, but they are left with the impression there's nothing else they can do when they feel forced into a situation where they can't keep it themselves. Animal shelters all over the nation are overburdened with unwanted animals, both purebred and mixed breeds.
Unfortunately, the dilemma remains most shelters rarely have enough time to find that new home anymore, or the pet doesn’t like the fact they’ve been abandoned in a strange place and/or does not receive the care they need to thrive, hence the need for rescue assistance. The additional facts that Chinese Shar-pei are a unique and challenging breed only increases the need for educated and experienced rescue volunteers to help them with this unhappy transition. Though there is still much room for improvement, we are proud to say that rescue has generally become “politically correct” amongst breed fanciers and we have met many wonderful people who would like to do something positive to help these dogs. While some volunteers are quite capable in handling everything on their own; most turn to the support of fellow mentors to help them through, which they get through a variety of online support groups and local club resources.
Over the years, we have been providing the same support and assistance for a number of volunteers, but as needy pet statistics continue to grow, have found many wonderful rescue groups are breaking down from the strain of trying to save all these unlucky souls that need saved. So we believe it's time for a major change of thinking, and we need your active support to make a difference. Our network mission has evolved to progressively reach out to help these owners and other independent volunteers that other rescue groups don't have the resources to help anymore. We believe that doing what’s right for an unwanted pet is a tough road that no one should have to travel alone, so we promise to do everything we can to assist pet owners and foster homes to reach their true capacity, to take better responsibility for their own pets, by helping them solve their problems they have or in supporting how to rehome the dog themselves. Our ultimate goal is to provide the same rescue support we have for years, with the same straightforward promotional opportunities, just now equally available to all families as well as shelters and rescue groups in need, to be accepted for who and what they truly represent, a valid opportunity to save their own pet's life. In addition to relieving these dedicated volunteers overwhelmed with current rescue demands, our services will also empower all contacts with a more practical and ethical sense of responsibility to better ensure their pet's future welfare.
Most importantly, our network mission instills the same appreciation for breed compassion and education while maintaining faith in our human race. To us, that's what the meaning of RESCUE should be truly about, saving all the lives (and homes) we can with every resource possible. You can help us make a difference too, in promoting your own mission of hope and acceptance.
THANK - YOU!!
Tina Wissen, network owner
tina@sharpeirescuenetwork.org
