As much as we all try to maintain our spirits and a positive attitude within our network, some
very important standards and principles have been carved from years of rescue hardships and experiences.
This article is primarily focused on guiding new rescuers away from common pitfalls, but to also hopefully resolve antagonism between groups. Education is our one and only focus, bringing volunteer awareness to both sides of the issues, so hopefully they can come to a respectful understanding. This article is updated regularly to meet rescue's major concerns and current conflicts, with an ultimate goal for a stronger community. We appreciate all efforts to get along, to work together for the common good.
No matter how good your intentions, we DO NOT support SPAMMING of multiple groups / volunteers with inapplicable rescue contacts. Most groups do not have foster facilities for dog-aggressive pets, mixed breeds, or may have other specific age and health testing requirements before they can commit to any rescue. Please show respect for each volunteer's limitations and capacities. Rescue is hard enough without such criticism.
UNITY: positively mediating the political unrest
We need to find an acceptable medium to focus on what's important, if we are ever going to make any difference against the battle against pet overpopulation. Just because we disagree, we are all still equals, no group is better than another, no matter how many dogs you can or cannot save...there is definitely no reason for manipulating criticism or other negative gossip to make yourselves feel better about what you can or cannot do. Nor does it help in any way to attack owners for making mistakes or giving up. True unity can only be accomplished by respecting individual freedom, expression, and responsibility, so we support anyone who's willing to put aside such differences to achieve our network mission. It's high time to focus on the common good, what's best for the dogs.
Rescue services should educate and support good will, and NOT judge, demean, or belittle those who don't have the experience to manage the conflicts / problems involved in our breed's rescue on their own. Rescuers don't have to agree with each other, but they should not hinder other group's activities because they don't support them either. We expect all volunteers we help promote to focus on positively instilling human compassion and understanding for the majority welfare of all adoptable pets and volunteers, not just an elite or lucky handful. There is nothing more devastating to volunteer morale and public support than these controversial pitfalls. A better balance is needed between the goals of rescue idealism and the natural course of these life & death consequences -- and the only way to change our breed's future welfare for the better.
Manditory Policies to be Promoted within our Network:
- Whether creating legislation, philosophies, or policies, we must carefully balance the needs of welfare, education, and responsibility to provide good judgment. There is no room for politics, private agendas, prejudicial conclusions, or spreading manipulative gossip!
- In order to do what's best for a pet and/or the community it lives in, we sometimes have to make hard decisions we wouldn't otherwise want to make with our own pets. This includes letting go those we can't realistically help.
- When educating owners on their responsibilities, they need practical "hands on" advice, assistance, and support when necessary. This does not alleviate owner responsibility, but instills human compassion when humanely called for.
- When dealing with malicious gossip about owners, shelters, or volunteers, keep in mind there are always two sides to every story. Don't incite fellow supporters into harassing the accused, especially since it won't change the outcome nor help the dog to hurt others in this way. We can all live without this extra stress, anger, and discontent in our lives. We ask for your patience and respect of each other's feelings, so we can all do better staying focused on the real life hardships we are faced with every day.
- We DO NOT forward rescue requests (essentially unsolicited spam) to those volunteers / organizations other than the ones listed in our network. If you live nearby other listed adoption contacts, or are a rescue coordinator within the overlapping rescue territories, you will need to join our Pal-Pei list.
That's what rescue is truly about and our ultimate definition to this network, helping all volunteers to save the lives (and homes) we can with every resource possible. You can help us make a difference, in promoting our mission of hope and acceptance. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME! Tina Wissen
