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Current diary entries    I    Past diary entries Doll's Diary Account by Doll Stanley, May 18th, 2005 Despite the spikes that are thrown in our path here there is excitement in the air. We looked at a piece of property last Sunday that might have been donated to us for a sub-station and spay clinic near Jackson. The trip was disappointing, but we had a huge laugh. The folks that own the land probably haven’t seen what has happened to it since they began selling loads of dirt from it. That’s okay. We'll keep looking. We have two vets who are asking to join Team Hope. They want to aid us with cruelty cases, and of course perform thousands of low cost or free surgeries for dogs and cats who would never otherwise be afforded this gift. Right now it is just a delightful dream, but we are putting our heads together and will be dedicating some real time to its realization. Funding, location and dedication are the foundations of this goal. This weekend will be the first SPAN conference in our region, the purpose of which is to get us all on track and working together to end companion animal homelessness. Sadly, “No Kill” shelters in this region are largely a disaster. Some crowd animals in horrid conditions, others house them in cages for years on end. There simply aren’t enough guardians here to adopt the millions of cats and dogs born each year. “Traditional” shelters are being slammed for euthanizing, and some are losing funding to “No Kill” shelters. That’s not the answer. Traditional shelters desperately need funds to humanely care for the animals they are forced to take in. Most have spay programs that reduce animal homelessness. It would seem to me that increasing, not pulling, their grants would be the answer. It’s easy for people in areas of the nation who have success in moving animals to regions where pups and kittens are actually sought to ask why we are doing that. PH knows first hand that the shelters that once accepted our rescued animals are now closed to us. Some are aiding animals from Mexico, some take in animals from regions where they believe there is less risk of importing disease, and others are aiding rescue groups that are in closer proximity to them. Before passing judgment we need to look behind the curtain. I am looking forward to the AR 2005 conference in Los Angeles. I believe that I will be speaking on at least one of the panels. There are so many topics that I am interested in and familiar with that I hope to participate in several workshops. Reading the list of subjects that will be covered brought back 23 years of experiences to mind. We had a really terrible storm this week, during which our trusty van stuck safely to the highway. I am so thankful for our van. Outside of our sanctuary facilities it is the most life-saving component of our work. This week it hauled tons of food, rescued dogs, carried dogs for adoption, and all the while gave witness that there is a force in this region working on behalf of animals. We’ve had wonderful help this week with animals in need. Some have been rescued, others are being cared for until they can be adopted, and still others are being watched to see if their guardians have heeded our recommendations for improving their health and environment. Our adoption information appeared in two local papers, and folks are spreading the word. This is the worst stage for any cause. First people have to find out that the conditions that gave rise to the cause are real. Then they have to understand why they are needed to aid with change, and how to plug into or aid with the development of resources for change. In a society that has largely become accustomed to “things as they are,” this transition is slow. We aren’t exactly offering a sweepstakes. Instead, we’re asking people to change their mindset and the way they’ve been taught to think about animals for generations. Mississippi is known for being among the top states in the nation for giving to charities. It is our job to open hearts to the plight of animals, and help folks understand why they should care.  For now I am simply grateful to have the wonderful helping hands of the supporters, staff, friends, and associates who comprise Team Hope – the force that moves hope to a new level, Life. Yes, life that is free of suffering and cares.  Lots to do, have to run. Thanks for listening.  Doll