Animal Rescue Team

ART Dogs in the US

Rescued & Adopted

ART'S Visit to WA

 

Special Cases

The Forgotten Ones
By Kelly Nelson, President

Two days after Brian and I married, we were on our honeymoon cruise in the Caribbean. On one of the islands, we stopped at the top of a cliff to take in the beautiful view of white sand and blue water. Below, something caught our eye- two black forms moving ever so slightly. After concentrating on them for a moment, we realized that they were puppies! We had no idea how we could get to them, so we started waving down the locals and explaining in broken French what we had discovered.

Despite being able to see the dogs, no one felt compelled to help them! The water was starting to get closer and closer to the dogs as they backed up against the cliff- surely they would drown! Some of our cruise mates saw us and came over to see what all the commotion was about. It was getting late and the ship was about to leave port. They were quite stunned to find that we were refusing to leave the island until the dogs had been rescued. One asked, "What will you do with the dogs if someone can get them?"

With everything happening so fast, that question did not even enter our minds! Instinctively, I answered, "We'll bring them with us back to the ship! They can stay in our cabin!" About ten people chimed in, "You can't bring them on the ship!" "Well then,"  I said, "I guess we'll be staying right here until we can get them safe and then we will fly them home with us."

It wasn't long after that, the local animal control showed up and renewed our faith in humankind. They secured the dogs and brought them to a local clinic to be examined. While we do not know the ultimate fate of those two young dogs, we both felt peace knowing that they were not going to drown and that they were taken by people who showed a genuine interest in their well-being. We also vowed to pay forward the act of kindness these people demonstrated.

16 years later, we know more about what is involved in rescue. It is not just the physical act- it is the emotional investment, the financial obligation, the ethical considerations, and the commitment to ensure the animal is receiving assistance on all interpersonal levels. We know it is our duty to help as many abused, neglected and/or abandoned animals as we can.

In January 2008, we were contacted by an animal rescue group in Taiwan asking for our help to take some dogs who do not have a chance at life in their country. The group has completely covered all medical treatment to date, which is extensive due to the abuse these dogs have endured. They are offering to fly the dogs to us at their expense. They are simply asking us to help these dogs regain a sense of self and to find them loving homes to live out the rest of their lives. This is our opportunity to save some dogs from drowning.

We need your help to save these dogs! Our foundation foster homes are currently full with locally rescued animals. Your help is needed to foster one of these dogs until they are ready for adoption, or to adopt one of these special dogs. If you foster, we need you to commit to the dog for as long as it takes to find him/her a forever home. If you adopt, Kindred Souls Foundation will remain an emotional support system and resource to you for the life of the dog.

Please take a moment to meet these lovely dogs and contact us ASAP if you can help.