11.13.2022: There are so many ideas with so little space to convey a message. It never fails that at Newsletter time, I have almost completed this editorial in my head, but then SOMETHING usually happens that changes the entire course of the story.
We just received a phone call about a cat in Elizabethtown that was attacked by a bunch of kids with baseball bats. This kitty is, at the time of this writing, dragging itself through the neighborhood and some of our Staff are out on a rescue mission to save this baby. Visit our website or our Facebook page to stay tuned for updates. UPDATE: Included in this article are photo updates sent to me as I wrote this. Not only does she have some sass, she seems very happy to be safe at ARC right now.
I think we’ll name her Licorice.
Nevertheless, there are dozens of stories similar to or even far worse than this one. The rescues we have been on hand for over the past 31 years I have been at ARC were so much that they stick vividly in my memory every time I try to recount them.
In 1996 we rescued 27 cats and 5 dogs from a horrible situation in southern Alabama. 1997 was no better, as we housed 30 Yorkshire Terriers after they were rescued from severe neglect from a breeder in Radcliff. Shortly after that, we intervened at a hoarder house in Radcliff with about 30 cats.
In April of 2016, ARC was hit with a real blow. There were reports of a small black kitty dragging herself around the streets of Radcliff. There are no words to describe the heartbreak after laying eyes on this sweet kitty. Apparently she had been hit by a car and lived paralyzed on the streets–surviving by dragging herself around the neighborhood looking for food!–for over a year. We had to alleviate her suffering and allow her to go peacefully. On that day we established Cookie’s Fund and Cookie’s Legacy; and since that day we have rescued, spayed, neutered and released countless hundreds of Community Cats.
The hoarder house in Cecilia with 54 cats and kittens was a months long ordeal of capturing shy and terrified cats. These cases are just a tiny fraction of what caretakers and animal rescuers go through.
And then we just received the call about this kitty. Thank goodness she’s ok. It’s a daily struggle to work in rescue. There is rarely enough space or funding for animals, which is more drain on the caretakers. Unfortunately, the reality of the rescue community is that after just a few years, many of us burn out and we can no longer do the work that we are so passionate about.
…OK, I know that’s been a bit depressing, but here’s the good news: You folks can now help Save A Rescuer.
Basically, you help us so that we can keep helping the animals that so desperately need us.
Here are some of the ways that you can help an individual or organization in rescue:
Donate money – Make a donation to your favorite animal rescue group.
Donate your time – Volunteer!
Donate items from your shelter’s Wish List
Foster / Adopt a Pet
Attend your animal rescue group’s special events
Share their posts on Facebook and social media
Words of encouragement to rescuers go a long way!!!
Our latest print newsletter is going out next week, because our Christmas Party for the Animals will take place Sunday, December 4th, 2022, 1-6 pm at 185 Basham Trail, Vine Grove, KY 40175 and we would LOVE it if you could be there!!!
If you donate NOW, you will also receive a print copy of our newsletter, news, updates, raffles and other cool stuff, and our sincere thanks! We need every available person that can help in the world of animal rescue, and we are asking for your help. ARC knows that our donors are wonderful and so very supportive, and now we are asking for your help again.
IF you believe that the work we do at the Animal Refuge Center is vital and important to the homeless animals in our community, then please use the coupon and links in this article to make a life-saving donation.
For so many generations, so many years, so many decades, we have always looked forward to the happy feeling of warmth and love throughout the holiday season. Let us all strive to keep that feeling alive the whole year long.
