This City Has Gone To The Dogs

My wife is a pet angel, pure and simple. She has known, since the tender age of 6, that she was put on this earth for one reason-to make a difference in the lives of as many animals, and their owners, as possible while she is here. The rest of us are window dressing, to be drug along with her, many times kicking and screaming.
Don't get me wrong; we all knew what we were signing up for, going in. Well, maybe not the kids-but the rest of us for sure. Okay...we had no idea the level of selfless dedication that would be poured into this calling, a borderline obsessive passion, which to some may appear on the surface to be, well, selfish.
To me, these are all wonderful traits. It's fascinating to watch someone work at a true craft, with an honest purpose in what they are doing. It's rewarding to share a life experience with someone who understands their purpose, rather than floating through life like so many of the rest of us. This has been my reality for 20 years, and I marvel each day at the exhaustive outpouring of emotion, and self, that goes into this 24/7 lifestyle.
Since arriving here in '99, she has spent a great deal of time networking and volunteering, in an effort to establish a true clientele, who get her, and her reason for what she is doing. She has served on the board of rescue groups, been published in several journals and foundation newsletters. She has surrounded herself with many dedicated and adept professionals, who share her vision and sacrifice their own time to help her run vaccine clinics, in order to help educate the public. And, she has committed herself to working with, and offering assistance to, two of the most wonderful organizations in this state, if not the country, and that is what I am choosing to write about today; her affiliation with FACE Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinic, and Indiana Bulldog Rescue.

FACE is a magnificent non-profit organization, whose mission is to prevent overpopulation and disease through affordable surgical and vaccine methods. My wife has worked with this foundation and its amazing director and staff for 6 years. This group has built such a positive reputation in the community, that they were recognized as March 2014's national Shelter Of The Month by Jackson Galaxy, famed feline advocate.
It is this dedication to service which drew her in, and continues to drive her in her mission to help all animals. The personal assistance they provide to each client, regardless of circumstance, is unmatched in the veterinary and rescue community. This is a true purpose driven work, and a great source of pride for my wife and others so fortunate to be a part of such a relevant cause.

Indiana Bulldog Rescue was founded by a dear friend and has also become a direct part of our "family". One of our 6 rescues, 'Rex', comes from this institution. The primary function of IBR is to inform current and potential owners of the benefit, and need, of pet adoption versus breeding, in this instance as it pertains to the bulldog. 

The staff of volunteers here work tirelessly and run a rescue, foster and adoption group second to none. They have made such an impact locally, that Indianapolis Monthly Magazine named them one of this city's 2013, "best of's". 

We have met a wealth of hard-working advocates for pet adoption through IBR, many of whom have become very close acquaintances. Their main source of income is through private donations and fundraising efforts like the "Bidding for Bullies", an online auction which they will hold via their web site March 13-16. Just 'like' the page and bid for an all-important cause.

There is a reason we were brought together, both personally, and to this fair city. There is work to be done, a true service for the local community. One that impacts us both directly, and through what she and other amazing professionals like her, offer our citizens. 

Certainly I am biased, but I have never met a more caring and compassionate individual in this field, as my wife. I'm proud of the work she performs, the commitment to her life's vocation and the fact that she chose me to pull along with her.

Take the time to spread the word about the benefit and duty of pet adoption and overpopulation, and next time you are faced with a decision about bringing another furry member into your family, look at one of these remarkable organizations. You'll be glad you did.

Until tomorrow,

Scott