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Volunteering at the Austin Humane Shelter: Part 5

Continuing from Part 4 while I thumped on about the shelter, I tried to make the point that doing volunteering of any sort can only be good for everyone involved.  I told you about another project I do regularly as well as a couple more I may get involved with through a friend here.  I want to sum up that piece quickly: it doesn’t matter what you do volunteering, just do something.

But this series is about the Austin Humane Shelter mainly and I’m going to finish up by moving (mainly) back to dogs.   Originally there was only going to be one picture but something came up as I was writing it that has modified that to two.  I’ve shown you plenty of beautiful dogs already and today is not the time for showing non-specific dogs; the two I’m going to show you are for very specific reasons.

But before we get into it.

Warning, Will Robinson

But I’m not going to ambush you with this.  I’m going to warn you up front.  Because today is where I’m going to do what I promised at the outset and make you cry.  I know originally I said I’d only try but if you can make it through this piece without crying, you’re inhuman. Or dead.  This is the only warning you get.

So if you’re not somewhere you can bawl your eyes out without funny looks, don’t read on.  I’m not kidding.   Or be mean and call over all of your workmates and make them read the series so they can cry too.  Because I’m going to hit you where it hurts and I’m going to hit you hard and don’t say you weren’t warned if you keep reading.  Make sure you have tissues handy and/or a strong shoulder to cry on.  You may need both.

Get Our Yer Hankies

Because I’m going to play the emotional manipulation card and I’m going to play it HARD and I’m going to make last one plea for the dogs to get you to do something to help them. And because I’m obsessive like that,  I’m going to do it in two parts, first generally and then specifically.  By the end, I bet you’ll want to do something.  Here’s the general bit: someone posted this from Facebook (I didn’t write it) and to get the emotions rolling I’m going to start by quoting it in full.

Do realize that my situation wasn’t quite the same  as this but it was close enough for government work:

I rescued a human today.
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Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid.
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As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.
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As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.
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She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
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A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
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I rescued a human today

It’s ok, you may cry now and wait to read the final section until you’re back to normal.  Just realize that I’m not done with you yet and you may cry again before it’s all over.

I Still Miss Her

Now, people often think of me as an emotionless robot and, in some ways, I am.  But under certain circumstances I’m, if anything, overemotional.  And this is one of them; when it comes to people I care about (or in this case a special dog), I go to the other extreme.  I love completely and it gets me hurt; many people can’t even handle me because it’s just too much for them.  They pull away because I’m as obsessive about people I care about as anything else.

Because when I am there for someone, I am there completely for them (or not at all).  My handful of real friends over the years feel the same.  When they need me, I’m there for them; when I need them, they are there for me.  That’s the only way it works for me: all or nothing.  I have no middle speed.

And this summer when I was sinking, my friends were there for me.  My local friends gave me support and finally a much-needed kick in the ass to go get medication, see a therapist, come back to the weight room.  I didn’t want to do it but they were right; and I thank them.  Another, my mentor, could only provide long-distance support giving me feedback and support in my time of need.  There were others who were there for me in my time of need and  I thank all of them for it.

But Babe was there for me too, even if only for a little while.  Even though she didn’t know it (and couldn’t have cared anyway).  I loved babe, I cherished every minute I spent with her and wish I’d had longer.  And while I was going to say that Babe gave me back everything I gave her, that’s wrong.  She gave me far more than I gave her because I had so little to give.  All I could do for her was what any volunteer could do for her; I was nothing special in her life in the big scheme of things.

That was enough for her; it was more than enough.  And look at what she gave me in return: in a time where my entire life was nothing but never-ending unhappiness and constant misery and I was sinking deeper into it day by day, Babe brought a bright spot into it albeit only for a little while.  My time with her gave me a reason to leave the house, to go to the shelter, to escape briefly from what seemed like unending pain.

And sometimes that’s all you need, just a sign that all isn’t pain and misery and suffering and that you can feel happiness again.  That even when your brain is telling you that everything is simply awful, it’s not true. You can still feel joy if only temporarily and that tells you that it will eventually come back.

My time with Babe made me happy, if only for a moment; and the sadness I felt after it was gone was still ok because I knew the dog I loved was happy now.  Sure, you shouldn’t rely on someone or something else for your happiness; that’s not healthy.  But sometimes you can’t do it on your own.  Sometimes you need someone else, a special person, or in this case, a beautiful dog to help you out.

At that time, I hated my training, had no life, I was bored senseless, my personal life was in shambles, my professional life was in question.  I had nothing and that makes it hard to care about anything. Part of me really wanted to just move somewhere where nobody knew me and just disappear; to just sit around and wait to grow old and die.   It wasn’t a good summer at all.

And then I met Babe.

Babe gave me something to look forward to doing in my day and in my life when I didn’t have a hell of a lot at the time.  She gave me something to care about and that started to pull me out of the hole.  And she did it without expecting anything but the simplest things in return.  A stroke of the snout, being allowed to potty outside, a treat, a chance to sit next to me and cuddle for as long as I’d let her.  She asked for so little and gave me literally everything.  Because she gave me something that is nearly unheard of in this day and age; when everything has an undercurrent of ‘Yeah, but what do I get out of it?’.

Babe gave me unconditional love.

So Volunteer: Redux

And that’s why I wanted to take this entire week to write about the Austin Humane Shelter and promote it and why I will continue to volunteer there (or at another shelter if I move) for the forseeable future.  My time there generally, and my time with Babe specifically, contributed more positively to my life this summer than I can begin to describe. It helped me get my life back.  It’s not a debt I can ever truly repay. But that won’t stop me from trying.

So go, go to your local shelter and help.  Volunteer, walk some dogs, adopt a dog.   Give whatever you can give, just do something.  Do it for personal reasons, do it for altruistic reasons, do it to meet girls, do it because the head monkey who runs this site asked you to and you want to pay him back for giving you 300+ no nonsense articles for free to read.  I don’t give a damn why you do it, just do it.

If you aren’t in a place to adopt a dog and simply can’t volunteer, make a donation.  This is the link for the Austin Humane Shelter Donation Page where I volunteer but find your local shelter and donate something.  Don’t get hung up on how much you can or can’t give.  Every little bit helps and, trust me, the shelter will thank you for anything you can give of yourself. Even if you can only spare $5, every bit matters.  It means that another dog gets to eat for a day or has a warm kennel to live in rather than being alone on the street.

A Plea to My Readers: Please Donate

In fact, as I was putting the finishing touch on this, I got an email from the Austin Humane Shelter about a very special dog who just came to my shelter.  And she’s going to let me put a very real face on my suggestion to donate something.  Realistically, if even a portion of the regular readers of this site were to give a paltry $5-10 to my shelter, the dog I’m going to tell you about could get the help she needs and still leave more money for the other dogs.

This is Loretta and her story.

Loretta needs your help, please.
Loretta needs your help, please.

“Young Loretta has seen more hardship in her one and a half years than any animal should ever have to — she was found abandoned with two couches by the side of a rural road and taken to Town Lake Animal Center, but they were unable to treat her medical issues. Luckily for Loretta, AHS saw past her health problems and her sad appearance to the light in her eyes and the loving look on her troubled face and rescued her from certain death.

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Loretta is now safe here at AHS, but she is still in desperate need of help — she has severe demodex mange and irreversible cherry eye which will require extensive skin treatments, surgery to remove her right eye and treat her left eye, and months of hard recovery with a foster home. Despite the discomfort she faces every day, Loretta’s tail continues to wag, and she bestows gentle, loving kisses on anyone within reach.

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We are trying to raise $3,000 to provide treatment for Loretta’s medical problems so that she can finally have the loving, affectionate home that she so desperately deserves. Please help Loretta by donating today!”

And here’s video of Loretta.

This dog, this very real dog shown above needs your help and the Austin Humane Shelter can’t afford to provide it.  But you can help.  And if you feel that you’ve gotten anything from this series of articles, or my site, or the work I’ve done, I’m asking you to help.  People often ask me if they can make contributions for hosting or the forums or what have you and I always turn it down.

But now I’m asking for your help.  Help this dog get the medical treatment she needs so that she can find her Forever Home and a family that loves her, too.  Donate something.  If you want to donate in my name (use the site name actually), do that.  Or do it anonymously.  Or in your own name.  I don’t care how you do it.  Just do it.

Please consider donating 5-10$ (more if you can but every bit helps) to help out.  All you need to do is eat out one less time per week.  Or drink one less overpriced cup of coffee. Hell, think of the money you’ve spent on bullshit supplements or terrible e-books that you got nothing out of.  For a few dollars, you can know that you contributed to help another creature on this planet who needs the help.  How much is that worth to you?  A lot more than $10 that’s what.

Even if you don’t want to donate to my shelter to help Loretta or my dogs, I’m still going to ask you to donate to your local shelter if you just can’t volunteer and be more involved than that.  Get thee to Google, find your shelter and donate some amount of money to it.  Whatever you can spare is enough, every bit helps.

And then I want you to do this for me:  Find a picture of your favorite dog on your local shelter’s page, get the URL for that dog’s picture and post it in the comments section of this page with their name so everyone can see which dog you cared enough about to donate some of your money to help.   At some point, I’ll get them all and put up a followup with the dog’s name and which shelter they came from to show how my readers contributed.  So that others can see the real dogs they liked benefited from their gifts.   It’s so little to ask and you have to believe me that it does so much.

Update: It occurs to me that even though I am already involved with the Austin Humane Shelter as a volunteer, I shouldn’t ask my readers to do something I won’t.  So I’m donating the entirety of my yesterday’s net income ($300) from book sales to Loretta and my shelter to kick things off and put my money where my mouth is.  It’s better than spending it on some of the other stupid things I’ve thrown money at (cough, cough, strip clubs).  I’ll be volunteering later today and hope to meet her in person as well.

Donation Information
Amount:     $300.00
Designation:     Loretta Fund
Billing Information
Title:
First name:     Lyle
Last name:     McDonald
Country:     United States

Why can’t you spare $10?

Update: So I went in to walk dogs for a couple of hours today, I’d missed them.  I found out that my readers have been more than generous with donations.   And I will be putting something together with the shelter to try and do more.    It’ll be on the site.   But, for the time being, I thank everyone who contributed.  The dogs will be helped and it’s thanks to you.

And after walking all of the dogs, it turned out that there was one more I’d been waiting on, Loretta herself.  She has GI tract problems and a shelter rule is that when you walk a GI dog, that’s your last dog.  But I wanted to meet her.  And despite her hardships, hardships that would make a human be nothing but horrible, she was loving, beautiful, easygoing and one of the easiest blue dogs I’ve ever walked.

She was nothing but affectionate, giving me tons of kisses and rubbing up against me so I could stroke her.  She loved treats and walked beside me without pulling in the field; she returned to her kennel without any stress.  And there was a visiting Girl Scout Troop taking a tour with Misty and one of them was nice enough to take a picture.  Here’s me and Loretta.

Loretta and I
Loretta and I

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Update: If you want to see what ultimately happened with the Loretta Fund drive, read Volunteering at the Austin Humane Shelter: Thank You.  I’ll do more updates about Loretta as they come; her surgery, how she’s doing and when she finds her forever home.

Ok, Back to My Narrative

Now make no mistake, I know others need help too, but the dogs can’t help themselves.  Shit, I die a little bit when I see some 20 something hipster douche panhandling because he’s too lazy to work; I’d never give him anything more than abuse.  The dogs don’t have that option.

They can’t get a part time job at Starbucks; they don’t have thumbs and they’d drool in the cups anyhow (the cats could be managers).  And the shelter is overworked and underfunded and trying their hardest to do what’s right with limited resources.

The shelter needs you.  More importantly, the dogs need you.

But again it doesn’t have to be dogs or the shelter even if I’m pushing it hard for reasons that should be obvious by now.  Volunteer elsewhere, there’s plenty of it out there if you take the time to look.  Find something you want to do that fits who you are and that you can do consistently and go do it.  The hour or two per week you give of your own time to help someone less fortunate will pay back dividends you can’t begin to imagine until you experience it.  My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.

Whatever you pick, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people who are simply happy that you’re helping, who ask for nothing more than that you show up to give freely of yourself and your time; to do something that helps someone or something that can’t help itself right at the moment.   They need you; but for one reason or another you may need them too.

You may not be as bad off as I was; I hope you aren’t because I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.  Go volunteer anyway and  just trust me that you’ll get back way more than you put in if you go help out and do it without really expecting anything in return more than a thanks or the satisfaction of a job well done.  You’ll still get more back than you put in, even if you don’t look for it.

But I’m still partial to the shelter and the dogs and that’s my focus.  The dogs have needs that they can’t attend to themselves.  They need walking, and pottying and exercise and affection just like people do (and yes, I’m one of those people who cares more about animals than about most people).  They need a chance, even if just for a few minutes per day, to be dogs.  As a dog lover I know put it in response to this series:

In regards to volunteering to walk dogs, you mention even just getting them out for a little bit. If more people could understand even how 15 minutes outside for a dog is massively significant for their well being, maybe more would volunteer. It has less to do with the exercise (although important) and more to do with a dog’s need to get the daily news. A dog gets the daily news by getting outside and sniffing and most dogs will suffer severe depression if they can’t do that.

Beyond that, you have to believe me, the dogs will ask for almost nothing and they will give you everything in return.

The dogs need you.  But maybe you need them, too.

I did.

The End for Now

I don’t wish crushing depression on anyone; it’s no way to live, trust me. And I hope that you’re reading this and aren’t where I found myself this summer.  But maybe you’re still in a bad place, for whatever reason of your own.

Maybe you’re going through something in your life that is giving you grief and unhappiness that you need a break from.  It doesn’t matter what the issue is but if you feel like you’re getting sucked down and sinking fast, you have nothing to lose by volunteering somewhere, or spending time with the dogs.

Or maybe you can relate to my depression or what I went through this summer, I had a lot of people comment on those articles that I described their depression better than they ever could. It’s not always a topic that people like to talk about especially how it affects them personally, for various and sundry reasons but I have no problem putting myself out there like this.

People I don’t even really know tell me that reading my stuff about this summer helped them in some way.  Sometimes just knowing that someone else has the same hurt that you do makes it better; you don’t feel like some particular kind of screwup because someone else shares your pain.

But sometimes I do know them.  An Internet friend I’ve had for nearly a decade sent me the following via email on Wednesday.  This single email makes the entire series worthwhile to me; not only did I maybe help a friend in pain, I helped the dogs:

For a while, over a year now, I’ve been dealing with semi-managed depression (the drugs get me out of bed, and the therapy gets me halfway-functional, but there’s a big gap between that and good).

For about the same amount of time, I’ve thought about volunteering at my local animal shelter, both to get out of the house and out of my own head but, being depressed, I always managed very effectively to find a way to avoid volunteering.

It’s funny how that works.  Obviously this isn’t why you wrote the articles, but reading the first two finally made me pull the trigger: my orientation at the Oakland Animal Shelter is on the 28th.

And that’s why you should volunteer.  Because when you find yourself in a place of darkness, with the world closing in on you, when everything is (or at least seems like) pain and misery and it seems like nothing can ever be good again, maybe doing that one small thing for someone else will help give you some light, some happiness, a sliver of hope to hold onto that it’s not as bad as it seems.

It can give you a lifeline to keep your head up above water when you don’t think you can do it anymore; when you reach the point that you don’t care if you sink or not.  Because you might find that one thing that makes you  realize, even briefly, that it can get eventually better.  And eventually it will.  Maybe out there, at the shelter or some other volunteer option, you’ll find your own Babe (you can’t have mine) who will take you by the hand (or leash) and lead you back to the land of the living.

Thank You, Babe

That’s what Babe did for me and that’s why I’m writing this and helping to get the word out about the shelter and why it was so important to me.  Babe gave me that sliver of hope to hang onto.  She helped to save me and doesn’t even know it.  Nor would she care as she asked for nothing in return.

I’ll never see her again which is why I keep her picture with me.  I know beyond certainty that she’s happy in her Forever Home.  I miss her every day; writing this has nearly killed me and I’m tired of crying at this point.  I still love her and I always will.

I know you’ve been in suspense waiting for this but you knew I wouldn’t end this series without showing you Babe.  My phone has picture capabilities on it and I rarely have pictures of people on it.  Memory space is cheap and unlimited and people simply don’t rate.  But this picture is on it and will probably stay there forever.

This, finally, is Babe.

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The dog saved my life.
This dog saved my life.

 

Continue reading about my experience at the Austin Humane Shelter in Part 6.

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49 thoughts on “Volunteering at the Austin Humane Shelter: Part 5

  1. The link for donating isn’t working, so I’ll call when they’re open. Telling on you for making me cry.

  2. Thank you, Thom.

  3. I just received this email from a reader of my newsletter. Thank you K.

    ****

    “This is really a fantastic thing to do.
    My mother passed away at the end of Oct. I asked all to donate to the NY Humane Society in her honor (they did) – each month she had an extra $10, so each month she sent it.
    Will donate to them.”

    K. Wohl

  4. Couldn’t donate a lot, but donate £5.00. I’m very much a cat person but ‘Stella’ would be a dog I’d love to adopt!

    https://www.animalshelter.org.uk/hwanted.html

    “Our” Stella (The Destitute Animal Shelter – Bolton, UK)
    3 year old Terrier Cross

    It has taken us months to gain Stella’s confidence. We think she has had a bad life being beaten into behaving herself. She was very sensitive around her head but we have desensitised her to being stroked and she if fine now. She is very playful and loves a cuddle. She likes to go for a walk and loves being chased around her kennel.
    She is different out of her kennel so if you come and see her take no notice of her barking as she is only protecting herself. She would need a mature person or couple to adopt her as she is too sensitive for a noisy household with children. She will make a loyal and rewarding pet.

  5. Thanks for writing this series, Lyle.

  6. Boodika, it doesn’t matter how much you donated. The fact that you donated at all is enough.

    I thank you, the dogs thank you and thank you for

    Thank you and thank you for the link to Stella. For readers, here’s a direct link to Stella’s picture

    https://www.animalshelter.org.uk/images/hwanted/stella.jpg

  7. Lyle,

    Thank you for sharing this. I will make a donation as I am an animal lover and believe that the very soul of the universe lives in and shines through animals, although we don’t always pay attention to it.

    I am also glad to hear that you are doing well. I do understand from my personal experience,how debilitating depression can be. Albeit, my own personal choices eventually led to my depression, when over 20 years of alcoholism and denial finally took its toll a little over 3 years ago.

    If you get a chance you might peruse my site listed. There are no overt sales pitches, although I do have a small text links to Tom Venuto’s and Carlos DeJesus sites as they have been my personal mentors and coaches.

    I have read many of the articles you have written and have greatly appreciated the time and research that you put into what you write. I also appreciate seeing this glimpse into the heart of Lyle. Thanks for having the courage to share your challenges and triumphs.
    I wish you peace and wellness.

    Sincerely
    Scott Murphy
    Lean and Sober.com

  8. Lyle,

    How could I say no to those pictures and that story. I feel lame that I don’t donate time and money more often. Donated $15 to the Austin Shelter.

    My guess is that you will raise a bunch of money from your newsletter.

    Very cool,

    -Rusty

  9. Thank you Scott.

  10. And here’s me putting my money where my mouth is. This was the entirety of my yesterday’s net incoming from book sales.

    ***
    Donation Information
    Amount: $300.00
    Designation: Loretta Fund
    Billing Information
    Title:
    First name: Lyle
    Last name: McDonald
    Country: United States

  11. Another email I just got. Thank you J

    ***
    Amazing post and damn you for invoking a tear (or 3).

    Just made a donation to the Loretta Fund: she’s now halfway to her goal as of a moment ago.

    J.

  12. Thank you Rusty.

  13. Another email I received. Thanks S.

    ***
    know you’re not looking for praise, pats on the back, thanks, or any of that stuff. And I’ve thanked you in the past simply for your influence on my career with no expectations of a reply because I “get it.”

    But this recent article series justifies another thank you. I’m an enormous animal lover. I’ve worked at a few local shelters consistently over the better part of a decade and do what I can to get others to help. With the platform and audience you have though, you have for more influence than me in terms of sheer numbers.

    It’s a great thing you did. And as an added bonus, I’d bet you helped out not only many animals… but also many humans who will relate to your experience. Character and integrity aren’t easy attributes to find nowadays and you’ve both in mass supply.

    I donated to Loretta and I suspect there will be a lot of that after your article series. Hopefully you’ll update the site about whether or not the donation target is reached. Sounds like the AHS is just as lucky to have found you as you are to have found them.

    S. Troutman

  14. *sniffles* Oh who am I kidding, I’m bawling my eyes out here.. My animals have always been a huge part of my life, the unconditional love they give you is second to none. I used to volunteer at an equine center many years ago, what I saw there would break my heart but it was a great feeling to know you were helping.

    Thanks to this series I think am going to look into doing so again . Thank you Lyle, for the time you give to these pups. I am glad they were able to give you something so strong back in return.

    Donation Information
    Amount: $25.00 ( )
    Designation: Loretta Fund
    Billing Information
    Title: Mrs.
    First name: Victoria
    Last name: Bolton
    Country: United States

  15. Dogs are proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

    Lyle your articles here (and the forum) have been so helpful to me that there’s no way I could turn down your request to help the AHS.

    I wish you the best.

  16. Lyle,

    Although it isn’t exactly the same as your situation, I have been going through a turbulent year in my marriage. Needless to say I find your writings to be a ‘getaway’ of sorts for me. The series really put things in perspective for me and I am thankful that there are people like you who contribute such great content and to do it for free without expecting anything in return. I donated as much as I could and hope that loretta gets all of the help and care she needs.

    -Aaron

  17. Just donated to Loretta’s fund. I love dogs and have 2, and I hope she reaches her goal amount. Please let everyone know about here progress with updates.

  18. You got my tears when I got to this part:

    “And sometimes that’s all you need, just a sign that all isn’t pain and misery and suffering and that you can feel happiness again.  That even when your brain is telling you that everything is simply awful, it’s not true. You can still feel joy if only temporarily and that tells you that it will eventually come back.”

    Loretta got my donation.

    Thank you for this series. I’m in a head place where I needed to be touched so viscerally.

  19. You made me cry, but animal issues always do. My partner and I do a Holiday fund raising open house every year for a Trap/Neuter/Release program in Trenton. But of course I will gladly donate.

  20. We give to several local shelters–one of which burned down and is still in need of funding and support. But I couldn’t read Loretta’s story and pass by the opportunity to help out. Thanks for making us aware of her. Please update us about her progress. The silver lining is that dogs who lose eyes, limbs, etc., never seem to mind! They’re just happy to be with their family.

  21. It pains me to hear of your dark summer. I’m not currently in a place to go to a shelter because I always bring home an animal and we’re 3 strays full. But I can send some coin to the local one in my town. Just click clicked $25 to the Vancouver Humane Society “In honor of Babe, who saved a Friend’s life.”

    I’ve never properly thanked you for the +7,000 times you tried to help me and my feelings are still tender from your slap downs (well deserved on my part, I do agree) but I really want to pay it forward as you suggest. I wish I’d been around the forum this past summer just to offer a kind word.

  22. This has gotten a bit out of control (in a good way) already and I apologize for not being able to thank everyone individually like I was this morning.

    But thank you all for everything, the donations, etc. The shelter gave me some idea today of how much everyone had already done. And I thank everyone who took the time to do it. The dogs needed you and you all came through.

  23. Several people have emailed me to point out that the AHS donation page cannot easliy take overseas donations all the time. Several people, including Borge Fagerli have simply paypalled me money which I donate in their name via credit card. I will happily do this for anyone having problems. Thanks Blade

    **
    Donation Information
    Amount: $50.00 ( )
    Designation: Loretta Fund
    Billing Information
    Title:
    First name: Borge
    Last name: Fagerli

  24. Thanks for what you do and as a fellow animal advocate and lover, I appreciate you sharing this journey. Loretta is a gem and deserves all the care to get her healthy so she can be shown what a dog’s life should be. I welcome the opportunity to help her. And I’ve been lucky enough to have been rescued by two awesome shelter dogs.

  25. Dang, I couldn’t pick one, so I guess they have to share:

    https://www.sprn.net/index.php?main_page=page_6

    $50 gift certificate from Dr. Foster & Smith.

    I’ve been going round and round about whether I can adopt a pit puppy right now. Thanks for reminding me that if I’m going to troll pet adoption pages, I can at least pay for the privilege.

  26. I just donated to Sid at Paws in Sydney, Aus for his medical bills, the Austin humane society doesn’t seem to have an international option. please keep us updated on Lorettas progress.

  27. SA, some people have had trouble making international donations, you can actually leave the country blank or enter a fake state. I have made them aware of the issue. But thank you for donating to your Sydney shelter. I have no doubt that they have many excellent dogs who will benefit from you act.

    I’ll make updates about Loretta as they become available and try to keep tabs on her when I go to walk the dogs. Thank you.

  28. I chipped in $10, altho I had to pick a fake state and say I was from the US because they didn’t offer alternatives? I suppose they didn’t expect international donations, it seemed to go through okay though, hope it didn’t affect anything.

    I’m not much of an animal/pet guy, had some pets by never cared for them much. However, I appreciate all the good books/articles/info you put out and acknowledge that pets help a lot of people, and the series was quite moving so I couldn’t help but feel compelled to donate. Really hope the $3000 gets raised.

    All the best.

  29. Another overseas reader emailed me today asking if he could paypal me a donation for Loretta since the shelter donation site wouldn’t take his address. And he did. Thank you Sergej. Thank you all.

    ***
    Donation Information Amount: $25.00 ( )
    Designation: Loretta Fund
    Billing Information Title: Mr.
    First name: Sergej
    Last name: Grinenko

  30. Donated $20 to the Loretta Fund.. Please keep us updated on her progress. When I feel down I look a pix of puppies on the internet. I’m convinced that pictures of puppies to women are the equivalent of porn to men..

  31. I have suffered from anxiety and depression most of my life. The safest, healthiest time is when I have a dog. Most of the past 18 years we’ve had 2 of them. All of them rescues.

    I help my local shelter- and every Christmas season bake a batch of dog treats and take them to the local shelters for their holidays.

  32. Thank you for your words, Lyle. My donation is in.

  33. Yay, the site was working again and I just made a Loretta donation with my Swedish card — I sure hope it goes through without a problem. Left the country blank and chose a random state…

    Weird coincidence — I have a history of depression as well (Lyle’s description is SPOT ON), and have been getting sucked down the black hole again this autumn. The DAY BEFORE Lyle posted this series, I’d got my first glimpse of “the light on the other side” (anyone who’s already been through depression and recovered probably knows what I mean). It was from a dog video on Youtube (Jesse the Jack Russell with his useful tricks).

    That video led me to read about Positive Reinforcement Training, which led me to a video of that technique being used in an animal shelter. Which then led me to the thought that volunteering at a local animal shelter would be VERY good for me, for all of the reasons Lyle takes up in the series. That VERY NIGHT I opened my feed reader on my phone for some bedtime reading, and saw the beginning of this series. I know it’s just a coincidence and there’s no greater cosmic significance, but still…

    I live in Holland now and they don’t have nearly the problem with unwanted/neglected animals and strays, etc. that we do in the States. Turns out there is no shelter in my area, unfortunately. But I’m sure there will be some kind of useful (secular) volunteer work in my village.

    Thanks so much for posting this series, Lyle. Normally I would never leave an “all about me” comment, but I just wanted you to know that this series had a deep personal significance. For every person commenting here, there are probably dozens of lurkers who feel the same. Best wishes for your own journey out of the black hole!

  34. Another overseas reader sent me funds via paypal and donated to the Loretta fund. Than you John.

    Also, R Nikoley another fitness blogger was nice enough to make a donation to the fun.

    Than you both and than you all.

  35. I donated to the AHS, and told them to use the money where they see fit. They sent an email saying the donation will go to help Mr. Darcy. In the next week or two, I plan on donating specifically to Loretta’s fund, but I imagine any money going to the shelter ultimately helps all the animals anyway.

    Please keep us informed on Loretta. It’s probably unfounded, but I’m a worrier by nature and I’m concerned about her “good” eye ending up like her bad eye.

  36. JDN, the money needed for Loretta has already been far exceeded which shouldn’t dissuade anyone from volunteering. I’m sure the money will go into the general doggie medical fund and help whomever needs it.

    Thank you.

  37. Another overseas donation. Thank you Anatoly

    Donation Information
    Amount: $50.00 ( )
    Designation: Loretta Fund
    Billing Information
    Title: Mr.
    First name: Anatoly
    Last name: Rapoport

  38. Lyle-You made me cry. You made me laugh (“cats as managers” ! ). You’ve taught me so much about training and nutrition. You host a site where I am able to share in a community of like-minded people. With your help, I’ve lost 40lbs this year. And now you’re putting into writing the torture I have sometimes felt in my life. 25 years ago, I was sitting in a bathtub about to blow my brains out when my new pup started furiously scratching at the shower door, and I realized if I followed through, no one would be around to take care of him. Bubba saved my life. 7 years ago, volunteering to walk dogs at my local shelter brought me back from the brink after a shockingly swift, unexpected, and unwanted divorce. Thank God there is a Dog. And Thank You for your way with words, for making me realize I’m not alone, and for having the balls to write about it all. Loretta might be taken care of, but I’ve gotten a wealth of information from you for just the cost of a few books, and I’m happy to help you take care of the next Loretta. I’m donating $100 in memory of my beloved Bubba, in memory of Blueberry, Bob, Stuart, and all the other doggie warriors at the shelter who didn’t make it out. You’re my hero, Lyle.

  39. Another overseas donation who took the time to paypal me so I could make it for them. Thank you Alex. And thank you for sharing your story, Meg. And for the donation. And please give Bubba a big old kiss for me.

    ***
    Donation Information
    Amount: $20.00
    Designation: Loretta Fund
    Billing Information
    Title:
    First name: Alex
    Last name: Dermody

  40. Wow. Much like your No Regrets series, I had had almost no interest in the subject matter…but somehow you got me hooked. It may sound so silly, but I’ve found both series very inspiring. I spent my 20’s as a volunteer firefighter/EMT. I had to move and couldn’t find a similar opportunity where I am now. This series has made me realize the hole that I’ve had inside of me. I’m on a quest to find something that can have a palpable, satisfying effect on me and others.
    Thanks Lyle.

  41. Just donated to AHS general fund, not much but what I can afford at the moment.
    Very touching articles!

  42. Mike, please believe me when I say that it’s absolutely NOT about the amount of the donation. That you took the time and effort to do it is enough. Thank you.

    And thanks Zalian.

  43. Another story sent to me via email, posted with permission

    ***
    Mate i wasnt gunna say anything about how i experience similar depression to you because i dont want to appear minimise what you experienced and have discussed in your posts, but ive changed my mind (wont bore you with too many details though).

    Im an alcoholic, clean for over 6 years but still fight the fuckin demons on a daily basis and quite often end up suffering from pretty serious bouts of depression. Anyway when i first stopped drinking i got myself a staffy pup to help me get through, Ribbas her name. Shes still with me today and i love her guts. As she helped me get through those first few months of sobrierty shes now there when i battle the depression. This past month though ive suffered the worst bout of depression since i stopped drinking, to the point where ive wanted nothing to do with anyone and for the first time since i got her, havent wanted anything to do with Ribba either (its hurt her too).

    Anyway when i read your series of posts it made me reach out to her and start patting and stroking her, even had a playfight, we’re both feeling better

  44. Another overseas reader who took the time to Paypal me so I could donate. Thank you Jamie

    ***
    Donation Information
    Amount: $15.00
    Designation: Loretta Fund
    Billing Information
    Title:
    First name: Jamie
    Last name: Douse

  45. I donate to puppy mills throughout my dog sites – i’m in the UK and also support the Dogs Trust – my dog, Dougie gives his Xmas money to them. Dogs are really God and I’m glad they’ve saved you – my beautiful baby westie dog came to me when my life was so, so down and nine years on, we have the very best relationship – he’s my most loyal boy ever and will always, always be the love of my life.

  46. I agree 100%, I can’t volunteer at the moment, I’m moving and the paperwork takes too long I’ve been told, but I am going to make it a part of my life.

  47. Great blog and really admire what you are doing and achieving – well, well done. I just gave $20.00 to the fund for Patrick(dog who was starved almost to death and then put down a waste chute). Glad Babe was your saviour – doggies are so worthwhile, unlike many humans.

  48. Thank you Sara.

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