It was a sight to see the sweat and guts from the women who came calling this weekend to DDB, VA to help create the first stages of a fence around the property to help keep the dogs structured and safe. Before it was over, almost 500 feet of fencing was in place!
I have worked at rescue mostly in isolation over the years so to see the dedication from so many people was moving, to say the least. These dedicated women came all the way from BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter) to aid in the construction of the large fence around Good Newz Dog Rehab Center. As Diana Bevensee points out, "we see dogs who have suffered from abuse and neglect that Dogs Deserves Better addresses. We also see the deep physical and emotional scars of dogs forced to fight as well as those dogs who are used in bait, in dogfights." Jen Carle, Hillary Strilko, Denise Chilcoat, Destiny Shell, Amber Shepherd, and Katlyn Siter are all dedicated dog lovers who left their own homes, family, dogs and surroundings to come work at the rehab center for the weekend. We did have one dog visitor as well, the sweet and hyper 11 month old schnauzer who came along with Diana. This little guy came along to "show Good Newz what it's like to be happy dog," says Diana. Milo put in his best effort to play with the Good Newz residents that is for sure!
Sweat, boils from the toils, fatigue and heat exhaustion were just some of the trials that the volunteers endured to reach the goal of 500 feet of fencing. Many never having worked in the fence trade previously, took the advice of Larry the cable, fence, washer, floor guy (aka Larry Oxton) who has given many of his man hours to DDB, VA already! With the kind direction of Larry, the ladies, soon became fence pros and they were off towards their goal.
Destiny was particularly impressive with her hard core perserverence. When I released my fear of ticks and snakes into the spirit world, long enough to make it to the end of the massive property to see how everyone was doing, Destiny bounced with the idea of finishing at least the POSTING for the entire property before they left. It was amazing to see how strong her desire was to finish the job and I knew it came from a deep love of dogs and animals. When Destiny first entered the Good Newz house, there were tears in her eyes after coming face to face with the memory of what had happened to so many innocent animals on that very property. Her pain and grief were evident and to see her channel that into recovery work, was very inspiring. She worked well into the dusk hours each night and had enough enthusiasm to help keep everyone going when they felt like giving in to the heat and humidity. Her stories of her own 4 dogs and 2 fosters were touching and encouraging.
All the volunteers had such stories and it just left me feeling that the world isn't such a bad place after all. There are so many people trying hard to fight back with kindness and dedication, but often it still isn't enough. There are still so many animals who never get the help they need.
Finally, after the weekend was about to close Jen Carle broke out her special chew toy donation. It was none other than an autographed football from the previous owner's collection. She had obtained it from an auction and was ready to see the dog's tear it up. Unfortuneately, many of the dogs at Good Newz aren't yet ready for alot of toys and chew action. After being beaten down so much, they are slowly easing into knowing the joy of dog play. That did not stop the volunteers from kicking around the ball and having the doggies run and oops pee on it though! A symbolic emblem of recovery and rehabilitation for many of our dogs. After the previous horrors of 1915 Moonlight, there is hope, joy, and light that has come to pass in the wake of Good Newz Rehab. Though there are plenty of challenges ahead for Good Newz, I am certain, there are enough sponsors, friends and willing participants to overcome these shadows. The light has come for so many dogs in darkness and hopefully, we will all get to share this journey together, for a long time and hundreds of dogs to come.
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