And not just on the humans who do it.
When I speak with one of my partners in NYCSR in particular, the topic of our own dogs comes up a lot. We both have male Shibas that are at the centers of our canine universes. Or, at least, they WERE until we started NYCSR. These days, the rescue seems to be center of everything except the time I spend to earn a paycheck. It has taken over my social time, my SLEEP time, and, yes, my time with Snickers. I notice myself taking shorter and shorter walks with him, working longer hours at the office and at home, and sleeping later in the mornings when I should be walking him.
Yesterday another rescue person that I know was listing all the poor dogs that had been through her rescue in the last few weeks and then said
In all this, my Min Pin was neglected by me – not meaning to – and he died this Friday past… the 14th. Sometimes in rescue you neglect your babies without meaning to. I will never forgive myself… I never will…
Now, he didn’t die of neglect or abuse of course. Today she said
I am still crying and totally heartbroken. He was old, fragile, and very sweet. Had I not been so crazy busy I would have secluded him and given more gentle touch and love….
Now he’s gone and she’s full of sadness and regrets.
This morning I woke up late – again – showered, dressed and RUSHED Snickers through a quick walk. This one was even faster than usual because it was raining outside. When we got home, Snickers was very excited and I realized it was because we normally play in the apartment after our walk if it is raining. I was almost late for work already though and Snick had peed… I had to go. I change clothes, threw on my coat and gave Snick his "bye bye" treats. He was watching me the whole time, like "what are you doing?" As soon as I headed for the door, he started to whimper. When the door closed behind me, he started to howl. It only took a second for me to realize that I had disappointed him and that I’ve been doing that much too often lately.
Well, no more. The rescue can have my sleep time and it can have my social time, but it can not have my Snickers time any more!
I hear you… Priority #1 is to take care of your “family”, including yourself. Without a healthy you, nothing will get done and no one who loves you will be happy. You HAVE to take some time for you– and those you love most. Or, like your friend, you too will have regrets. Good for you!
Good for you!
Part of the reason that I’m not fostering right now (other than trying to wait ’til after the move, assuming I ever manage to move) is that it wouldn’t be fair to the permanent dogs. I already don’t spend as much time with them as I wish I could, and it wouldn’t be fair to them or to a foster to bring another dog into the house right now.
oh honey, poor Snick. I know what you mean.
Good for you and snickers. I gave up the inu’s morning walk because of work, they still get at least an hour every night but I really feel awful . I hope you can acheive the right balance so you both have quality time.