CountryGirl

I'm not at all angry. :) People asked me questions and I replied. If anything, I've started to see what a diverse collection of people use this forum, some of them seem to have a different agenda to me and that's okay. We don't all have to be playing the same game as long as our focus is in the right spot.

It would be great if this group can succeed where others have not. My biggest concern is that the attitude behind the pound's operation is anything but pro-rescue and pro-welfare. When even the RSPCA has "investigated" and found nothing to complain about in terms of welfare, there's a problem. I and others have been asking for true and genuine transparency in the pound's operations. I don't live in Cowra shire, so my voice is pretty muted based on that - yet Cowra is my closest town and where I spend most of my time and money. Since I moved here, I've seen atrocious "management" of particular cases and inadequate responses from people claiming to be "rescuers". I did confuse Kylie with someone else and for that I can only offer an apology. There are lots of pretenders in the rescue community (as with most sectors of the community I guess), and sometimes they blur into each other. I am not a pretender and the people who actually know me, know that. If comments on social media and forums stop good people from continuing to rescue, I don't see how that helps. I can only imagine how empty some people's lives must be if trying to damage or destroy others is something to do for fun. I'm not having a dig at anyone specific here. If that were the case I would do so privately - and then I'd probably be condemned for not doing so in public. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. I'm in rescue for the dogs. That's my agenda.

No matter what I say it will be misconstrued. I'm not in rescue for any reason other than the dogs. Much of what I do is behind the scenes and never publicised. Why? Because I am not the sort of person who does things based on ego. I never have been and I never will be. People can assume whatever they choose - I know that if the pack mentality here continues the way it has thus far, then more than one decent and long term rescuer (other than myself) will just stop all rescue. It's supposed to be about helping dogs, not bitching to or about each other. My questions about the vet practices are very appropriate. There are TWO vets in Cowra. They are both already incredibly busy. The last time I had a chat about it, none of the vets were willing to de-sex under six months of age on a routine basis. Perhaps that has changed in the time I've been living here (if so, that's great, but I can't see such a shift happening in a year). This isn't about me. It never has been and never will be. Online communities bring out both the best and the worst in people. All I try to do is rescue dogs in need and do it with integrity. I don't abuse others, I don't finger-point, I don't name-call. And for that I cop abuse from those I question as to their processes as I try to understand where they are coming from.

I'm trusted to make my own decisions for the groups with which I work. I have as much or as little responsibility as I choose - I've been rescuing for a decade or more. In that time I've also worked in shelters (paid and voluntary). If you like, I'm an independent rescuer with the support of a number of groups, some of which have been around a while and others which are newer. I choose which dogs I take on and from what sources. I'm pretty lucky in that respect. :) It can be costly in terms of both money and emotional energy. But I find it really rewarding and I know my limits as well. I've seen some in rescue take on too much, leaving them at risk of burn out. I've got four dogs of my own and never have more than one foster dog at a time. I also have my own place on several acres. :)

Huh? I'm at a loss to understand some people. I think it's time for me to leave you all to play whatever "slap on the back" games I've interrupted. I'm going to focus on what's important to me. I know what goes on in the local community and the attitudes behind it. I also know I can't change it, so I focus on what I can do, which is rescue from further afield, support people who are making a real difference, and look after my own dogs and fosters.

It is just as well then that the New Rescue Service will be being run correctly, with all vet work being carried out and the core values upheld. So which of the two vets will be doing all this vet work? By all means, feel free to ring North Cowra Veterinary Clinic, and give Loz and Mel your views as to what you think of the new president of GDRR. I'm sure they will give you what you so desperately need. I have a great deal of respect for Karen at North Cowra Vet. The support staff also do an admirable job most of the time. What's your point?

It is just as well then that the New Rescue Service will be being run correctly, with all vet work being carried out and the core values upheld. So which of the two vets will be doing all this vet work? So are you just on a vendetta against one individual?? Is that what your posts are about? Because its getting boring.... Pardon? Not at all. I'm simply asking which of the two vets that have small animal practices in Cowra are stepping up to do the vet work. I know both have a fairly hectic schedule. It's a fair question given the population of the town, and the lack of available vets. Anyone who lives in the area would know that.

I call 'bullshit' lol I have the original message from the post on facebook, and she categorically tells you that she rescued three dogs. Please, let this rest, you are only continuing to make a fool of yourself. I've no idea what you're talking about there. You might have me confused with someone else. In that case, it would seem you're not alone from some of the other comments.

What is your rescue called? Did I say I have my own rescue group? If you got that impression, I can only apologise. I'm a foster carer.

If I'm misinformed, then I got it direct from the source so how am I responsible for that? I'm repeating what was made public knowledge by the person involved.

I'm not making this personal. I'm simply discussing information that's public knowledge.

It is just as well then that the New Rescue Service will be being run correctly, with all vet work being carried out and the core values upheld. So which of the two vets will be doing all this vet work?

There is more than one ethical rescue group in this region. There are also a number of individuals claiming to be "rescue" which do nothing more than buy and sell dogs and pups. Oh, there are some that also breed litters and call selling their litters "rescue".

We'll see what happens - but as someone once said, "past behaviour is an indicator of future behaviour". As I've seen here countless times, "rescue" doesn't have the same definition as it does in the broader rescue community. But that's just what I've seen and maybe ethical rescue exists here outside of the groups with which I have experience.

My actions are never about me. My actions are about helping dogs in need and doing it properly. With integrity. For others to see genuine criticism as having a dig simply shows their inability to accept responsibility for their role in the situation. I'm not a newbie to either rescue or DOL. I don't make assumptions either. I work on what the people involved say and do. Sometimes they are their own worst enemy.