Rescue is hard work. Incredibly rewarding…but very hard work. Rescue is not for the faint of heart. Not all can be saved, not all endings are happy. But every day we put one foot in front of the other to walk this path together and do the best we can – because the ones who depend on us, cannot.
Rescue relies on people so passionate that they give of themselves, their time, and their hearts with nothing expected in return except the joy of seeing an animal saved and going home.
Passion can sometimes be messy. We chase perfection, because so much hangs in the balance – the protection of each other, the dogs – and of each others’ hearts. But when it comes to living creatures – human or canine – perfection is near impossible to achieve.
“Nothing that is complete breathes.” ~ Antonio Porchia
That’s where patience and kindness come in. And forgiveness. Of each other and ourselves for our human flaws and inevitable failures.
Each of us is as unique as the parts that make up this passion vine flower…
put us all together – and we can achieve beautiful things.
“Kind hearts are the gardens,
Kind thoughts are the roots,
Kind words are the blossoms,
Kind deeds are the fruits.”
~19th century rhyme
Kindness. Patience. Forgiveness. These are the required tools of rescue.
“There is one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one’s life — reciprocity.” ~ Confucius
Gardens For Goldens 
Beautiful!!! Your garden is the most lovely testament to Spring…thank you for sharing such wonderful images of “everything blooming” in the garden! Alexandra
Reblogged this on The Blessing of Animal Companions and commented:
As our group starts a new week of TNR this week, my sister’s blog, focused on Golden Retriever rescue, and the lovely gardens the Goldens play in while they are with the rescue group, spoke to me about all the reasons we do our TNR work. Enjoy.
Thank you to both of you for the wonderful work you do!
Our pleasure!
momwithoutpaws wants one of those for her garden
Beautiful post with wonderful reminders. The photo of the Passion Flower is spectacular. 🙂
Thank you, Judy! Hope your days are beginning to warm up!
Reminds me of the Marcel Proust quote: “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
I love this quote, Kat. Thanks for reminding me of it!
I’ll carry these wise and gentle words with me together with such endearing photos – – – Such beauty and care!
🙂
Beautiful post! You added instant smiles right here as I look at our two beloved rescues (our sunshines) and fondly think of my Grandmom as she proudly shared her passion vine! 🙂
Thank you, Catherine!