1.23.2011

Just Writing From My Heart

Tonight, I'm just writing from my heart. I don’t have one particular topic to blog about, but it’s just been one of those days... where I need to say how I feel.

I rescue animals. I think that’s pretty apparent... to anyone who comes in contact with me.
“Hey Ash, it seems to me... you must like dogs?”
Who, me?? No…
... Not so much.

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that I love dogs, & all animals. I want to help them --all of them, in every way that I can.

But… I'm just one person.
One girl, trying to save the world.
And sometimes, that wears on your heart.

Your relationships suffer. Your health suffers. Your overall well-being isn't that great..
Because... you rarely put yourself first.

But for me, it’s all worth it.

I'm incapable of NOT being this way.
It’s what makes me… me.

But I guess the frustration comes in, when—day after day—you see these things happening, & you're one of few... working to put an end to the suffering.

That's especially the case... in Mississippi...

The state of Mississippi is the worst-of-the-worst when it comes to animal cruelty.
And that's not just my personal opinion.

An incredible, international animal activist... who's seen it all-- across the globe... agrees with me...
And he'll tell you the same... about my state.

Things are bad here. Things need to change here. People need to CARE that this is happening.

Beyond that... Mississippi is one of four states, where animal cruelty is considered a "misdemeanor" offense. Are you kidding me? It’s a joke, really. But an un-funny joke... that makes me want to scream...

Soo... when I share a heartbreaking story about a dog in a horrible situation here, I'm not trying to offend or upset people. Honestly... I’m not.

I'm simply sharing... to make people aware that these things are happening. They're happening in my state... and likely... in your state, too.

I want people to know what’s going on. I want them to know the truth… so they can get angry. Angry enough to say, NO MORE. This has to stop.

I want to inspire people to get involved... to make a difference. In ANY way that you can. Every person is capable of making a difference in the world, but... in order to make this happen... you have to ACT.

All I ask, is that people do what they can to help. Whatever that "help" may be.
Advocate, Volunteer, Foster, Adopt, Donate...

Even if you have only $5 to donate, then that’s something....

Well… let me be honest. If you have like four million dollars in the bank, & you reach around all those hundreds in your pocket ... to pull out a crisp, 5 dollar bill for the animals...
Well… okay, I just won’t go there.

But every little bit helps, & every action towards change helps to change the world.

And change can start... NOW!

Change can start... with YOU!

13 comments:

  1. I'm with you, sister. Things need to change. It's just going to take time. Keep up the good fight and never give up. The animals are counting on you...and us...

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  2. Thanks, Michelle! You are incredible, & it means a lot to have such an amazing person say such nice things :) You're the best!
    Love you!
    Ashley
    luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com

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  3. Keep up the good work! Remember to take care of yourself, too, though. If you are not feeling 100 percent, then you will not be able to help as may dogs!

    Your blog is inspiring to me, and I think it will inspire others.

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  4. you are awesome! i honestly feel the same way as you about animals... never thought id find anyone else like me! so glad i have because i know that someone is putting my dreams to work. its something i always wanted to do but dont have the ability to do. i urge everyone to spay and neuter their pets also. i can't wait to start supporting you and i hope i get many more like us to help support. thanks again, for all that you do for these animals! and please take care of yourself some too so that you will be able to continue what you are doing.

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  5. Thank you Lindsay & Anonymous! Really, I appreciate your kind words so much. They mean more than you could know. And feel free to share my blog with anyone you know who may appreciate what I have to say or may be inspired to get involved! Thanks for caring :)
    Love,
    Ashley

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  6. well said! It is very hard to look at the human race when you do animal rescue and say what is wrong with people? I think it is better for people to be aware and then if they turned their back then it is on them. You did the best that you could. I think what you are doing is awesome. I wish more people did. Hugs to you!

    Take care of yourself and sometimes it is ok to take a little break from animal rescue and go back refreshed. I've had to do that several times, b/c it can be so overwhelming. Hang in there:)

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  7. I honestly think the animal cruelty and lack of concern in the south directly relates to our "slowness to emerge" as a southern society. The typical southern way. I was just talking to our shelter director the other day about this. Its amazing how far behind we are. The north is about 20 years ahead of us when it comes to spay/neuter...they jumped on board long ago. This is why we send a lot of dogs to rescues up north, they simply have more room. But we have go to get on board and take some responsibility or we are gonna flood the north with our homeless animals. We have got to quit being the typical southerners. We have got to stop turning the other way when we see something that isnt right. Animal abuse is real and many people around here see it as "ahhh aint nothing wrong with that ole dog". Yes there is something wrong. Its time to get on board people. Its time to take a stand. -Adrian

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  8. Adrian / AL_Rescuedog

    You are incorrect, the NE is loaded with high kill shelters, do your research!

    For every dog that is brought up from the south, a dog in an Northern shelter dies because that home was taken by a southern dog. So, while you may be saving southern dogs, you are the same time sacrificing the Northern dogs. Is that a fair trade?

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  9. Adrian, thank you for your post--and I totally agree, we are WAY behind in the South & it MUST change!

    Anonymous, I do agree that it is completely unfair to sacrifice the Northern dogs to save the Southern dogs. I try very hard to find forever homes for my dogs in the Southern states. This is definitely a problem across the country, no doubt. My point was that Mississippi is one of the poorest & most uneducated states. So there are different challenges here. Cruelty is tolerated here because many people are just poor & ignorant, & the insufficient laws allow this to continue. Thank you both for making such valid points :) And thanks for reading!
    Love,
    Ashley

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  10. You are not alone, although i know it feels like it sometimes. It is because of people like you that things will and do change. I know you get down, and i understand that, i get the same way sometimes when i see how so many Animal "charities" take money away from people like you who are doing the right thing, then waste it on fancy hotel room and first class flights. I know you will never stop doing this and the Animals are lucky to have you.

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  11. Chris,
    Thank you. You're my favorite rescuer in the world.
    Love,
    Ash

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  12. oh Ashley, this post really hits home. I feel just as you do about helping the helpless animals. Sometimes it wears on me so much and everything else in life does suffer, but I am ME and this is just what I do. It is nice to know I'm not alone. Keep on keepin on girl :)

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  13. Thanks Harley! Thank you for all you do for the animals... It MATTERS!
    Love,
    Ash

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