The summer started out great. National Great Pyrenees Rescue, Great Pyrenees Rescue Society and Lonestar Pyrs and Paws went to Boston on Saturday, June 19 to be with Luke Robinson on the final mile of his journey for 2 Dogs 2000 Miles. We had a booth at the Boston Commons after the walk and rescue dogs, adopters and volunteers came from all over.
Reaching Boston was the achievement of a very specific goal for Luke. In a similar way, reaching Boston was the realization of a goal for National Pyr, too. We are an online rescue group—no physical offices or shelter location. Most of what we do is on the internet, which gives us very little opportunity to meet each other face to face. After three years of working together, some of us would meet for the first time in Boston and it was a day to savor. We have great pictures to share and summer was off to a good start—or so it seemed.
Now, almost a month later, the problems of summer have really hit. We haven’t seen the full-blown parvo epidemics of last year yet, but the sheer number of dogs out there is staggering. Everyone is struggling. In addition to the large number of dogs in kill shelters, new forms for owner surrenders come in every day. Even when rescues can afford to board dogs, boarding kennels are full. We know more people are on the move in summer but otherwise it doesn’t make a lot of sense as to why rescue is so much more difficult—it just is. The need and the urgency for RESCUE NOW is real. Back from vacation? Adopters and fosters are needed to help with the overflow. Going on a trip? Maybe you can help transport a dog. If you’ve ever thought of rescuing a dog—the time is now! More ideas and our volunteer form can be found here. Don’t wait. This is the time when rescue—and the dogs—need you most.