MERCY MERCY

What a week we finished up today! First of all high temperatures flared and most outside workers who could do "flex" time by starting and ending early did just that. We tended to follow the example and get chores done the first half of each day and then stuck to completing indoor "stuff" later.

Then there was Mitzi (see July 15 below) who now is safe and sound in a rescue - another terrific ending for which I am very grateful. It's amazing how a network of caring folks came together and got something beneficial done in a hurry. Thank you for your mercy!

One of our "together" errands was as the result of having a yummy and delightful dinner with friends, right here in our town. Spur of the moment, stroke of luck, a promise fulfilled - whatever it was, we all enjoyed laughs and chatting. Our discussion did reveal we needed mulching blades on our mower. Who knew? Lucky us - there was a store greeter on duty. This was a sweet kitty; I think tabby mixed with a little Siamese. She was pretty and content but made a point of acknowledging both of us as we reached down to give her a friendly pet. We received lots of kitty kisses. Yes, I'm more a dog person, but we do have 3 cats and I love them dearly and I must confess that kitty kisses are special as they are not given out as freely as dog kisses are. So we were grateful for the welcome we received!

Then there was today's transport. I could write about it each and every week that we do a transport. Always the joy and excitement of knowing that mercy has been shown to a bunch of critters is overwhelming. Few feelings match those granted with transporting. We had somewhere around 37 animals today and there were 3 drivers on our route. WHAT? Yes, well, there were 14 kittens and 8 puppies and those can share bigger crates so it was OK. Of course, air conditioning must be blasting away the entire trip. In my vehicle were 8 kittens and 7 dogs and it was quite vocal for awhile but finally everyone settled down and napped, except maybe a kitten or two wanted me to know they did not appreciate the yapping dogs.

My front seat was occupied by a little cutie. It seems unfair to post only a photo of the tiniest dog but keep in mind we're not doing a photo shoot and this one just happened to be out of its crate temporarily so MM could have her photo taken with him. Usually we are walking, cleaning up, watering, re-loading, and heading out. Otherwise there would be a photo album. I think there may be some photos and even a longer video on the web. Since I'd slid the phone camera to video we got a couple of cute clips of "EARL" and MM.

He was a handful - nothing more than that! The trip went along without a hitch for the second "leg" and I'm sure on beyond that. It's a great bunch of folks - all volunteers - who, week after week, give of their time, energy, money, vehicles, supplies - so much more, to help those who cannot help themselves. And, as Beth Moore points out, in her James study, mercy is triumphant! These little guys know they are being given another chance, believe me. Each of our critters is a rescue as have been those we had in our lives before, whether they lived with us to the end of their lives or were fosters. They know. Anyone sensitive towards others can see it in their eyes. It makes it all worthwhile!

4 Bricks or a Pallet

We transport. Dogs regularly. Cats sometimes. Even a pig! Our round trips typically range between 120 and 200 miles and we meet wonderful, pet loving people from all walks of life. We meet tremendous pets who are bound for new homes or new and safe shelters (to get ready for new homes). Occasionally we get feedback and photos.

It's a challenge to figure out what crates to bring to a transport and what will fit in the car. Passing along tips and ideas helps a great deal. It occurred to me today there is one driver in our primary group who has solved the issue of how to load to large crates into his SUV's back area: he build a shelf for one of them. So he gets two back there, next to each other, one about 4 inches higher than the other. This allows the widest section of the crates to be at different heights. That's the place where the tops and bottoms are latched together. (TIP: Use pull ties because they are easy to cut and then you can stack crates to haul home after transport. Plus they are easier and faster to use in cold weather.) I know I should have taken a photo of the arrangement but you're smart; you can figure this out.

Although a pallet is too wide to use, that is the height that will work. Thus the reference. You can make your shelf yourself. Be sure it is long enough and just wide enough to hold the crate. You don't want to rock the passengers needlessly. The other crate will help hold it in place. If you just want to try this out and see if it works I suggest you grab four bricks and put them in your vehicle then load two large crates in so you see how it works. Or, if you have a pallet and it has a middle support board cut the pallet in half so the middle board becomes a side board; that may work as an experiment too!

I must confess, one of my pups escaped today. I opened the crate door and he leaped on top of the crate and took off. I was in a discussion with another transporter. Bad me. Danny didn't have my slip lead around his neck YET so he did get away but didn't get too far as he fancied interacting with a companion dog. Notes to self and everyone who transports: Get a slip lead and use it all the time...double leash. If you have a dog who backs up he/she can get out of the collar you think is secure. The slip lead keeps the dog at hand. In fact, get two so you always have one available. And, pay attention to the dogs. They are not certain what is going on; we are all strangers to them. They may not be used to crates, cars, leashes, other dogs, lots of people. Respect that and focus on what you are doing.

It's SUCH a rewarding way to volunteer! There are plenty of transport groups and, unfortunately, a seemingly endless supply of critters - all who appear to be PERFECT no matter what the age, mix/breed, gender, personality, energy levels, or challenges. You will have unconditional love heaped upon you.

Today as I was taking my five passengers I thought what a grand, heavenly welcoming team they will be, along with any fosters, shelter helped, owned, or client dogs I've been able to love. For me that's hundreds and I'm glad. Even if you save just one, you're an angel to that animal.

Visit our transport site to see how we work!

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