Just when I started thinking that my foster puppies made it out of the pound without getting sick, one of them got sick. Last night I noticed that one puppy wasn't nursing. In the morning, he was out of the dog house and sleeping on momma dog's bed. Attempts to get him to nurse this morning were unsuccessful so I wrapped him in a blanket, grabbed some puppy formula and a syringe and brought him to work with me. I'm really lucky to have a job where I can bring animals to work. That is one perk that I really appreciate.
I sent an email off to the foster coordinator at the pound and she said I could bring him in that afternoon. Usually the vet has surgeries on Wednesdays but the schedule was changed. I worked through lunch and then snuck out early. The vet was really nice and gave me 2 antibiotics and some fluids for the puppy. She is a new vet at the pound and her tiny office is basically a 15'x15' store room in the back of the pound. I was looking around and trying to see what could improve the situation. Basically, they need a new building. They already have the original block main building, 2 mobile buildings, and a circus tent for the overflow of dogs. When I got home I looked at their website and read that there is a bond on the next ballot for a new building. I will definitely be voting yes for that. In the mean time, I think I'll donate to their medication fund. The vet mentioned that they are almost out of a few medications because it is the end of the fiscal year and they can't order more until the next year. How difficult it must be to work at a place with so much need and so little monetary support.
I must remember times like this when I want to jump in and help. I can't retire early AND give all of my money away. I need to plan my giving too. And I need to remember that not all problems are best solved by throwing money at them. Volunteering time is even more valuable than money sometimes and that is why I have foster puppies.
2 comments:
Maybe you should qualify as a vet? you can really give time to help then!
That would take me another 10 years and I don't know how much money. I didn't have the brains for organic chemistry or calculus. I think I had better stick to my puppy fostering. No degree needed. :)
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