When you walk into the ITV Canine rescue, you will see, hear and smell the dogs hoping to be adopted. Visitors come to meet the dogs. Some are looking for a new family member. Even though we have had a physical location for over three years, many have just recently heard of us and are curious what is inside the brightly painted teal building. Others are our regular Villagers who volunteer to keep the rescue running. Each and every person is welcome and appreciated.
What most people can't comprehend is the extent of work it takes to keep the doors open. At any given time, 100+ rescues depend on a small group of "behind the scenes" people, donations and and a lot of hard work to keep the adoption dream alive. Some rescues have been there a short time. Others, sadly, have been with us for months and sadly years. The ones in foster have a better chance at adoption. Fostered dogs get a home setting and training that most potential adopters are wanting. But, most of our rescues living at the center have the same qualities. It is just difficult to look beyond the kennel setting, the barking (each dog wants your attention), and the busyness behind each closed gate.
Our rescues aren't just dogs. Each dog that comes in becomes part of our ITV furry family. There is a core group of volunteers, techs and supporters who make sure every rescue gets as much love and care as possible. Behind the scenes is a lot of paperwork, appointments, transports and tedious details. Every person who helps our dogs is important. No position is more important than the other. However, the kennel techs and those who work directly with the dogs at the center are usually working behind the scenes and get very little public praise.
Working the kennels is a dirty and nasty job. Cleaning and caring for the ITV furry family isn't glamorous. At the end of the day, our caregivers are dirty, stinky and sweaty. Making certain the dogs are fed, exercised and socialized takes a lot of energy. Keeping the area clean...lets face it....it's just a dirty, no fun part of the process. Fortunately, here at ITV, we have a group who love our rescues and look past the "yucky" part of a running rescue center. They were born animal lovers and dedicate their energies to do the work most people would never do. Without this group of hard working techs, our rescues would never be desirable to anyone. In truth, they are the fosters of our center rescues.
Our kennel staff is headed by an animal lover who has dread locks and a beautiful smile. Her heart is the shape of a paw print. She knows every rescue's personality, wants and needs. She often puts the dogs ahead of her own self. Many days we can hear her serenading the dogs as the radio plays while she works. She has a rotation that allows every dog to get many leash walks daily as well as scheduled playgroups so the dogs can have recess in the backyard.
Our kennel manager, Beth, is a rockstar in her own way. But no kennel can run successfully without a hard working and dedicated crew. ITV's kennel staff are all animal lovers. I'm sure there are moments they wonder why they work so hard. Each person's payoff is different. It may be a sloppy doggy kiss or a big furry hug. Whatever it is, the dogs and the supporters here at ITV appreciate each and everyone of them. Our dogs would have less chance at adoption without them. Each dog learns manners, gets socialized and often special tricks from our techs.
The board of directors recently threw a Christmas party for this group of hard workers. We had pizza buffet, a fun white elephant game, and handed each a gift. A very small token of our appreciation. There were a lot of laughs and a good time was had by all. We all went back to the rescue and finished walking the dogs and cleaned. (It's a never ending process). Like I said before, no position at ITV is more important than another. Everyone works to keep the process going so every ITV rescue will eventually have it's special adoption day. Our hearts and love for dogs keep us fueled. We know there is a family for every rescue.
The next time you walk into ITV, keep your eyes open for our kennel techs. They are an important cog in our operation and are often overlooked. Our dogs love and appreciate them. We love and appreciate them. We wish our efforts weren't needed, but we will continue. We all have the same mission......rescue until all paws find a home.
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