life.

*warning: some of these photos are hard to look at*

I was so pleased to be asked to take photos for the gsp rescue last weekend at the rally to rescue event at main street days festival. Jason and I have had to cut ourselves off from fostering due to the fact that we apparently think 'foster' means 'take care of forever' and we can't handle any more dogs in the house...lol. So this event was not only an opportunity to take some photos but also a chance to get extra doggie kisses and cuddles.



That kid was totally okay with a big ol' dog giving him sloppy kisses. Too stinkin' cute.

This is dutchess (left) and Angus (right). Dutchess is totally about becoming friends instantly and seems full of puppy energy (she's only 10 months-not quite out of puppyhood yet) while Angus seemed much more laid back. Both are ready to be adopted through the rescue.

We were at the event with several other rescues including one that completely tugged at my heart. MARS was there with several 'bully breeds'. Pit bull is actually not a recognized breed....what we usually think of as a pit is actually some sort of bull terrier or mix of breeds. Now, I realize that many people have strong misgivings about bully breeds because of their association with dog fighting. I know many think that there is no rehabilitation for these type of dogs, that the violence has been bred into them.

I disagree. I think that just like people who live through abuse or violence, these dogs can heal. Maybe not every single one of them but not every single person heals from abuse either and I certainly don't think that's a reason not to try to help someone or give them a chance.



This sweetie's ears were cut off WITH SCISSORS YA'LL. She was covered in scars from fighting and yet, when I sat down in front of her crate, all she wanted to do was give me kisses and get her head scratched. She seemed desperate for attention and love, not aggressive and angry.



This little guy has severe mange. As bad as he looks, he'll make a full recovery and in 6 months, you'd never know he was once practically bald. All it takes is a little bit of basic care and love.

And that's what I don't get. I get-though I can't stomach-people who dog fight. They make money. It sickens me and angers me but I know why they are doing it. But complete neglect...WHY? Why have the dog in the first place if you aren't going to care for it? What's the point? I guess in both cases-or in all cases of neglect or cruelty-it involves objectifying a living creature.

I'm not going to get up on a high horse and rail on about how could anyone POSSIBLY dismiss a life. I eat meat and I know I've certainly killed many bugs with my windshield. We all do it to a certain extent and I don't think that necessarily means we are cruel people.

But this kind of blatant disregard for a life always inspires me to look a little deeper within myself and examine what I hold dear. I hope that while it is painful to see animals that have been abused that I continue to be reminded of the soul in everything and that turns into more compassion...for everything.