Happy Thanksgiving Rescuers!
On this Thanksgiving, I want to share how I got involved in Casey’s Safe Haven. On a VERY HOT day in August of 2009, my family and I went to Petsmart in Geneva to kill some time while my son was at baseball practice. At that time we had 3 dogs and were NOT looking for another. While there, my husband (Mr. “No More Dogs”) was drawn to a terrier mix named Kadie. That was the day we met Kathy (my now “Rescue Sister”), she told us that Kadie had been adopted previously but was brought back after a couple of weeks because the adopters didn’t want to take care of her. We continued on to get a few things for our dogs and left to pick up our son.
A soon as he got in the car, my husband asked if I thought that Kadie was still at Petsmart…so back we went…and there she was! After spending some time, we asked to adopt her and Kathy hugged us all and cried (which I now know she does when very happy!) and Kadie joined our family! I did not know then that she would be the one that would take care of me, but she did…
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About 6 weeks later I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. I needed surgery and chemotherapy. I had all of this happening and now had this crazy (but loveable) new dog. What was I going to do??? For those of you that don’t know me, I am very strong and consider myself courageous…but this was WAY over the top! I mean this dog was a bundle of energy!!
In December of 2009 I had surgery and began chemo in January. Kadie must have known something was different because the crazy dog that ran around the house and yard like a wild child became my “chemo buddy”. She was very careful and never jumped on me, she slept with me in the recliner every night, and she put her head on me and “hugged” me and stayed by my side every day. This crazy dog took care of me!
Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
I ran into Kathy again after my treatment. There was something about her and her passion for these pups that drew me in. Over the course of a couple of years, we would bump in to each other occasionally and talk dogs. She always asked about Kadie, and I always wished I could help her with rescue, but really didn’t know what I had to offer.
In January of this year, Kathy asked me (and my other rescue sister Jen) to help her (and Gaye) at adoption events, and maybe learn how to do adoptions…and now here I am!
Today I am thankful for the remarkable group of people who are Casey’s Safe Haven. I am thankful to be a part of it. I am thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many dogs and people. I am thankful for all of our volunteers, fosters, foster failures, and our transport volunteers. Together we save lives and make miracles happen. I am a better person for knowing all of you. You have given me more than you will ever know.
Happy Thanksgiving…and Rescue On!
