How do you deal with wanting to help more animals when you just can't?

Question

I volunteer with a German Shepherd Rescue group. This plea for help came through my email today:


Sarge is a 90 pound neutered male Shepherd that has gotten SARDS (sudden accute retinal degenerative syndrome ) and has lost his sight. He is three years old and up to date on his shots. His owner is moving and needs to find him a home. Please help us find him one. He is good with kids, other dogs & people. He is playful, gentle and loves pats.



I already volunteer with the rescue and do all that my financial, personal, and familial obligations allow me to. Still, every time I read something like this I feel like I am not doing enough and it can be heartbreaking at times.

So, my question for those of you that have a soft spot for animals, how do you deal with the feeling of "not being able to do more"?

PS. I'll be happy to provide a link to someone that is trying to help place this dog (he is in Connecticut), but didn't want to put it directly in my question for fear of being accused of "Spam/Advertising".

Answer 1

It's REALLY hard, but you have to remember - You're only one person and can only do so much. One person cannot save every animal out there, it's just not possible. Everytime I see or hear a story of an animal in need, I want so bad to save it, but I only have so much money. Would it be fair to the animal if I took it in but then couldn't properly care for it financially? For this situation, pass the story on to friends, family, and coworkers and maybe one of them will be able to give it a home. If not, well, you tried and that's a lot more than some people do. It's good that you care so deeply about animals, but you need to stop and remind yourself that you're one person and there's a limit to what one person can do. Don't tear yourself apart for not being able to do more - you're doing as much as you can. You won't be able to help or save them all, but by helping or saving a few you are making a HUGE difference. So many people do nothing, but you are doing something and no matter how big or small that something may be, it IS making a difference - remember that.

Answer 2

I know what you mean. I work at an animal hospital that takes in dogs and cats that need homes. They're either sick or hurt or something. I have a German Shepherd and a Doberman that I got from there. My Dobie has severe hip dysplasia and the people wanted to put him down at 11 months old. Anyway, I can't take anymore dogs because my house is just not big enough. It breaks my heart and I wish I could help them all. I deal with it by trying my hardest to find good homes for them. You already do that. Just know that if you did take them all then how could you possibly give them ALL the love and attention they want. Its hard with just two. Your doing the best you can now and know that you ARE making a difference.

Answer 3

Thank you for your work with pets and best of luck finding a home for Sarge! I know just how you feel - I have two pets that I adopted from shelters and I have served as a foster home for pets from an animal rescue group. It is heartbreaking that many people do not make a full committment to their pets. And sometimes owners die, become ill, or get shipped overseas and can't take their pets. In any case, too many animals are left homeless. Whenever I get really down about the animals I am unable to help, I go and pet my critters that I do have and remind myself that I am giving them a good home with lots of TLC. Petting animals brings our blood pressure down, so this is soothing to us as it is to them. Sometimes I sit down and send out one more email to someone who may be interested in adopting, or a rescue group that may be able to take in one more pet. Then I go pet my pets again and remember what I HAVE done!

Answer 4

Yes, I definitely know the feeling. I deal with it by doing what I can, when I can. I do rescue transport as often as possible, and that helps, because I will do longer legs that are sometimes hard to fill.

Remember - saving one dog may not change the world, but surely the world will change for that one dog.

Answer 5

It's hard but just remember, even if you just donate a little item or rescue one dog, it really makes a difference!