Feature: When Rescue Animals Rescue Us
By Afton Nelson
US
Adoption continues to gain popularity
for people looking to add a pet to their family. When you adopt, you not only save an animal’s life, you also get a great pet that is usually already house trained. You save money by not paying expensive breeder fees. You get to choose an animal whose personality and disposition are the best match for you, and you make room for other animals in an overburdened shelter. And consider this: pet ownership is actually good for your health.
Animals benefit their companions psychologically, emotionally, and physically as caring for animals can provide satisfaction and fulfillment, as well as a sense of meaning. But the biggest benefit all owners can agree on is that animals provide unconditional love to their human companions. It’s this love that can help heal hurts, calm troubled minds, and soothe sadness. In many cases, rescued pets end up rescuing their new family. Rachelle Trapani of Ridgefield found Calli at a shelter in Salem. She knew the Australian Cattle Dog’s (ACD) stubborn and obnoxious temperament would be a turn off to potential families. But she understood the breed, and since Calli had been there two weeks, Trapani knew she
would be euthanized soon. So she brought her home. Shortly after, Trapani rescued Fawn, another ACD. While there have been several challenges getting the dogs healthy and trained, they are now amazing family members. “I was going through a divorce at the time we rescued Calli. We were in such a strange place with the divorce, my daughters now having two homes, and the hard times that come with their lives being turned upside down. These dogs have taught us so much about love, compassion, empathy and just being human. They teach us about patience and giving to something other than ourselves.” Calli and Fawn are there for Trapani and her family when they need them. “They gave me and my girls a place to lay our head and shed a tear,” she continues. “Our day now starts thinking about them, feeding, walking and playing with them. I don’t know where I’d be without them.” Portland resident Samantha Kurilo started off fostering Hadley, a pitbull mix, through the adoption center, One Tail at a Time. After a few weeks, Kurilo fell in love and adopted her. Despite multiple medical issues, Hadley remains a little
ball of love. When Kurilo lost her mother, grandmother, uncle and aunt in close succession, she found it very hard to make personal connections and her anxiety and depression increased. “When I started fostering Hadley, I didn’t think there was any way I could adopt her. But she just became part of my life,” Kurilo says. “When my depression worsens and it’s hard to get motivated, I often think of how I’m responsible for Hadley. Who will take care of her if I don’t? She is the most loving, little snuggly animal ever. She knows when I’m sad and makes me feel like I matter.” For Dave York of Vancouver, rescuing pets has been a way of life since he and his wife first started dating. “Our first dog together was a doorstep rescue, but Stitch became our dog,” says York. “He started our family off.” Today, York and his wife have seven rescue cats and a dog. “Personally, I suffer from bipolar and depression, and having a dog in my life has helped provide structure and happiness,” York says. “After Stitch passed away, I felt like something was missing. My mood suffered greatly.” That’s when he decided to start volunteering with One Tail at a continued on page 20
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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2017