Why Do I Do This?
Many people ask why I spend so much time on this, especially since it’s all-volunteer and I spend more time on this each week than on my paying job. I’ve decided to create a page on my blog of the stories I get back after transports.
This is what it’s all about.
From the transport of Jade the Dobergirl, May 9th, 2009…
Well, I had the fastest adoption ever yesterday…..and no more fitting a day than Mother’s Day! It took us well over a month to get Jade to us from Georgia, but little did she know that a very anxious family was waiting to meet her. The couple had lost their beloved Doberman very suddenly a few weeks ago. She had contacted me to see if I would take their dog’s medications as a donation. That started us talking and she told me her story of how devastated they both were at the loss of their baby – they were just simply lost without her. When I went to their home to pick up the donations, she asked me if I would adopt a Doberman to them. They specifically wanted a female, so sweet Jade came to mind. Everyone who had any contact with Jade just raved about her, so I thought it may be a good fit for them.
When I picked up Jade from the transport today I thought oh boy, she’s a little heartbreaker – what a doll! She was immediately drawn to my 10 year old daughter and road half they way home with her head in my daughter’s lap and the other half curled up in a little ball on the seat next to her. We took Jade to the couple’s home Monday and it was love at first sight. When it was time for me to leave, I told Pam “Happy Mother’s Day – you have no idea how much Jade needs you.” She stated, through tears, “No, Jade has no idea how much we need her!” You could just see the grief leave the home of these two wonderful people and the pure joy fill their hearts. I always say it not just the dog we rescue, but it is the joy we bring to the lives of their new family and everyone whose face they will ever put a smile on.
I have not seen adopters this genuinely moved by a dog in awhile. While all our adopters are always excited, this was different. Not only did Jade make her new mom’s Mother’s Day, but it will always be an extra special day every year going forward. So I gave up a few hours of my Mother’s Day to change the lives of many – to me, it is worth it………..every time.
I received a call at 6:11 this morning and ofcourse I panicked…..thinking oh no, something’s wrong. Actually, she was just calling me to leave a message on how wonderful their day was and to thank me, again, for their new little girl.
To all the wonderful transport volunteers who also gave up time on their Mother’s Day to make sure these very special dogs came home to us, you are appreciated and valued more than you can imagine. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Marci Reyes
President
Lean On Me Doberman Rescue ~ Plainfield, IL
http://www.LeanOnMeDobeRescue.com










5 responses to “Why Do I Do This?”
Liz
May 26th, 2009 at 17:54
While I was drawn to help in rescue for the sake of the dogs…there is nothing more heartwarming than to see the joy they bring to their new families. Your story was particularly touching because on Mother’s Day eleven years ago, my husband gifted me with two beautiful Doberman puppies. Their paw prints will remain on my heart forever, Mom’s Day holds a very special significance for me and I know it always will for Jade’s new family to. What better tonic for a grieving heart than some soulful eyes telling you, you are the world to them.
Kelly Gibson
May 26th, 2009 at 18:14
Not every adoption story is quite so poignant, but 99.9% of the dogs that we transport do have happy endings. I thought it might be nice to share some of those stories with everyone, especially those who are thinking about getting involved for the first time.
Thanks for stopping by Liz!
Dodie Jacobi
September 11th, 2009 at 10:27
I had no idea you exist! WHAT A GREAT CONTRIBUTION to the animal rescue world! Thank you for your efforts; this site and its database/infrastructure is very impressive!!
Kelly Gibson
September 12th, 2009 at 07:54
Thank you Dodie!
Pamela & James Barrowman
November 1st, 2009 at 16:22
HI All:
We are the dog parents of Jada – the Dobe in the story. We did change her name from Jade to Jada because it sounded a little more southern so Miss Jada is doing well. She came to a home who loves her and needed her. Jada plays with our grandson and is most watchful of him. She travel with us frequently to Florida and has become a wonderful vacationer. She loves her walks, be it in the park or the neighborhood. Jada is just as sweet as they come. As anyone who owns a Dobe, they are the sweetest most humanistic dogs. But enough about our girl.
We just wanted to say THANK YOU for doing what you do. Transporting dogs to be united with people who want and need a new friend to love. GOD BLESS.