The Challenge of “Rescue.”

The only pup we've been able to secure a good, committed home for is Chicken, the little deaf pup. And that's with Steve's eldest daughter (I'm so proud of them; they're really doing such an amazing job with him!).

Here are a few photos of Mr. Chicken on his way to get his 2nd round of vaccinations (following our recommended vaccination protocol by: W. Jean Dodds' Hemopet, Petlifeline, Hemolife & Nutriscan).

For those new to this situation, a mother dog and her 5 puppies were found under a heavy metal trash container at an organic waste management facility. We tried finding a reputable local rescue to take them in, but were unsuccessful in all our attempts; so we brought them in. We didn't have the space, but made it. We didn't (and don't) have the financial means to take on 6 more dogs (on top of our 4), so we started fundraising to create the means.

We brought the family in when the puppies were days old.

Now, they're about 11 weeks old, and are getting bigger and bigger. Very quickly.

They're outgrowing the space we created for them as neonates, and we don't have fosters or homes lined up.

Rescue itself is a very difficult field to operate in and navigate.

And it's incredibly stressful.

(Caution: Upcoming Raw, Transparent, Honest Vent)

We're exhausted and strained, and there's no end in sight.

We're not going to just leave them at the shelter, when the whole point was to keep them out of the shelter. This only contributes to the existing problem, and doing so would be a death sentence... for them and for the dogs the shelter would have to euthanize to make space for them.

We're not going to give them to "just anyone", either. This will also just contribute to the existing problem.... this and we sincerely want the very, very best for them.

We've poured so, so, SO very much into each of these dogs... but I don't know what else to do here.

We've been looking for good, committed, invested, responsible, loving homes. Even foster homes. But it's like trying to find a hair in a haystack. I really, truly thought I could do this, and assured Steve I'd be able to find them amazing homes when they were ready.

I really thought I could; and I feel like I'm failing them... and Steve.

I'm trying to maintain the hope I still can... because focusing on anything else will only make the situation worse.

I'm not able to *effectively* potty train because our set up doesn't allow it (I was always able to successfully, fully potty train in a matter of days).

They're growing, developing, and this critical early window (up to 16 weeks) is going to quickly close. While we've done extensive early socialization with different textures, sounds, introducing Ronin, and some people other than us, there needs to be more. The experiences they have during this time will greatly contribute to the filters they form, and impact their overall perceptions and personalities as adults.

We've been able to raise some money to keep things afloat, but this can't go on forever. And we can't keep asking for it.

We still need to money for Ava's spay, microchip, and the pups' next rounds of vaccines. I don't want to take her to low cost spay and neuter clinic because of all the risks associated with it.

All of these dogs are relying upon us to find them amazing humans who will teach and equip them with what they need to know and understand, guide them, properly care for them, and welcome them in as part of the family.

The amount of pressure I feel is incredible.

Rescue efforts aren't successful without the dog landing under the care of someone who's truly invested. With someone who's a responsible, loving, committed "parent."

Are my standards high? Absolutely. And they should be.

Are my standards preventing things from moving forward? Yes. But I understand the gravity of this decision and I'm not taking it lightly.

I'm asking all the questions they'd ask if they understood how heavily their future relies upon this and if they had a voice.

I just don't know what to do here, and I'm feeling defeated.

This day-in, day-out, sun-up-to-sun-down operation still needs funding.

We still need good, responsible foster homes.

And we still need good, responsible, committed, invested, loving permanent families.

I'm even willing to transport/ drive these pups to their special humans... if we can find them.

I truly want nothing but the very best for them; but we've been stretched incredibly thin. I don't have answers. And I'm starting to lose hope.

I'm over the moon happy Chicken ended up with people who are fully committed, invested, and have been learning along with him (I'm providing training | coaching for the life of each pup). Not only this, but implementing what they're learning, are actively engaged and invested in his upbringing, and doing things right. It's just hope I can find this for the others, as well.

End vent.