We get calls and emails every single day from people who have found a dog or have a dog they cannot keep.  We do not have our own facility to take in dogs, and every dog we rescue costs us money on a daily basis to house and feed.  Unfortunately the numbers are against us BUT WE ALWAYS TRY TO HELP.  We answer every call and email.   Social networking has proven to be a huge tool in helping to find homes for pets in need.  Through all kinds of networking, we've helped countless individuals find loving homes for these dogs and also helped people keep the dogs they had.  Or we may be able to mobilize a group of people to help a particular dog.  Below is the story of one dog who made a huge impact on everyone who was involved in her story, and it embodies everything we stand for and how a few people with just a little time and effort can make a huge difference.  Please read Mercy's story. Perhaps it will inspire you to help someone.  And it never hurts to ask for our help, we'll do the best we can.

WHAT IT MEANS TO RESCUE, AND TO BE RESCUED, BY A DOG... 

THIS IS MERCY'S LEGACY.

I got a random email from a nice woman who was trying to help this beautiful dog who had wandered into her workplace parking lot and taken up residence.  The workers fed her and tried to keep her warm and dry but needed help.  My amazing friends rallied and in 2 days got her a dog house for shelter from the rain and sun, blankets and food.  Some people got the materials, another drove it to were Mercy was staying, another promised to check to make sure she was ok until we could figure out the next step.  We realized some unsavory types were coming around to check her out and we feared they would take her and breed her, so we took action, got her to the vet to be spayed and started working on finding a place for her to go.  The vet called from the operating room with tragic news.  Unfortunately, Mercy had advanced cancer, and she died during surgery.  

Some might say, what a waste… All the time, energy and money that went into taking one dog off the streets, only to have her die.  But for those of us who were involved, it re-affirmed that all life has meaning, and above all we should do all that we can to eliminate suffering.  Our solace is that we spared Mercy an inevitably gruesome lonely death. 

Thank you Mercy, and may God have mercy on us all living creatures.

- Jill Blackstone, President / Founder of ThumpingTails Animal Rescue, 2-19-12