Collaboration

Collaboration works - - just visit downtown OKC. If you think the people behind the MAPS program always agree - - you're wrong. What they do agree on is rebuilding OKC, they're willing to work collaboratively - and they've been more than successful.

I'm constantly dismayed at the verbal shots fired by people in rescue to and about other rescue organizations. The dogs and cats do not care WHO saves them – so long as somebody does.

Many people involved in rescue are there for all the right reasons.  They want to find new homes for as many animals as possible.  From there it moves slowly in an arc until you are working with people who truly care about the animals in their rescue and have a policy of only adopting after a home visit. 

When it comes to those who rescue cats – the range is from those who feel passionately they should always be in-house pets. At the other end of the spectrum are the farmers and ranchers who need barn cats - - they really do.  If there is one common ground it is declawing - - I almost never, ever talk to someone who believes in this painful process.

Add to the mix the transport out-of-state for rescued dogs.  Some go by plane, some by car caravans – which is fascinating to see how 5 to 10+ people, using social media, will transport one or more dogs long distances to new homes.  In addition there are rescues, both shelter and foster, who send dogs to out-of-state shelters that need, yes need, dogs.  Here’s where the disconnect and sometimes nonprofessional bashing comes in to play.  Not sure why – it certainly doesn’t help the dogs, rescues or individuals.

I believe rescue can be as successful as downtown OKC - - we’re Oklahomans and we can work together.  I’ve seen it first hand in downtown Oklahoma City  - The Oklahoma River, Thunder Basketball Team, Boat houses, restaurants, bowling alley - fun things to see and do - - it started with collaboration.