It’s true – there’s an Oklahoma Standard when it comes to helping in time of great need. I witnessed it first hand following the Murrah Bombing and one of the devastating Moore tornadoes. Recently, that Oklahoma ability to come together during a tragedy happened on the campus of Oklahoma State University during the Homecoming Parade.
If only that standard could be a part of the world of rescue.
We opened our doors in late April. It quickly became apparent we would need to transport out-of-state if we wanted to save some of the homeless dogs that came into our facility. It felt wonderful to quickly find organizations in Colorado and Wyoming that needed our dogs. However, this great feeling of accomplishment only lasted for a few days. Then reality hits us and we’re once again looking for organizations out-of-state to help us.
What we are really saying is: We don’t have an Oklahoma Standard when it comes to saving the lives of homeless dogs and cats. We’re just sending our problems to someone else. I know, for a fact, that Colorado is beginning to take notice and I won’t be surprised if they enact some changes.
Here’s the math for three months - - from three rescues. A total of 584 - - YES - - 584 dogs were transported out-of-state. Look at an Oklahoma map - - the Vinita/ surrounding area can be multiplied by at least 5 (or more) and you begin to realize in all probability more than 2,500 dogs found new homes out-of-state.
We can set the Oklahoma standard.
Support spay/neuter clinics, be sure your pets are “fixed” or look in the mirror and understand that as the weather turns cold, the roads become treacherous, all of us will send fewer dogs out-of-state. However, that doesn’t mean fewer dogs needs homes – it just means more dogs will die.
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