Who Rescued Who? Program

A hero is someone who voluntarily walks into the dangers of the unknown.

Our Who Rescued Who? program is a direct descendant of the the "22 a day" statistic publicized by media. If you aren't aware, the "22 a day" statistic is the number of veteran suicides per day. At Fur-Get Me Not Animal Rescue, Inc., we were trying to come up with ideas in which we could help veterans and LEO's "heal", while note encroaching up their lives. A small, but positive initiative was adopted with the Who Rescued Who? program. It serves a two-fold dilemma. How can we mingle the healing of our rescued dogs, who have suffered traumas in their own rights, albeit from abuse, neglect, cruelty or the loss of companionship, but at the same time start a new initiative giving back to veterans and LEO's? Here's how:

  • Canine Healing: Some of our rescued dogs have all but been put through the wringer. A lot of these animals are deemed not worthy and are pulled from the euthanasia list(s) of other shelters. We don't believe that all of these dogs are so damaged they can't be rehabilitated. In fact, with a little effort they can usually be brought back around. All too often they just need shelter, food, water, human companionship, guidance, support and love.
  • Human Healing: Canines and humans aren't much different, in certain aspects. Our veterans and LEO's, our front line defenders, are often left to sort out their own problems. Sometimes to get the help they need, they're required to accept a diagnosis that could alter their lives forever. What if things weren't that cut and dry? Who Rescued Who? is the bridge in that gap. Sometimes, having to care for, nurse or rehabilitate and care for something other than yourself, provides a purpose than fixating on specific issues. Sometimes, it opens a doorway, leading to healing oneself, as well as your canine companion.

Who does the program target and how does it work?

Canine and human healing doesn't have to be related to veterans, Law Enforcement or first response personnel. In 2008, the NY Times reported that it's been scientifically proven that dogs help facilitate our healing. Since 2008, many more studies have been conducted and written showing that we, as humans, tend to be healthier with dogs in our lives, we get sick less often and we have a general overall better life.

In certain circles, it's believed that dogs helped domesticate us, as much as we did them. Our relationship with dogs is considered something of a symbiotic relationship, for 1000's of years. In the early years, dogs were our security, alarms, trackers, hunters and even our children's playmates. For dogs, we provided food, shelter and security. This relationship has been mutually beneficial.

Our program is aimed specifically for veterans, LEO's and first response personnel, to reduce the "22 a day" statistic, we pair up an animal that will challenge their human counterpart, without stressing him/her. We want this to be as cohesive and successful as possible. While our veteran, LEO or first response personnel is working with the animal, we provide all necessary items, such as, food, medical, crate, etc. This allows the human counterpart to solely work on behavior, mental or physical issues/rehab of the dog, while maybe working through some of their own issues.

Sometimes, the greatest healing therapy is friendship and love.

What do I gain from this program?

The hope is, you'd gain a friend to help you through your rough times. A canine companion that relies on your love, attention, devotion and help. A friend, that shows unwavering, non-judgmental, guiltless compassion. Someone who won't repeat your secrets, won't judge your demons and won't walk away from you.

We aren't doctors, but we certainly agree with the science of it, and it's been circulating for years. This is why men/women get service dogs. They do help us recover from some scars, while our companionship helps them recover from their scars.

Not only would you gain the love and adoration of every canine companion you helped, but you'd gain some human friends along the way. Dogs can bring some really good people into your life.

What happens if I fall in love with my foster dog?

If you happen to bond with your foster dog, and you couldn't fathom parting with him/her, then you'd reach out to the Fur-Get Me Not Animal Rescue, Inc. staff, and we'd start an anonymous fundraising campaign to cover our costs, meanwhile, not costing you a dime. Why? We aren't here to make your lives stressful, we're here to make sure you recover from your scars, while helping our animals recover from theirs, and we fully support our veterans, LEO's and first response personnel. This our way to give back to you, those of you who sacrifice for us!