Animal Rescue As A Spiritual Calling

A friend recently asked me if have considered the possibility that all the animal rescue work I have been doing in recent years might be the symptom of a deep desire to heal some wounded part of myself? She also said I may be suffering from what her therapist refers to as a ‘savior complex.’ And this might stem from fear of rejection, insecurities and any other negative experiences from my childhood. I did not get defensive, but said I would ponder her remark. Actually, I am pondering what she said as I type this blog.

As much as my husband and I love all animals, it was never our intention to get as involved as we have now with our bounty of ‘rescued animals.’ In hindsight, we ended up taking in some very sick, injured, starving, and abandoned fur babies, because the small local rescue centre was bursting at the seams. I guess we found ourselves unable to bury our heads in the sand.

There is much joy in watching rescue animals transform in health and happiness – from ‘street life to sweet life.’ There is much also much heartache involved in rescue work, and I cannot begin to imagine what it is like for those who work in rescue organizations full time. I am full of admiration for some of those tireless individuals whom I have come to know personally.

Doing rescue work I always try to apply the techniques I learned in an animal communication course. One very important point was that we humans should never project the concept of ‘you poor thing’ onto an animal, but preferably send them reassuring mental images telepathically with our thoughts, to remind them that they are safe and special. I also aim to practice the beautiful Al-Anon philosophy which teaches one to ‘detach with love.’

Anyone who says that life matters less to animals than it does to us has not held in his hands an animal fighting for its life. The whole of the being of the animal is thrown into that fight without reserve ~ J. M. Coetzee

For many people rescue work tends to conjure up imagery of just bringing a pet indoors… and loving them until they are better. But, as rewarding and joyful as the road to recovery can be, both during and after the transformation of these loving souls from fearful to grateful, there is much heartache, physical work, nursing, and expense involved and a need for great patience and fortitude.

The most difficult part is observing the unthinkable harm and abuse some of these beautiful creatures have endured. Some will never become completely trusting of us, preferring only the company of other animals.

Spiritual teachings tell us that where there is light, there is also shadow. I try not to focus on the shadow. During the rehabilitation of these creatures, I do my best for their physical and emotional recovery, but at the same time tend to use spiritual tools available to me to try and remain sane and to not get angry at the humans responsible for them being in a bad way in the first place. I realize that getting bitter about it all won’t help me, or the animals. Yes, my inner peace often gets compromised, especially when they are ill, and yes, they do walk all over me with their paws – but I love it!

Several years ago, I complimented a young veterinarian on her admirable voluntary work in socially deprived areas. I will never forget her response. “If I can just make a difference to one life, then it’s all worth it,” she said. So, as much as I appreciate my friend’s advice and concern, I have made my decision that regardless how much subconscious ‘baggage’ I might have from my childhood, this is my calling.