The Spiritual Calling Of Animal Rescue

I have always felt that I have two life callings: my work and taking care of rescue animals. And I aim to do both to the best of my ability.

A neighbor stopped me today as I was walking my dogs. This often happens when I am out with them. He asked me why I chose to walk the dogs, while I have a large plot of land for them to freely roam.

Well, they do run around on the property, at least the two younger ones do, but the pleasure of walking them is immeasurable. It is a true joy to see them relishing in the unfamiliar smells and the intriguing creatures they encounter in the countryside. They even made friends with a nearby farm’s goats and another neighbor’s cat.

I also enjoy the lovely countryside around me, which I will be less likely to experience on my own had it not been for the reminding me every day that it is time to go ‘walkies.’ Apart from the obvious exercise being advantageous for my health and well-being, it is also a sort of a meditative process and spiritual practice, because I am required to be very present in the moment.

One of my dogs is a warren hound, known in Spanish as a podenco. They are a Mediterranean rabbit-hunting dog breed.  So, she’s a hunting dog and if she suddenly makes a dash to chase something, she could easily catch me off guard and pull me over. I can therefore no afford to be distracted or preoccupied. Instead, I must mindful and aware, which is very beneficial for my inner peace and spiritual alignment.

My dogs and cats are all rescues, some from unthinkably harsh backgrounds. Looking after them has involved a lot of care and veterinary visits, including many specialist observations and surgeries. When you take rescues into your home, they tend to come with much fear and many insecurities, which takes patience and unconditional love.

Two large rescue dogs, that have since departed this life to cross over the rainbow-bridge, wouldn’t allow me to touch them and refused to come inside the house. I provided them adequate shelter outside, but it still bothered me, because the winters can be harsh here in Spain.

Animals can inspire us to be less busy, more present, less worried, more joyful, and more passionate about life. They will never judge us for the things we do or don’t do ~ Kristen Moeller

I consulted various specialists about my concern, but was told that sometimes an animal will never regain trust in a human. It was likely that because of their traumatic past preferred to keep their distance and not get too close for comfort. I therefore had to take comfort knowing they were at least off the street, had regular vet’s visits, and plenty of land to safely roam on. And as a bonus they could join me and the other dogs for walks.

Animal rescue work may seem fun and rewarding to the uninitiated, but it involves a lot of hard work, many unexpected expenses, and also frequent heartache, when one is unable to nurse an animal back to health or, to fully help them get over their deep-seated fears. However, the rewards are undeniable. Nothing compares to that undeniable look in their eyes of joy and appreciation, and sometimes even absolute adoration!

They may not be as intelligent as us, but they certainly know pain, fear, loneliness and love. They too can suffer, and they too can be happy ~ Peter Singer

Various spiritual teachings suggest our animals choose to be with us to help us on our life journey. For this they often have to take on a lot of our stress, anxiety, sadness, and grief. I know, for example, that the death of my late husband, as well as a major relocation to another country, has had an impact on some of my fur-kids.

But they love to comfort us, and love it even more to see us happy. We know this just from their reaction when our vibration be high and playful. In return, we help them to evolve and grow spiritually through the love we shower upon them. What a lovely soul contract to have with our fellow sentient beings.