18/09/2024
An individual we have been trying to help for over a year with strays told me recently in an angry conversation to, "do my job." Apparently, we are not doing enough according to this person...and that really got under my skin.
You see, I grew up around here. My mom and dad grew up around here. I graduated, quite proudly, from Meyersdale school before heading off into the wide world for 15 years, returning to my home, Somerset County, in 2018.
I started a 501c3 nonprofit animal rescue in 2019, but I also work full-time at my career in executive management for gaming. I've worked on Fortnite, World of Tanks, Aion, 2K, Rocket League ... For Epic Games, for WB Games, for many companies and many titles. I've been doing this day in and out for nearly 15 years.
Then... I have literal hours of 'chores' I do each day for the animals we care for. Yes, there are many, and no I do not regret it. Most of my chores would be considered "gross" by most people, as rescuing animals is seldom glamorous. I finish my day at work and get right to cleaning, litterboxes, washing, medicating, feeding, hauling, transporting...
Being a 501c3 does not mean you get free money. It means donations made to you are tax deductible. It encourages your community to donate to your cause.
However, the day in and day out reality is, every cent I make and then some goes to these animals. The government does not pay Purrassic Park a dime. No corporations pay us a dime. We function solely on the seemingly-dwindling goodwill of our neighbors and our own blood, sweat and tears. I do my job. Every day. So that I can provide the rescue with what it needs to continue operating.
All I can tell you is that I am trying my absolute best. I am only human. And this place is my home. MY home. I will fight for it, I will strive to make it better, and I will not look away from problems simply because they're 'not mine.'
Screaming at rescues gets you nowhere. It just results in less rescues being available to help you or others the next time. Can't we please just try being kind?