When the Economy Sucks: Saving Loved Pets (and their People)

Last week I talked to Phyllis Allison of Sunflower Hill Rescue to get information for the Bonnie Update. From what I can tell, Phyllis is an unassuming woman who, without a lot of to-do, does a great deal to rescue both animals and people, and helps them get to good places.

She's also really funny. I'm not sure you can get the full effect of Phyllis without talking to her yourself; but to give you an example of the delight she is, her conversation is peppered with observations like, "That's why God made us all different--so we don't have all electricians and no toilets."

An issue that has come to Phyllis' doorstep on more than one occasion is people who have lost their jobs, sometimes their homes, and can no longer provide a home for their beloved pets. One mother and her young adult daughter came to Phyllis and Sunflower Hill Animal Rescue when they could no longer keep their cat and dog. Phyllis agreed to keep them. The mother and daughter come to visit their pets as often as they can--they play with and groom them, and as possible when they visit, they bring Phyllis dog or cat food. Those fur babies have been at Sunflower Hill for about a year now; and there is no threat of "Pay up or they're going to the shelter." Phyllis is confident the owners are close to getting a place where they will be able to take their pets home. In the meantime, the lives of two women have not been driven into further despair during a difficult time; and pets that are truly cared for did not become tragic statistics.

In a similar the-economy-sucks-and-wants-to-take-your-pet-with-it situation, a young man who was an Iraq veteran left California when he could not find a job, and drove to Texas where the economy was only slightly less awful. His traveling companions were his two cocker spaniels. Once he arrived at his destination, he was faced with dwindling funds, extreme heat, and the need for a safe place for the cockers when he interviewed for jobs. Time passed, and his desperation was growing. After fruitless attempts to find that haven, someone gave the young vet Phyllis' name and contact information. Predictably, Phyllis is not one to say there's no room at the inn. The cockers found their safe place at Sunflower Hill.

The "other side of this story" is one of such lovely reciprocation. The young man got his job and has been getting on his feet. In the meantime another gentleman who helps Phyllis with the animals and maintenance at Sunflower Hill was in a motorcycle accident; and the resulting broken ribs will sideline him from assisting her for awhile. The Iraq vet who owns the cocker spaniels is now filling in for Phyllis' other helper.

How do we follow St. Phyllis' example and help others help themselves? How do we help them keep their dignity, their love, and their pets when their resources are scarce? I don't have the answer, but I'm going to start seeking it.