Palm Springs Animals Often Rescue Us Who Rescues Who?
- Kathy Condon
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
How many times have you walked in through your door and your dog greets you with great joy? I’m thinking every time. I recently learned that dogs don’t have a concept of time.
If you leave for five minutes, they will greet you the same way at the door as if you had been gone for days. If you are a dog lover, I am sure you are smiling now, for you know there is no better welcome. (Though I do question how they know when it is time for food. 😊)
Our Coachella Valley Animals Need Your Help
My Arrival
Recently, I was invited to a taping about a New Media Campaign, “Who is Saving Who.”
It was a Saturday morning, and I headed to BG Plaza in Palm Desert. I parked, walked in the front door, and smiled because there were two dogs with their owners attached by leash to them. Yes, I know what I just wrote: let’s face it, when a dog is on a leash, they do the leading a great deal of the time.
I peeked through the glass doors and saw a blue & a white screen, a cameraman, and then a big smile from Silva Mirzoian, who had invited me and was the director & organizer with Lindi Biggi and other animal advocates of the soon-to-be-released media campaign.
She met me at the door, and my learning curve immediately started. She said they were finishing up a segment about Marie Marcinko, who had fostered over 200 dogs, and was standing in front of the screen with an adorable small white dog wearing a collar with tie-alerting to any person walking by I’m a boy and proud of it.
Interviewing a Foster Mom
You know it takes quite a person to foster 200-plus dogs, then let them go. Thus, I asked the question, Is it hard to let a dog go that you have fostered? Her reply, Fortunately, I have been doing this for a long time. As a volunteer for Loving All Animals, I'm trusted to determine whether the foster dog I'm caring for is a good match for the people I am interviewing as potential forever homes.
As a result, it's always a good feeling to know the owner and their home is a good match. It is rare for me to turn down a new owner, but I do if I don't feel the chemistry is right or if the new location isn't what the dog needs. Sometimes the potential owners don’t feel it is a good fit, and that is okay, too.
I know what she means, for I am a dog sitter who sits in people’s homes. I take care of a border collie, and without a large backyard to play in, he wouldn't have the opportunity to burn off some of his energy through activities like frisbee flying. This would be detrimental to both the dog and its owner.
Marie says, Ultimately, I am the fiduciary for the dog—responsible for ensuring they have a good, happy home.
Riverside County Department of Animal Services.
Next up were two beautiful, large mixed-breed dogs led in by Jill Fussner and Kim Licht. They shared the story about how Jake and Blake had been in the shelter for 210 days and are scheduled to be euthanized. You may be surprised, like I was, for I thought Riverside is a no-kill county.
They were beautiful, and it was easy to see that these beautiful dogs were craving attention, so they gladly welcomed our rubs. They especially appreciated my long nails running the length of their backs.
According to Renee Coffey, volunteers like Jill and Kim are needed for the growing population of dogs and cats. Volunteers, help put on a vest for the animals, and then go out and about the community with the vest saying “Adopt Me.”
In the community, they walk around malls or any place where people gather, serving three purposes: the dogs get exercise and more attention from people, and it shows they are available to adopt.
It was apparent that the women are passionate about saving the dogs. They both devote one day a week to doing this and have been doing this for years. As a volunteer, you can pick your hours. Plus, it is the perfect way to be around dogs, without the need to be a caretaker 24 hours a day.
Palm Springs Animals Who Rescue Who: Here is an example of what can happen
Bing, now a beautiful 6-year-old husky, was on the list to be euthanized in a few hours. Every indication was that he was not only incredibly healthy but also very bright. A couple received a call about Bing’s approaching demise.
It was love at first sight for Silva Mirzoian and Michael Marchi, Palm Springs residents. Bing not only welcomed their embrace but also, on a short walk, did everything right, for he too had chosen his new family.
Today, he happily lives in Palm Springs, where he has a bed when he does not interact with his chosen family. He sits quietly, watching the action on the street before him. Recently, he flew first-class to Maui, where he ran, teasing the curious goats, and enjoying the occasional rain of the Hawaiian Islands.
What can I do as an individual to help?
· Volunteer time, and of course, funds are always appreciated.
· Blankets and towels are always needed.
· Help get out the word to people who have been thinking about a dog or kitten to please consider visiting a shelter to find their new companion.
Here’s an excellent resource for an overview of the shelters in Riverside County. www.Passion4Animal.net www.Passion4Animal.net
You can also support them by liking their social media:
This Saturday morning adventure was quite the eye opener—I learned so much, and, yes, I was able to get my dog fix.
Stay tuned for the release of the media campaign “Who Is Saving Who?” scheduled to be released within the next two weeks, and learn about Palm Springs Animal Rescue Programs.
Kathy Condon is a Travel Writer and Award-winning Author. Her niche is luxury experiences, Hidden delights, and communities living in the shadow of larger cities. 760-902-3094 www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com kathy@kathycondon.net
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