Authorpreneur Dashboard – Val Silver
Rescue Me: Tales of Rescuing the Dogs Who Became Our Teachers, Healers, and Always Faithful Friends
Crafts, Hobbies & Home
12 heartwarming tales of how we rescued the dogs who ultimately rescued us. Donations to benefit non-profit shelters and rescues.
Book Bubbles from Rescue Me: Tales of Rescuing the Dogs Who Became Our Teachers, Healers, and Always Faithful Friends
A New Start, A Second Chance
Often by no fault of their own, dogs find themselves abused, misused, abandoned. When we rescue them, and give them forever homes where they are cherished and cared for, it often stirs up that need for healing in ourselves. As we extend love to them, they return unconditional love to us. This is a safe love,a healing love, a love which allows us to bring out the parts of ourselves that were wounded, left buried inside. They can come out to be healed so we can be made whole through love. We heal our rescue dogs, they heal us. We both get a new start, a second chance to live a happy life. That is what Rescue Me is about. If you have ever known the healing love of a dog, you will find parts of your story in ours. Your purchase helps us provide funds to give shelter dogs hope for a new and better future.
Fundraiser for Senior Sanctuary
November may be adopt a senior dog month, but the sad truth is that hundreds of seniors are abandoned at facilities every month. Few of them are as lucky as Sammy and the other dogs in Rescue Me who find special forever families that help them heal and love again. To help senior dogs, we are hosting a fundraiser. When you purchase a Rescue Me or Rescue Me Seniors book by Val Silver through December 1, 2014, we will donate all the royalties to Meade Canine Rescue Foundation's Senior Dog Sanctuary. Thank you for your support and enjoy your book!
How Could I Say No?
Every day, dogs come into shelters, rescues, vet's offices dirty, smelly, skinny, sick. I know sometimes these dogs escaped good homes never to be found by their guardians, but I also know that a lot of these dogs are in this kind of shape because someone said no. No to enough or any food, no to veterinary care, clean water, living in the home with the rest of their pack, grooming. No to the basic needs that every dog deserves. I don't, I can't understand how people can do that. I am just so thankful that every day people like Sandi and Walt open their hearts and homes to dogs like Juju and give them the healing love and care they need. I am so thankful that these folks say, "Yes". We need a lot more of us because the need is great.
Sometimes, 3 strikes does not mean you're out
Sometimes, three strikes does not mean you're out. Sometimes it means that when things look their grimmest, when it seems like there is no hope for you, someone will appear and be your angel. In Biscuit's case, she had several angels all over the country rallying to her support- not just talking, but doing and donating. People opened their hearts, their wallets, their homes, cars and airplanes. They gave her their time and energy and went the extra mile for her. Biscuit's story really touched my heart and caused me to ask myself how far I would go to help a dog like her, a person like her. By all judgments, many would and did say she didn't deserve the chance - her surgery would be expensive, her need for rehabilitation physically and behaviorally, would be intense. She was 'just a dog' and not a special one, one of many in need. Well, it turns out Biscuit was special, in breed and ability. But I won't give that part away. Just know that sometimes, three strikes means you get to start over, it means you get to create a new identity, and a new life, and you, like Biscuit, deserve it.
It takes each of us
The deeper I've gotten into the world of animal advocacy, the more I realize how desperate a situation we humans have created for other creatures of the earth. The bad news is that we humans create and perpetuate horrors upon other living beings and the earth. The good news is that we have the power to turn that around and create and perpetuate compassion and peaceful co-existence and harmony with each other - animal and human, and the earth. We can make a positive difference, each and every one of us, in little and big ways every day. We can be part of the solution. We must be the solution and evolve to a higher consciousness if we are to survive and thrive. By ourselves, our mind shifts and contributions may appear insignificant, but combined with others who care and take up the cause, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and the light is getting closer.
Her Eyes Told Me She Wanted to Live
Even in the midst of suffering and sickness, most of us-whether human or another living being-want to live. In Lolli's case, most of us would have decided that euthanasia was not only necessary, but a kindness. And it could have been, save for the staff at LHS, the veterinarian who operated on her multiple times, and Karal who whas devoted to loving her and giving her the care she needed. Because of these people, Lolli not only lived, but she thrived for several wonderful years. Lollli and Karal's indomitable spirits in the midst of life's challenges are a message and an inspiration to me, and I hope to all of us who love her story. Karal shares their story, "Lollipop Can't Hold Her Licker," in Rescue Me.
Being a Voice for the Voiceless
Julia Buie's story, "A Passion for Rescue", taught me so much about the world of rescue and being a voice for the voiceless -how emotionally difficult it is, how tirelessly some rescuers work, how much they give. Not only did I learn facts from Julia, but her passion and heart inspired me to become more active in animal advocacy. She rekindled the fire that had been inside me from my childhood. If you want to learn how she went from a lover of animals to an animal lover on fire for rescue and helping homeless animals in need, you'll love her story. I know I do.
Dogs help us open and reveal our hearts
Our dogs are our teachers and healers. They help us see ourselves and be better people and to give back because we receive so much love from them. It was wonderful for me to read these words written by my sister, Judy Ambrosio about her dog Frances from her short story, "A Tale of Two Judys" in Rescue Me. Sometimes it takes a dog for even sisters to reveal their hearts to each other like we did in our stories.
My son's big heart
I was so impressed with my son for rescuing a little pup in need. After reading the story in the book, my eldest son filled in a few details which were omitted at the time of the incident. Something to the effect that "if he's still there when we get back I'm taking him.".This made me suspect it was more about taking the opportunity to get a pup than to save one - but evenso, he knew the pup was homeless and needed a home. Sean was all too happy to take the chance that Mom would say yes. I really wanted to say no, but I knew that would be a death sentence to Duke and there was no way I could do that. So I guess I learned something about myself too that day and remembered bringing home a few strays myself as a kid. This is how Duke became our first rescued dog.
Dogs Open Our Hearts
Because dogs give unconditional love and accept us totally for who we are, they are our best friends. We can tell them all our secrets, cry and laugh, and just be our selves. They teach us to live in the moment and to just BE. A dog lets us open our hearts and know we are safe. That is healing.
