Category Archives: animal rescue

advocacy, Animal Organizations, animal rescue, health benefits, love

Our True Nature is Love

I recently started volunteering again at a local animal rescue and shelter El Refugio Costa Ballena in Uvita de Osa, Costa Rica. This organization helps abandoned, homeless, and injured dogs and cats in the Costa Ballena region of southern Costa Rica. My specific volunteer duties are at the animal shelter for a 3 hour shift helping with the care of the cats and dogs. 

After my first volunteer shift, I had wobbly, tired legs (from walking and running dogs), dirty, sweaty clothes (and probably smelly too) from cleaning the dog kennels and playing with the animals, and a heart so full and an energy level so happy I thought I was going to burst! But, I thought to myself, “let’s see how the next shift goes,” as I attributed this happy state to my return to animal shelter work. After my next volunteer shift at the shelter, I again left with wobbly, tired legs, and probably even dirtier, sweatier, and smellier clothes (puppy dogs poop a lot! lol), but my heart felt even happier.

As a reflective and curious person, it gave me pause as to why I was having this enormous feeling of happy. Was it being around the animals again? Being part of a team that focuses on animal care? Or was it getting my 10,000 steps in before lunchtime (lol). Volunteering can make you healthier!

For some, being around cats and dogs that have been abandoned, neglected, abused, or never had a home to call their own, can be depressing and almost unbearable to think about. But, on the other hand, having the opportunity to help animals that are now rescued, safe, and no longer abused or neglected, is a reflection of hope and human goodness in a world where there is so much suffering. 

Stepping into the animal shelter, I could feel the oneness, the forgiveness, and the unconditional love from the animals – their true nature. It reminds me of my own, and all human beings’, true nature and our ability to BE this oneness and unconditional love. Just seeing the change in an animal from one week to another proves love’s effects. Where a dog had been abandoned by it’s family and ill from lack of medical care and wouldn’t even allow being touched by the shelter staff because of fear and pain, to one week later the same dog falls gently asleep by your side as you pet her. A true testament of an animal’s true nature of unconditional love from the gift of human kindness.

Of course, it’s not all sloppy puppy kisses and kitty cat cuddles in animal rescue . It doesn’t take much social media scrolling these days to see the latest headline where animals are on the receiving end of a human’s pain, of a human’s ignorance and suffering. You can tell alot about a human’s heart and a community by how they treat their animals. But there are many MORE good humans out there dedicating their lives to making the world better for animals and humans alike. And yes, there are many instances (more often than not) when animals come to an animal shelter or rescue group where they need time, medical care, and patience to heal from their injuries. But, amazingly, with the right care and attention, it doesn’t take long for the animals to heal (inside and out). 

Getting puppy dog kisses at El Refugio

Now this isn’t a plea for you to volunteer at an animal shelter or other volunteer organization, just a sharing of my recent personal experience. It’s not even a plea for you to choose to adopt a shelter or rescued animal rather than purchase one from a breeder, although I hope you do consider the former. But, if you do consider volunteering your time and talents to a local cause that touches your heart or choose to adopt rather than buy your next four-legged family member, you will have given the world a lot more happy to share. And when we as a society start focusing more on our oneness with each other, rather than our separateness (what makes us different) we will lessen the suffering in the world for all beings.  Using our voices, our actions – together, we are stronger!

Blessings❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍

Alexis

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advocacy, Animal Organizations, animal rescue, education

Break the chains!

Recently on a morning walk with my two dogs, I heard a dog crying. Both of my dogs pulled me to the direction of the sound. Sadly, what we saw was a beautiful german shepherd dog tied up on a short lead, tied to a dog house, far away from his home. We used to see this dog when it was a puppy, doing what puppies do, curious and adorable. But, today, all we saw was a dog, with defeat in his eyes, staring at his human’s home, and crying. His chain was so tight that you could see him trying to pull free towards his home. Did he have fresh water, food recently, enough room to relieve himself? I just don’t know. And, I don’t know the circumstances of this specific situation, so I pass no judgment on it, but I do know what I saw and what I heard. It literally shattered my heart that morning. Maybe it was because my dog is also a german shepherd. And he is one of the most sensitive, loyal, protective, and loving dogs. I couldn’t bare to even imagine him tied to a short chain away from my home. His is part of my family.

Tethering dogs is bad! “Dogs are naturally social beings who need interaction with humans and/or other animals.”  This article by the Humane Society gives some invaluable information on this topic. Break the chains of abuse and neglect today!

I remember when I started volunteering at a local animal rescue. A few volunteers told me I would lose faith in humans when I saw how awful humans treat cats and dogs. I didn’t believe it then. And, I do still have faith in humans, but some days are harder than others. When I see dog rescue cases where dogs are left chained on a short leash, away from humans, solely for the purpose of protection of “material things.” Or I hear the cries of a dog left alone, tied up, away from humans, away from love, I ask myself, what “material possessions” are more important than the kindness towards another living being? What material things give a human the right to treat another living being with cruelty, with disrespect? Does this person know that a dog tied up is actually defenseless towards predators? Does this person know that a dog tied up on a chain cannot protect “material things” or “family” from another human being? Does this person know that a dog tied up can become distrustful towards humans, and lose its spirit.

The Dangers of Dog Chaining. “Dog chaining inherently creates a life of misery for dogs who remain solitary and tethered for much of their lives. The practice also creates secondary hazards that have killed or injured many dogs.” This article is an important read on the dangers of dog chaining not only for the dog, but for others too. Break the chains of abuse and neglect today!

What is the reason for inhumane treatment of dogs and cats? Is it lack of education, lack of kindness in one’s heart, or is it a person’s desire for power over a helpless animal? I’ve heard some excuse this awful behavior by saying “it is part of the culture”. But cultures change and evolve when facts and information teach us better, smarter, safer ways of doing things, to improve society, to improve ourselves. When someone gives the reason of abuse and neglect as “it is part of the culture”, I encourage you to question, to push back, and have the courage to speak up when you know this action or behavior is wrong – morally, legally, or ethically. 

Alternatives to tethering dogs. “There are plenty of alternatives to dog chains.” There are so many inexpensive and creative alternatives to tethering dogs. Break the chains of abuse and neglect today!

There are also laws that protect companion animals in most countries, but sometimes they are hard to enforce. Let’s encourage our leaders in our schools, in our churches, in our communities, to fight for the helpless, to fight for the defenseless. Because when we stop fighting for those that truly need our voice, need our help, I do think this is when the human race has lost its spiritual purpose and lost its way. This will be the time I truly do lose faith in humanity. I pray that time never comes. Break the chains of abuse and neglect today!

Blessings❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍

Alexis Cress

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advocacy, animal rescue, love, Mindful Living, poetry

Heaven’s Way

Heaven’s Way

Heaven is
where acts of giving 
are without
search of praise

Where hands hold together tighter
in the storm and haze

Where the answer isn’t
ego’s self-reflection before action
but the strength of mountains
moving the ocean’s waves
 -of inaction 
 -of discontent 
 -of selfish ways

Heaven is
love in its most
unconditional way

Will you live
today
heaven’s way?
-Alexis Cress

May your every day be filled with waves of unconditional love.

Blessings❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍

Alexis

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advocacy, animal rescue, love, Mindful Living, poetry

You’re not alone

You’re not alone
even when the night is dark
there are angels nearby 
guarding around

You may feel afraid, hungry, and hopeless too
but know an angel is watching over you

Be certain that she sees you there 
your life is a gift of love and light
don’t despair 

When I saw you there
my tears poured down
I felt your pain, your fear
of being alone

Were you abandoned 
or did you lose your way
It’s still hard to believe the world
would turn away

We are learning and trying 
to be better each day
Our true hearts are shown
in how we choose to live today

As you rest your head
upon the rocky ground
know that you are loved
You are never alone.
-Alexis Cress

We are never alone. When I started writing this poem, I was reflecting on the abandonment and neglect of animals. But, when I came back to the poem, I was thinking of those in our society who are forgotten, ignored, broken. How we choose to live today is not only important to our own physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, but it also affects all beings around us. We are so powerful and we are so loved. We are never alone.

Blessings❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍

Alexis

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advocacy, animal rescue, love, Mindful Activities, Mindful Eating, Mindful Living, poetry

Will you join me in this sanctuary song?

Sanctuary Song

Let me be a sanctuary 
for all beings
with voice, with action, with song

For those who can’t speak
a voice that moves mountains
 - Earthquake Strong

For those who are imprisoned
break their chains
of suffering and pain

For those whose cries
are unheard 
lift them up in flight
lovingly in the wings of a heavenly bird

And for those whose bodies are too weak from fighting 
strength in numbers
 - Community Strong

Using our voices, our actions
 - Together
becoming a sanctuary song.

Will you join me in this sanctuary song?
-Alexis Cress

Are we looking? Have you ever had one of those weeks where humanity and its actions (or inactions) really get you down? Whether it’s reading about the never-ending violence in the world, witnessing the continued inhumane treatment of animals, or watching the many migrants crossing through the country with the look of desperation and fear in their eyes. This world definitely shows its sadness for all to see. That is, if we are looking.

But love is here. Yet, I also read about and witness everyday the MANY amazing people and organizations who continue to fight for and give refuge to those who need it most – they are sanctuaries.

No act of kindness is too small. To be a sanctuary, your actions don’t have to be huge, just big enough to make a difference for one person, one animal, one being. Maybe today, this action is just a simple smile given to someone who other’s walk by and ignore. Or it could be an action of present awareness to your family and friends, by truly listening to them with love and support. Maybe you say no to a burger or another form of animal meat, maybe just for today. Or, you finally sign up to volunteer at the local animal shelter. There are so many small (which turn into HUGE) ways to make a difference everyday.

Will you join me in this sanctuary song?

Blessings to you❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍

Alexis

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advocacy, animal rescue, Mindful Activities, Mindful Living, poetry

Your Voice – Their Hope

Your voice is the answer

When you see something wrong
don’t turn away
Make this the moment
to say something
to act
in a kind, supportive, and positive way

Use your voice to support others
to find strength in numbers
in community
this is where our power lies

Together we can move mountains
Save the abused
Rescue the forgotten
and right the wronged

Together
we won’t be silenced
by the abusers’ anger, their intimidation,
or threatening ways

All actions have consequences
inactions do too
And when we choose not to act
the consequences 
are part of the problem too

Please don’t turn your eye
to abuse, to neglect
to the pain of another being
today

Let your voice
be their hope
A hand 
leading them out of harm's way.
-Alexis Cress

TOGETHER – we will move mountains💜💜💜. 

While I was working with animal rescue here in Costa Rica, the amount of dog and cat neglect and abuse I saw was heartbreaking💔. I often questioned why some community members would turn their eye to the abuse or not want to get involved. Because I truly believed (and still do!) that when more people get involved within their community, become more educated about their community’s problems, the sooner we make positive changes for the good of all beings involved – whether it is in animal rescue, poverty, domestic violence, or other community concerns. You may quickly find that all community problems are connected in some way.

As human beings we have the emotional and intellectual ability to not only feel and know when something is wrong with another being or situation but we also have the capacity to make positive changes for all involved. Just one simple smile to a stranger, one kind word to a neighbor, one act of service with a community organization, could change or even save another being’s life.

I know it can be scary sometimes to speak up, to get involved, but when you see or hear something that makes you uncomfortable – trust your gut, your intuition. I encourage you to speak to someone. Ask questions. Become educated. Your action (no matter the size) may truly be the hand that leads someone out of harm’s way. 

Your Voice – Their Hope.💜💜💜

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for all beings.

Blessings,

Alexis

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advocacy, Animal Organizations, animal rescue, education, love, poetry, volunteers

Dear Animal Rescuer

Dear animal rescuer
this message is for you

I know some days are tough
heartbreaking too
You secretly wonder if there are any
tears left to cry inside you

But, then you see the hope
and the love
return in the puppy dog’s eyes
He was alone and forgotten
barely alive
Remember, how you rescued him?
You gave him food and a safe place to be
Now look, 
he is running and playing
his tail wagging
with his new family  

And then you hear the loud purrs of the kitty cat
nestled next to your leg
She and her siblings
were tossed in the trash
left in a box, wet, almost dead

Remember, you rescued them too
from the garbage that day
gave them warmth and safety
a comfy place to lay

Your work makes a difference
dear animal rescuer
don’t ever think a different way

I would know
because you rescued me today.
Thank you! Xoxo Puppy
-Alexis Cress

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As someone who has worked in animal rescue, most recently in Costa Rica, I know much of the sadness, the hopelessness, that can be felt on a daily basis. When an animal is found tied up in a bag by the side of the road barely alive, or crammed into a box in the trash, or chained to a 3 foot lead left out in the sun and rain, emancipated, almost dead. These acts of neglect, of torture, can leave a heart ripped wide open feeling like there is no compassion left in the world.

But, when you see the light in the rescued puppy dog’s eyes, hear the hope in the kitty cat’s purrs, and feel the warmth of your heart as it mends and grows even bigger while tears flow from your eyes, you know it was all worth it. A life has been saved!

The animal rescuers, and those who advocate, volunteer, donate, and educate for the humane treatment of animals worldwide, you are the true heroes. Fighting for those who don’t have a voice, who are dependent on humans’ actions (or inactions) – whether domesticated animals or animals in the wild – Thank You!!! Everyday your compassion, your determination, your strength, help others wake up, give others courage to speak up, and help make change for the betterment of animals and the world.

There are so many amazing organizations in this world. But, here are some of my favorites near and far (I have many favs!): Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, El Refugio Costa Ballena, Perra Vida, Charlie’s Angels CR, Paws, China Rescue Dogs, Humane Society International, and SPCA International.

Dear Animal Rescuers – Thank You!!!

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