I think need to find a doggy "career"...

cragarmom · 02-16-2005, 07:54 AM

Ha! After years of college and 10 years working as a chemist, I think I made the wrong decision!

After my emotional fiasco with the pet store this weekend, I just started wishing there was something I could do for animals in need/strays, etc. Then today, I'm outside chatting with a guy I work with, and he's saying something about another guy that works here that brought his dog in to work.

Well, after getting the whole story, turns out this other guy brought a dog into work - the dog apparently came out of nowhere, running into his yard one night - he thought it was a wolf at first and almost reached for a gun!!! But it was some kind of malamute/husky type dog. After he did some poking around, he found the owners, who said they no longer wanted the dog and this guy should just take him.
So he did. But he can't keep him (already has several dogs at home, not enough room, etc). So he didn't know what to do with him, so he brought him into work... there's a guy here that's very involved with sled dogs that can find him a good home.

Anyway, after all that rambling... I went up to see the dog today... OMG, that is the sweetest, most gentle dog I've ever seen. He was content to just lean up against my legs and be pet. He knew how to sit, shake, lay down, stay - I mean, someone took some time to train him! It makes me so angry that his owners would just cast him off like that. He was skinny - he seemed like he was all hair... but so beautiful and sweet. Again, my heart is breaking for this poor dog!

I seriously think I need to change careers - I mean, my job doesn't affect me like that, I really don't get any satisfaction out of my job - but if I could just make a living out of helping animals, I think I'd be a lot happier!!!

Thanks for letting me ramble on - I hope I made sense - just doing some stream-of-consciousness type rambling at this point...

Joanne

***Carrie*** · 02-16-2005, 08:29 AM

If you call that rambling, I wonder what they say about me. I don't think you're rambling. You're telling your story and that is what we do here, so quit that!!!! LOL.

I wonder if you could do both....I mean, you could do something with a shelter or rescue organization. It's a volunteer thing so I don't know how you could make a living out of that but it would give you satisfaction to know you're helping animals. Or you could go back to school and train for something that you do make money doing....it's never too late. You could be a vet or dog trainer. Maybe someone else will come up with a brain storm. LOL.

That is amazing to me too how someone can throw away a dog whom they've had for years and must have treated pretty well for the dog to be well adjusted. How odd.

elegy · 02-16-2005, 08:32 AM

heh. that's like me with the degree in english and working as a vet tech. or my soon-to-be boss who got her undergrad degree in english, went to law school, finished her jd, decided she hated being a lawyer and liked working with animals better, and is now a vet.

Crossfire Bulldogs · 02-16-2005, 08:35 AM

I don't think your rambling either! I know exactly what you mean about your job and how it seems so different with the animals, my whole world just lights up when I'm working with the rescues and I wouldn't trade that for anything!

Big downfall though, money, plain and simple you'll find that those who do get involved unfortunatly have to keep working just to make ends meet. Rescue work is very rewarding but it is far from cheap to do and even if your getting the majority back from a nation club that your working for it still is expensive. I agree with Carrie, learning something new to work with animals would be great if you could do it but rescue is still there for you if you choose to go that route instead.

cragarmom · 02-16-2005, 09:05 AM

Yea, money is always an issue... I wish it wasn't but, can't help it.
(I tell my Cragar that "I have to keep working to keep him in the style to which he's become accustomed" LOL)

I guess I thought I was rambling because sometimes I just seem to go on and on without making a clear point!!

And when I get really emotional about something... like this poor beautiful dog upstairs here, I just can't control sometimes what comes out of my mouth (or fingers, in this case)...

I don't know - I think maybe I'll just start by contacting the humane society in my area - I just went to their website and they had a volunteer form I could download. I'm thinking of maybe starting by trying to volunteer as a dog walker or help with fundraisers. I tend to be good at that PR type stuff, so maybe that will be of some use. And it may be a double benefit, if I could get my Cragar around other dogs - he doesn't get around other dogs often and he tends to have a bit of a napoleon complex.

I just want to feel useful - I mean, I come in to my job now, make money for the company (sure, they're paying me for it, but I'd like to see a little of the money the company earned off of me!!!) and go home. Sure, there's satisfaction that I do my job well, but I'm starting to think animals just may have been my calling!!! Maybe it's just the overload of having two dogs that need homes affect me strongly in the same week!!! And of course, it may be PMS - so a bit emotional!!

calgal · 02-16-2005, 10:02 AM

Do you know how most people love to read about a sad story with a happy ending? (for most.) Write a book. Use many stories. You could run an ad in the newspapers of all your surrounding towns letting people know if they have taken in an abused or unwanted animal and it's now happy and loved, would they like their story in a book. Use the proceeds from the book to help enlighten people about spay, neuter and puppy mills. Also use some of the proceeds to get to towns, cities and even other states to gather more stories for more books. You would end up on a lot of TV shows to help your mission. What a great adventure that would be!

cragarmom · 02-16-2005, 10:38 AM

Wow, calgal, that's an awesome idea!

Even doing that as a website to start with may work!!!

I may just look into that!

oc_spirit · 02-16-2005, 11:59 AM

I know how you feel. I'd love to make rescue work my career but the money just isn't there so it's deffinately not going to be my sole occupation. Same thing with training, I'd love to further my job as a dog traininer (as in, make it an official business) but I don't bother because not only am I too young to runm my own business, I know that I won't have enough clients to make it a full fledge business (downside to living in a small town). We'll see where life takes me though.

Cheers!

kjm · 02-16-2005, 12:07 PM

Joanne - That's a very noble and wonderful idea you've got. And I tend to ramble myself and talk in code, so I read your writing just fine!

The rescue thing is so great, let me tell you, but like everyone has said, so so expensive. The woman that runs the miniature schnauzer rescue I'm working with works two jobs (both pay excellent) just to make ends meet. She does not live the comfy life she could with both her paychecks. But that's why she does it. She loves helping these wonderful bearded animals.

Let us know what you decide to do. You've got a good heart.

linnie · 02-16-2005, 12:26 PM

In australia we also have a rescue that deal with old peoples dogs..
Its so sad but when old people die their dogs are often put down.
Now older people look for someone who is willing to take on their dog should they die and they even provide for them in thier will if they can.
Maybe there is something like that where you live???

You have to pass a test to make sure you truly love dogs lol. We wouldnt want any fortune hunters out there.
But it is a great way to give old people peace of mind and also to make sure their adored pet is going to be cared for and it isnt to hard on the pocket.

cragarmom · 02-16-2005, 12:37 PM

Quote:

You have to pass a test to make sure you truly love dogs lol.

I'll do anything, even if it's like the judge in the "best kisser" contest on Animal Planet's "Nuts for Mutts". Did anyone catch that? That was hilarious!!! I'd do it in a heartbeat!!!

***Cassiepeia*** · 02-16-2005, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linnie

In australia we also have a rescue that deal with old peoples dogs..
Its so sad but when old people die their dogs are often put down.
Now older people look for someone who is willing to take on their dog should they die and they even provide for them in thier will if they can.
Maybe there is something like that where you live???

You have to pass a test to make sure you truly love dogs lol. We wouldnt want any fortune hunters out there.
But it is a great way to give old people peace of mind and also to make sure their adored pet is going to be cared for and it isnt to hard on the pocket.

Sorry to butt in. Linnie, do you know what state that rescue is in, or if it has a website? I'd love to learn more about that.

Cragarmom... good luck, I think it's a wonderful idea. Especially since it's something you'd both enjoy and are passionate about. Even just doing it in your spare time volunteering and so forth, would be fantastic.

I'd love to work with dogs one day. Probably rescue work is what I'd most like to do.

Cass.

calgal · 02-16-2005, 06:23 PM

cragarmom, you need to interview in person. Take your camera. Take lots of notes and pictures. Bring a contract they would need to sign so you can publish their story if it's worthy. Maybe find someone who can illustrate the pictures of that dog and family to go alone with the story. (you don't have to use real names.) This will appeal to kids and adults. It would bring kids into awareness, and I'm sure open everyones eyes to this terrible problem. All our kids now will be our adults in the future. You can do this. You already have the qualifications.....you are passionate about helping our companion animals.

02-16-2005, 07:54 AM	#1 (permalink)
cragarmom Miniature Schnauzer lover Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kutztown, PA Posts: 174 Rep Power: 71	I think need to find a doggy "career"... Ha! After years of college and 10 years working as a chemist, I think I made the wrong decision! After my emotional fiasco with the pet store this weekend, I just started wishing there was something I could do for animals in need/strays, etc. Then today, I'm outside chatting with a guy I work with, and he's saying something about another guy that works here that brought his dog in to work. Well, after getting the whole story, turns out this other guy brought a dog into work - the dog apparently came out of nowhere, running into his yard one night - he thought it was a wolf at first and almost reached for a gun!!! But it was some kind of malamute/husky type dog. After he did some poking around, he found the owners, who said they no longer wanted the dog and this guy should just take him. So he did. But he can't keep him (already has several dogs at home, not enough room, etc). So he didn't know what to do with him, so he brought him into work... there's a guy here that's very involved with sled dogs that can find him a good home. Anyway, after all that rambling... I went up to see the dog today... OMG, that is the sweetest, most gentle dog I've ever seen. He was content to just lean up against my legs and be pet. He knew how to sit, shake, lay down, stay - I mean, someone took some time to train him! It makes me so angry that his owners would just cast him off like that. He was skinny - he seemed like he was all hair... but so beautiful and sweet. Again, my heart is breaking for this poor dog! I seriously think I need to change careers - I mean, my job doesn't affect me like that, I really don't get any satisfaction out of my job - but if I could just make a living out of helping animals, I think I'd be a lot happier!!! Thanks for letting me ramble on - I hope I made sense - just doing some stream-of-consciousness type rambling at this point... Joanne
	__________________ The greatest invention of all time? Squeaky balls. Cragar's new and improved photo gallery

02-16-2005, 08:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
elegy American Pit Bull Terrier Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,073 Rep Power: 106	heh. that's like me with the degree in english and working as a vet tech. or my soon-to-be boss who got her undergrad degree in english, went to law school, finished her jd, decided she hated being a lawyer and liked working with animals better, and is now a vet.
	__________________ thank you to everyone who supported me during blogathon. i was able to raise $453.60 for pit bull rescue central!

02-16-2005, 08:35 AM	#4 (permalink)
Crossfire Bulldogs Sourmug Mom Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Snuggled Between The Snorts & Snores. Posts: 7,844 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 281	I don't think your rambling either! I know exactly what you mean about your job and how it seems so different with the animals, my whole world just lights up when I'm working with the rescues and I wouldn't trade that for anything! Big downfall though, money, plain and simple you'll find that those who do get involved unfortunatly have to keep working just to make ends meet. Rescue work is very rewarding but it is far from cheap to do and even if your getting the majority back from a nation club that your working for it still is expensive. I agree with Carrie, learning something new to work with animals would be great if you could do it but rescue is still there for you if you choose to go that route instead.
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief. ~ Gerry Spence As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

02-16-2005, 09:05 AM	#5 (permalink)
cragarmom Miniature Schnauzer lover Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kutztown, PA Posts: 174 Rep Power: 71	Yea, money is always an issue... I wish it wasn't but, can't help it. (I tell my Cragar that "I have to keep working to keep him in the style to which he's become accustomed" LOL) I guess I thought I was rambling because sometimes I just seem to go on and on without making a clear point!! And when I get really emotional about something... like this poor beautiful dog upstairs here, I just can't control sometimes what comes out of my mouth (or fingers, in this case)... I don't know - I think maybe I'll just start by contacting the humane society in my area - I just went to their website and they had a volunteer form I could download. I'm thinking of maybe starting by trying to volunteer as a dog walker or help with fundraisers. I tend to be good at that PR type stuff, so maybe that will be of some use. And it may be a double benefit, if I could get my Cragar around other dogs - he doesn't get around other dogs often and he tends to have a bit of a napoleon complex. I just want to feel useful - I mean, I come in to my job now, make money for the company (sure, they're paying me for it, but I'd like to see a little of the money the company earned off of me!!!) and go home. Sure, there's satisfaction that I do my job well, but I'm starting to think animals just may have been my calling!!! Maybe it's just the overload of having two dogs that need homes affect me strongly in the same week!!! And of course, it may be PMS - so a bit emotional!!
	__________________ The greatest invention of all time? Squeaky balls. Cragar's new and improved photo gallery

02-16-2005, 10:38 AM	#7 (permalink)
cragarmom Miniature Schnauzer lover Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kutztown, PA Posts: 174 Rep Power: 71	Wow, calgal, that's an awesome idea! Even doing that as a website to start with may work!!! I may just look into that!
	__________________ The greatest invention of all time? Squeaky balls. Cragar's new and improved photo gallery

02-16-2005, 08:29 AM	#2 (permalink)
*Carrie* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: north panhandle of Idaho Posts: 7,393 Rep Power: 278	If you call that rambling, I wonder what they say about me. I don't think you're rambling. You're telling your story and that is what we do here, so quit that!!!! LOL. I wonder if you could do both....I mean, you could do something with a shelter or rescue organization. It's a volunteer thing so I don't know how you could make a living out of that but it would give you satisfaction to know you're helping animals. Or you could go back to school and train for something that you do make money doing....it's never too late. You could be a vet or dog trainer. Maybe someone else will come up with a brain storm. LOL. That is amazing to me too how someone can throw away a dog whom they've had for years and must have treated pretty well for the dog to be well adjusted. How odd.

02-16-2005, 10:02 AM	#6 (permalink)
calgal My Yorkster kids! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: central ca. coast Posts: 6,604 Rep Power: 222	Do you know how most people love to read about a sad story with a happy ending? (for most.) Write a book. Use many stories. You could run an ad in the newspapers of all your surrounding towns letting people know if they have taken in an abused or unwanted animal and it's now happy and loved, would they like their story in a book. Use the proceeds from the book to help enlighten people about spay, neuter and puppy mills. Also use some of the proceeds to get to towns, cities and even other states to gather more stories for more books. You would end up on a lot of TV shows to help your mission. What a great adventure that would be!

02-16-2005, 11:59 AM	#8 (permalink)
oc_spirit Snow Girl Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,612 Rep Power: 140	I know how you feel. I'd love to make rescue work my career but the money just isn't there so it's deffinately not going to be my sole occupation. Same thing with training, I'd love to further my job as a dog traininer (as in, make it an official business) but I don't bother because not only am I too young to runm my own business, I know that I won't have enough clients to make it a full fledge business (downside to living in a small town). We'll see where life takes me though. Cheers!
	__________________ My dogs WORK, what do yours do? Even the quietest whisper can be heard over the loudest gunshot. When? When it speaks the truth! I shall stand by your side and fight! Together we shall prevail through all life's adversities!

02-16-2005, 12:07 PM	#9 (permalink)
kjm Schnauzer Slave Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 533 Rep Power: 87	Joanne - That's a very noble and wonderful idea you've got. And I tend to ramble myself and talk in code, so I read your writing just fine! The rescue thing is so great, let me tell you, but like everyone has said, so so expensive. The woman that runs the miniature schnauzer rescue I'm working with works two jobs (both pay excellent) just to make ends meet. She does not live the comfy life she could with both her paychecks. But that's why she does it. She loves helping these wonderful bearded animals. Let us know what you decide to do. You've got a good heart.
	__________________ The Schnauzer Squad (just the two of us!): Karli and Boone "He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."

02-16-2005, 12:26 PM	#10 (permalink)
linnie tibbie girl Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 3,051 Rep Power: 168	In australia we also have a rescue that deal with old peoples dogs.. Its so sad but when old people die their dogs are often put down. Now older people look for someone who is willing to take on their dog should they die and they even provide for them in thier will if they can. Maybe there is something like that where you live??? You have to pass a test to make sure you truly love dogs lol. We wouldnt want any fortune hunters out there. But it is a great way to give old people peace of mind and also to make sure their adored pet is going to be cared for and it isnt to hard on the pocket.
	__________________ Caution...Dogs can leave footprints on your heart

02-16-2005, 06:23 PM	#13 (permalink)
calgal My Yorkster kids! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: central ca. coast Posts: 6,604 Rep Power: 222	cragarmom, you need to interview in person. Take your camera. Take lots of notes and pictures. Bring a contract they would need to sign so you can publish their story if it's worthy. Maybe find someone who can illustrate the pictures of that dog and family to go alone with the story. (you don't have to use real names.) This will appeal to kids and adults. It would bring kids into awareness, and I'm sure open everyones eyes to this terrible problem. All our kids now will be our adults in the future. You can do this. You already have the qualifications.....you are passionate about helping our companion animals.

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