My boyfriend at the time was pushing for me to start the business but I was dragging my feet. I was fairly confident that a business woman, I was not. I got my degree in education and had plans to be a teacher and lead the youth of New York to academic enlightenment, not become an entrepreneur. The idea of the dog running business was, for a while, a sore subject for me. I was certain that starting a business was a money driven path and that was not me. With further prodding from my then boyfriend, now good friend and the addition of my amazing partner Julie- I began to see things differently. In the planning phases I realized there was an abundance of opportunities for us to help our community in our work. Many of our first clients were dogs from shelters who had some issues with aggression, hyperactivity and dominance. After even just a few running sessions they seemed better, their owners were impressed and I was impressed too because we were helping people. We wanted to do more. We organized a donation drive for the Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition (BARC) and began to volunteer for them, running shelter dogs whenever we could.
Sometimes, now, when people ask me what I do and I say, "I run dogs" they look at my with an expression of "not a real job." Let them think that. Running is an activity that makes dogs happier, which in turn makes their owners happier and creates life long relationships between pets and owners that keeps pets off the streets and out of shelters. At Brooklyn Dog Runners we support our local animal shelters and we advocate for all kinds of pets. This is what my job is and I love it. Last Thursday I had the opportunity to prove it.
While out with Cocoa and Diego, some of our tiniest clients, we came across a New York Animal Care and Control Box under a tree in the rain.
The box was soaking wet. Cocoa and Diego sniffed around it just long enough for me to think to myself, "What if there is something in there?" I crouched down and looked through the holes in the side. No movement but an abundance of fur. I couldn't believe it. I opened one flap at the top of the box and there before me was a huge calico tail. Immediately I stepped back and assessed the situation. I was scared because the box was incredibly still. What if the resident of the box was dead? Then something else occurred to me. What if the resident is not dead but also scared and lying still so when I open flap number two it has the element of surprise and can pounce? I stood there and looked up and down the street, hoping for back up but it was just me. I secured Cocoa and Diego's leash in my hand, ready to run if trouble jumped out at us and slowly opened the second flap to find this sweet face.
Inside the box the little kitten was matted and sitting in a pile of food that had been carelessly tossed in. The box was a soggy mess and any attempt to move it would have made it disintegrate. I couldn't figure out what to do. I had two dogs with me already. I didn't know how friendly the cat was to pick it up and take it to safety. The thought of jogging away crossed my mind but was immediately dismissed. Leaving the cat was not an option. Then it dawned on me, I, me Mandy, was uniquely qualified to help this cat. It was my job. It was a job I wanted and so I went to work.
I got Julie on the phone, explained the situation and she agreed to come and meet me with reinforcements. While waiting for her help, two gentleman stopped and offered to get me a dry box from their apartment to transport the cat. Julie arrived with a pet carrier (yeah) and a bit of sliced chicken for out newly rescued friend. She took the dogs, I took the cat and set out for BARC to try and find a safe place for the little one to stay. After a long visit with the wonderful, helpful, practical and kind people at BARC I found out the cat had been adopted just two weeks before, was 100% healthy and although could not stay at BARC because there was no room, could be returned to the city shelter. The cat was microchipped and an attempt was made to contact her owners but that was a week ago and I still haven't heard anything.
My new little lady kitten friend never made it to the city shelter. I took her home and she's been here ever since. I've made it very clear to her that although she is lovely she can't be my cat, I already have two (can we say, cat lady). My roommates however, are very taken by her and want to keep her for themselves. She's getting lots of food (she's all skin and bones right now) and even more attention and admiration from the house mates.
Crockpot and Tobias, my two cat boys, were a little weary of her but have finally accepted her into their boys club only asking she pay her dues with some wrestling and chasing. A happy end to a sad story.Now for the message. Please don't adopt/buy/acquire a pet unless you are absolutely positive you can take care of it. If you do find yourself in a situation where you have a pet you can no longer care for ask for help! Try and find friends or family to take them. Ask your facebook/twitter/myspace community to help you out and find the pet a home. Ask for someone to foster your pet until you are better equipped to take care of them. As a last resort, surrender your animal to a "No Kill" shelter so they can have another chance at finding owners who can care for them. Here are some places to go in the New York Area.
Animal Haven, Manhattan
The North Shore Animal League, Long Island
BARC, Brooklyn
The Humane Society of New York, Manhattan
Although this story recommitted me to the mission and passion of my job it should have never happened. No one should ever leave a member of their family, new or old, out on the street. If you agree with me, please take the time to visit some of the shelter sites above or look for shelters in your neighborhood. You can donate or volunteer at these shelters to help them save more animals. Help a pet and happy running!
