Animal Rescue by Cristina Rizen

Animal Rescue and Ma'at

by Cristina Rizen

This is my cat, Proton. He's a crazed beast most of the time, but I'm always happy he's around. My husband and I adopted him on the day after our first anniversary when a friend called us in a panic. He'd adopted this cat - a reject from some less than responsible owners who returned the little guy to the breeder because of his bad behavior. Then our friend found out that this cat does not play well with others and in fact had spent some quality time trying to tear bits off his other cat. So we took him in and, in spite of the occasional kitty/husband tantrum or thousand-dollar vet bill, here he continues to stay. We think of him as a loud little roommate with really weird hours and habits.

Growing up, we always took in animals that needed homes: cats, hamsters, and so on. Nearly all of my friends have animals that have come from shelters of various kinds or alleys, dumpsters, underneath porches, and any other place you can imagine. Some (such as Baldwin below) were bought as pets for kids who got bored and the parents found they didn't care for pet-tending either.

Regardless of how these animals ended up in the messes they did, people came to their rescue. Animal rescue isn't just for people who are nuts about anything with fur. In our consumer-driven culture animals are often treated like commodities instead of living things. Contributing time, money, or a home to an animal in need is far from being just a sentimental gesture for a child surrogate. These creatures are a part of our natural world, and deserve as much respect and protection as anything else out there. I see Neter reflected in the world around me, including my cat, a dog, a guinea pig, snake or bird. They don’t all have deep mythical ties to one Neter or another, but they all are a part of the living world. The following links are provided as a reference for those who want to help in some way. The critters need all the help they can get.

Fauna Rescue - for the birds

Guinea Pig rescue groups in the Great White North and beyond (thanks, Pam!)

Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS)- an animal welfare group in Chicago

The Bengal Rescue Network - for helping kitties like Proton

The Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Central Indiana takes in exotic cats who have been abused by folks who thought they would make nice pets. I volunteered there while in college. Joe does some really amazing work with spare resources. And I'll never forget having the opportunity to hold a Siberian tiger cub.

A collection of lots and lots of links to more rescue groups than i knew there were breeds of critters.

American Foundation for Animal Rescue - A canine rescue group that also deals with other issues of animal welfare

Listing by state of no-kill shelters in the US

Extensive shelter & rescue links

Puppy Mill Rescue