Puppy love

Susan Musgrave
Times Colonist

Sunday, June 06, 2004

Sue Wilson is in the process of setting up a private, non-profit foundation called Animals for Life. She grew up with ducks, dogs and bunnies and, as a teenager, used to windsurf with her pet duck, Orlock. She has been rescuing dogs and other creatures all her life, but a year ago, after a back injury forced her out of work (she has been in the restaurant business for 20 years), she began spending more time at her calling. She is married to Chris, a dairy farmer, and has three children under 10 years old.

What was your first Animal Rescue?

My first real rescue happened when I was young --we found eight Labrador puppies drinking salt water on a beach on Galiano Island -- someone had abandoned a litter at the end of the summer. All but one survived.

These days you save ... ?

Mostly dogs. I'd never turn a cat down, but cats and dogs don't always mix too well. Right now we've got a dwarf bunny; recently I rescued six baby ducks that were running all over the highway. Their mother had been killed trying to cross: I took them home and raised them, then let them loose in the duck pond on a local farm.

How is your work different from the SPCA?

We provide an in-home environment, give personalized care, the dogs become part of our family. They get lots of socialization, attention from my kids. Lots of walks. We keep a "wish list" of people looking for specific types of dogs. Right now the trend is towards Heinz 57 -- people are opening their hearts to the underdog.

How many names on your list?

Forty five. There's a demand here. We're also very strict about where a dog goes.

Dog rescuers can be choosey?

I size people up when they call. Ask about their situation -- if they have kids, cats, a fenced area. You need a dog that fits your lifestyle. A man called -- he has two kids under four and a baby on the way. I told him, "You don't need a dog, you need a guinea pig." Having a puppy would be like having another newborn in the house. I've just had an owner-surrender -- an 83-year old woman with a Jack Russell terrier she can't exercise. She'd rather I take him than have him go to a shelter.

What's the process -- once you have rescued a dog?

We get it spayed or neutered. A vet gives a health check -- first shots, worm and flea treatment. I pay for this and when people adopt -- I don't charge an adoption fee -- they reimburse me for the vet expenses. Often people will chip in an extra bit of cash or a bag of dog food to help out.

Do you ever get attached and decide to adopt a dog yourself?

Oh yeah -- Teka -- a beautiful shepherd-cross. I found her in Mill Bay -- she was skin and bones, no milk for her 10 puppies. I heard them crying in the woods -- tracked down her owner, a single mom with three kids of her own to care for -- she was quite happy to give the dogs up. She thanked me for helping. I never take a dog without consent of the owner.

Are many dogs victims of domestic violence or neglect?

Lots -- all over the world -- in every culture, but especially in Third World countries where people themselves are suffering. The worst case I've seen is a local one -- the dog's collar had grown right into the dog's neck. It had to be surgically removed.

Do animals have any rights under the law?

Laws need to be stricter to protect animals from abuse. They can't talk -- we have to speak for them. It shouldn't be like owning a desk -- a dog is a living, breathing, caring being. Legally, it's almost impossible to take a dog away from an abuser, even when it's blatant -- like the ingrown collar. If someone isn't feeding their dog or is otherwise hurting him, the owner should be fined or have the dog taken away.

What do you say to someone who asks how can we justify spending money on saving dogs when the same money could save a child's death in Africa?

I do both. I've just sent bundles of clothes to orphans in Romania -- I met someone through my dog rescue who is caring for orphans there. I've sent money, too.

I'd love to be able to help every animal and every child... I've facilitated 50 or 60 adoptions of dogs -- so there are some lives I've changed. It all helps. It may be a spit in the bucket, but at least it's something.

How far afield have you travelled on a rescue mission?

The Queen Charlottes is the farthest. I want to go to Mexico, Costa Rica -- they have a lot of small dogs who would adopt easily here.

If someone knows of a dog who is injured or in need of help, or someone who wants to adopt a dog, how can they reach you?

Through e-mail or Web site -- ani-mail@animalsforlife.ca or http://animalsforlife.ca.

What else can people do?

I desperately need donations -- old dog beds, leashes, especially travel kennels. I need foster homes -- temporary care for dogs while I find them permanent homes. I have seven foster homes now. And yes, if you get attached, you can adopt.

THE FACTS

How do you set up a foundation? You go to the Consumer and Corporate Affairs office -- where you register companies -- and get the forms. You apply and register. You have to decide how many members will be on your board, whether it's a private or public foundation, profit or non-profit and so on

Salary: So far, all volunteer. If I decide to pursue this as a career and work full time, I might one day pay myself a salary.

Health risks: There's always the risk, when you're handling dogs, of being bitten. I've never been bitten, I'm very cautious. If you are approaching a wild bird -- like a heron -- wear safety glasses. They are attracted to shiny things -- like eyes -- and if they peck you it can be life-threatening. I once lost a whole litter of puppies to the parvovirus. It's very contagious -- through people to other dogs. But dog viruses usually aren't transferable to people.

Benefits of this type of work: Emotionally rewarding. Very healing. People who have pets can have their lives extended by as much as five years. Dogs are great company for the elderly. I had one man recovering from a car accident -- he decided to foster a dog and after five days he fell in love with her -- she speeded his rehabilitation.

Ran with fact box "The Facts" which has been appended to the story

http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/news/story.html?id=e60fc768-3aae-4f6f-87fd-6e050b4359f9