Would I be a racist by being one of the volunteers who has fostered sick and broken dogs from a reserve and knowing their history? Or am I only racist if I share their history publicly?

Would I be racist as I donate my professional time to work with dogs who have never been touched by humans, fight for their food and show heartbreaking fear when walking through a doorway?

Knowing the reasons for the reactions in animals is one step towards healing them and also demonstrates a positive working model for the community. Is it racist to acknowledge the problems that volunteers have witnessed in the animals coming from reserve communities?

Those of us, who volunteer in this respect, work for the animals. We recognize the flaws and rejoice in the acceptance as one team works with the whole community for change.

I offer the idea that donations be made to Big Heart Rescue Society as they have developed a trusting and respectful working relationship, for over a decade, with many First Nations bands in BC.

You can suggest that I might be "species-ist" as I prefer animals to humans or mammals to reptiles, but please do not denegrate my volunteer work by suggesting that I'm racist when working with First Nations and their animals and telling my truth.