After spending most of my adult life rescuing pigs, various species of wildlife, and of course dogs, cats and other animals, I find that all rescues face the same problems…a lot of the issues boil down to the egos of those involved. There are more fights and arguments, and the needy animal falls to the bottom of the list of importance. It’s such a shame.

I’m going to give my own ideas of how it is done. Bear in mind, I’m a Christian first and I view things like this, or try to, from a Christian’s perspective…or what a Christian’s perspective should be. By this, I mean I try to base what I do from a Biblical standpoint. If you don’t want to read this, just move on and it’s fine.

Loving animals comes from the heart. I gave my heart to Christ and allowed Him to do his work through me. It’s through Him that I learned to deeply love and honor them. I first started rescuing pigs when I lived in Florida. I never saw it as a calling from God or ever dreamed I would begin and run my own organization to help them. It wasn’t until I was knee deep into the rescuing of the pet pig that I began to see God at work.

I would get in a pig that was ever so cute and would think that I’d have no problem finding it a home. At the same time I’d get in a big fat older pig and think no one would want it. Always to my surprise, a home would be found sometimes within the first few hours of posting the fat older pig…and the cute little one took weeks to place. I think it was God’s way of teaching me yet again how to trust Him. Now let’s move on to what I want to say as a Christian Rescuer.

I wish that within any kind of rescue, people could be kind, generous and helpful, never engaging in fights or arguments that put the animal at risk…yet they do. For a few years now I’ve been openly attacked online and on social media. Some spew their hate of me, and at times it starts to get to me. I’m then reminded of who I am and what I do and why I do it. Some attack with awful things without ever checking to find the truth. For example, there is a gentleman down in Georgia who loves to berate me every chance he gets, yet he has never met me or been to my place and still he takes the word of others who feel the same way. Then I begin to see how misguided they are. So in reality, it’s not their fault.
I’ve always said that “when in doubt, go straight to the horse’s mouth” and ask. Don’t take another’s word when you don’t know the whole story. Sometimes it’s hard to sit on my hands and bite my tongue and not lash out at them or at least defend myself. But then I’m reminded that I have a defender and that is God. Have I made mistakes? Or misjudged someone? Sure I have. I’m human. But I’ve always made it a point to own up to those mistakes. I have to face my God one day and He already knows everything I’ve done, be it good or bad. I’ve learned and am still learning how to let things like that go and leave it to my Maker. He’ll settle it all one day.

Here are some tips for other rescuers.

1. When you don’t have all the facts: Proverbs 18:13 (NIV)
(13) To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.

I’ve been known for a lot of rescues, some very large. I especially remember one in La Belle, Florida. When I got the call, people wanted me to call in Animal Control but first I went to the people. I sat down with them and found that the lady (older) had Alzheimer’s. The husband was sick and just couldn’t care for them. They started with two pigs and we took seventy-five out the day we rescued them. Some had already died and others were dying. The lady stood and cried, and was so upset that she just couldn’t care for them anymore. The first two that started it all had been a gift from her husband. I stood up for them that day, because many were bad mouthing them. I shared the story that they had told me just days before we went in to get them. Get the FACTS first. Go straight to the horse’s mouth, so to speak.

2. When you haven’t verified the story: Deuteronomy 17:6 (NIV)
(6) On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be
put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.

When you slander someone and wreck their reputation, you can kill them in rescue. Just don’t allow yourself to be used to spread lies and untruths. Always verify the why’s and how’s of any rescue or rescue person. One gal is so angry she seeks to destroy all who do not agree with her. She goes to a lot of trouble to spew hate when in fact it only goes back on her, especially when others do their homework to find the truth.
3. When you haven’t verified their or your words: Proverbs 17:27 (NIV)(27) The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
A good rescuer will always use his words with restraints. He understands what bad words can do…not just to the person at whom it is aimed, but what it can do to you, the user of those words. If you want people to respect you, then you have to show that respect.

4. If you want people to believe in you and trust you: Proverbs 21:23 NIV (23) Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.

I have not shared all this to be “preachy”, but to help those in the heat of rescue. I wanted to show that even God speaks to us through His word on how we can apply what we know is good to those things we do in rescue. Even if you are so inclined as to throw away the Scriptures with each of these, they are still good teachings on how we as rescuers can and do help the animals we love so much. It’s about keeping them first and putting aside petty differences, and learning to walk together to the call of our hearts and lives.

And now to my own enemies: I studied under Bill Britton for about three years and the following is part of a letter he wrote that touched my heart and soul. So many times it’s brought back to my memory for it is ever so true.

Dear Beloved Enemies,

You are not really my enemies at all. In reality, you are some of the
best friends I have. You who have lied about me, and about this work I do, you have tried to destroy people’s faith and confidence in me, you have spread false and damaging rumors about my life and work. Through your efforts there has been a work of grace wrought in this heart of mine that could never have happened without you.

My friends have been many, and loyal, and faithful to stand with me in many hours of trial and need. They have been strength to my weakness, added joy to my heart in time of sorrow, and have girded up my faith amidst raging doubts. They have brought me before the throne of grace innumerable times in their seasons of prayer. I could not have continued long in this conflict without these wonderful friends. I love you and thank you for the work that you work in my heart.